As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 9, 2020.
Registration No. 333-249076
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Amendment No. 1 to
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Under
The Securities Act of 1933
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 2836 | 81-4717861 | ||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
15440 Laguna Canyon Road, Suite 160
Irvine, California 92618
(949) 409-9820
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrants principal executive offices)
Bobak Azamian, M.D., Ph.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
15440 Laguna Canyon Road, Suite 160
Irvine, California 92618
(949) 409-9820
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Ilan Lovinsky Jeffrey R. Vetter Ryan J. Gunderson Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian, LLP 3570 Carmel Mountain Road, Suite 200 San Diego, California 92130 (858) 436-8000 |
Leo M. Greenstein Chief Financial Officer Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 15440 Laguna Canyon Road Irvine, California 92618 (949) 409-9820 |
Ilir Mujalovic Ana Aur Shearman & Sterling LLP 599 Lexington Avenue New York, New York 10022 (212) 848-4000 |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.
If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. ☐
If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, and emerging growth company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |||
Non-accelerated filer | ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | |||
Emerging growth company | ☒ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☒
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered |
Amount to be registered (1) |
Proposed Maximum |
Proposed Maximum Offering Price (2) |
Amount of Registration Fee (3) | ||||
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share |
5,750,000 | $17.00 | $97,750,000 | $10,664.53 | ||||
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(1) | Includes 750,000 additional shares that the underwriters have the option to purchase from the Registrant. |
(2) | Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the amount of the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. |
(3) | Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Registrant previously paid $11,195.25 in connection with the filing of its Registration Statement of Form S-1 on September 25, 2020. |
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion
Preliminary Prospectus dated October 9, 2020
P R O S P E C T U S
5,000,000 Shares
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Common Stock
This is Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.s initial public offering. We are selling 5,000,000 shares of our common stock.
We expect the public offering price to be between $15.00 and $17.00 per share. Currently, no public market exists for the shares of our common stock. We have applied to list our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol TARS.
We are an emerging growth company as defined under the U.S. federal securities laws and, as such, may elect to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements for this and future filings. See Prospectus SummaryImplications of Being an Emerging Growth Company.
Investing in the common stock involves risks that are described in the Risk Factors section beginning on page 16 of this prospectus.
Per Share | Total | |||||||
Public offering price |
$ | $ | ||||||
Underwriting discounts and commissions (1) |
$ | $ | ||||||
Proceeds, before expenses, to us |
$ | $ | ||||||
(1) We refer you to Underwriting beginning on page 204 of this prospectus for additional information regarding underwriting compensation. |
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The underwriters may also exercise their option to purchase up to an additional 750,000 shares of common stock from us, at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions, for 30 days after the date of this prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The shares of common stock will be ready for delivery on or about , 2020.
BofA Securities | Jefferies | Raymond James |
LifeSci Capital | Ladenburg Thalmann |
The date of this prospectus is , 2020.
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES FOR NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON STOCK |
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F-1 |
Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this prospectus, any amendment or supplement to this prospectus or in any free writing prospectuses prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you. We and the underwriters take no responsibility for and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the shares offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus or in any applicable free writing prospectus is current only as of its date, regardless of its time of delivery or any sale of shares of our common stock. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
Neither we nor the underwriters have done anything that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus or any free writing prospectus we may provide to you in connection with this offering in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. You are required to inform yourselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to this offering and the distribution of this prospectus and any such free writing prospectus outside of the United States.
i
This summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus and is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information and financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. It does not contain all of the information that may be important to you and your investment decision. You should carefully read this entire prospectus, including the sections titled Risk Factors, Business, Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and our financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus before making an investment decision. In this prospectus, unless context requires otherwise, references to we, us, our, Tarsus, or the Company refer to Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Overview
We are a late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutic candidates to address large market opportunities initially in ophthalmic conditions where there are limited treatment alternatives. Our lead product candidate, TP-03, is a novel therapeutic in Phase 2b/3 that is being developed for the treatment of blepharitis caused by the infestation of Demodex mites, which is referred to as Demodex blepharitis. Blepharitis (Blephar is a reference to eyelid and itis is a reference to inflammation) is a condition characterized by inflammation of the eyelid margin, redness and ocular irritation, including a specific type of eyelash dandruff called collarettes in Demodex blepharitis. The healthy interaction of the eyelid and the surface of the eyeball is crucial to ocular health. Poorly controlled and progressive blepharitis can lead to worsening of corneal damage over time and, in extreme cases, blindness. According to published studies, there are an estimated 20 million patients in the United States who suffer from blepharitis, with approximately 45%, or approximately nine million, of cases caused by Demodex infestation. To date, we have completed four Phase 2 trials for TP-03 in Demodex blepharitis, all of which met their primary, secondary and/or exploratory endpoints, as applicable, and during which TP-03 was well tolerated. We have commenced our Phase 2b/3 trial, Saturn-1, in September 2020, and intend to commence our Phase 3 trial, Saturn-2, in 2021, both with primary and secondary endpoints consistent with those of our Europa and Io Phase 2 trials. If successful, we expect these trials to support the submission of a new drug application, or NDA, to the Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA, for TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis. Furthermore, we intend to pursue marketing authorizations in jurisdictions outside the United States, including Europe and Japan. We believe that, if approved, TP-03 has the potential to be the first FDA-approved therapeutic and become the standard of care for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis.
Our current therapeutic strategy is focused on the clinical development of, for the first time in human medicine, the novel drug, lotilaner, which is designed to paralyze and eradicate mites and other parasites through the inhibition of parasite-specific g-aminobutyric acid-gated chloride channels, or GABA-Cl channels. We are advancing our pipeline to address a number of diseases across therapeutic categories including eye care, dermatology and other diseases with high, unmet needs. These diseases include Demodex blepharitis, Meibomian Gland Disease, or MGD, rosacea, Lyme disease and malaria.
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The following pipeline chart presents our wholly-owned product candidates and clinical development status:
* | Anticipated milestones are subject to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on our business and those of our partners. |
** | We intend to rely on preclinical studies and clinical safety assessments from the Demodex blepharitis program. We have not conducted and do not intend to conduct any preclinical studies with TP-03 for the treatment of MGD in order to advance to Phase 2a. |
*** | We intend to leverage all preclinical, Phase 2 and Phase 3 data from the TP-03 Demodex blepharitis program. We intend to conduct in vitro or in vivo bioequivalence studies with our preservative-free formulation to compare it to the current preserved formulation of TP-03 in Demodex blepharitis after NDA submission and file a supplement. |
| We intend to leverage systemic preclinical data from our TP-03 program and augment with additional dermal preclinical studies to select formulation in order to advance to Phase 1/2, which we intend to conduct outside the United States. We may need to address this approach with the FDA if we were to conduct a clinical trial in the United States. We have not conducted any preclinical studies in rosacea with TP-04 to date. |
| In relation to Lyme disease and malaria, we intend to leverage oral systemic preclinical data from our TP-03 program as well as third-party oral systemic preclinical studies for Lyme disease or community malaria reduction, respectively (and will not conduct our own preclinical studies for Lyme disease and malaria). The formulations used in preclinical studies use the common approach of a gavage that is scaled as appropriate for use in animals. However, human administration, while continuing to be oral, will take the form of a tablet or capsule. Subject to FDA feedback from our planned pre-IND meeting, we intend to conduct Phase 1/2 trials in these indications based on these preclinical studies. In relation to malaria, we may conduct our Phase 1/2 trial outside the United States. While we plan to discuss this approach for Lyme disease in a planned pre-IND meeting with the FDA, the FDA may reject our use of data from these preclinical studies and require us to conduct additional preclinical studies before advancing to clinical trials, which may delay our expected timelines for approval and increase costs. |
Blepharitis: A Significant, Underserved and Underdiagnosed Market
Blepharitis is a common, chronic ophthalmic condition characterized by inflammation of the eyelid margin, redness and ocular irritation. It is also a progressive disease that often manifests with more severe symptoms if left untreated, such as blurring of vision, missing eyelashes, corneal damage and, in extreme cases, blindness. According to published studies, an estimated 20 million patients suffer from blepharitis in the United States, and there is growing recognition within the ophthalmic community about Demodex mites as an underlying cause of blepharitis. Demodex mites are the most common ectoparasite found on humans. Demodex mites potentially cause approximately 45%, or approximately nine million, of blepharitis cases in the United States and we believe that the number of Demodex blepharitis patients in the United States may be higher. In addition, there is growing awareness among eye care professionals, or ECPs, of a specific type of debris found at the base of the eyelashes, known as collarettes, or cylindrical dandruff, which are highly correlated with Demodex infestation. Collarettes are composed of partially digested epithelial cells, mite waste products and eggs among other things and can be easily diagnosed by ECPs with a standard eye examination. Demodex blepharitis increases progressively with aging, which is the main risk factor for the condition. These aging patients commonly present to the offices of ECPs for other ophthalmic conditions besides blepharitis, such as
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cataract surgery and contact lens discomfort. Accordingly, we believe that there is significant opportunity to increase the diagnosis rate of Demodex blepharitis through ECP and patient education that encourages examination of the condition in standard practice.
Despite the high prevalence of patients with Demodex blepharitis and growing awareness of the condition amongst ECPs, there are no FDA-approved therapeutics for the treatment of blepharitis or for Demodex blepharitis. Although we believe blepharitis and Demodex blepharitis are significantly underdiagnosed conditions, with limited treatment alternatives, there are already an estimated 2.1 million annual blepharitis diagnoses in the United States, with blepharitis classified per the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification, or ICD-10-CM. Demodex blepharitis is currently treated with a variety of over the counter remedies such as tea tree oil, lid wipes and artificial tears, as well as off-label prescription products, which often show sub-optimal efficacy, are poorly tolerated and lead to significant irritation and dissatisfaction for patients, and do not eradicate the Demodex mites.
Further, patients continue to have underlying risk of Demodex infestation, so there could be a recurrence based on the presence of Demodex mites in the skin even after eradication of Demodex mites from the eyelid. Our Phase 2 data from the Mars and Jupiter clinical trials followed patients to one year after treatment and showed meaningful recurrence of Demodex blepharitis within six to nine months, which increased considerably one year after treatment. We believe this data suggests TP-03, if approved, may be used on a chronic, intermittent basis in Demodex blepharitis.
We have conducted market research studies that, although based on a small sample size and conducted internally, lead us to believe the blepharitis market has the potential to be analogous to other ophthalmic markets that grew significantly once there was a product to address the large, latent demand for an effective therapy, such as dry eye. Blepharitis already has 2.1 million diagnoses per year with blepharitis classified per the ICD-10-CM, despite no approved therapies to help with market awareness, but we believe there is potential for significant market expansion. We believe there is a significant opportunity to increase the diagnosis rate of Demodex blepharitis and build a significant new market with the approval of a safe and effective therapeutic alternative that addresses the underlying cause of the condition.
Our Approach: TP-03
We are developing TP-03, formulated as an eye drop, which we believe, if approved, has the potential to become the standard of care for Demodex blepharitis. TP-03 is a novel therapeutic based on the drug, lotilaner, which is designed to paralyze and eradicate mites and other parasites through the inhibition of parasite-specific GABA-Cl channels.
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The following figure provides the characteristics of TP-03 in the Saturn-1 Phase 2b/3 clinical trial:
We have completed four Phase 2 clinical trials to date, along with one additional ex vivo study. Key efficacy endpoints for our Mars and Jupiter clinical trials included collarette grade and mite density and key efficacy endpoints for our Io and Europa clinical trials included collarette cure rate based on collarette grade, which we refer to herein as collarette cure rate, and mite eradication rate. TP-03 met its primary, secondary and/or exploratory endpoints, as applicable, in such trials. TP-03 was generally well tolerated throughout these trials. The Phase 2a Mars trial was a smaller single arm trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of TP-03 with a 28-day twice per day, or BID, dosing regimen, with exploratory endpoints including collarette grade and mite density. We utilized the data from the exploratory endpoints to determine collarette cure rate, defined as 10 or fewer collarettes, and mite eradication rate, defined as zero mites per lash. Both collarette cure and mite eradication rates were assessed at 28 days, which were 86% and 57%, respectively. The Phase 2b Jupiter trial was a larger randomized, controlled double-blind trial with mite density and collarette grade as primary and secondary endpoints, respectively. Similarly to the Mars trial, we utilized the collarette grade and mite density data to determine collarette cure and mite eradication rates, which were both defined consistently with those used in the Mars trial. The efficacy observed in the Jupiter trial appeared consistent with the Mars trial, with a collarette cure rate of 88%, and mite eradication rate of 66%. We subsequently conducted the Io Phase 2a and Europa Phase 2b trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TP-03 formulation for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis. The design of the Io trial took into account feedback from the FDA, and accordingly we defined collarette cure rate as a more stringent standard of two or fewer collarettes on the eyelid, with a treatment duration of 42 days. In the Io trial, we utilized for the first time in clinical trials the formulation of TP-03 that is expected to support our NDA submission for Demodex blepharitis. The change in formulation consisted of replacing laurolkonium chloride, or LAK, with sorbate as the preservative as well as adding a chelating agent. The key differences between the Io and Europa trials, were that Io was a smaller single-arm trial, while Europa was a slightly larger randomized vehicle-controlled trial. The endpoints achieved in Io and Europa were consistent across both trials, with a collarette cure rate of 72% and 80%, respectively, and a mite eradication rate of 78% and 73%, respectively. The achievement of primary, secondary and/or exploratory endpoints, as applicable, in such trials, and safety results across our comprehensive Phase 2 program provided us with the basis to design and initiate our pivotal Phase 2b/3 and Phase 3 clinical trials for TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis.
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The following figure provides a summary of our completed and planned clinical investigations evaluating TP-03 for Demodex blepharitis:
* | The Mars and Jupiter trials used collarette grade as an endpoint, which has been translated into a collarette cure (defined as £10 collarettes). This is different from the collarette cure (defined as £2 collarettes) endpoint used in Io, Europa, Saturn-1 and the planned Saturn-2 trials. The Mars and Jupiter trials also used mite density as an endpoint, which is different from mite eradication. Mite density is translated into mite eradication, which is defined as zero mites per lash consistently throughout trials. |
** | Primary endpoint in Io, Europa, Saturn-1 and intended in Saturn-2 is collarette cure rate based on collarette grade. |
| In connection with our IND application, a no-objection letter was received from the FDA regarding the trial design of the Saturn-1 trial. |
| Saturn-2 design is highly comparable to that of Saturn-1 with respect to which the FDA raised no-objection and we expect to update the IND protocol prior to commencing Saturn-2. |
We plan to evaluate TP-03 in two pivotal registration trials, referred to as Saturn-1 and Saturn-2. Saturn-1 is a Phase 2b/3, randomized, controlled, double-blind trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TP-03 that is expected to enroll at least 350 Demodex blepharitis patients in multiple centers in the United States. We commenced Saturn-1 in September 2020 and top-line data is expected in 2021, subject to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Saturn-2, our confirmatory Phase 3 randomized, controlled, double-blind trial, has a highly comparable design to that of Saturn-1 and is also expected to enroll approximately 350 Demodex blepharitis patients. Enrollment of Saturn-2 is expected to begin in 2021, subject to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In connection with our IND application, we have received a no-objection letter from the FDA regarding the trial design for Saturn-1. The trial design for Saturn-2 is highly comparable to that of Saturn-1 and we expect to update the IND protocol prior to commencing Saturn-2. We expect these trials to support the potential submission of an NDA for TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis.
We also intend to explore the therapeutic potential of TP-03 for a second ophthalmic condition, MGD, commonly characterized in part by a widespread clogging of the meibomian glands that can result in tear film deficiency, and is one of the leading causes of dry eye disease. There are no FDA-approved therapeutics for
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MGD. In the United States, MGD prevalence has been found to be approximately two-thirds of the estimated 34 million dry eye patient population. One species of Demodex mite, Demodex brevis, is known to infest the meibomian gland, and clinical signs of MGD have been shown to be correlated with infestation of Demodex brevis. While dry eye is a multi-factorial disease, TP-03 is designed to relieve some of the key elements of MGD by virtue of causing the death of the Demodex brevis mites.
Beyond TP-03, we are developing additional clinical-stage product candidates focused on expanding into other therapeutic categories, including dermatology and other diseases with high, unmet needs. These include TP-04 for the potential treatment of rosacea as well as TP-05 for potential Lyme prophylaxis and community malaria reduction.
Rosacea is a chronic skin disease characterized by facial redness, inflammatory lesions, burning and stinging, which can flare up in response to certain triggers such as sun exposure or emotional stress. According to the U.S. National Rosacea Society, approximately 16 million people in the United States are affected by rosacea and a study estimates rosacea prevalence can represent up to 5.4% of the global population. We intend to develop TP-04 as a topical formulation, and we plan to initiate a Phase 1/2 trial of TP-04 outside the United States, for the treatment of rosacea in 2021. In anticipation of such trial, we intend to initiate preclinical studies in 2020 to select Phase 1/2 formulation for TP-04.
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States, caused by infection of Borrelia bacteria following bite by a tick vector. Estimates of annual cases of Lyme disease in the United States range from approximately 300,000 to 400,000. Malaria is one of the worlds highest unmet public health needs, with approximately 228 million cases and more than 400,000 deaths caused by malaria worldwide. Similar to its mechanism against Demodex, lotilaner, the API in TP-05 and an isoxazoline endectocide, is a potent non-competitive antagonist of tick and mosquito GABA-Cl channels. Lotilaner is designed to eradicate ticks and mosquitoes by selectively inhibiting GABA-Cl channels, causing their paralysis and eventual death. We are developing TP-05 as an oral formulation that is designed as a prophylactic drug against Lyme disease to eradicate the tick before it can transmit the Borrelia bacteria. Further, we are developing TP-05 as an oral formulation that is designed to cause the death or incapacity of a mosquito before it can infect another person and which is administered to a population. We believe TP-05 has the potential to significantly reduce malaria transmission through reducing the lifespan of mosquitos that transmit malaria. This may in turn provide herd protection against the spread of malaria. For instance, a modeling study on mosquito populations published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America in 2018, or the PNAS Study, indicated that an annual administration of an isoxazoline endectocide for only 30% population coverage is predicted to give a 66% reduction in malaria cases, as compared to no intervention. TP-05 is not intended to treat malaria, but to limit its transmission among a population. We plan to seek FDA feedback in a pre-IND meeting and submit an IND and initiate a Phase 1/2 trial of TP-05 for Lyme disease in 2021. For malaria, we may conduct the Phase 1/2 trial outside of the United States.
Our Team
We have assembled a team with extensive experience developing and commercializing leading ophthalmic products and therapies. Members of our management team and board of directors have founded and led several biopharmaceutical companies including those in the ophthalmic care space, such as Oyster Point Pharma, Inc., or Oyster Point Pharma (NASDAQ: OYST), and Oculeve Inc., or Oculeve, and have been pivotal in the development and commercialization of various leading ophthalmic products, including the dry eye therapy, Restasis. We intend to leverage this expertise and experience to rapidly pursue the development of TP-03 and any other future product candidates that we may identify and develop. We are supported by healthcare dedicated financial investors, which include Aperture Venture Partners, Flying L Ventures, Horowitz Limited Partnership, Frazier Life Sciences, Visionary Ventures and Vivo Capital.
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Our Strengths and Differentiation
We believe our company and our product candidates have the following key distinguishing characteristics:
| TP-03 is currently in Phase 2b/3 and has met various endpoints for efficacy in Phase 2 trials. We have observed TP-03s clinical results across our four Phase 2 clinical trials Mars, Jupiter, Io and Europa in which treatment with TP-03 resulted in the achievement of primary, secondary and/or exploratory endpoints, as applicable, in such trials, and we observed that TP-03 was well tolerated. Our Phase 2b/3 trial, Saturn-1, and our Phase 3 trial, Saturn-2, are utilizing or are expected to utilize trial designs that are comparable in many respects to those of the Phase 2 Io and Europa trials. The trial designs for Saturn-1 and Saturn-2 are, however, expected to be more stringent than those for Io and Europa. Saturn-1 is expected to enroll at least 350 patients and Saturn-2 is expected to enroll approximately 350 patients, which is substantially more patients compared to a maximum of 54 patients in the Europa trial, have a longer safety protocol (Saturn-1 only, which will follow subjects to safety for one year as opposed to 42 days) and enroll patients in multiple locations in the United States (as opposed to one location in Mexico). In connection with our IND application, we have received a no-objection letter from the FDA regarding the trial design for Saturn-1. The trial design for Saturn-2 is highly comparable to that of Saturn-1 and we expect to update the IND protocol prior to commencing Saturn-2. We commenced Saturn-1 in September 2020. |
| Large, underserved and underdiagnosed blepharitis market with a significant opportunity for growth. Although we believe blepharitis and Demodex blepharitis are significantly underdiagnosed conditions, with limited treatment alternatives, there are already an estimated 2.1 million annual blepharitis diagnoses in the United States with blepharitis classified per ICD-10-CM. However, we believe the market opportunity may be substantially larger. According to published studies, there are an estimated 20 million patients in the United States that suffer from blepharitis with approximately 45%, or approximately nine million, of cases caused by Demodex infestation and we believe the number of Demodex blepharitis cases may be higher. We believe the blepharitis market may be analogous to other ophthalmic markets where diagnoses grew significantly once there was a product to address the large, latent demand for an effective therapy. |
| Novel chemistry developed for the first time in human medicine. Our current therapeutic strategy is focused on the clinical development of, for the first time in human medicine, the novel drug, lotilaner, which is designed to paralyze and eradicate mites and other parasites through the inhibition of parasite-specific GABA-Cl channels. Our pipeline aims to address a number of diseases across therapeutic categories including eye care, dermatology and other diseases with high, unmet needs. |
| Additional opportunities beyond Demodex blepharitis. Like blepharitis, MGD may also be caused by Demodex infestation, and we intend to explore the therapeutic potential for TP-03 in this indication. In the United States, MGD prevalence has been found to be approximately two-thirds of that of the estimated 34 million dry eye patient population. Further, we are developing TP-04 for the potential treatment of rosacea, a condition that affects approximately 16 million patients per year in the United States and TP-05 for potential prophylaxis of Lyme and community malaria reduction. Annual estimates of Lyme disease in the United States range from approximately 300,000 to 400,000. Malaria is one of the worlds highest unmet public health needs, with approximately 228 million cases and more than 400,000 deaths due to malaria globally in 2018 alone. |
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| Experienced management team and board of directors supported by high quality investor base. We have built a leadership team with significant experience in developing and commercializing therapeutic products for ophthalmic conditions. Our management team and board of directors have founded and led several companies in the ophthalmic care space, including Oyster Point Pharma and Oculeve, and have been pivotal in the development and commercialization of various leading ophthalmic products, including the dry eye therapy, Restasis. |
Our Strategy
Our goal is to transform the treatment of Demodex blepharitis with a first ever FDA approved pharmaceutical therapeutic, and to develop our pipeline of innovative therapies that target certain parasite-mediated diseases with large market opportunities. We intend to achieve these goals by pursuing the following key strategic objectives:
| Advance TP-03 through clinical development and eventual approval for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis. We have observed in multiple Phase 2 trials across 147 patients that TP-03 results in the achievement of clinical endpoints, which are generally the same clinical endpoints that will be utilized in our pivotal Phase 2b/3 and Phase 3 trials. We have commenced our first pivotal trial, Saturn-1, a Phase 2b/3 trial, in September 2020, and we expect top-line data in 2021, subject to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Enrollment of our second pivotal trial, Saturn-2, which will be a Phase 3 trial, is expected to begin in 2021, subject to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. |
| Educate ECPs and establish our own specialty sales organization to commercialize TP-03 in the United States. If approved by the FDA for Demodex blepharitis, we intend to commercialize TP-03 by developing our own sales organization targeting a subset of the approximately 25,000 prescribing ECPs in the United States. Throughout our commercialization efforts, we intend to educate ECPs on Demodex blepharitis and how to diagnose it with a standard eye examination. |
| Expand the label of TP-03 for other indications, including MGD. Like blepharitis, MGD may also be caused by Demodex infestation, and we intend to explore the clinical potential for TP-03 in the indication. |
| Develop our pipeline, bringing novel products utilizing lotilaner to unmet needs across human medicine, including rosacea, Lyme disease and malaria. We plan to expand our pipeline of novel, differentiated product candidates that target parasites to treat or prevent important diseases. The mechanism of lotilaner coupled with our insights into disease where it can demonstrate clinical benefit, provides an opportunity to expand into new indications for treatment or prevention. By utilizing new formulations of lotilaner, we intend to develop a topical formulation designed to treat rosacea, and oral formulations for the prophylaxis of Lyme and community malaria reduction. We intend to expand into Phase 1/2 clinical trials for these indications in 2021. |
| Evaluate and selectively enter into strategic collaborations to maximize the potential of our pipeline and the scope of our eye care product offerings. We have retained our rights globally to all of our indications for use in humans, including, our lead product candidate, TP-03, for the potential treatment of Demodex blepharitis and MGD, TP-04 for the potential treatment of rosacea and TP-05 for potential prophylaxis of Lyme and community malaria reduction. We are dependent on licenses from Elanco Tiergesundheit AG, or Elanco, for the development and commercialization of these products. Given the potential to treat patients worldwide we may opportunistically enter into strategic collaborations around certain product candidates, disease or geographic regions. |
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Risks Related to Our Business
Our ability to execute our business strategy is subject to numerous risks, as more fully described in the section entitled Risk Factors immediately following this prospectus summary. These risks include, among others:
| We are a late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with limited operating history. We have incurred significant losses and negative cash flows from operations since our inception and anticipate that we will continue to incur significant expenses and losses for the foreseeable future. |
| Even if this offering is successful, we will need to obtain substantial additional funding to complete the development and any commercialization of our product candidates, if approved. If we are unable to raise this necessary capital when needed, we would be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our product development programs, commercialization efforts or other operations. |
| We are heavily dependent on the success of our lead product candidate, TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis. |
| The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in late 2019 and has spread worldwide, may affect our ability to initiate and complete preclinical studies and clinical trials, disrupt regulatory activities, disrupt our manufacturing and supply chain or have other adverse effects on our business and operations. |
| Even if TP-03 or any other product candidate that we develop receives marketing approval, we may not be successful in educating ECPs and the market about the need for treatments specifically for Demodex blepharitis and or other diseases or conditions targeted by our product candidates, and TP-03 or other product candidates that we may develop may fail to achieve market acceptance by ECPs, other healthcare providers and patients, or adequate formulary coverage, pricing or reimbursement by third-party payors and others in the medical community, and the market opportunity for these products may be smaller than we estimate. |
| We are dependent on intellectual property we license from Elanco for the development and commercialization of our products, including our lead product candidate, TP-03 for the potential treatment of Demodex blepharitis and MGD, TP-04 for the potential treatment of rosacea and TP-05 for potential Lyme prophylaxis and community malaria reduction. |
| We will need to develop and expand our company in terms of operations and employees, which we expect to include our development, regulatory and operational capabilities and potentially implement sales, marketing and distribution capabilities and, as a result, we may encounter difficulties in managing our growth, which could disrupt our operations. |
| The sizes of the market opportunity for our product candidates, particularly TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis and MGD, have not been established with precision and may be smaller than we estimate, possibly materially. If our estimates of the sizes overestimate these markets, our sales growth may be adversely affected. We may also not be able to grow the markets for our product candidates as intended or at all. |
| Clinical drug development involves a lengthy and expensive process with uncertain timelines and uncertain outcomes, and results of earlier studies and trials may not be predictive of future results. |
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| Any termination or suspension of, or delays in the commencement or completion of, our planned clinical trials could result in increased costs to us, delay or limit our ability to generate revenue and adversely affect our commercial prospects. |
| We rely on third parties to conduct our clinical trials and perform some of our research and preclinical studies. |
| If we are unable to obtain and maintain sufficient intellectual property protection for our product candidates, or if the scope of the intellectual property protection is not sufficiently broad, our competitors could develop and commercialize products similar or identical to ours, and our ability to successfully commercialize our products may be adversely affected. |
| Patent terms may be inadequate to protect our competitive position on our product candidates and preclinical programs for an adequate amount of time. |
| The concentration of our stock ownership will likely limit your ability to influence corporate matters, including the ability to influence the outcome of director elections and other matters requiring stockholder approval. |
Corporate Information
We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in November 2016. Our principal executive offices are located at 15440 Laguna Canyon Road, Suite 160, Irvine, California 92618. Our telephone number is (949) 409-9820. Our website address is www.tarsusrx.com. Information contained on the website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus. We have included our website address in this prospectus solely as an inactive textual reference.
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Tarsus, and Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., our logo and other registered or common law trade names, trademarks or service markets of Tarsus appearing in this prospectus are the property of Tarsus. This prospectus contains additional trade names, trademarks and service marks of other companies that are the property of their respective owners. We do not intend our use or display of other companies trade names, trademarks or service marks to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, these other companies. Solely for convenience, our trade names, trademarks and service marks referred to in this prospectus appear without the ®, or SM symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the right of the applicable licensor to these trade names, trademarks and service marks.
Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company
We are an emerging growth company as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, as amended, or the JOBS Act. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest to occur of: (i) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have more than $1.07 billion in annual gross revenue; (ii) the date we qualify as a large accelerated filer as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act, with at least $700 million of equity securities held by non-affiliates; (iii) the issuance, in any three-year period, by us of more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities; or (iv) the last day of the fiscal year ending after the fifth anniversary of our initial public offering. As a result of this status, we have taken advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements in this prospectus that are applicable to other publicly-traded entities that are not emerging growth companies and may elect to take advantage of other exemptions from
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reporting requirements in our future filings with the SEC. In particular, in this prospectus, these exemptions include:
| the option to present only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; |
| not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, or the Sarbanes Oxley Act; |
| not being required to submit certain executive compensation matters to stockholder advisory votes, such as say-on-pay, say-on-frequency, and say-on-golden parachutes; and |
| not being required to disclose certain executive compensation-related items such as the correlation between executive compensation and performance and comparisons of the chief executive officers compensation to median employee compensation. |
As a result, we do not know if some investors will find our common stock less attractive. The result may be a less active trading market for our common stock, and the price of our common stock may become more volatile.
In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of an extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards, delaying the adoption of these accounting standards until they would apply to private companies. We have irrevocably elected not to avail ourselves of this exemption and, as a result, upon completion of this offering, we will adopt new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. Even after we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company, we may qualify as a smaller reporting company, which would allow us to take advantage of many of the same exemptions from disclosure requirements including reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in this prospectus and our periodic reports and proxy statements, if either (i) the market value of our stock held by non-affiliates is less than $250 million or (ii) our annual revenue is less than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and the market value of our stock held by non-affiliates is less than $700 million.
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THE OFFERING
Issuer |
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
Shares of common stock offered by us |
5,000,000 shares |
Shares of common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering |
18,759,014 shares (or 19,509,014 shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full) |
Underwriters option to purchase additional shares |
We have granted the underwriters an option for a period of 30 days to purchase up to 750,000 additional shares of our common stock. The underwriters can exercise this option at any time within 30 days after the date of this prospectus. |
Use of proceeds |
We estimate that the net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $72.1 million, or $83.3 million if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, assuming an initial public offering price of $16.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. |
We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to complete the development and regulatory approval of TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis and the remaining proceeds to fund the development of our product pipeline, as well as for other general corporate purposes. See Use of Proceeds on page 89 for additional information. |
Risk Factors |
See Risk Factors beginning on page 16 and the other information included in this prospectus for a discussion of factors you should consider carefully before deciding to invest in our common stock. |
Reserved Share Program |
At our request, an affiliate of BofA Securities, Inc., a participating underwriter, has reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to 3.7% of the shares offered by this prospectus for sale to some of our business associates and certain other persons associated with us. If these persons purchase reserved shares, it will reduce the number of shares available for sale to the general public. Any reserved shares that are not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same terms as the other shares offered by this prospectus. See section titled Underwriting Reserved Share Program for additional information. |
Proposed Nasdaq Global Market trading symbol |
TARS |
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The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after this offering is based on 13,759,014 shares of our common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2020, assuming the conversion of all of our 11,107,018 outstanding shares of preferred stock, including 2,857,079 shares of Series C preferred stock issued in September 2020, into an aggregate of 11,107,018 shares of our common stock immediately prior to the completion of this offering, and excludes the following:
| 1,230,701 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options outstanding as of June 30, 2020, with a weighted-average exercise price of $1.60 per share; |
| 737,517 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options granted after June 30, 2020, at a weighted-average exercise price of $7.08 per share (112,059 shares of which have been issued as of the date of this prospectus upon early exercise of stock options, but are not outstanding as they are subject to a right of repurchase); |
| 67,316 shares of common stock, issued as of June 30, 2020 upon the early exercise of certain stock options, but not outstanding as they are subject to a right of repurchase; |
| 1,148,915 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2016 Stock Plan, as amended, or the 2016 Plan, as of June 30, 2020, which shares will be added to the shares to be reserved under our 2020 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2020 Plan, upon its effectiveness; and |
| 9,000,000 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2020 Plan, which will become effective on the business day immediately prior to the date of effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, as well as any automatic increases in the number of shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under this plan; |
| 2,300,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our 2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or the 2020 ESPP, which will become effective on the business day immediately prior to the date of effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, as well as any automatic increases in the number of shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under this plan; and |
| 222,460 shares of common stock issued to Elanco in September 2020 pursuant to the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement (as described in BusinessLicense AgreementsAll Human Uses Elanco Agreement). |
Unless otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus assumes:
| a one-for-7.4276 reverse stock split of our common stock and our preferred stock which became effective on October 9, 2020; |
| the conversion of all of our 11,107,018 outstanding shares of our preferred stock, including 2,857,079 shares of Series C preferred stock issued in September 2020, into an aggregate of 11,107,018 shares of common stock immediately prior to and in connection with the completion of this offering; |
| the filing and effectiveness of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the adoption of our amended and restated bylaws, each of which will occur immediately prior to the completion of this offering; |
| no exercise of the underwriters option to purchase additional shares; and |
| no exercise of the outstanding options described above after June 30, 2020. |
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SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
The summary statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 are derived from our audited financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. We derived the statements of operations data for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 and the balance sheet data as of June 30, 2020 from the unaudited interim financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, which include only normal, recurring adjustments that are necessary to state fairly the unaudited interim financial statements. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected in the future, and the results for the six months ended June 30, 2020, are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the full year or any other period. You should read these summary financial data together with our financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus and the information in the sections titled Selected Financial Data and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. The selected financial data in this section are not intended to replace our financial statements and the related notes and are qualified in their entirety by the financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Years Ended December 31, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2019 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
(unaudited) | (unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except share and per share data) | ||||||||||||||||
Statement of Operations Data: |
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Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||
Research and development |
$ | 901 | $ | 3,162 | $ | 2,066 | $ | 3,249 | ||||||||
General and administrative |
449 | 1,136 | 514 | 2,132 | ||||||||||||
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Total operating expenses |
1,350 | 4,298 | 2,580 | 5,381 | ||||||||||||
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|
|
|
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|
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Loss from operations before other income (expense) and income taxes |
(1,350 | ) | (4,298 | ) | (2,580 | ) | (5,381 | ) | ||||||||
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Other income (expense): |
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Interest income (expense), net |
32 | (40 | ) | 5 | 174 | |||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of related party convertible notes |
| (255 | ) | | | |||||||||||
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities |
| (76 | ) | | | |||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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Total other income (expense) |
32 | (371 | ) | 5 | 174 | |||||||||||
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|
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Provision for income taxes |
(1 | ) | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | | |||||||||
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Net loss and comprehensive loss |
$ | (1,319 | ) | $ | (4,670 | ) | $ | (2,576 | ) | $ | (5,207 | ) | ||||
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Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted (1) |
$ | (0.75 | ) | $ | (1.98 | ) | $ | (1.15 | ) | $ | (1.96 | ) | ||||
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Weighted-average shares outstanding used in computing net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted (1) |
1,759,495 | 2,362,768 | 2,238,793 | 2,650,843 | ||||||||||||
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Pro forma net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted (unaudited) (1) |
$ | (1.09 | ) | $ | (0.48 | ) | ||||||||||
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|
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Weighted-average shares outstanding used in computing pro forma net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted (unaudited) (1) |
4,285,262 | 10,900,782 | ||||||||||||||
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(1) | For the calculation of our basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, unaudited basic and diluted pro forma net loss per share and weighted-average number of shares used in the computation of the per share amounts, see Note 6 and Note 7 to our financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. |
The following table presents our balance sheet data as of June 30, 2020:
| on an actual basis; |
| on a pro forma basis to give effect to: (i) the issuance of 2,857,079 shares of Series C preferred stock for net cash proceeds of $39.8 million in September 2020; and (ii) the conversion of all of our outstanding shares of convertible preferred stock into an aggregate of 11,107,018 shares of our common stock, which includes our Series C preferred stock issued in September 2020, immediately prior to the completion of this offering; and |
| on a pro forma as adjusted basis to give effect to: (i) the pro forma adjustments set forth above and (ii) our sale of 5,000,000 shares of our common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $16.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. |
As of June 30, 2020 (unaudited) | ||||||||||||
Actual | Pro Forma | Pro Forma As Adjusted (1) |
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(in thousands) | ||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 53,135 | 92,890 | 165,001 | ||||||||
Working capital (2) |
51,631 | 91,386 | 163,497 | |||||||||
Total assets |
56,239 | 95,994 | 168,105 | |||||||||
Preferred stock |
63,402 | | | |||||||||
Total stockholders (deficit) equity |
(11,035 | ) | 92,122 | 164,233 |
(1) | Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $16.00 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the pro forma as adjusted amount of each of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, working capital, total assets and total stockholders equity by $4.7 million, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We may also increase (decrease) the number of shares we are offering. Similarly, each increase (decrease) of 1.0 million in the number of shares offered by us in this offering would increase (decrease) the pro forma as adjusted amount of each of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, working capital, total assets and total stockholders equity by $14.9 million, assuming the initial offering price remains the same and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. The pro forma as adjusted information is illustrative only and we will adjust this information based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing. |
(2) | We define working capital as current assets less current liabilities. See our unaudited financial statements and related notes appearing at the end of this prospectus for further details regarding our current assets and current liabilities. |
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Investing in our common stock is speculative and involves a high degree of risk. Before investing in our common stock, you should consider carefully the risks described below, together with the other information contained in this prospectus, including our financial statements and the related notes appearing at the end of this prospectus. If any of the following risks occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and future growth prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In these circumstances, the market price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. This prospectus also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including the risks described below. See Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.
Risks Related to our Financial Position and Need for Additional Capital
We have incurred significant losses and negative cash flows from operations since our inception and anticipate that we will continue to incur significant expenses and losses for the foreseeable future.
We do not have any products approved for sale, we have not generated any revenue and have incurred net losses in each reporting period since our companys formation in 2016. We have funded our operations primarily from the sale and issuance of redeemable convertible preferred stock and convertible promissory notes. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, our net losses were $4.7 million and $1.3 million, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020, our net losses were $2.6 million and $5.2 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2019 and June 30, 2020, we had an accumulated deficit of $6.0 million and $11.2 million, respectively. Additionally, the net losses we incur may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter such that a period-to-period comparison of our results of operations may not be a good indicator of our future performance. The size of our future net losses will depend, in part, on the rate of future growth of our expenses and our ability to generate revenue. We expect that it will be a few years, if ever, before we have a product candidate ready for commercialization. We expect to incur increasing levels of operating losses over the next several years and for the foreseeable future as we advance and commercialize, if approved, our product candidates. Our prior losses, combined with expected future losses, have had and will continue to have an adverse effect on our accumulated deficit and working capital.
We expect to continue incurring significant expenses and increasing operating losses for the foreseeable future. We expect that our expenses will increase substantially if and as we:
| prepare for and initiate additional preclinical, clinical and other studies for our product candidates; |
| change or add additional manufacturers or suppliers, some of which may require additional permits or other governmental approvals; |
| create additional infrastructure to support our operations as a public company, including adding operational, financial and management information systems and personnel; |
| enhance our product development and planned future commercialization efforts, including through hiring additional clinical, regulatory, quality control and scientific personnel; |
| seek marketing approvals and reimbursement for our product candidates; |
| establish a sales, marketing, and distribution infrastructure to commercialize any products for which we may obtain marketing approval; |
| seek to identify, assess, acquire or develop additional product candidates; |
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| acquire or in-license other product candidates and technologies; |
| make milestone or other payments in connection with the development or approval of our product candidates; |
| maintain, protect, enforce and expand our intellectual property portfolio; and |
| experience any delays or encounter issues with any of the above. |
Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with biopharmaceutical product development, we are unable to accurately predict the timing or amount of increased expenses or when, or if, we will be able to achieve profitability. Our expenses could increase beyond our expectations if, among other things:
| we are required by regulatory authorities to perform trials or studies in addition to, or different than, those that we currently expect; |
| there are any delays in establishing appropriate manufacturing arrangements for or completing the development of any of our product candidates; or |
| there are any third-party challenges to our intellectual property or we need to defend against any intellectual property-related claim. |
Even if we obtain regulatory approval for and are successful in commercializing one or more of our product candidates, we expect to incur substantial additional research and development and other expenditures to develop and market additional product candidates or to expand the approved indications of any marketed product. We may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other unknown factors that may adversely affect our business.
Our limited operating history may make it difficult for you to evaluate the success of our business to date and to assess our future viability.
We commenced activities in 2016. Our limited operating history may make it difficult to evaluate the success of our business to date and to assess our future viability. Our operations to date have been limited to organizing our company, raising capital, identifying and developing product candidates, establishing licensing arrangements and/or acquiring necessary technology, undertaking research, preclinical studies and clinical trials of our product candidates, establishing arrangements for the manufacture of product candidates and longer-term planning for potential commercialization. Our prospects must be considered in light of the uncertainties, risks, expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in their early stages of operations. We have limited experience in and have not yet demonstrated our ability to obtain marketing approvals, manufacture a commercial scale product or arrange for a third party to do so on our behalf, or conduct sales, marketing and distribution activities necessary for successful product commercialization. Consequently, any predictions you make about our future success or viability may not be as accurate as they could be if we had a longer operating history or a history of successfully developing, obtaining marketing approval for and commercializing products. In addition, as our business grows, we may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other known and unknown obstacles. We will need to transition at some point from a company with a research and development focus to a company capable of supporting commercial activities. We may not be successful in such a transition.
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We are heavily dependent on the success of our lead product candidate, TP-03, for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis. If we are unable to successfully complete the clinical development program, obtain regulatory approval for, or commercialize, TP-03, or experience significant delays in doing so, our business will be materially harmed.
We currently have no products that are approved for commercial sale and we have never had any products approved for sale or commercialized. To date, we have invested a substantial majority of our business efforts and financial resources to the preclinical and clinical development of TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis. Our future success is dependent on our ability to successfully develop, obtain regulatory approval for, and commercialize TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis, and we cannot accurately predict when or if TP-03 will be proven to be effective or safe in humans or whether it will receive regulatory approval. Before we can generate any revenue from sales of TP-03, we will be required to conduct additional clinical development, seek and obtain regulatory approval, secure adequate manufacturing supply to support commercial sales and build a commercial organization. We have not yet demonstrated our ability to complete pivotal clinical trials. Further, the commercial success of TP-03 will also depend on patent protection, successfully educating ECPs about Demodex blepharitis and related diagnosis, acceptance of TP-03 by patients, the medical community and third-party payors, TP-03s ability to compete with other therapies, secure adequate healthcare coverage and reimbursement, and maintenance of an acceptable safety profile following approval, among other factors. If we do not achieve one or more of these factors in a timely manner or at all, we could experience significant delays or an inability to successfully commercialize TP-03, which would materially harm our business. If we were required to discontinue development of TP-03, or if TP-03 does not receive regulatory approval, fails to achieve significant market acceptance, or fails to receive adequate reimbursement, we would be delayed by many years in our ability to achieve profitability, if ever, and may not be able to generate sufficient revenue to continue our business.
Even if this offering is successful, we will need to obtain substantial additional funding to complete the development and any commercialization of our product candidates, if approved. If we are unable to raise this necessary capital when needed, we would be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our product development programs, commercialization efforts or other operations.
Since our inception, we have funded our operations through private placements of preferred stock and convertible promissory notes. Over the next few years, we expect our expenses to increase substantially and we will require a larger amount of capital to fund the development of our product candidates. As our product candidates enter and advance through preclinical studies and clinical trials, we will need substantial additional funds to expand our clinical, regulatory, quality and manufacturing capabilities. In addition, if we obtain marketing approval for any of our product candidates, we expect to incur significant commercialization expenses related to marketing, sales, manufacturing and distribution. Furthermore, upon the completion of this offering, we expect to incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company.
As of June 30, 2020, we had $53.1 million in cash and cash equivalents. We raised an additional $39.8 million in net cash proceeds from the sale of Series C preferred stock in September 2020. Based on our current business plans, we believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund our anticipated level of operations through at least the next 12 months without the proceeds from this offering. With the expected net proceeds from this offering, we believe that our cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the fourth quarter of 2022. Accordingly, the expected net proceeds from this offering will be insufficient for us to concurrently fund our product candidates through regulatory approval and commercialization. We will need to raise substantial additional capital to complete the development and commercialization of our product candidates through equity offerings, debt financings, marketing and distribution arrangements and other collaborations, strategic alliances and licensing arrangements or other sources. We may also need to raise additional funds earlier than currently anticipated if we choose to pursue additional indications for our product candidates, acquire new product candidates or otherwise expand our business more rapidly than we presently planned.
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We have based these estimates on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect or require adjustment because of our ongoing business decisions, and we could utilize our available capital resources sooner than we currently expect. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including:
| the scope, rate of progress, costs and results of our drug discovery, preclinical development activities, laboratory testing and clinical trials for our product candidates; |
| the number and scope of clinical programs we decide to pursue; |
| the scope and costs of manufacturing development and commercial manufacturing activities and our ability to scale them up; |
| the extent to which we acquire or in-license other product candidates and technologies; |
| the cost, timing and outcome of regulatory review of our product candidates, including the potential for regulatory authorities to require that we conduct more studies and trials than those that we currently expect to conduct and the costs of post-marketing studies or risk evaluation and mitigation strategies that could be required by regulatory authorities; |
| potential changes in the regulatory environment and enforcement rules; |
| the cost and timing of establishing sales and marketing capabilities, if any of our product candidates receive marketing approval; |
| the costs of preparing, filing and prosecuting patent applications, maintaining and enforcing our intellectual property rights and defending intellectual property-related claims; |
| our ability to establish and maintain collaborations on favorable terms, if at all; |
| our efforts to enhance operational systems and our ability to attract, hire and retain qualified personnel, including personnel to support the development of our product candidates; |
| potential changes in pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement infrastructure; |
| the costs associated with being a public company; and |
| the cost associated with commercializing our product candidates, if they receive marketing approval. |
Identifying potential product candidates and conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials is a time consuming, expensive and uncertain process that takes years to complete, and we may never generate the necessary data or results required to obtain marketing approval. In addition, our product candidates, if approved, may not achieve adequate product sales or commercial success. We do not expect to have any products commercially available for sale for many years, if at all. Accordingly, we will need to obtain substantial additional funding in connection with our continuing operations. Adequate additional financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all, and may be impacted by the economic climate and market conditions. For example, market volatility resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic or any other future infectious diseases, epidemics or pandemics could also adversely impact our ability to access capital as and when needed. If we are unable to raise capital when needed or on attractive terms, we would be forced to delay, limit, reduce or eliminate our research and development programs or future commercialization efforts or grant rights to develop and market product candidates that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves. In addition, attempting to secure additional financing may divert the time and attention of management from day-to-day
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activities and distract from our research and development efforts. Alternatively, we may seek additional capital due to favorable market conditions or strategic considerations, even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans.
We currently generate no revenues from sales of any products and may never generate revenue or be profitable.
We have no products approved for commercial sale and do not anticipate generating any revenue unless and until either TP-03 or another product candidate receives the regulatory approvals necessary for commercialization in one or more jurisdictions. Our ability to generate revenue and achieve profitability depends significantly on our ability, or any future collaborators ability, to achieve a number of challenging objectives, including:
| successful and timely completion of preclinical and clinical development of our product candidates, including the clinical development of TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis or other indications and any other future product candidates; |
| establishing and maintaining relationships with contract research organizations, or CROs, and clinical sites for the clinical development, both in the United States and internationally, of our product candidates; |
| timely receipt of regulatory approvals from applicable regulatory authorities for TP-03 or any other product candidates for which we successfully complete clinical development; |
| making any required post-marketing approval commitments to applicable regulatory authorities; |
| establishing and maintaining commercially viable supply and manufacturing relationships with third parties that can provide adequate, in both amount and quality, products and services to support clinical development and meet the market demand for product candidates that we develop, if approved; |
| obtaining an IND prior to commencing clinical trials in the United States for a particular indication, such as TP-04 for the potential treatment of rosacea (although for TP-04 we first intend to conduct a Phase 1/2 trial outside the United States and thus do not plan to submit an IND prior to this trial) and TP-05 for potential Lyme prophylaxis and community malaria reduction; |
| successful commercial launch following any regulatory approval, including the development of a commercial infrastructure, whether in-house or with one or more collaborators; |
| a continued acceptable safety and efficacy profile both prior to and following any marketing approval of our product candidates; |
| successfully educating ECPs about Demodex blepharitis and related diagnosis; |
| commercial acceptance of TP-03 and any of our other product candidates by patients, the medical community and third-party payors; |
| identifying, assessing and developing new product candidates; |
| obtaining, maintaining and expanding patent protection, trade secret protection and regulatory exclusivity, both in the United States and internationally; |
| protecting our rights in our intellectual property portfolio; |
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| defending against third-party interference or infringement claims, if any; |
| obtaining favorable terms in any collaboration, licensing or other arrangements that may be necessary or desirable to develop, manufacture or commercialize our existing or acquired product candidates; |
| obtaining coverage and adequate reimbursement for customers and patients from government and third-party payors for product candidates that we develop; |
| addressing any competing therapies and technological and market developments; and |
| attracting, hiring and retaining qualified personnel. |
We may never be successful in achieving our objectives and, even if we do, may never generate revenue that is significant or large enough to achieve profitability. If we do achieve profitability, we may not be able to sustain or increase profitability on a quarterly or annual basis and we will continue to incur substantial research and development and other expenditures to develop and market additional product candidates. In addition, as a young business, we may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other known and unknown challenges. Our failure to become and remain profitable would decrease the value of our company and could impair our ability to maintain or further our research and development efforts, raise additional necessary capital, grow our business, retain key employees and continue our operations.
The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in late 2019 and has spread worldwide, may affect our ability to initiate and complete preclinical studies and clinical trials, disrupt regulatory activities, disrupt our manufacturing and supply chain or have other adverse effects on our business and operations. In addition, this pandemic has caused substantial disruption in the financial markets and may adversely impact economies worldwide, both of which could result in adverse effects on our business and operations.
The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in December 2019 and has spread worldwide, has caused many governments to implement measures to slow the spread of the outbreak through quarantines, travel restrictions, heightened border scrutiny and other measures. The outbreak and government measures taken in response have also had a significant impact, both directly and indirectly, on businesses and commerce, as worker shortages have occurred, supply chains have been disrupted, facilities and production have been suspended, and demand for certain goods and services, such as medical services and supplies, has spiked, while demand for other goods and services, such as travel, has fallen. The future progression of the outbreak and its effects on our business and operations are uncertain.
Our business, operations and clinical development timelines and plans have been and could continue to be adversely affected by COVID-19, and could be adversely impacted by other health epidemics in regions where we have concentrations of clinical trial sites or other business operations, and could cause significant disruption in the operations of CROs upon whom we rely. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected multiple countries worldwide, including those where we have planned and ongoing preclinical studies and clinical trials. In addition, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many state, local and foreign governments have put in place quarantines, executive orders, shelter-in-place orders and similar government orders and restrictions in order to control the spread of the disease. Such orders or restrictions, and the perception that such orders or restrictions could continue or, after being lifted, be reinstated for a period of time, have resulted in business closures, work stoppages, slowdowns and delays, work-from-home policies, travel restrictions and cancellation of events, among other effects that could negatively impact productivity and disrupt our business and operations. We have implemented a work-from-home policy for our employees and have also implemented enhanced travel-safe policies for our employees travel to our clinical sites. We may take further actions that alter our operations as may be required by federal, state or local authorities, or which we determine are in the best interests of our employees.
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Moreover, our clinical development timelines and plans could be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as we and the third-party manufacturers and clinical research organizations that we engage may face disruptions. Site initiation and patient enrollment could be delayed or suspended due to prioritization of hospital resources toward the COVID-19 pandemic or patients not having a desire to enroll in clinical trials due to concerns regarding COVID-19. In addition, some patients may not be able to comply with clinical trial protocols and the ability to conduct follow up visits with treated patients may be limited if patients do not want to participate in follow up visits due to concerns regarding COVID-19 or if quarantines impede patient movement or interrupt healthcare services. There may be shortages in the raw materials used in the manufacturing of our product candidates or laboratory supplies for our preclinical studies and clinical trials, in each case, because of ongoing efforts to address the outbreak.
We cannot assure that the inability to collect such clinical data would not have an adverse impact on our clinical trial results. Similarly, our ability to recruit and retain patients and principal investigators and site staff who, as healthcare providers, may have heightened exposure to COVID-19 could be adversely impacted.
We may experience disruptions that could severely impact our business, preclinical studies, and clinical trials, including:
| delays in receiving approval from local regulatory authorities to initiate our planned clinical trials, including receiving any required investigational new drug applications, or INDs; |
| delays or difficulties in enrolling and retaining patients in our clinical trials; |
| delays or difficulties in clinical site initiation, including difficulties in recruiting clinical site investigators and clinical site staff; |
| manufacturing disruptions; |
| delays in clinical sites receiving the supplies and materials needed to conduct our clinical trials; |
| delays in the transport of clinical trial materials; |
| changes in local regulations as part of a response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic which may require us to change the ways in which our clinical trials are conducted, which may result in unexpected costs, or to discontinue the clinical trials altogether; |
| diversion of healthcare resources away from the conduct of clinical trials, including the diversion of hospitals serving as our clinical trial sites and hospital staff supporting the conduct of our clinical trials; |
| difficulties recruiting or retaining patients for our planned clinical trials if patients are affected by the virus or are fearful of visiting or traveling to clinical trial sites because of the outbreak; |
| interruption of or changes in key clinical trial activities, such as clinical trial site monitoring, implementation of virtual monitoring, use of local testing labs, or home delivery of study drugs, due to limitations on travel imposed or recommended by federal or state governments, employers and others, use of new digital technologies for subject visits or interruption of clinical trial subject visits and study procedures, the occurrence of which could affect the integrity of clinical trial data; |
| risk that participants enrolled in our clinical trials will acquire COVID-19 while the clinical trial is ongoing, which could impact the results of the clinical trial, including by increasing the number of observed adverse events; |
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| delays in necessary interactions with local regulators, ethics committees and other important agencies and contractors due to limitations in employee resources or forced furlough of government employees; |
| limitations in employee resources that would otherwise be focused on the conduct of our clinical trials, including because of sickness of employees or their families or the desire of employees to avoid contact with large groups of people; |
| interruption or delays in the operations of the FDA which may impact review and approval timelines; |
| delays in regulatory approvals for our product candidates due to the FDA focusing on clinical trials related to therapies and vaccines targeting COVID-19; |
| refusal of the FDA to accept data, including from clinical trials in affected geographies or failure to comply with updated FDA guidance and expectations related to the conduct of clinical trials during the COVID-19 pandemic; and |
| interruption or delays to our sourced discovery and clinical activities. |
The response to the COVID-19 pandemic may redirect resources with respect to regulatory matters in a way that would adversely impact our ability to pursue marketing approvals. In addition, we may face impediments to regulatory meetings and potential approvals due to measures intended to limit in-person interactions. Furthermore, third parties, including manufacturers, medical institutions, clinical investigators, CROs and consultants with whom we conduct business, are similarly adjusting their operations and assessing their capacity in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. If these third parties continue to experience shutdowns or business disruptions, our ability to conduct our business in the manner and on the timelines presently planned could be materially and negatively impacted.
The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our business, clinical trials, results of operations and financial condition will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including, but not limited to, the duration of the pandemic, its severity, the actions to contain the virus or address its impact, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating activities can resume. Further, while the potential economic impact brought by and the duration of COVID-19 may be difficult to assess or predict, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant disruptions of global financial markets, which could reduce our ability to access capital, which could in the future negatively affect our liquidity. To the extent the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects our business, clinical trials, results of operations and financial condition, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in this Risk Factors section.
The ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or a similar health epidemic is highly uncertain and subject to change.
Raising additional capital may cause dilution to our stockholders, including purchasers of common stock in this offering, restrict our operations or require us to relinquish rights to our technologies or product candidates.
Until such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial product revenue, we expect to finance our cash needs through possible combinations of equity offerings, debt financings, collaborations, strategic alliances and licensing arrangements. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, your ownership interest will be diluted and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect your rights as a common stockholder. Debt financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt or liens, making acquisitions, selling or licensing our assets, redeeming our stock, making certain investments, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends.
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If we raise funds through collaborations, strategic alliances or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams, research programs or product candidates or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. If we raise funds through research grants, we may be subject to certain requirements, which may limit our ability to use the funds or require us to share information from our research and development. Raising additional capital through any of these or other means could adversely affect our business and the holdings or rights of our stockholders, and may cause the market price of our shares to decline. If we are unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our product development or future commercialization efforts or grant rights to develop and market product candidates that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves.
Our future success depends on our ability to retain key employees, consultants and advisors and to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel.
We are highly dependent on the expertise of our executive officers, as well as the other members of our scientific and clinical teams and certain advisors to develop and soundly execute our business strategy. Although we have employment offer letters with each of our executive officers, each of them may terminate their employment with us at any time. We do not maintain key person insurance for any of our executives or employees.
Recruiting and retaining qualified scientific and clinical personnel and, if we are successful in obtaining marketing approval for TP-03 or other product candidates, sales and marketing personnel, are critical to our success. The loss of the services of our executive officers or other key employees could impede the achievement of our research, development and commercialization objectives and seriously harm our ability to successfully implement our business strategy. Furthermore, replacing executive officers and key employees may be difficult and may take an extended period of time because of the limited number of individuals in our industry with the breadth of skills and experience required to successfully develop, gain regulatory approval for and commercialize our product candidates. Competition to hire qualified personnel in our industry is intense, and we may be unable to hire, train, retain or motivate these key personnel on acceptable terms given the competition among numerous pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies for similar personnel.
Furthermore, to the extent we hire personnel from competitors, we may be subject to allegations that they have been improperly solicited or that they have divulged proprietary or other confidential information, or that their former employers own their research output. We also experience competition for the hiring of scientific and clinical personnel from universities and research institutions. In addition, we rely on consultants and advisors, including scientific and clinical advisors, to assist us in formulating our research and development and commercialization strategy. Our consultants and advisors may be employed by employers other than us and may have commitments under consulting or advisory contracts with other entities that may limit their availability to us. If we are unable to continue to attract and retain high quality personnel, our ability to pursue our growth strategy will be limited, and our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
Many of our employees have become or will soon become vested in a substantial amount of our common stock or a number of common stock options. Our employees may be more likely to leave us if the shares they own have significantly appreciated in value relative to the original purchase prices of the shares, or if the exercise prices of the options that they hold are significantly below the market price of our common stock, particularly after the expiration of the lock-up agreements described herein. Our future success also depends on our ability to continue to attract and retain additional executive officers and other key employees.
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We will need to develop and expand our company, and we may encounter difficulties in managing this development and expansion, which could disrupt our operations.
In connection with becoming a public company, we expect to increase our number of employees and the scope of our operations. To manage our anticipated development and expansion, we must continue to implement and improve our managerial, operational and financial systems, expand our facilities and continue to recruit and train additional qualified personnel. Also, our management may need to divert a disproportionate amount of its attention away from its day-to-day activities and devote a substantial amount of time to managing these development activities. This may result in weaknesses in our infrastructure, give rise to operational mistakes, loss of business opportunities, loss of employees and reduced productivity among remaining employees. If our management is unable to effectively manage our expected development and expansion, our expenses may increase more than expected, our ability to generate revenue could be reduced and we may not be able to implement our business strategy. Our future financial performance and our ability to commercialize our product candidates, if approved, and compete effectively will depend, in part, on our ability to effectively manage the future development and expansion of our company.
We may not realize the benefits of any acquisitions, in-license or other collaborations or strategic alliances that we enter into.
We may form or seek strategic alliances, create joint ventures or collaborations or enter into additional licensing arrangements with third parties that we believe will complement or augment our development and commercialization efforts with respect to our product candidates and any future product candidates that we may develop. Any of these relationships may require us to incur non-recurring and other charges, increase our near and long-term expenditures, issue securities that dilute our existing stockholders or disrupt our management and business. In addition, we face significant competition in seeking appropriate strategic partners and the negotiation process is time-consuming and complex. Moreover, we may not be successful in our efforts to establish a strategic partnership or other alternative arrangements for our product candidates because we are unable to agree on commercial terms, or because third parties may not view our product candidates as having the requisite potential to demonstrate safety and efficacy. If we license products or businesses, we may not be able to realize the benefit of such transactions if we are unable to successfully integrate them with our existing operations and company culture. We cannot be certain that, following a strategic transaction or license, we will achieve the revenue or specific net income that justifies such transaction. Any delays in entering into new strategic partnership agreements related to our product candidates could delay the development and commercialization of our product candidates in certain geographies for certain indications, which would harm our business prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
We expect to expand our development, regulatory and operational capabilities and potentially implement sales, marketing and distribution capabilities and, as a result, we may encounter difficulties in managing our growth, which could disrupt our operations.
As of June 30, 2020, we had 12 full-time employees. As we advance our research and development programs, we expect to experience significant growth in the number of our employees and the scope of our operations, particularly in the areas of clinical development, quality, regulatory affairs, manufacturing and quality control and, if any of our product candidates receives marketing approval, sales, marketing and distribution. To manage our anticipated future growth, we must:
| identify, recruit, integrate, maintain and motivate additional qualified personnel; |
| manage our development efforts effectively, including the initiation and conduct of clinical trials for our product candidates; and |
| improve our operational, financial and management controls, reporting systems and procedures. |
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Our future financial performance and our ability to develop, manufacture and commercialize our product candidates will depend, in part, on our ability to effectively manage any future growth, and our management may also have to divert financial and other resources, and a disproportionate amount of its attention away from day-to-day activities in order to devote a substantial amount of time, to managing these growth activities. If we do not effectively manage the expansion of our operations, we could experience weaknesses in our infrastructure, operational mistakes, loss of business opportunities, loss of employees and reduced productivity among remaining employees. The expansion of our operations also could lead to significant costs and may divert our management and business development resources. Any inability to manage growth could delay the execution of our business plans or disrupt our operations.
We currently rely, and for the foreseeable future will continue to rely, in substantial part on certain third-party contract organizations, advisors and consultants to provide certain services, including assuming substantial responsibilities for the conduct of our clinical trials and the manufacture of our product candidates. We cannot assure you that the services of such third-party contract organizations, advisors and consultants will continue to be available to us on a timely basis when needed, or that we can find qualified replacements. In addition, if we are unable to effectively manage our outsourced activities or if the quality or accuracy of the services provided by our vendors or consultants is compromised for any reason, our clinical trials may be extended, delayed or terminated, and we may not be able to obtain marketing approval of our product candidates or otherwise advance our business. We cannot assure you that we will be able to properly manage our existing vendors or consultants or find other competent outside vendors and consultants on economically reasonable terms, or at all.
Many of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies that we compete against for qualified personnel and consultants have greater financial and other resources, different risk profiles and a longer history in the industry than we do. If we are unable to continue to attract and retain high quality personnel and consultants, the rate and success at which we can discover and develop product candidates and operate our business will be limited. If we are not able to effectively expand our organization by hiring new employees and expanding our groups of consultants and contractors, we may not be able to successfully implement the tasks necessary to further develop and commercialize our product candidates and, accordingly, may not achieve our research, development and commercialization goals.
We may engage in acquisitions or strategic partnerships that could disrupt our business, cause dilution to our stockholders, reduce our financial resources, cause or to incur debt or assume contingent liabilities, and subject us to other risks.
In the future, we may enter into transactions to acquire other businesses, products or technologies or enter into strategic partnerships, including licensing. If we do identify suitable acquisition or partnership candidates, we may not be able to make such acquisitions or partnerships on favorable terms, or at all. Any acquisitions or partnerships we make may not strengthen our competitive position, and these transactions may be viewed negatively by customers or investors. We may decide to incur debt in connection with an acquisition or issue our common stock or other equity securities to the stockholders of the acquired company, which would reduce the percentage ownership of our existing stockholders. For example, pursuant to the terms of the license agreement with Elanco granting us a worldwide, sublicensable license for the development and marketing of lotilaner for all applications in humans outside the treatment or cure of any eye or skin condition in humans, or the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement, if is not terminated, or if we have not provided notice to terminate the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement, within 18 months of its effective date, we will be required to issue Elanco additional shares of our common stock equating to $3.0 million of aggregate value, based on the per share value of the price in this offering.
We could incur losses resulting from undiscovered liabilities of the acquired business or partnership that are not covered by the indemnification we may obtain from the seller or our partner. In addition, we may not be able to successfully integrate any acquired personnel, technologies and operations into our existing business in an
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effective, timely and non-disruptive manner. Acquisitions or partnerships may also divert management attention from day-to-day responsibilities, lead to a loss of key personnel, increase our expenses and reduce our cash available for operations and other uses. We cannot predict the number, timing or size of future acquisitions or partnerships or the effect that any such transactions might have on our operating results.
We or the third parties upon whom we depend may be adversely affected by earthquakes, fires or other natural disasters and our business continuity and disaster recovery plans may not adequately protect us from a serious disaster.
Earthquakes or other natural disasters could severely disrupt our operations, and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. If a natural disaster, power outage or other event occurred that prevented us from using all or a significant portion of our headquarters, that damaged critical infrastructure, such as the manufacturing facilities of our third-party contract manufacturers, or that otherwise disrupted operations, it may be difficult or, in certain cases, impossible for us to continue our business for a substantial period of time. The disaster recovery and business continuity plans we have in place currently are limited and are unlikely to prove adequate in the event of a serious disaster or similar event. We may incur substantial expenses as a result of the limited nature of our disaster recovery and business continuity plans, which, particularly when taken together with our lack of earthquake insurance, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Unfavorable global economic conditions could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our results of operations could be adversely affected by general conditions in the global economy and in the global financial markets. The recent global financial crisis caused extreme volatility and disruptions in the capital and credit markets. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions to the U.S., regional and global economies and has contributed to significant volatility and negative pressure in financial markets. A severe or prolonged economic downturn, or any prolonged economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, could result in a variety of risks to our business, including reduced ability to raise additional capital when needed on acceptable terms, if at all. A weak or declining economy could also strain our suppliers, possibly resulting in supply disruption. Any of the foregoing could harm our business and we cannot anticipate all of the ways in which the current economic climate and financial market conditions could adversely impact our business.
Our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards and certain other tax attributes may be limited.
We have incurred substantial losses during our history which we expect to continue, do not expect to become profitable in the near future, and we may never achieve profitability. Under Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, if a corporation undergoes an ownership change, generally defined as a greater than 50 percentage point change (by value) in its equity ownership by certain stockholders over a three-year period, the corporations ability to use its pre-change net operating loss carryforwards, or NOLs, and other pre-change tax attributes (such as research tax credits) to offset its post-change income or taxes may be limited. We have not yet completed an ownership change analysis. If a requisite ownership change occurs, the amount of remaining tax attribute carryforwards available to offset taxable income and reduce income tax expense in future years may be restricted or eliminated. Similar provisions of state tax law may also apply to limit our use of accumulated state tax attributes. 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. As a result, even if we attain profitability, we may be unable to use a material portion of our NOLs and other tax attributes, which could adversely affect our future cash flows.
U.S. federal income tax reform and the implementation of such reforms could adversely affect us.
On December 22, 2017, the United States enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, or the TCJA, that significantly reformed the Code. The TCJA, among other things, includes contained significant changes to
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corporate taxation, including a reduction of the corporate tax rate from a top marginal rate of 35% to a flat rate of 21%, the limitation of the tax deduction for net interest expense to 30% of adjusted earnings (except for certain small businesses), the limitation of the deduction for NOLs arising in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 to 80% of current year taxable income and elimination of NOL carrybacks for losses arising in taxable years ending after December 31, 2017 (though any such NOLs may be carried forward indefinitely), the imposition of a one-time taxation of offshore earnings at reduced rates regardless of whether they are repatriated, the elimination of U.S. tax on foreign earnings (subject to certain important exceptions), the allowance of immediate deductions for certain new investments instead of deductions for depreciation expense over time, and the modification or repeal of many business deductions and credits. The financial statements contained herein reflect the effects of the TCJA based on current guidance. However, there remain uncertainties and ambiguities in the application of certain provisions of the TCJA, and, as a result, we made certain judgments and assumptions in the interpretation thereof.
As part of Congresss response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, or the FFCR Act, was enacted on March 18, 2020, and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or the CARES Act, was enacted on March 27, 2020. Both contain numerous tax provisions. In particular, the CARES Act retroactively and temporarily (for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2021) suspends application of the 80%-of-income limitation on the use of NOLs, which was enacted as part of the TCJA. It also provides that NOLs arising in any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2021 are generally eligible to be carried back up to five years. The CARES Act also temporarily (for taxable years beginning in 2019 or 2020) relaxes the limitation of the tax deductibility for net interest expense by increasing the limitation from 30% to 50% of adjusted taxable income.
Regulatory guidance under the TCJA, the FFCR Act and the CARES Act is and continues to be forthcoming, and such guidance could ultimately increase or lessen impact of these laws on our business and financial condition. It is also likely that Congress will enact additional tax legislation in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, some of which could have an impact on our company. In addition, it is uncertain if and to what extent various states will conform to the TCJA, the FFCR Act or the CARES Act.
Risks Related to Development and Commercialization of Our Product Candidates
Clinical drug development is a lengthy, expensive and risky process with uncertain timelines and uncertain outcomes, and results of earlier studies and trials may not be predictive of future results. If clinical trials of our product candidates, particularly TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis, do not meet safety or efficacy endpoints or are prolonged or delayed, we may be unable to obtain required regulatory approvals, and therefore be unable to commercialize our product candidates on a timely basis or at all.
Before obtaining marketing approval from regulatory authorities for the sale of our product candidates, we must conduct extensive clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the product candidates in humans. The research and development of drugs is an extremely risky industry. Only a small percentage of product candidates that enter the development process ever receive marketing approval. Failure or delay can occur at any time during the clinical trial process. To date, we have focused substantially all of our efforts and financial resources on identifying, acquiring, and developing our product candidates, including conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials. Clinical testing is expensive and can take many years to complete, and we cannot be certain that any clinical trials will be conducted as planned or completed on schedule, if at all. Furthermore, product candidates are subject to continued preclinical safety studies, which may be conducted concurrently with our clinical testing. The outcomes of these safety studies may delay the launch of or enrollment in future clinical trials and could impact our ability to continue to conduct our clinical trials. Our inability to successfully complete preclinical and clinical development could result in additional costs to us and negatively impact our ability to generate revenue. Our future success is dependent on our ability to successfully develop, obtain regulatory approval for, and then successfully commercialize product candidates. We currently generate no revenues from sales of any products, and we may never be able to develop or commercialize a marketable product.
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We have not yet completed any Phase 2b/3 or Phase 3 trials for any product candidate. The results of preclinical and early clinical trials of our product candidates and other products with the same mechanism of action may not be predictive of the results of later-stage clinical trials. For example, we may not be able to replicate the safety and efficacy results of our Phase 2 clinical trials for Demodex blepharitis in our Phase 2b/3 trial, Saturn-1, or our Phase 3 trial, Saturn-2. Clinical trial failure may result from a multitude of factors including flaws in trial design, dose selection, placebo effect, patient enrollment criteria, relatively smaller sample size in earlier trials, and failure to demonstrate favorable safety or efficacy traits. As such, failure in clinical trials can occur at any stage of testing. A number of companies in the biopharmaceutical industry have suffered setbacks in the advancement of clinical trials due to lack of efficacy or adverse safety profiles, notwithstanding promising results in earlier trials, and we cannot be certain that we will not face similar setbacks. Based upon negative or inconclusive results, we may decide, or regulators may require us, to conduct additional clinical trials or preclinical studies. In addition, data obtained from clinical trials are susceptible to varying interpretations, and regulators may not interpret our data as favorably as we do, which may further delay, limit or prevent marketing approval. Furthermore, as more product candidates within a particular class of drugs proceed through clinical development to regulatory review and approval, the amount and type of clinical data that may be required by regulatory authorities may increase or change. The outcome of preclinical testing and early clinical trials may not be predictive of the success of later clinical trials, and preliminary or interim results of a clinical trial do not necessarily predict final results. For example, our product candidates may fail to show the desired safety and efficacy in clinical development despite positive results in preclinical studies or having successfully advanced through initial clinical trials. The failure of any of our product candidates to demonstrate safety and efficacy in any clinical trial could negatively impact the perception of our other product candidates or cause regulatory authorities to require additional testing before approving any of our product candidates.
We currently have one product candidate, TP-03, in clinical development and its risk of failure is high. For example, use of TP-03 requires the patient to follow a prescribed technique to administer the eye drops. Failure to properly administer the eye drops by the patient or inappropriate technique demonstration by the eye care practitioners, may adversely affect the outcome of TP-03 in demonstrating efficacy in one or more clinical trials. We are unable to predict if this product candidate or any of our future product candidates that advance into clinical trials will prove safe or effective in humans or will obtain marketing approval. If we are unable to complete preclinical or clinical trials of current or future product candidates, due to safety concerns, or if the results of these trials are not satisfactory to convince regulatory authorities of their safety or efficacy, we will not be able to obtain marketing approval for commercialization. Even if we are able to obtain marketing approvals for any of our product candidates, those approvals may be for indications that are not as broad as desired or may contain other limitations that would adversely affect our ability to generate revenue from sales of those products. Moreover, if we are not able to differentiate our product against other approved products within the same class of drugs, or if any of the other circumstances described above occur, our business would be materially harmed and our ability to generate revenue from that class of drugs would be severely impaired.
Each of our product candidates will require additional clinical development, management of clinical, preclinical (for some of our product candidates) and manufacturing activities, regulatory approval in multiple jurisdictions, achieving and maintaining commercial-scale supply, building of a commercial organization, substantial investment and significant marketing efforts before we generate any revenues from product sales. We are not permitted to market or promote any of our product candidates before we receive regulatory approval from the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities, and we may never receive such regulatory approval for any of our product candidates. We may experience delays in our ongoing clinical trials, and we do not know whether planned clinical trials will begin on time, need to be redesigned, enroll patients on time or be completed on schedule, if at all. For example, the FDA has recommended that for TP-03 we conduct carcinogenicity testing as well as embryofetal development studies in a second species. Any further recommendations by the FDA could cause delay of any regulatory approval by the FDA and cause our expenses to increase. We may experience numerous unforeseen events during, or as a result of, clinical trials that could delay or prevent our ability to
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receive marketing approval or commercialize TP-03, our other product candidates, or any other product candidates that we may develop, including:
| we may experience delays in or failure to reach agreement on acceptable terms with prospective CROs, vendors and clinical sites, the terms of which can be subject to extensive negotiation and may vary significantly among different CROs, vendors and trial sites; |
| we may fail to obtain sufficient enrollment in our clinical trials, our enrollment needs may grow larger than we anticipate, or participants may fail to complete our clinical trials at a higher rate than we anticipate; |
| clinical trials of our product candidates may produce negative or inconclusive results, and we may decide, or regulators may require us, to conduct additional clinical trials or abandon product development programs; |
| we may decide, or regulators or institutional review boards or ethics committees may require us, to suspend or terminate clinical research for various reasons, including noncompliance with regulatory requirements or a finding that the participants are being exposed to unacceptable health risks; |
| regulators or institutional review boards or ethics committees may not authorize us or our investigators to commence a clinical trial at a prospective clinical trial site or at all or may require us to perform additional or unanticipated clinical trials to obtain approval or we may be subject to additional post-marketing testing requirements to maintain regulatory approval; |
| regulators may revise the requirements for approving our product candidates, or such requirements may not be as we anticipate; |
| the cost of clinical trials of our product candidates may be greater than we anticipate, and we may need to delay or suspend one or more trials until we complete additional financing transactions or otherwise receive adequate funding; |
| the supply or quality of our product candidates or other materials necessary to conduct clinical trials of our product candidates may be insufficient or inadequate or may be delayed; |
| our product candidates may have undesirable side effects or other unexpected characteristics, causing us or our investigators, regulators or institutional review boards or ethics committees to suspend or terminate trials; |
| regulatory authorities may determine that the planned design of our clinical trials is flawed or inadequate; |
| regulatory authorities may suspend or withdraw their approval of a product or impose restrictions on its distribution; |
| we may not be able to timely or at all obtain INDs for a product candidate; |
| we may modify a preclinical study or clinical trial protocol; |
| third-party contractors may fail to comply with regulatory requirements or meet their contractual obligations to us in a timely manner, or at all; |
| we may be unable to establish clinical endpoints that applicable regulatory authorities consider clinically meaningful, or, if we seek accelerated approval, biomarker efficacy endpoints that applicable regulatory authorities consider likely to predict clinical benefit; |
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| we may experience delays due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including with respect to the conduct of ongoing clinical trials, receipt of product candidates or other materials, submission of New Drug Applications, or NDAs, filing of INDs, and starting any clinical trials for other indications or programs; and |
| we may experience manufacturing delays due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic in our supply chain caused by a shortage of raw materials, a lack of employees on site at our suppliers due to illness, or a lack of productivity at our suppliers due to local or national government quarantine restrictions on coming to the workplace. |
If we are required to conduct additional clinical trials or other testing of our product candidates beyond those that we currently contemplate, if we are unable to successfully complete clinical trials of our product candidates or other testing, if the results of these trials or tests are not positive or are only modestly positive, if there are safety concerns or if we determine that the observed safety or efficacy profile would not be competitive in the marketplace, we may:
| incur unplanned costs; |
| be delayed in obtaining marketing approval for our product candidates; |
| not obtain marketing approval at all; |
| obtain marketing approval in some countries and not in others; |
| obtain approval for indications or patient populations that are not as broad as intended or desired; |
| obtain approval with labeling that includes significant use or distribution restrictions or safety warnings; |
| be subject to additional post-marketing testing requirements; or |
| have the product removed from the market after obtaining marketing approval. |
We cannot be certain whether any of our planned clinical trials will begin on schedule or any preclinical studies we plan to initiate will begin on our intended schedule, or whether any such studies or clinical trials will need to be restructured or will be completed on schedule, or at all. If we experience delays in the completion of, or termination of, any clinical trial of our product candidates, or are unable to achieve clinical endpoints due to unforeseen events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the commercial prospects of our product candidates will be harmed, and our ability to generate product revenues from any of these product candidates will be delayed. In addition, any delays in completing our clinical trials will increase our costs, slow down our product candidate development and approval process and jeopardize our ability to commence product sales and generate revenues. Significant clinical trial delays could also allow our competitors to bring products to market before we do or shorten any periods during which we have the exclusive right to commercialize our product candidates and impair our ability to commercialize our product candidates and may harm our business and results of operations.
Even if TP-03 or any other product candidate that we develop receives marketing approval, we may not be successful in educating ECPs and the market about the need for treatments specifically for Demodex blepharitis and other diseases or conditions targeted by our product candidates, and TP-03 or other product candidates that we may develop may fail to achieve market acceptance by ECPs, other healthcare providers and patients, or adequate formulary coverage, pricing or reimbursement by third-party payors and others in the medical community, and the market opportunity for these products may be smaller than we estimate.
If TP-03 or any other product candidate that we are developing or develop receives marketing approval, it may nonetheless fail to gain sufficient market acceptance by ECPs or other healthcare providers, patients,
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third-party payors and others in the medical community. There is no approved prescription therapeutic for Demodex blepharitis and current treatments include over-the-counter and off-label remedies such as tea tree oil, lid wipes and artificial tears, as well as off-label prescription products. Efforts to educate the medical community, patients and third-party payors on the benefits of our product candidates may require significant resources and may not be successful.
Further, even if TP-03 demonstrates promising or superior clinical results and receives FDA or other regulatory marketing approval, including the treatment of both signs and symptoms of Demodex blepharitis, ECPs and potential patients may not have sufficient information about, or recognize the need for a treatment specifically targeting Demodex blepharitis, it is possible that ECPs may continue to rely on other treatments for treating symptoms consistent with Demodex blepharitis. A key tenant of our commercialization strategy is to educate ECPs on Demodex blepharitis and how to diagnose it with a simple slit lamp examination as well as raise patient awareness of Demodex blepharitis. However, our efforts may prove to be unsuccessful, and we may not be able to develop this new market for which there is no approved treatment. If TP-03 receives FDA or other regulatory marketing approval, we may still not achieve success in promotional efforts for TP-03, and ECPs may continue to use existing treatments rather than TP-03 or any other product candidate and potential patients may not inquire as to TP-03. It is also possible that ECPs and patients may not be willing to adopt TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis because of the likelihood that the disease will recur despite mite eradication and the necessity for periodic use of TP-03.
In addition, if generic versions of any products that compete with any of our product candidates are approved for marketing by the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities, they would likely be offered at a substantially lower price than we expect to offer for our product candidates, if approved. As a result, ECPs, patients and third-party payors may choose to rely on such products rather than our product candidates.
If TP-03 or any other product candidate that we develop does not achieve an adequate level of acceptance, formulary coverage, pricing or reimbursement we may not generate significant product revenues and we may not become profitable. The degree of market acceptance of TP-03 or any other product candidate that we develop, if approved for commercial sale, will depend on a number of factors, including:
| the efficacy, safety and potential advantages of our product candidates compared to alternative treatments, including the existing standard of care, and the perceptions by members of the healthcare community of the same; |
| our ability to offer our products for sale at competitive prices, particularly in light of the lower cost of alternative treatments; |
| the clinical indications for which the product is approved; |
| the convenience and ease of administration compared to alternative treatments; |
| the willingness of the target patient population to try new therapies and of ECPs to prescribe these therapies; |
| the strength and effectiveness of our marketing and distribution support, which may be adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; |
| publicity concerning our products or competing products and treatments; |
| the timing of market introduction of competitive products; |
| the perception by patients or physicians that the diseases we are targeting, including Demodex blepharitis, are not burdensome; |
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| the potential for our competitors to limit our access to the market through anti-competitive contracts or other arrangements; |
| the availability of third-party formulary coverage and adequate reimbursement; |
| product labeling or product insert requirements of the FDA or other regulatory authorities; |
| the prevalence and severity of any side effects; and |
| any restrictions on the use of our products, if approved, together with other medications. |
Our product candidates still require significant testing. We only recently began clinical trials to test TP-03 in humans and, as a company, we have limited experience in this area.
Most of our operations to date have been limited to preclinical studies and clinical trials. We have completed Phase 2 clinical trials for TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis and have commenced our Phase 2b/3 clinical trial for the same indication, Saturn-1, for TP-03 in September 2020 and expect to initiate our Phase 3 clinical trial, Saturn-2, for TP-03 in 2021 and initiate clinical trials for our other product candidate in the future. As a result, we will need to expand our clinical operations, quality and regulatory capabilities to support these activities.
Additionally, we are early in our development efforts for certain of our product candidates and indications, including TP-03 for the treatment of MGD, TP-04 for the treatment of rosacea and TP-05 for potential Lyme prophylaxis and community malaria reduction. The risk of failure for product candidates in early development is high. Extensive clinical trials are necessary to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of such product candidates in humans. Clinical trials may fail to demonstrate that such product candidates are safe for humans and effective for indicated uses. Further, we intend to leverage data from the TP-03 preclinical studies and clinical safety assessments for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis to satisfy the preclinical study requirements for TP-04 and TP-05 and other indications. For MGD, we intend to rely on preclinical studies and clinical safety assessments from the Demodex blepharitis program. We have not conducted and do not intend to conduct any preclinical studies with TP-03 for the treatment of MGD in order to advance to Phase 2a. For our preservative-free formulation of Demodex blepharitis, we intend to leverage all preclinical, Phase 2 and Phase 3 data from TP-03 Demodex blepharitis program. We intend to conduct in vitro or in vivo bioequivalence studies with our preservative-free formulation to compare it to the current preserved formulation of TP-03 in Demodex blepharitis after NDA submission and file a supplement. For rosacea, we intend to leverage data from TP-03 preclinical studies and augment with additional preclinical studies to select formulation in order to advance to Phase 1/2. We have not conducted any preclinical studies in rosacea with TP-04 to date. In relation to Lyme disease and malaria, we intend to leverage data from our TP-03 preclinical studies for Demodex blepharitis as well as third-party preclinical studies for Lyme disease or malaria, respectively (and will not conduct our own preclinical studies for Lyme disease and malaria). Subject to FDA feedback, we intend to conduct Phase 1/2 trials in rosacea, Lyme disease and malaria based on these preclinical studies. In relation to malaria, we may conduct our Phase 1/2 trial outside the United States. The FDA may reject our use of data from TP-03 preclinical studies for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis for other indications or require additional studies to augment the data to advance for clinical development. The FDA may also reject our use of data from preclinical studies conducted by third parties for Lyme disease and malaria and require us to conduct additional preclinical studies before advancing to clinical trials. In addition, data from preclinical studies conducted by third parties may not be as reliable as data from studies conducted by us and since we did not conduct the studies, there may be weaknesses in the studies design or results that we may not be aware of.
In part because of our limited infrastructure, experience conducting clinical trials as a company and regulatory interactions, we cannot be certain that our clinical trials will be completed on time, that our planned clinical trials will be initiated on time, if at all, that our planned development programs would be acceptable to
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the FDA or other comparable foreign regulatory authorities, or that, if approval is obtained, such product candidates can be successfully commercialized.
Our clinical trials to date have been small, and we may not be able to replicate our results from completed trials in Phase 3 trials.
Our clinical trials conducted to date, including for TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis, have been small, each with fewer than 60 persons, and have advanced through Phase 1 and Phase 2. For example, the clinical trial which had the highest patient population to date was our Phase 2b Europa clinical trial, which enrolled 54 patients. Our Phase 2b/3 and Phase 3 clinical trials, Saturn-1 and Saturn-2, will be conducted with larger patient populations to evaluate TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis, in which we expect to enroll at least 350 patients each. In these later trials, additional risks, including previously unidentified low incidence safety risks or lack of efficacy may materialize. Adverse or inconclusive results in these later clinical trials may, despite initially promising results, result in such product candidate not receiving requisite approvals for marketing and sale, and there is a risk that additional clinical trials will be required to obtain such approvals or that our clinical development program will be required to be altered, which would result in increased costs, significant delays to filing with regulatory authorities, filing for a narrower indication than previously anticipated or the abandonment of efforts to commercialization such product candidate.
If we encounter difficulties or delays enrolling patients in our clinical trials, our clinical development activities could be delayed or otherwise adversely affected.
We may experience difficulties in patient enrollment in our clinical trials for a variety of reasons. The timely completion of clinical trials in accordance with their protocols depends, among other things, on our ability to enroll a sufficient number of patients who remain in the study until its conclusion. We may experience difficulties in patient enrollment in our clinical trials for a variety of reasons. The enrollment of patients depends on many factors, including:
| the patient eligibility criteria defined in the protocol; |
| size of the patient population required for analysis of the trials primary endpoints; |
| the proximity of patients to study sites; |
| the design of the trial; |
| our ability to recruit clinical trial investigators with the appropriate competencies and experience; |
| clinicians and patients perceptions as to the potential advantages of the product candidate being studied in relation to other available therapies, including any new drugs that may be approved for the indications we are investigating; |
| our ability to obtain and maintain patient consents; |
| costs to, or lack of adequate compensation for, prospective patients; |
| difficulties of enrolling patients or patients continuing to participate in follow-up visits due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; and |
| the risk that patients enrolled in clinical trials will drop out of the trials before completion. |
In addition, our clinical trials may compete with other clinical trials for product candidates that are in the same therapeutic areas as our product candidates, and this competition would reduce the number and types of
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patients available to us, because some patients who might have opted to enroll in our trials may instead opt to enroll in a trial being conducted by one of our competitors. Since the number of qualified clinical investigators is limited, we expect to conduct some of our clinical trials at the same clinical trial sites that some of our competitors use, which will reduce the number of patients who are available for our clinical trials in such clinical trial site. Moreover, potential patients and their doctors may be inclined to use existing therapies rather than enroll patients in any future clinical trial.
Delays in patient enrollment may result in increased costs or may affect the timing or outcome of the planned clinical trials, which could prevent completion of these trials and adversely affect our ability to advance the development of our product candidates.
Our current or future product candidates may cause significant adverse events, toxicities or other undesirable side effects which may delay or prevent marketing approval or cause us to abandon or limit further clinical development of those product candidates. In addition, if we obtain approval for any of our product candidates, significant adverse events, toxicities or other undesirable side effects may be identified during post-marketing surveillance, which could result in regulatory action or negatively affect our ability to market the product.
Adverse events or other undesirable side effects caused by our product candidates could cause us or regulatory authorities to interrupt, delay or halt clinical trials and could result in a more restrictive label or the delay or denial of regulatory approval by the FDA, the European Commission or other comparable foreign regulatory authorities.
During the conduct of clinical trials, subjects report changes in their health, including illnesses, injuries, and discomforts, to their study doctor. Often, it is not possible to determine whether or not the product candidate being studied caused these conditions. It is possible that as we test our product candidates in larger, longer and more extensive clinical trials, or as use of these product candidates becomes more widespread if they receive regulatory approval, illnesses, injuries, discomforts and other adverse events that were not observed in earlier trials, as well as conditions that did not occur or went undetected in previous trials, will be reported by subjects. Many times, side effects are only detectable after investigational products are tested in large-scale, Phase 3 clinical trials or, in some cases, after they are made available to subjects on a commercial scale after approval.
The most commonly reported adverse events in TP-03 to date were mild transient ocular burning after administration for less than 10 seconds. One patient in the Europa clinical trial also reported mild burning and blurriness after administration that lasted the entire treatment period. Our understanding of the relationship between our product candidates and these adverse events may change as we gather more information, and additional unexpected adverse events or an increase in adverse event rates may occur. If additional clinical experience indicates that TP-03 or any other product candidate has side effects or causes serious or life-threatening side effects, participant recruitment for trials and the ability of enrolled subjects to complete trials could be negatively impacted, and the development of the product candidate may fail or be delayed, which would severely harm our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition.
Additionally, if one or more of our product candidates receives marketing approval, and we or others later identify undesirable side effects or adverse events caused by such products, a number of potentially significant negative consequences could result, including, but not limited to:
| regulatory authorities may withdraw approvals of such product or require additional warnings on the label such as a black box warning or a contraindication, or issue safety alerts, Dear Healthcare Provider letters, press releases or other communications containing warnings or other safety information about the product; |
| the product may be seized by regulatory authorities; |
| there may be a recall of the product; |
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| we may be required to change the way the product is administered or conduct additional clinical trials or post-approval studies; |
| we may be required to create and implement a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy, or REMS, plan, which could include a medication guide outlining the risks of such side effects for distribution to patients, a communication plan for healthcare providers, including ECPs, and/or other elements to assure safe use; |
| the product may become less competitive; |
| we could be sued and held liable for harm caused to patients; and |
| our reputation may suffer and there may be resulting harm to physician or patient acceptance of our product. |
Any of these events could prevent us from achieving or maintaining market acceptance of the particular product candidate, if approved, and could significantly harm our business, results of operations, and prospects.
Any termination or suspension of, or delays in the commencement or completion of, our planned clinical trials could result in increased costs to us, delay or limit our ability to generate revenue and adversely affect our commercial prospects.
Before we can initiate clinical trials in the United States for our product candidates, we must submit the results of preclinical testing and any previous clinical studies to the FDA along with other information, including information about product candidate chemistry, manufacturing and controls, or CMC, and our proposed clinical trial protocol, as part of an IND. The initiation of clinical trials in the European Union, or the EU, Member States will be subject to similar requirements concerning approval by competent national authorities and the receipt of a positive opinion from the relevant ethics committees. We do not know whether our planned trials will begin on time or be completed on schedule, if at all. The commencement and completion of clinical trials can be delayed for a number of reasons, including delays related to:
| the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities placing the clinical trial on hold; |
| subjects failing to enroll or remain in our trial at the rate we expect; |
| subjects choosing an alternative treatment or other product candidates, or participating in competing clinical trials; |
| lack of adequate funding to continue the clinical trial; |
| subjects experiencing severe or unexpected drug-related adverse effects; |
| failure to demonstrate efficacy of the product; |
| any interruptions or delays in the supply of our product candidates for our clinical trials; |
| a facility manufacturing any of our product candidates or any of their components being ordered by the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities to temporarily or permanently shut down due to violations of good manufacturing practice, or cGMP, regulations or other applicable requirements, or infections or cross-contaminations of product candidates in the manufacturing process; |
| any changes to our manufacturing process that may be necessary or desired; |
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| any failure or delay in reaching an agreement with CROs, vendors and clinical trial sites; |
| third-party clinical investigators losing the licenses or permits necessary to perform our clinical trials, not performing our clinical trials on our anticipated schedule or consistent with the clinical trial protocol, good clinical practices, or GCP, or regulatory requirements or other third parties not performing data collection or analysis in a timely or accurate manner; |
| third-party contractors becoming debarred, disqualified or suspended or otherwise penalized by the FDA or other comparable foreign regulatory authorities for violations of applicable regulatory requirements, in which case we may need to find a substitute contractor, and we may not be able to use some or all of the data produced by such contractors in support of our marketing applications; |
| one or more Institutional Review Boards, or IRBs, other ethics committees refusing to approve, suspending or terminating the trial at an investigational site, precluding enrollment of additional subjects, or withdrawing its approval of the trial; or |
| changes in regulatory requirements and policies, which may require us to amend clinical trial protocols to comply with these changes and resubmit our clinical trial protocols to IRBs or ethics committees for reexamination. |
For example, while we have received, in connection with our IND application, a no-objection letter from the FDA regarding the trial design for Saturn-1, the FDA may still require additional studies be conducted prior to submitting an NDA for TP-03. For instance, we will also need to perform a pharmacokinetic study for TP-03 to support our NDA submission for Demodex blepharitis and the FDA is recommending carcinogenicity testing for TP-03 as well as embryofetal development studies in a second species, any result of which, or any additional requests by the FDA, could cause delays in regulatory approval by the FDA. Any delays in completing our clinical trials will increase our costs, slow down our product candidate development and approval process and jeopardize the commercial prospects of our product candidates and our ability to commence product sales and generate revenue.
In addition, many of the factors that cause, or lead to, termination or suspension of, or a delay in the commencement or completion of, clinical trials may also ultimately lead to the denial of regulatory approval of a product candidate. For example, if we make manufacturing or formulation changes to our product candidates, we may need to conduct additional studies to bridge our modified product candidates to earlier versions. Further, if one or more clinical trials are delayed, our competitors may be able to bring products to market before we do, and the commercial viability of our product candidates could be significantly reduced. Any of these occurrences may harm our business, financial condition and prospects significantly. Any termination of any clinical trial of our product candidates will harm our commercial prospects and our ability to generate revenue.
If we are unable to establish sales and marketing capabilities or enter into agreements with third parties to sell and market our product candidates on acceptable terms, we may be unable to successfully commercialize our product candidates that obtain regulatory approval.
We currently have a very limited marketing team and no sales team. In order to commercialize any product candidates, if approved, we must build marketing, sales, distribution, managerial and other non-technical capabilities or make arrangements with third parties to perform these services for each of the territories in which we may have approval to sell and market our product candidates. We may not be successful in accomplishing these required tasks.
Establishing an internal sales and marketing team with technical expertise and supporting distribution capabilities to commercialize our product candidates will be expensive and time-consuming, and will require significant attention of our executive officers to manage. Any failure or delay in the development of our internal
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sales, marketing and distribution capabilities could adversely impact the commercialization of any of our product candidates that we obtain approval to market, if we do not have arrangements in place with third parties to provide such services on our behalf. Alternatively, if we choose to collaborate, either globally or on a territory-by-territory basis, with third parties that have direct sales forces and established distribution systems, either to augment our own sales force and distribution systems or in lieu of our own sales force and distribution systems, we will be required to negotiate and enter into arrangements with such third parties relating to the proposed collaboration. If we are unable to enter into such arrangements when needed, on acceptable terms, or at all, we may not be able to successfully commercialize any of our product candidates that receive regulatory approval or any such commercialization may experience delays or limitations. If we are unable to successfully commercialize our approved product candidates, either on our own or through collaborations with one or more third parties, our future product revenue will suffer and we may incur significant additional losses.
The sizes of the market opportunities for our product candidates, particularly TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis and for the treatment of MGD, have not been established with precision and may be smaller than we estimate, possibly materially. If our estimates of the sizes overestimate these markets, our sales growth may be adversely affected. We may also not be able to grow the markets for our product candidates as intended or at all.
Our assessment of the potential market opportunity for TP-03 and other product candidates that we develop is based on industry and market data that we obtained from industry publications and research, surveys and studies conducted by third parties and our own internal epidemiology and market research studies. Industry publications and third-party research, surveys and studies generally indicate that their information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, although they do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information. While we believe these industry publications and third-party research, surveys and studies are reliable, we have not independently verified such data. Similarly, although the studies we have conducted are based on information that we believe to be complete and reliable, we cannot guarantee that such information is accurate or complete. The potential market opportunities for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis and for the treatment of MGD is difficult to precisely estimate, because patients often have multiple ocular surface diseases and the symptoms have significant overlap, leading to frequent misdiagnosis of the various conditions. Therefore, our estimates of the potential market opportunities for our product candidates include several key assumptions based on our industry knowledge, industry publications, third-party research and our own epidemiology studies and market research, which may be based on a small sample size and fail to accurately reflect market opportunities. While we believe that our internal assumptions and the bases of the studies and research we have conducted are reasonable, no independent source has verified such assumptions or bases. If any of our assumptions or estimates, or these publications, research, surveys or studies prove to be inaccurate, then the actual market for TP-03 or any of our other product candidates may be smaller than we expect, and as a result our product revenue may be limited and it may be more difficult for us to achieve or maintain profitability.
Due to the patients presenting at ECP clinics with multiple ocular surface diseases, there is overlap in market size estimates for blepharitis and MGD. Therefore, if TP-03 receives regulatory approval for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis and MGD, our opportunity could be less than our forecasts because the actual market for TP-03 might be significantly smaller than our estimates.
The market for blepharitis and Demodex blepharitis may be not be similar to the market for dry eye.
The markets for blepharitis and Demodex blepharitis may prove to be materially different from the dry eye market that grew significantly once there was an approved product. Even if we obtain approval for TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis and commercialize TP-03 in this indication, we may not be able to expand the market for Demodex blepharitis materially or at all or increase awareness of Demodex blepharitis to an extent similar to the dry eye market expansion induced by the commercial dry eye product or at all. Our inability to grow the market in a similar way to the dry eye market may occur due to differences in the underlying diseases, different ECP or patient attitudes towards the diseases, symptoms or treatment, changes over time in attitudes
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towards direct to patient marketing, different reimbursement and coverage, differences in company strategy, marketing or operations and differences in key assumptions which we have not taken into account in our analysis. Additionally, there may be differences in symptoms, regulatory approval and market dynamics. Dry eye had numerous over-the-counter options that reinforced the disease and promoted disease management. Further, patient awareness for dry eye may have been higher due to the various over-the-counter options for dry eye, which do not exist to such a degree for Demodex blepharitis.
We may not be able to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of TP-03, TP-04 and TP-05 in the indications we are pursuing even though the API underlying such product candidates is safe and effective in animals.
TP-03, TP-04 and TP-05 are presentations of lotilaner, the API, formulated into an eye drop, topical cream and oral formulation, respectively. Lotilaner, which is designed to paralyze and eradicate mites and other parasites through the inhibition of parasite-specific GABA-Cl channels, has been found to be safe and effective in animals. However, despite being safe and effective in animals, we may not be able to demonstrate that TP-03, TP-04 and TP-05 are safe and effective for human use in the indications we are pursuing for these product candidates. This may be in part because the requirements and regulations applicable to approval of a product candidate for human use are significantly more stringent than for animals and that there may be other ocular or other relevant differences between animals and humans.
We face significant competition, and if our competitors develop and market technologies or products more rapidly than we do or that are more effective, safer or less expensive than the product candidates we develop, our commercial opportunities will be negatively impacted. Our product candidates will, if approved, also compete with existing branded, generic and off-label products.
The development and commercialization of new drug products is highly competitive. We face competition with respect to our product candidates that we may seek to develop or commercialize in the future, from many different sources, including major pharmaceutical companies, specialty pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology companies worldwide and existing treatments. Potential competitors also include academic institutions, government agencies and other public and private research organizations that conduct research, seek patent protection and establish collaborative arrangements for research, development, manufacturing and commercialization.
Our commercial opportunity could be reduced or eliminated if our competitors develop and commercialize products that are safer, more effective, have fewer or less severe side effects, are more convenient or are less expensive than our products. Our competitors also may obtain FDA approval or other regulatory authority approval for their products more rapidly than we may obtain approval for ours, which could result in our competitors establishing a strong market position before we are able to enter the market.
In addition, our ability to compete may be affected in many cases by insurers or other third-party payors, particularly Medicare and the competent authorities of the individual EU Member States, seeking to encourage the use of generic products. Generic products are currently being used for certain of the indications that we are pursuing, and additional products are expected to become available on a generic basis over the coming years.
Many of the companies against which we are competing or against which we may compete in the future have significantly greater financial resources and expertise in research and development, manufacturing, preclinical testing, conducting clinical trials, obtaining regulatory approvals and marketing approved products than we do. Mergers and acquisitions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries may result in even more resources being concentrated among a smaller number of our competitors. Smaller and early stage companies may also prove to be significant competitors, particularly through collaborative arrangements with large and established companies. These third parties compete with us in recruiting and retaining qualified scientific and management personnel, establishing clinical trial sites and patient registration for clinical trials, as well as in acquiring technologies complementary to, or necessary for, our programs.
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Additionally, while there are no currently available on-label prescription pharmaceutical treatments available for the treatment of blepharitis or Demodex blepharitis specifically, a number of other treatments are currently available for the treatment of blepharitis in the United States. Current treatments for blepharitis in the United States include over the counter remedies such as tea tree oil, lid wipes and artificial tears, as well as off-label prescription products. If ECPs were to continue to prescribe these other existing treatments instead of TP-03, our business would be adversely affected.
Product liability lawsuits against us could cause us to incur substantial liabilities, could divert our resources and could limit or delay our commercialization of any product candidates that we may develop.
We face an inherent risk of product liability exposure related to the testing of our product candidates in human clinical trials and will face an even greater risk if we commercially sell any products that we may develop. While we currently have no products that have been approved for commercial sale, the use of product candidates by us in clinical trials, and the sale of any approved products in the future, may expose us to liability claims. These claims might be made by patients that use the product, healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies or others selling such products. On occasion, large judgments have been awarded in class action lawsuits based on products that had unanticipated adverse effects. If we cannot successfully defend ourselves against claims that our product candidates or products caused injuries, we could incur substantial liabilities. Regardless of merit or eventual outcome, product liability claims may result in:
| delay, variation or termination of clinical trials; |
| decreased demand for any product candidates or products that we may develop; |
| withdrawal of regulatory approval, recall, restriction on the approval or a black box warning or contraindication for an approved drug; |
| injury to our reputation and significant negative media attention; |
| withdrawal of clinical trial subjects; |
| initiation of investigations by regulators; |
| significant costs to defend the related litigation and diversion of managements time and our resources; |
| substantial monetary awards to study subjects or patients; |
| product recalls, withdrawals or labeling, marketing or promotional restrictions; |
| loss of revenue; and |
| the inability or delay of our efforts to commercialize any products that we may develop. |
Although we maintain product liability insurance coverage, it may not be adequate to cover all liabilities that we may incur. We anticipate that we will need to increase our insurance coverage as our product candidates advance through clinical trials and if we successfully commercialize any products. Insurance coverage is increasingly expensive, thus we may not be able to maintain insurance coverage at a reasonable cost or in an amount adequate to satisfy any liability that may arise. If a successful clinical trial or product liability claim or series of claims is brought against us for uninsured liabilities or in excess of insured liabilities, our assets may not be sufficient to cover such claims and our business operations could be impaired.
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Even if we obtain FDA approval of any of our product candidates, we may never obtain approval or authorization or commercialize such products outside of the United States, which would limit our ability to realize their full market potential.
In order to market any products outside of the United States, we will need to comply with additional onerous but varying regulatory requirements of other countries regarding safety and efficacy. Clinical trials conducted in one country may not be accepted by regulatory authorities in other countries, and regulatory approval in one country does not mean that regulatory approval will be obtained in any other country. Approval procedures vary among countries and can involve additional product testing and validation and additional administrative review periods. Seeking foreign regulatory approvals could result in significant delays, difficulties and costs for us and may require additional preclinical studies or clinical trials which would be costly and time consuming. Regulatory requirements can vary widely from country to country and could delay or prevent the introduction of our products in those countries. Satisfying these and other regulatory requirements is costly, time consuming, uncertain and subject to unanticipated delays. In addition, our failure to obtain regulatory approval in any country may delay or have negative effects on the process for regulatory approval in other countries. We do not have any product candidates approved for sale in any jurisdiction, including international markets, and we do not have experience in obtaining regulatory approval in international markets. If we fail to comply with regulatory requirements in international markets or to obtain and maintain required approvals, our ability to realize the full market potential of our products will be harmed.
Our future growth may depend, in part, on our ability to penetrate foreign markets, where we would be subject to additional regulatory burdens and other risks and uncertainties.
Our future profitability may depend, in part, on our ability to commercialize our product candidates in foreign markets for which we may rely on collaboration with third parties. We are evaluating the opportunities for the development and commercialization of our product candidates in foreign markets. We are not permitted to market or promote any of our product candidates before we receive regulatory approval from the applicable regulatory authority in that foreign market, and we may never receive such regulatory approval for any of our product candidates. To obtain separate regulatory approvals in other countries we may be required to comply with numerous and varying regulatory requirements of such countries regarding the safety and efficacy of our product candidates and governing, among other things, clinical trials and commercial sales, pricing and distribution of our product candidates, and we cannot predict success in these jurisdictions. If we obtain approval of our product candidates and ultimately commercialize our product candidates in foreign markets, we would be subject to additional risks and uncertainties, including:
| our customers ability to obtain reimbursement for our product candidates in foreign markets; |
| our inability to directly control commercial activities if we are relying on third parties; |
| the burden of complying with complex and changing foreign regulatory, tax, accounting and legal requirements; |
| different medical practices and customs in foreign countries affecting acceptance in the marketplace; |
| import or export licensing requirements; |
| longer accounts receivable collection times; |
| longer lead times for shipping; |
| language barriers for technical training and the need for language translations; |
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| reduced protection of intellectual property rights in some foreign countries; |
| the existence of additional potentially relevant third-party intellectual property rights; |
| foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; and |
| the interpretation of contractual provisions governed by foreign laws in the event of a contract dispute. |
Foreign sales of our product candidates could also be adversely affected by the imposition of governmental controls, political and economic instability, trade restrictions and changes in tariffs. In some countries, particularly the countries in Europe, the pricing of prescription pharmaceuticals is subject to governmental control. In these countries, pricing negotiations with governmental authorities can take considerable time after the receipt of marketing approval for a drug. To obtain reimbursement or pricing approval in some countries, we may be required to conduct a clinical trial that compares the cost-effectiveness of our product candidate to other available therapies. If reimbursement of our products is unavailable or limited in scope or amount, or if pricing is set at unsatisfactory levels, our business could be harmed, possibly materially
We have conducted all of our completed clinical trials for our product candidates at sites outside the United States, and the FDA may not accept data from trials conducted in such locations.
We have conducted all of our clinical trials outside the United States, including our Phase 2 clinical trials for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis which were conducted in Mexico City, Mexico, at a well-established site for ocular therapy trials. We may in the future choose to conduct other clinical trials outside the United States. Since we have yet to complete any clinical trials in the United States, it is possible that we may not be able to replicate the efficacy and safety results of our completed Phase 2 trials in the United States. We expect that the FDA will primarily consider the efficacy results of our Saturn-1 and Saturn-2 trials in addition to safety data from all human trials, our preclinical studies data as well as preclinical data for lotilaner in support of our potential NDA submission for TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis.
Although the FDA may accept data from clinical trials conducted outside the United States, acceptance of this data is subject to conditions imposed by the FDA. For example, the clinical trial must be well designed and conducted and be performed by qualified investigators in accordance with ethical principles. The trial population must also adequately represent the U.S. population, and the data must be applicable to the U.S. population and U.S. medical practice in ways that the FDA deems clinically meaningful. In addition, while these clinical trials are subject to the applicable local laws, FDA acceptance of the data will depend on its determination that the trials also complied with all applicable U.S. laws and regulations. There can be no assurance the FDA will accept data from clinical trials conducted outside of the United States. There can also be no assurance that the comparable foreign regulatory authority in any jurisdiction in which we seek regulatory approval for our product candidates will accept data from clinical trials conducted outside such jurisdiction. If the FDA or any such foreign regulatory authority does not accept the data from any trial that we have conducted outside the United States, it would likely result in the need for additional trials, which would be costly and time-consuming and could delay or permanently halt our development of the applicable product candidates.
In addition, there are risks inherent in conducting clinical trials in multiple jurisdictions, inside and outside of the United States and if return to conduct trials outside of the United States, we may face risks, such as:
| regulatory and administrative requirements of the jurisdiction where the trial is conducted that could burden or limit our ability to conduct our clinical trials; |
| foreign exchange rate fluctuations; |
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| manufacturing, customs, shipment and storage requirements; |
| cultural differences in medical practice and clinical research; |
| diminished protection of intellectual property in some countries; |
| different cultural attitudes to self-reported adverse events (such as burning, stinging, blurry vision) leading to a different safety profile; and |
| the risk that the patient populations in such trials are not considered representative as compared to the patient population in the target markets where approval is being sought. |
Even if we obtain regulatory approval with respect to TP-03 for Demodex blepharitis, we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval for additional indications, such as MGD, or we may be required to conduct additional trials, which would limit our ability to realize the full market potential of TP-03 or increase the costs of developing TP-03 for MGD.
If we obtain regulatory approval with respect to TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis, we intend explore the therapeutic potential for TP-03 in MGD as an additional indication. If we are successful, the indication for use of TP-03 could potentially be broadened beyond the treatment of Demodex blepharitis to include MGD as an additional indication. However, there can be no assurance that, even if we obtain approval for Demodex blepharitis, we will obtain approval for any other indication, including MGD or for any broadened indication beyond the treatment of Demodex blepharitis. If we fail to obtain and maintain required approvals for these additional or broadened indications, or if regulatory approvals are delayed, we will not realize the full market potential of TP-03. Additionally, the FDA or other comparable foreign regulatory authority may require us to conduct additional clinical trials before seeking regulatory approval. For example, we intend to rely on preclinical studies we have conducted with TP-03 for Demodex blepharitis instead of conducting preclinical studies for MGD. The FDA may not approve of this approach and may require us to conduct preclinical studies with TP-03 in MGD, which may delay our expected timelines for approval and increase costs. If we were required to conduct additional clinical trials, our costs for developing TP-03 for treating MGD would be substantially higher and the timing of any regulatory approval, if any, would be substantially extended, which could adverse effect our results of operations.
Changes in methods of product candidate manufacturing or formulation may result in additional costs or delay.
As product candidates proceed through pre-clinical studies to late-stage clinical trials towards potential approval and commercialization, it is common that various aspects of the development program, such as manufacturing methods and formulation, are altered along the way in an effort to optimize processes and results. Such changes carry the risk that they will not achieve these intended objectives. Any of these changes could cause our product candidates to perform differently and affect the results of planned clinical trials or other future clinical trials conducted with the altered materials. Such changes may also require additional testing, FDA notification or FDA approval. This could delay completion of clinical trials, require the conduct of bridging clinical trials or the repetition of one or more clinical trials, increase clinical trial costs, delay approval of our product candidates and jeopardize our ability to commence sales and generate revenue. For example, we intend to develop a preservative-free formulation for TP-03, which we expect to be completed after the submission of the NDA for Demodex blepharitis and used for commercialization. We intend to initiate preclinical equivalence studies with this preservative-free formulation after the NDA submission of the current formulation of TP-03 for Demodex blepharitis. However, there can be no assurance that the FDA will not require us to conduct studies or trials in addition to these preclinical equivalence studies, which would mean additional costs and potentially delays in our approval of TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis.
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Managing our obligations under our in-license agreements and other strategic agreements may divert management time and attention, causing delays or disruptions to our business.
We have entered into two license agreements with Elanco: (i) an agreement granting us a worldwide, sublicensable license for the development and marketing of lotilaner for the treatment or cure of any eye or skin condition in humans, or, as amended, the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement, and (ii) the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement, and may in the future enter into in-license agreements with multiple licensors and strategic agreements, which, subject us to various obligations, including diligence obligations, reporting and notification obligations, payment obligations for achievement of certain milestone as well as other material obligations. We may need to devote substantial time and attention to ensuring that we successfully integrate these transactions into our existing operations and are compliant with our obligations under these agreements, which may divert managements time and attention away from our research and development programs or other day-to-day activities.
Our in-license and strategic agreements are also complex and certain provisions in those agreements may be susceptible to multiple interpretations. In the event of any disagreement about the interpretation of these provisions, our management may need to devote a disproportionate amount of its attention to resolving these disagreements. Such disruptions may cause delays in our research and development programs and other business objectives.
Our operating activities may be restricted by certain covenants in our license and other strategic agreements, which could limit our development and commercial opportunities.
In connection with our in-license or other collaborations or strategic alliances, we may agree to and be bound by negative covenants which may limit our development and commercial opportunities. For example, pursuant to the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement and the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement, we made certain covenants to only engage with third party suppliers previously approved by Elanco, and only under certain circumstances. These provisions may inhibit our development efforts, prevent us from forming strategic collaborations to develop and potentially commercialize any other product candidates and may materially harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
We may expend our limited resources to pursue TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis and fail to capitalize on product candidates or indications that may be more profitable or for which there is a greater likelihood of success.
Because we have limited financial and managerial resources, we must prioritize our research programs and will need to focus our product candidates on the potential treatment of certain indications. We are currently focused on the development and commercialization, if approved, of TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis. As a result, we may forego or delay pursuit of opportunities with other product candidates or for other indications that later prove to have greater commercial potential. Our resource allocation decisions may cause us to fail to capitalize on the most viable commercial products or profitable market opportunities. Our spending on current and future research and development programs for TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis may not yield any commercially viable products. If we do not accurately evaluate the commercial potential or target market for TP-03, we may also relinquish valuable rights to that product candidate through collaboration, licensing or other royalty arrangements in cases in which it would have been more advantageous for us to retain sole development and commercialization rights to such product candidate.
Even if we obtain regulatory approvals for any product candidates we develop, the terms of approvals and ongoing regulation of our products could require substantial expenditure of resources and may limit how we manufacture and market our products, which could materially impair our ability to generate revenue.
Any product candidate for which we obtain regulatory approval, along with the manufacturing processes, post-approval clinical data, labeling, advertising, and promotional activities for such product, will be
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subject to continual requirements of and review by the FDA, the EMA and other regulatory authorities. These requirements include submissions of safety and other post-marketing information and reports, registration and listing requirements, cGMP requirements relating to quality control, quality assurance and corresponding maintenance of records and documents, and requirements regarding the distribution of samples to physicians and recordkeeping. Even if regulatory approval of a product candidate is granted, the approval may be subject to limitations on the indicated uses for which the product may be marketed or to the conditions of approval, or contain requirements for costly post-marketing testing and surveillance to monitor the safety or efficacy of the product.
Accordingly, assuming we receive regulatory approval for one or more product candidates we develop, we and our contract manufacturers will continue to expend time, money, and effort in all areas of regulatory compliance, including manufacturing, production, product surveillance, and quality control. If we are not able to comply with post-approval regulatory requirements, we could have the regulatory approvals for our products withdrawn by regulatory authorities and our ability to market any future products could be limited, which could adversely affect our ability to achieve or sustain profitability. Further, the cost of compliance with post-approval regulations may have a negative effect on our business, operating results, financial condition, and prospects.
Interim top-line and preliminary results from our clinical trials that we announce or publish from time to time may change as more participant data become available and are subject to audit and verification procedures, which could result in material changes in the final data.
From time to time, we may publish interim top-line or preliminary results from our clinical trials. Interim results from clinical trials that we may complete are subject to the risk that one or more of the clinical outcomes may materially change as participant enrollment continues and more participant data become available. We also make assumptions, estimations, calculations, and conclusions as part of our analyses of data, and we may not have received or had the opportunity to fully evaluate all data. Preliminary or top-line results also remain subject to audit and verification procedures that may result in the final data being materially different from the preliminary data we previously published. As a result, interim and preliminary data should be viewed with caution until the final data are available. Adverse differences between preliminary or interim data and final data could be material and could significantly harm our reputation and business prospects and may cause the trading price of our common stock to fluctuate significantly.
Risks Related to Reliance on Third Parties
We rely on third parties to conduct our clinical trials and perform some of our research and preclinical studies. If these third parties do not satisfactorily carry out their contractual duties or fail to meet expected deadlines, our development programs may be delayed or subject to increased costs, each of which may have an adverse effect on our business and prospects.
We do not have the ability to independently conduct our clinical trials. We currently rely on third parties, such as CROs, clinical data management organizations, medical institutions and clinical investigators, to conduct our current and planned clinical trials of TP-03, TP-04 and TP-05 and other product candidates, and we expect to continue to rely upon third parties to conduct additional clinical trials of potential future product candidates. Third parties have a significant role in the conduct of our clinical trials and the subsequent collection and analysis of data. These third parties are not our employees, and except for remedies available to us under our agreements with such third party, we have limited ability to control the amount or timing of resources that any such third party will devote to our clinical trials. Some of these third parties may terminate their engagements with us at any time. If we need to enter into alternative arrangements with a third party, it would delay our development activities.
Our reliance on these third parties for such development activities will reduce our control over these activities but will not relieve us of our regulatory responsibilities. For example, we will remain responsible for
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ensuring that each of our clinical trials is conducted in accordance with the general investigational plan and protocols for the trial. Moreover, the FDA requires us to comply with GCP standards, regulations for conducting, recording and reporting the results of clinical trials to assure that data and reported results are credible and accurate and that the rights, integrity and confidentiality of trial participants are protected. The EC also requires us to comply with similar standards. Regulatory authorities enforce these GCP requirements through periodic inspections of trial sponsors, principal investigators and trial sites. If we or any of our CROs fail to comply with applicable GCP requirements, the clinical data generated in our clinical trials may be deemed unreliable and the FDA, EC or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may require us to perform additional clinical trials before approving our marketing applications. We cannot assure you that upon inspection by a given regulatory authority, such regulatory authority will determine that any of our clinical trials comply with GCP or other applicable regulations. In addition, our clinical trials must be conducted with product produced under current applicable cGMP regulations. Our failure to comply with these regulations may require us to repeat clinical trials, which would delay the marketing approval process. We also are required to register certain ongoing clinical trials and post the results of certain completed clinical trials on a government-sponsored database, ClinicalTrials.gov, within certain timeframes. Failure to do so can result in fines, adverse publicity and civil and criminal sanctions.
The third parties we rely on for these services may also have relationships with other entities, some of which may be our competitors. In addition, the operations of our CROs and other third-party service providers may be constrained or disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. If these third parties do not successfully carry out their contractual duties, meet expected deadlines or conduct our clinical trials in accordance with regulatory requirements or our stated protocols, we will not be able to obtain, or may be delayed in obtaining, marketing approvals for our product candidates and will not be able to, or may be delayed in our efforts to, successfully commercialize our product candidates.
If any of our relationships with these third parties terminate, we may not be able to enter into arrangements with alternative third parties or do so on commercially reasonable terms. Switching or adding additional CROs, investigators and other third parties involves additional cost and requires management time and focus. In addition, there is a natural transition period when a new CRO commences work. As a result, delays can occur, which could materially impact our ability to meet our desired clinical development timelines. The COVID-19 pandemic and government measures taken in response have also had a significant impact on many CROs. Although we plan to carefully manage our relationships with our CROs, investigators and other third parties, we may nonetheless encounter challenges or delays in the future, which could have a material and adverse impact on our business, financial condition and prospects.
In addition, principal investigators for our clinical trials may serve as scientific advisors or consultants to us from time to time and receive compensation in connection with such services. Under certain circumstances, we may be required to report some of these relationships to the FDA. The FDA may conclude that a financial relationship between us and a principal investigator has created a conflict of interest or otherwise affected interpretation of the trial. The FDA may therefore question the integrity of the data generated at the applicable clinical trial site and the utility of the clinical trial itself may be jeopardized. This could result in a delay in approval, or rejection, of our marketing applications by the FDA and may ultimately lead to the denial of marketing approval of any product candidates.
We contract with third parties for the manufacture of our product candidates for preclinical studies, clinical trials and for eventual commercialization. This reliance on third parties increases the risk that we will not have sufficient quantities of our product candidates or compounds or that such supply will not be available to us at an acceptable cost, which could delay, prevent or impair our development or commercialization efforts.
We do not have any, and have no plans to acquire any, manufacturing facilities. We produce in our laboratory relatively small quantities of compounds for evaluation in our research programs. We rely, and expect to continue to rely, on third parties for the manufacture of our product candidates for preclinical and clinical testing, as well as for commercial manufacture if any of our product candidates are approved. We currently have
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limited manufacturing arrangements and expect that each of our product candidates will only be covered by single source suppliers for the foreseeable future. This reliance increases the risk that we will not have sufficient quantities of our product candidates or products, if approved, or such quantities at an acceptable cost or quality, which could delay, prevent or impair our development or commercialization efforts.
Furthermore, all entities involved in the preparation of therapeutics for clinical trials or commercial sale, including our existing contract manufacturers for our product candidates, are subject to extensive regulation. Components of a finished therapeutic product approved for commercial sale or used in clinical trials must be manufactured in accordance with cGMP requirements. These regulations govern manufacturing processes and procedures, including record keeping, and the implementation and operation of quality systems to control and assure the quality of investigational products and products approved for sale. Poor control of production processes can lead to the introduction of contaminants, or to inadvertent changes in the properties or stability of our product candidates that may not be detectable in final product testing. We or our contract manufacturers must supply all necessary documentation in support of an NDA on a timely basis and must adhere to the FDAs Good Laboratory Practice regulations and cGMP regulations enforced by the FDA through its facilities inspection program. Foreign regulatory authorities, including the European Commission and the competent authorities of the EU Member States, may require compliance with similar requirements. The facilities and quality systems of our third-party contractor manufacturers must pass a pre-approval inspection for compliance with the applicable regulations as a condition of marketing approval of our product candidates. We do not control the manufacturing process of, and are completely dependent on, our contract manufacturing partners for compliance with cGMP regulations.
In the event that any of our manufacturers fails to comply with such requirements or to perform its obligations to us in relation to quality, timing or otherwise, or if our supply of components or other materials becomes limited or interrupted for other reasons, we may be forced to manufacture the materials ourselves, for which we currently do not have the capabilities or resources, or enter into an agreement with another third party, which we may not be able to do on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. In particular, any replacement of our manufacturers could require significant effort and expertise because there may be a limited number of qualified replacements. In some cases, the technical skills or technology required to manufacture our product candidates may be unique or proprietary to the original manufacturer and we may have difficulty transferring such skills or technology to another third party and a feasible alternative may not exist. These factors would increase our reliance on such manufacturer or require us to obtain a license from such manufacturer in order to have another third party manufacture our product candidates. If we elect to or are required to change manufacturers for any reason, we will be required to verify that the new manufacturer maintains facilities and procedures that comply with quality standards and with all applicable regulations and guidelines. If any of our current contract manufacturers cannot perform as agreed, we may be required to replace such manufacturers. Although we believe that there are several potential alternative manufacturers who could manufacture our product candidates, we may incur added costs and delays in identifying and qualifying any such replacement or be unable to reach agreement with an alternative manufacturer. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic may impact our ability to procure sufficient supplies for the development of our product candidates. The extent of this impact will depend on the severity and duration of the spread of the virus, and the actions undertaken to contain COVID-19 or treat its effects. The delays associated with the verification of a new manufacturer could negatively affect our ability to develop product candidates in a timely manner or within budget.
Our or a third partys failure to execute on our manufacturing requirements, to do so on commercially reasonable terms and comply with cGMP could adversely affect our business in a number of ways, including:
| an inability to initiate or continue clinical trials of our product candidates under development; |
| delay in submitting regulatory applications, or receiving marketing approvals, for our product candidates; |
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| loss of the cooperation of an existing or future collaborator, including by Elanco under the license agreements with Elanco; |
| subjecting third-party manufacturing facilities or our manufacturing facilities to additional inspections by regulatory authorities; |
| requirements to cease development or to recall batches of our product candidates; and |
| in the event of approval to market and commercialize our product candidates, an inability to meet commercial demands for our product or any other future product candidates. |
Our product candidates and any products that we may develop may compete with other product candidates and products for access to manufacturing facilities. As a result, we may not obtain access to these facilities on a priority basis or at all. There are a limited number of manufacturers that operate under cGMP regulations and that might be capable of manufacturing for us. Any performance failure on the part of our existing or future manufacturers could delay clinical development or marketing approval.
We or our third-party manufacturers may encounter shortages in the raw materials or active pharmaceutical ingredients necessary to produce our product candidates in the quantities needed for our clinical trials or, if our product candidates are approved, in sufficient quantities for commercialization or to meet an increase in demand, as a result of capacity constraints or delays or disruptions in the market for the raw materials or active pharmaceutical ingredients, including shortages caused by the purchase of such raw materials or active pharmaceutical ingredients by our competitors or others. The failure of us or our third-party manufacturers to obtain the raw materials or active pharmaceutical ingredients necessary to manufacture sufficient quantities of our product candidates, may have a material adverse effect on our business.
If any of our product candidates are approved for marketing and commercialization and we are unable to establish sales, marketing and distribution capabilities or enter into agreements with third parties to sell, market and distribute our product candidates, we will be unable to successfully commercialize our product candidates if and when they are approved.
We have no sales, marketing or distribution capabilities or experience. To achieve commercial success for any approved product for which we retain sales and marketing responsibilities, we must either develop a sales and marketing organization, which would be expensive and time consuming, or outsource these functions to other third parties, or use a hybrid model incorporating both of these approaches.
There are risks involved with both establishing our own sales and marketing capabilities and entering into arrangements with third parties to perform these services. For example, recruiting and training a sales force is expensive and time consuming and could delay any product launch. If the commercial launch of a product candidate for which we recruit a sales force and establish marketing capabilities is delayed or does not occur for any reason, we would have prematurely or unnecessarily incurred these commercialization expenses. This may be costly, and our investment would be lost if we cannot retain or reposition our sales and marketing personnel.
Factors that may inhibit our efforts to commercialize our medicines on our own include:
| our inability to recruit, train and retain adequate numbers of effective sales, marketing, coverage or reimbursement, customer service, medical affairs and other support personnel; |
| our inability to equip sales personnel with effective materials, including medical and sales literature to help them educate ECPs regarding the indications we are targeting and our products, if approved; |
| the inability of sales personnel to obtain access to ECPs or persuade adequate numbers of ECPs to prescribe any future medicines; |
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| the inability of reimbursement professionals to negotiate arrangements for formulary access, reimbursement and other acceptance by payors; |
| the lack of complementary medicines to be offered by sales personnel, which may put us at a competitive disadvantage relative to companies with more extensive product lines; |
| the inability to price our products at a sufficient price point to ensure an adequate and attractive level of profitability; and |
| unforeseen costs and expenses associated with creating an independent sales and marketing organization. |
If we enter into arrangements with third parties to perform sales, marketing and distribution services, our product revenue or the profitability of these product revenue to us are likely to be lower than if we were to market and sell any medicines that we develop ourselves. In addition, we may not be successful in entering into arrangements with third parties to sell and market our product candidates or may be unable to do so on terms that are favorable to us. In entering into third-party marketing or distribution arrangements, any revenue we receive will depend upon the efforts of the third parties and we cannot assure you that such third parties will establish adequate sales and distribution capabilities or devote the necessary resources and attention to sell and market our medicines effectively. If we do not establish sales and marketing capabilities successfully, either on our own or in collaboration with third parties, we will not be successful in commercializing our product candidates.
We, or our third-party manufacturers, may be unable to successfully scale-up manufacturing of our product candidates in sufficient quality and quantity, which would delay or prevent us from conducting clinical trials and developing our product candidates.
In order to conduct clinical trials of our product candidates, we will need to manufacture them in large quantities. We, or our manufacturing partners, may be unable to successfully increase the manufacturing capacity for any of our product candidates in a timely or cost-effective manner, or at all. In addition, quality issues may arise during scale-up activities. If we, or our manufacturing partners, are unable to successfully scale up the manufacture of our product candidates in sufficient quality and quantity, the development, testing and clinical trials of that product candidate may be delayed or become infeasible, and marketing approval or commercial launch of any resulting product may be delayed or not obtained, which could significantly harm our business.
Changes in methods of product candidate manufacturing or formulation may result in additional costs or delay.
As product candidates progress through preclinical to late stage clinical trials to marketing approval and commercialization, it is common that various aspects of the development program, such as manufacturing methods and formulation, are altered along the way in an effort to optimize yield, manufacturing batch size, minimize costs and achieve consistent quality and results. Such changes carry the risk that they will not achieve these intended objectives. Any of these changes could cause our product candidates to perform differently and affect the results of planned clinical trials or other future clinical trials conducted with the altered materials. This could delay completion of clinical trials, require the conduct of bridging clinical trials or the repetition of one or more clinical trials, increase clinical trial costs, delay approval of our product candidates and jeopardize our ability to commercialize our product candidates and generate revenue.
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Risks Related to Intellectual Property
The development and commercialization of our products, including our lead product candidate, TP-03 for the potential treatment of Demodex blepharitis and MGD, TP-04 for the potential treatment of rosacea and TP-05 for potential Lyme prophylaxis and community malaria reduction, is dependent on intellectual property we license from Elanco. If we breach our agreements with Elanco or the agreements are terminated, we could lose license rights that are important to our business.
Pursuant to the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement and the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement, each, an Elanco Agreement, we acquired exclusive, worldwide, sublicensable licenses to certain intellectual property of Elanco for the development, marketing and commercialization of lotilaner for (i) the treatment, prevention, palliation or cure of any eye or skin disease or condition in humans and (b) all other applications in humans, respectively. The Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement and the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement impose various development, regulatory, commercial diligence, financial and other obligations on us. If we fail to comply with our obligations under the Elanco Agreements, or otherwise materially breach either Elanco Agreement, and fail to remedy such failure or cure such breach within 60 days, Elanco will have the right to terminate the applicable Elanco Agreement. If we fail to meet any milestones by the achievement deadlines set forth in either Elanco Agreement for any reason other than those outside of our reasonable control, and such milestones remain unmet for 120 days after Elanco notifies us thereof, Elanco may terminate the applicable Elanco Agreement.
If we fail to meet certain dermatological milestones by the achievement deadlines set forth in the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement for any reasons other than those outside of our reasonable control, and such milestones remain unmet for 120 days after Elanco notifies us thereof, Elanco may limit our field of use under the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement to the treatment, palliation, prevention or cure of eye diseases or conditions in humans only. If either Elanco Agreement is terminated or if our field of use in the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement is reduced to eye and skin conditions only by Elanco, we would lose our applicable license in the country where such license was terminated and all rights therein to the licensed intellectual property would revert to Elanco. The loss of the license from Elanco would prevent us from developing and commercializing TP-03, TP-04 and TP-05 in any country where the license is terminated and could subject us to claims of breach of contract and patent infringement by Elanco if any continued research, development, manufacture or commercialization of TP-03, TP-04 or TP-05 is covered by the affected patents. If Elanco terminates the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement for our failure to achieve a development milestone by the specified achievement deadline, then we must grant Elanco a non-exclusive, sublicensable, royalty free license to our patents and know-how relating to lotilaner to develop, manufacture and commercialize lotilaner and any licensed products for the treatment, palliation, prevention or cure of any eye or skin disease or condition in humans. If Elanco terminates the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement for our failure to achieve a development milestone by the specified achievement deadline, then we must grant Elanco a non-exclusive, sublicensable, royalty free license to our patents and know-how relating to lotilaner to develop, manufacture and commercialize lotilaner and any licensed products for all applications in humans other than the treatment, palliation, prevention or cure of any eye or skin disease or condition. Accordingly, the loss of our license or the termination of our license for skin diseases and conditions or of our license for other use in humans with Elanco would materially harm our business.
If we are unable to obtain and maintain sufficient intellectual property protection for our product candidates, or if the scope of the intellectual property protection is not sufficiently broad, our competitors could develop and commercialize products similar or identical to ours, and our ability to successfully commercialize our products may be adversely affected.
We rely upon a combination of patents, trademarks, trade secret protection, and confidentiality agreements to protect the intellectual property related to our development programs and product candidates. Our success depends in large part on our ability to obtain and maintain patent protection in the United States and other countries with respect to our product candidates and research programs. We seek to protect our proprietary
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position by filing patent applications in the United States and abroad related to our novel discoveries and technologies that are important to our business. Our pending and future patent applications may not result in patents being issued which protect our product candidates or their intended uses or which effectively prevent others from commercializing competitive technologies, products or product candidates.
Obtaining and enforcing patents is expensive and time-consuming, and we may not be able to file and prosecute all necessary or desirable patent applications, or maintain and/or enforce patents that may issue based on our patent applications, at a reasonable cost or in a timely manner. Moreover, in some circumstances, we do not have the right to control the preparation, filing and prosecution of patent applications, or to maintain, enforce and defend the patents, covering technology that we license from third parties. It is also possible that we will fail to identify patentable aspects of our research and development results before it is too late to obtain patent protection. Although we enter into non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements with parties who have access to patentable aspects of our research and development output, such as our employees, corporate collaborators, outside scientific collaborators, contract research organizations, contract manufacturers, consultants, advisors and other third parties, any of these parties may breach these agreements and disclose such results before a patent application is filed, thereby jeopardizing our ability to seek patent protection.
The patent position of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies generally is highly uncertain, involves complex legal and factual questions and has in recent years been the subject of much litigation, resulting in court decisions, including Supreme Court decisions, which have increased uncertainties as to the ability to enforce patent rights in the future. In addition, the scope of patent protection outside of the United States is uncertain and laws of foreign countries may not protect our rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States, or vice versa. For example, European patent law restricts the patentability of methods of treatment of the human body more than United States law does. With respect to both owned and in-licensed patent rights, we cannot predict whether the patent applications we and our licensors are currently pursuing or will pursue will issue as patents in any particular jurisdiction or whether the claims of any issued patents will provide sufficient protection from competitors.
Further, we may not be aware of all third-party intellectual property rights potentially relating to our product candidates or their intended uses, and as a result the impact of such third-party intellectual property rights upon the patentability of our own patents and patent applications, as well as the impact of such third-party intellectual property upon our ability to commercialize our products, is highly uncertain. Because we have not yet conducted a formal freedom to operate analysis for patents related to our product candidates, we may not be aware of issued patents that a third party might assert are infringed by one of our current or future product candidates, which could materially impair our ability to commercialize our product candidates. Even if we diligently search third-party patents for potential infringement by our products or product candidates, including TP-03, TP-04 or TP-05, we may not successfully find patents that our products or product candidates, including TP-03, TP-04 or TP-05, may infringe. If we are unable to secure and maintain freedom to operate, others could preclude us from commercializing our product candidates. In addition, publications of discoveries in the scientific literature often lag behind the actual discoveries and patent applications in the United States and other jurisdictions are typically not published until 18 months after filing or, in some cases, not published at all. Therefore, we cannot know with certainty whether we were the first to make the inventions claimed in our patents or pending patent applications, or that we were the first to file for patent protection of such inventions. As a result, the issuance, scope, validity, enforceability and commercial value of our patent rights are highly uncertain. Our patents or pending patent applications may be challenged in the courts or patent offices in the United States and abroad. For example, we may be subject to a third party pre-issuance submission of prior art to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, or become involved in post-grant review or interference procedures, oppositions, derivations, revocations, reexaminations, or inter partes review proceedings, in the United States or elsewhere, challenging our patent rights or the patent rights of others. An adverse determination in any such submission, proceeding or litigation could reduce the scope of, or invalidate, our patent rights, allow third parties to commercialize our technology or product candidates and compete directly with us, without payment to us, or result in our inability to manufacture or commercialize drugs without infringing third-party patent rights. If the
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breadth or strength of protection provided by our patents and patent applications is threatened, regardless of the outcome, it could dissuade companies from collaborating with us to license, develop or commercialize current or future product candidates.
Our owned and licensed patent estate includes patent applications, many of which are at an early stage of prosecution. The coverage claimed in a patent application can be significantly reduced before the patent is issued, and its scope can be reinterpreted after issuance. Even if our owned and in-licensed patent applications issue as patents, they may not issue in a form that will provide us with any meaningful protection, prevent competitors from competing with us or otherwise provide us with any competitive advantage. The issuance of a patent is not conclusive as to its inventorship, scope, validity or enforceability, and our owned and in-licensed patents may be challenged in the courts or patent offices in the United States and abroad. Such challenges may result in loss of exclusivity or freedom to operate or in patent claims being narrowed, invalidated, or held unenforceable, in whole or in part, which could limit our ability to stop others from using or commercializing similar or identical technology and products, or limit the duration of the patent protection of our technology and products. In addition, given the amount of time required for the development, testing and regulatory review of new product candidates, patents protecting such candidates might expire before or shortly after such candidates are commercialized. Furthermore, our competitors may be able to circumvent our patents by developing similar or alternative technologies or products in a non-infringing manner. As a result, our owned and in-licensed patent portfolio may not provide us with sufficient rights to exclude others from commercializing technology and products similar or identical to any of our technology and product candidates.
Furthermore, while we seek to protect the trademarks we use in the United States and in other countries, we may be unsuccessful in obtaining registrations and/or otherwise protecting these trademarks. If that were to happen, we may be prevented from using our names, brands and trademarks unless we enter into appropriate royalty, license or coexistence agreements, which may not be available or may not be available on commercially reasonable terms. Over the long term, if we are unable to establish name recognition based on our trademarks, trade names, service marks and domain names, then we may not be able to compete effectively, resulting in a material adverse effect on our business. Our registered or unregistered trademarks or trade names may be challenged, infringed, diluted or declared generic, or determined to be infringing on other marks. We rely on both registration and common law protection for our trademarks. We may not be able to protect our rights to these trademarks and trade names or may be forced to stop using these names, which we need to build name recognition among potential partners or customers in our markets of interest. At times, competitors may adopt trademarks and trade names similar to ours, thereby impeding our ability to build brand identity and possibly leading to market confusion. During trademark registration proceedings, we may receive rejections. Although we would be given an opportunity to respond to those rejections, we may be unable to overcome such rejections. In addition, in the USPTO and in comparable agencies in many foreign jurisdictions, third parties are given an opportunity to oppose pending trademark applications and to seek to cancel registered trademarks. Opposition or cancellation proceedings may be filed against our trademarks, and our trademarks may not survive such proceedings. Effective trademark protection may not be available or may not be sought in every country in which our products are made available. Any name we propose to use for our products in the United States must be approved by the FDA, regardless of whether we have registered it, or applied to register it, as a trademark. The FDA typically conducts a review of proposed product names, including an evaluation of potential for confusion with other product names. If the FDA objects to any of our proposed product names, we may be required to expend significant additional resources in an effort to identify a usable substitute name that would qualify under applicable trademark laws, that does not infringe the existing rights of third parties and that is acceptable to the FDA. If we are unable to establish name recognition based on our trademarks and trade names, we may not be able to compete effectively and our business may be adversely affected.
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Obtaining and maintaining our patent protection depends on compliance with various procedural, document submission, fee payment and other requirements imposed by governmental patent agencies, and our patent protection could be reduced or eliminated for non-compliance with these requirements.
Periodic maintenance fees, renewal fees, annuities fees and various other governmental fees on patents and/or patent applications are due to be paid to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, or the USPTO, and foreign patent agencies in several stages over the lifetime of the patent and/or patent application. The USPTO and various foreign governmental patent agencies also require compliance with a number of procedural, documentary, fee payment and other similar provisions during the patent application process. In certain circumstances, we rely on our licensing partners to pay these fees to, or comply with the procedural and documentary rules of, the relevant patent agency While an inadvertent lapse can in many cases be cured by payment of a late fee or by other means in accordance with the applicable rules, there are situations in which noncompliance can result in abandonment or lapse of the patent or patent application, resulting in partial or complete loss of patent rights in the relevant jurisdiction. Non-compliance events that could result in abandonment or lapse of a patent or patent application include, but are not limited to, failure to respond to official actions within prescribed time limits, non-payment of fees and failure to properly legalize and submit formal documents. In such an event, potential competitors might be able to enter the market with similar or identical products or technology. If we or our licensors fail to maintain the patents and patent applications relating to our product candidates, our competitive position, business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects would be adversely affected.
We may not identify relevant third-party patents or may incorrectly interpret the relevance, scope or expiration of a third-party patent which might adversely affect our ability to develop and market our products.
We cannot guarantee that any of our patent searches or analyses, including the identification of relevant patents, the scope of patent claims or the expiration of relevant patents, are complete or thorough, nor can we be certain that we have identified each and every third party patent and pending application in the United States and abroad that is relevant to or necessary for the commercialization of our product candidates in any jurisdiction. Because we have not yet conducted a formal freedom to operate analysis for patents related to our product candidates, we may not be aware of issued patents that a third party might assert are infringed by one of our current or future product candidates, which could materially impair our ability to commercialize our product candidates. Even if we diligently search third-party patents for potential infringement by our products or product candidates, we may not successfully find patents that our products or product candidates may infringe. If we are unable to secure and maintain freedom to operate, others could preclude us from commercializing our product candidates.
The scope of a patent claim is determined by an interpretation of the law, the written disclosure in a patent and the patents prosecution history. Our interpretation of the relevance or the scope of a patent or a pending application may be incorrect, which may negatively impact our ability to market our products. We may incorrectly determine that our products are not covered by a third-party patent or may incorrectly predict whether a third partys pending application will issue with claims of relevant scope. Our determination of the expiration date of any patent in the United States or abroad that we consider relevant may be incorrect, which may negatively impact our ability to develop and market our product candidates. Our failure to identify and correctly interpret relevant patents may negatively impact our ability to develop and market our products.
We may wish to acquire rights to future assets through in-licensing or may attempt to form collaborations in the future with respect to our product candidates, but may not be able to do so, which may cause us to alter or delay our development and commercialization plans.
The development and potential commercialization of our product candidates will require substantial additional capital to fund expenses. We have entered into the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement and the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement. We plan to utilize these license rights in developing and marketing our TP-03,
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TP-04 and TP-05 product candidates. We may, in the future, decide to collaborate with other biopharmaceutical companies for the development and potential commercialization of those product candidates. We will face significant competition in seeking appropriate collaborators. We may not be successful in our efforts to establish a strategic partnership or other alternative arrangements for our product candidates because they may be deemed to be at too early of a stage of development for collaborative effort and third parties may not view our product candidates as having the requisite potential to demonstrate safety and efficacy. If and when we collaborate with a third party for development and commercialization of a product candidate, we can expect to relinquish some or all of the control over the future success of that product candidate to the third party. Our ability to reach a definitive agreement for a collaboration will depend, among other things, upon our assessment of the collaborators resources and expertise, the terms and conditions of the proposed collaboration and the proposed collaborators evaluation of a number of factors. Those factors may include the following:
| the design or results of clinical trials; |
| the likelihood of approval by the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities; |
| the potential market for the product candidate; |
| the costs and complexities of manufacturing and delivering such product candidate to patients; |
| the potential of competing products; |
| the existence of uncertainty with respect to our ownership of technology or other rights, which can exist if there is a challenge to such ownership without regard to the merits of the challenge; and |
| industry and market conditions generally. |
The collaborator may also consider alternative product candidates or technologies for similar indications that may be available to collaborate on and whether such a collaboration could be more attractive than the one with us for our product candidate. We may also be restricted under any license agreements from entering into agreements on certain terms or at all with potential collaborators. Collaborations are complex and time-consuming to negotiate and document. In addition, there have been a significant number of recent business combinations among large pharmaceutical companies that have resulted in a reduced number of potential future collaborators and changes to the strategies of the combined company. As a result, we may not be able to negotiate collaborations on a timely basis, on acceptable terms, or at all. If we are unable to do so, we may have to curtail the development of such product candidate, reduce or delay one or more of our other development programs, delay the potential commercialization or reduce the scope of any planned sales or marketing activities for such product candidate, or increase our expenditures and undertake development, manufacturing or commercialization activities at our own expense. If we elect to increase our expenditures to fund development, manufacturing or commercialization activities on our own, we may need to obtain additional capital, which may not be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. If we do not have sufficient funds, we may not be able to further develop our product candidates or bring them to market and generate product revenue.
Collaborations that we enter into may not be successful, and any success will depend heavily on the efforts and activities of such collaborators. Collaborations pose a number of risks, including the following:
| collaborators have significant discretion in determining the amount and timing of efforts and resources that they will apply to these collaborations; |
| collaborators may not perform their obligations as expected; |
| collaborators may not pursue development of our product candidates or may elect not to continue or renew development programs based on results of clinical trials or other studies, changes in the |
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collaborators strategic focus or available funding, or external factors, such as an acquisition or business combination, that divert resources or create competing priorities; |
| collaborators may not pursue commercialization of any product candidates that achieve marketing approval or may elect not to continue or renew commercialization programs based on results of clinical trials or other studies, changes in the collaborators strategic focus or available funding, or external factors, such as an acquisition or business combination, that may divert resources or create competing priorities; |
| collaborators may delay clinical trials, provide insufficient funding for a clinical trial program, stop a clinical trial or abandon a product candidate, repeat or conduct new clinical trials or require a new formulation of a product candidate for clinical testing; |
| we may not have access to, or may be restricted from disclosing, certain information regarding product candidates being developed or commercialized under a collaboration and, consequently, may have limited ability to inform our stockholders about the status of such product candidates on a discretionary basis; |
| collaborators could independently develop, or develop with third parties, products that compete directly or indirectly with our product candidates and products if the collaborators believe that the competitive products are more likely to be successfully developed or can be commercialized under terms that are more economically attractive than ours; |
| product candidates discovered in collaboration with us may be viewed by our collaborators as competitive with their own product candidates or products, which may cause collaborators to cease to devote resources to the commercialization of our product candidates; |
| a collaborator may fail to comply with applicable regulatory requirements regarding the development, manufacture, distribution or marketing of a product candidate or product; |
| a collaborator may seek to renegotiate or terminate their relationship with us due to unsatisfactory clinical results, manufacturing issues, a change in business strategy, a change of control or other reasons; |
| a collaborator with marketing and distribution rights to one or more of our product candidates that achieve marketing approval may not commit sufficient resources to the marketing and distribution of such product or products; |
| disagreements with collaborators, including disagreements over intellectual property or proprietary rights, contract interpretation or the preferred course of development, might cause delays or terminations of the research, development or commercialization of product candidates, might lead to additional responsibilities for us with respect to product candidates, or might result in litigation or arbitration, any of which would be time-consuming and expensive; |
| collaborators may not properly obtain, maintain, enforce, defend or protect our intellectual property or proprietary rights or may use our proprietary information in such a way as to potentially lead to disputes or legal proceedings that could jeopardize or invalidate our intellectual property or proprietary information or expose us to potential litigation; |
| disputes may arise with respect to the ownership of intellectual property developed pursuant to our collaborations; |
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| collaborators may infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate the intellectual property or proprietary rights of third parties, which may expose us to litigation and potential liability; and |
| collaborations may be terminated for the convenience of the collaborator, and, if terminated, we could be required to raise additional capital to pursue further development or commercialization of the applicable product candidates. |
Collaboration agreements may not lead to development or commercialization of product candidates in the most efficient manner, or at all. If any collaborations that we enter into do not result in the successful development and commercialization of products or if one of our collaborators terminates its agreement with us, we may not receive any future research funding or milestone or royalty payments under the collaboration. If we do not receive the funding we expect under these agreements, our development of our product candidates could be delayed and we may need additional resources to develop our product candidates. All of the risks relating to product development, regulatory approval and commercialization described in this prospectus also apply to the activities of our collaborators.
In the future, we may need to obtain additional licenses of third-party technology that may not be available to us or are available only on commercially unreasonable terms or we may fail to comply with our obligations under such agreements and our business could be harmed.
In addition to the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement and the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement, from time to time we may be required to license technology from additional third parties to further develop or commercialize our product candidates. Should we be required to obtain licenses to any third-party technology, including any such patents required to manufacture, use or sell our product candidates, such licenses may not be available to us on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.
If we are unable to license such technology, or if we are forced to license such technology on unfavorable terms, our business could be materially harmed. If we are unable to obtain a necessary license, we may be unable to develop or commercialize the affected product candidates, which could materially harm our business and the third parties owning such intellectual property rights could seek either an injunction prohibiting our sales or an obligation on our part to pay royalties and/or other forms of compensation. Even if we are able to obtain a license, it may be non-exclusive, thereby giving our competitors access to the same technologies licensed to us.
If we are unable to obtain rights to required third-party intellectual property rights or maintain the existing intellectual property rights we have, we may be required to expend significant time and resources to redesign our technology, product candidates, or the methods for manufacturing them or to develop or license replacement technology, all of which may not be feasible on a technical or commercial basis. If we are unable to do so, we may be unable to develop or commercialize the affected technology and product candidates, which could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects significantly.
Additionally, if we fail to comply with our obligations under any license agreements, our counterparties may have the right to terminate these agreements, in which event we might not be able to develop, manufacture or market, or may be forced to cease developing, manufacturing or marketing, any product that is covered by these agreements or may face other penalties under such agreements. Such an occurrence could materially adversely affect the value of the product candidate being developed under any such agreement. Termination of these agreements or reduction or elimination of our rights under these agreements, or restrictions on our ability to freely assign or sublicense our rights under such agreements when it is in the interest of our business to do so, may result in our having to negotiate new or reinstated agreements with less favorable terms, cause us to lose our rights under these agreements, including our rights to important intellectual property or technology or impede, or delay or prohibit the further development or commercialization of one or more product candidates that rely on such agreements.
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If we enter into in-bound intellectual property license agreements, we may not be able to fully protect the licensed intellectual property rights or maintain those licenses. In each of the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement and the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement, Elanco retains, and future licensors could retain, the right to prosecute and defend the intellectual property rights licensed to us, in which case we would depend on the ability of our licensors to obtain, maintain and enforce such licensed intellectual property. These licensors may determine not to pursue litigation against other companies or may pursue such litigation less aggressively than we would. If our licensors do not adequately protect such licensed intellectual property, competitors may be able to use such intellectual property and erode or negate any competitive advantage we may have, which could materially harm our business, negatively affect our position in the marketplace, limit our ability to commercialize our products and product candidates and delay or render impossible our achievement of profitability. Further, entering into such license agreements could impose various diligence, commercialization, royalty or other obligations on us. Future licensors may allege that we have breached our license agreement with them, and accordingly seek to terminate our license, which could adversely affect our competitive business position and harm our business prospects.
In addition to the above risks, intellectual property rights that we license in the future may include sublicenses under intellectual property owned by third parties, in some cases through multiple tiers. The actions of our licensors may therefore affect our rights to use our sublicensed intellectual property, even if we are in compliance with all of the obligations under our license agreements. Should our licensors or any of the upstream licensors fail to comply with their obligations under the agreements pursuant to which they obtain the rights that are sublicensed to us, or should such agreements be terminated or amended, our ability to develop and commercialize our product candidates may be materially harmed.
Disputes may arise regarding intellectual property subject to a licensing agreement, including:
| the scope of rights granted under the license agreement and other interpretation related issues; |
| the extent to which our technology and processes infringe on intellectual property of the licensor that is not subject to the licensing agreement; |
| the sublicensing of patent and other rights; |
| our diligence obligations under the license agreement and what activities satisfy those diligence obligations; |
| the inventorship and ownership of inventions and know-how resulting from the joint creation or use of intellectual property by our licensors and us and our partners; and |
| the priority of invention of patented technology. |
In addition, the agreements under which we currently license intellectual property or technology from third parties are complex, and certain provisions in such agreements may be susceptible to multiple interpretations. The resolution of any contract interpretation disagreement that may arise could narrow what we believe to be the scope of our rights to the relevant intellectual property or technology, or increase what we believe to be our financial or other obligations under the relevant agreement, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Moreover, if disputes over intellectual property that we have licensed prevent or impair our ability to maintain our current licensing arrangements on commercially acceptable terms, we may be unable to successfully develop and commercialize the affected technology and product candidates, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions, results of operations and prospects.
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We cannot ensure that patent rights relating to inventions described and claimed in our pending patent applications will issue or that our patents or patents based on our patent applications will not be challenged and rendered invalid and/or unenforceable.
We have pending U.S. and foreign patent applications in our portfolio, however, we cannot predict:
| if and when patents may issue based on our patent applications; |
| the scope of protection of any patent issuing based on our patent applications; |
| whether the claims of any patent issuing based on our patent applications will provide protection against competitors; |
| whether or not third parties will find ways to invalidate or circumvent our patent rights; |
| whether or not others will obtain patents claiming aspects similar to those covered by our patents and patent applications; |
| whether we will need to initiate litigation or administrative proceedings to enforce and/or defend our patent rights which will be costly whether we win or lose; and/or |
| whether the patent applications that we own or in-license will result in issued patents with claims that cover our product candidates or uses thereof in the United States or in other foreign countries. |
We cannot be certain that the claims in our pending patent applications directed to our product candidates and/or technologies will be considered patentable by the USPTO or by patent offices in foreign countries. One aspect of the determination of patentability of our inventions depends on the scope and content of the prior art, information that was or is deemed available to a person of skill in the relevant art prior to the priority date of the claimed invention. There may be prior art of which we are not aware that may affect the patentability of our patent claims or, if issued, affect the validity or enforceability of a patent claim. Even if the patents do issue based on our patent applications, third parties may challenge the validity, enforceability or scope thereof, which may result in such patents being narrowed, invalidated or held unenforceable. Furthermore, even if they are unchallenged, patents in our portfolio may not adequately exclude third parties from practicing relevant technology or prevent others from designing around our claims. If the breadth or strength of our intellectual property position with respect to our product candidates is threatened, it could dissuade companies from collaborating with us to develop and threaten our ability to commercialize our product candidates. In the event of litigation or administrative proceedings, we cannot be certain that the claims in any of our issued patents will be considered valid by courts in the United States or foreign countries.
If we are sued for infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating intellectual property rights of third parties, such litigation could be costly and time consuming and could prevent or delay us from developing or commercializing our product candidates.
Our commercial success depends, in part, on our ability to develop, manufacture, market and sell our product candidates without infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the intellectual property and other proprietary rights of third parties. Third parties may allege that we have infringed or misappropriated their intellectual property. Litigation or other legal proceedings relating to intellectual property claims, with or without merit, are unpredictable and generally expensive and time consuming and, even if resolved in our favor, are likely to divert significant resources from our core business, including distracting 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 market price of our common stock.
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Such litigation or proceedings could substantially increase our operating losses and reduce the resources available for development activities or any future sales, marketing or distribution activities. We may not have sufficient financial or other resources to adequately conduct such litigation or proceedings. Some of our competitors may be able to sustain the costs of such litigation or proceedings more effectively than we can because of their greater financial resources and more mature and developed intellectual property portfolios. Uncertainties resulting from the initiation and continuation of patent litigation or other proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our ability to compete in the marketplace.
There is a substantial amount of intellectual property litigation in the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries, and we may become party to, or threatened with, litigation or other adversarial proceedings regarding intellectual property rights with respect to our product candidates. Third parties may assert infringement claims against us based on existing or future intellectual property rights, regardless of merit. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries have produced a significant number of patents, and it may not always be clear to industry participants, including us, which patents are directed to various types of products or methods of use. As the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries expand and more patents are issued, the risk increases that our technologies or product candidates that we may identify may be subject to claims of infringement of the patent rights of third parties. The scope of patents is subject to interpretation by the courts, and the interpretation is not always uniform. The legal threshold for initiating litigation or contested proceedings is low, so even lawsuits or proceedings with a low probability of success might be initiated and require significant resources to defend. If we were sued for patent infringement, we would need to demonstrate that our product candidates, products or methods either do not infringe the patent claims of the relevant patent or that the patent claims are invalid or unenforceable, and we may not be able to do this. Proving invalidity may be difficult. For example, in the United States, proving invalidity in court requires a showing of clear and convincing evidence to overcome the presumption of validity enjoyed by issued patents. Even if we are successful in these proceedings, we may incur substantial costs and the time and attention of our management and scientific personnel could be diverted in pursuing these proceedings, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and operations. In addition, we may not have sufficient resources to bring these actions to a successful conclusion.
If we are found to infringe a third partys intellectual property rights, we could be forced, including by court order, to cease developing, manufacturing or commercializing the infringing product candidate or product. Alternatively, we may be required to obtain a license from such third party in order to use the infringing technology and continue developing, manufacturing or marketing the infringing product candidate. However, we may not be able to obtain any required license on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Even if we were able to obtain a license, it could be non-exclusive, thereby giving our competitors access to the same technologies licensed to us and could require us to make substantial licensing and royalty payments. We could be forced, including by court order, to cease developing, manufacturing and commercializing the infringing technology or product. In addition, we could be found liable for monetary damages, including treble damages and attorneys fees if we are found to have willfully infringed a patent. A finding of infringement could prevent us from commercializing our product candidates or force us to cease some of our business operations, which could materially harm our business. Claims that we have misappropriated the confidential information or trade secrets of third parties could have a similar negative impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
If we do not obtain patent term extension for any product candidates we may develop, our business may be materially harmed.
In the United States, the term of a patent that covers an FDA-approved drug may be eligible for limited patent term extension, which permits patent term restoration as compensation for the patent term lost during the FDA regulatory review process. The Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, also known as the Hatch-Waxman Act, permits a patent term extension of up to five years beyond the expiration of the patent. The length of the patent term extension is related to the length of time the drug is under regulatory
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review. Patent extension cannot extend the remaining term of a patent beyond a total of 14 years from the date of product approval, and only one patent applicable to an approved drug may be extended and only those claims covering the approved drug, a method for using it, or a method for manufacturing it may be extended. Similar provisions are available in Europe and certain other non-United States jurisdictions to extend the term of a patent that covers an approved drug. While, in the future, if and when our product candidates receive FDA approval, we expect to apply for patent term extensions on patents covering those product candidates, there is no guarantee that the applicable authorities will agree with our assessment of whether such extensions should be granted, and even if granted, the length of such extensions. We may not be granted patent term extension either in the United States or in any foreign country because of, for example, failing to exercise due diligence during the testing phase or regulatory review process, failing to apply within applicable deadlines, failing to apply prior to expiration of relevant patents or otherwise failing to satisfy applicable requirements. Moreover, the term of extension, as well as the scope of patent protection during any such extension, afforded by the governmental authority could be less than we request. If we are unable to obtain any patent term extension or the term of any such extension is less than we request, our competitors may obtain approval of competing products following the expiration of our patent rights, and our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially harmed.
Our internal information technology systems, or those of our third-party CROs or other contractors or consultants, may fail or suffer security breaches, loss or leakage of data, and other disruptions, which could result in a material disruption of our product candidates development programs, compromise sensitive information related to our business or prevent us from accessing critical information, potentially exposing us to liability or otherwise adversely affecting our business.
We are increasingly dependent upon information technology systems, infrastructure and data to operate our business. In the ordinary course of business, we collect, store and transmit confidential information (including but not limited to intellectual property, proprietary business information and personal information). It is critical that we do so in a secure manner to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of such confidential information. We also have outsourced elements of our operations to third parties, and as a result we manage a number of third-party contractors who have access to our confidential information.
Despite the implementation of security measures, given their size and complexity and the increasing amounts of confidential information that they maintain, our internal information technology systems and those of our third-party CROs and other contractors and consultants are potentially vulnerable to breakdown or other damage or interruption from service interruptions, system malfunction, natural disasters, terrorism, war and telecommunication and electrical failures, as well as security breaches from inadvertent or intentional actions by our employees, contractors, consultants, business partners, and/or other third parties, or from cyber-attacks by malicious third parties (including the deployment of harmful malware, ransomware, denial-of-service attacks, social engineering and other means to affect service reliability and threaten the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information), which may compromise our system infrastructure or lead to data leakage. To the extent that any disruption or security breach were to result in a loss of, or damage to, our data or applications, or inappropriate disclosure of confidential or proprietary information, we could incur liability and reputational damage and the further development and commercialization of our drug candidates could be delayed.
While we have not experienced any such system failure, accident or security breach to date, we cannot assure you that our data protection efforts and our investment in information technology will prevent significant breakdowns, data leakages, breaches in our systems or other cyber incidents that could have a material adverse effect upon our reputation, business, operations or financial condition, whether due to a loss of our trade secrets or other proprietary information or other similar disruptions. For example, if such an event were to occur and cause interruptions in our operations, it could result in a material disruption of our programs and the development of our product candidates could be delayed. In addition, the loss of clinical trial data for our product candidates could result in delays in our marketing approval efforts and significantly increase our costs to recover or reproduce the data. Furthermore, significant disruptions of our internal information technology systems or
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security breaches could result in the loss, misappropriation, and/or unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of, or the prevention of access to, confidential information (including trade secrets or other intellectual property, proprietary business information, and personal information), which could result in financial, legal, business, and reputational harm to us. For example, any such event that leads to unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of personal information, including personal information regarding our clinical trial subjects or employees, could harm our reputation directly, compel us to comply with federal and/or state breach notification laws and foreign law equivalents, subject us to mandatory corrective action, and otherwise subject us to liability under laws and regulations that protect the privacy and security of personal information, including private lawsuits or class actions under the California Consumer Privacy Act, which could result in significant legal and financial exposure and reputational damages that could potentially have an adverse effect on our business.
We may become involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce our patents and other intellectual property rights, which could be expensive, time consuming and unsuccessful.
Competitors may infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate our patents, trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual property. It may be difficult to detect infringers who do not advertise the components that are used in their products. Moreover, it may be difficult or impossible to obtain evidence of infringement in a competitors or potential competitors product. To counter infringement or unauthorized use, we may be required to file infringement or other intellectual property-related claims, which can be expensive and time consuming and divert the time and attention of our management and scientific personnel. There can be no assurance that we will have sufficient financial or other resources to file and pursue such infringement claims, which typically last for years before they are concluded. Any claims we assert against perceived infringers could provoke these parties to assert counterclaims against us alleging that we infringe their patents, in addition to counterclaims asserting that our patents are invalid or unenforceable, or both. In any patent infringement proceeding, there is a risk that a court will decide that a patent of ours is invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, and that we do not have the right to stop the other party from making, using, or selling the invention at issue. In patent litigation in the United States, defendant counterclaims alleging invalidity or unenforceability are commonplace. Grounds for a validity challenge could be an alleged failure to meet any of several statutory requirements, including lack of novelty, obviousness, or non-enablement. Grounds for an unenforceability assertion could be an allegation that someone connected with prosecution of the patent withheld relevant information from the USPTO, or made a misleading statement, during prosecution. Third parties may institute such claims before administrative bodies in the United States or abroad, even outside the context of litigation. Such mechanisms include re-examination, post-grant review, inter partes review, interference proceedings, derivation proceedings, and equivalent proceedings in foreign jurisdictions (e.g., opposition proceedings). The outcome following legal assertions of invalidity and unenforceability is unpredictable. There is also a risk that, even if the validity of such patents is upheld, the court will construe the patents claims narrowly or decide that we do not have the right to stop the other party from making, using or selling the invention at issue on the grounds that our patent claims do not cover the invention. An adverse outcome in a litigation or proceeding involving our patents could limit our ability to assert our patents against those parties or other competitors, and may curtail or preclude our ability to exclude third parties from making, using and selling similar or competitive products. Any of these occurrences could adversely affect our competitive business position, business prospects and financial condition. Similarly, if we assert trademark infringement claims, a court may determine that the marks we have asserted are invalid or unenforceable, or that the party against whom we have asserted trademark infringement has superior rights to the marks in question. In this case, we could ultimately be forced to cease use of such trademarks, which could materially harm our business and negatively affect our position in the marketplace.
Even if we establish infringement, the court may decide not to grant an injunction against further infringing activity and instead award only monetary damages, which may or may not be an adequate remedy. Furthermore, because of the substantial amount of discovery required in connection with intellectual property litigation, there is a risk that some of our confidential information could be compromised by disclosure during litigation. There also could be public announcements of the results of hearings, motions or other interim proceedings or developments. If securities analysts or investors perceive these results to be negative, it could
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have a material adverse effect on the price of shares of our common stock. Moreover, we cannot assure you that we will have sufficient financial or other resources to file and pursue such infringement claims, which typically last for years before they are concluded. Even if we ultimately prevail in such claims, the monetary cost of such litigation and the diversion of the attention of our management and scientific personnel could outweigh any benefit we receive as a result of the proceedings.
Because of the expense and uncertainty of litigation, we may not be in a position to enforce our intellectual property rights against third parties.
Because of the expense and uncertainty of litigation, we may conclude that even if a third party is infringing our issued patent, any patents that may be issued as a result of our pending or future patent applications or other intellectual property rights, the risk-adjusted cost of bringing and enforcing such a claim or action may be too high or not in the best interest of our company or our stockholders. In such cases, we may decide that the more prudent course of action is to simply monitor the situation or initiate or seek some other non-litigious action or solution.
Changes in patent law in the United States and other jurisdictions could diminish the value of patents in general, thereby impairing our ability to protect our product candidates.
As is the case with other biopharmaceutical companies, our success is heavily dependent on intellectual property, particularly patents. Obtaining and enforcing patents in the biopharmaceutical industry involves both technological and legal complexity and is therefore costly, time consuming and inherently uncertain. Changes in either the patent laws or interpretation of the patent laws in the United States could increase the uncertainties and costs. Recent patent reform legislation in the United States and other countries, including the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, or the Leahy-Smith Act, signed into law on September 16, 2011, could increase those uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of our patent applications and the enforcement or defense of our issued patents. The Leahy-Smith Act includes a number of significant changes to U.S. patent law. These include provisions that affect the way patent applications are prosecuted, redefine prior art and provide more efficient and cost-effective avenues for competitors to challenge the validity of patents. These include allowing third-party submission of prior art to the USPTO during patent prosecution and additional procedures to attack the validity of a patent by USPTO administered post-grant proceedings, including post-grant review, inter partes review, and derivation proceedings. After March 2013, under the Leahy-Smith Act, the United States transitioned to a first inventor to file system in which, assuming that the other statutory requirements are met, the first inventor to file a patent application will be entitled to the patent on an invention regardless of whether a third party was the first to invent the claimed invention. However, the Leahy-Smith Act and its implementation could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of our patent applications and the enforcement or defense of our issued patents, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled on several patent cases in recent years, either narrowing the scope of patent protection available in certain circumstances or weakening the rights of patent owners in certain situations. Depending on future actions by the U.S. Congress, the U.S. courts, the USPTO and the relevant law-making bodies in other countries, the laws and regulations governing patents could change in unpredictable ways that would weaken our ability to obtain new patents or to enforce our existing patents and patents that we might obtain in the future.
The United States federal government retains certain rights in inventions produced with its financial assistance under the Bayh-Dole Act. The federal government retains a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable, paid-up license for its own benefit. The Bayh-Dole Act also provides federal agencies with march-in rights. March-in rights allow the government, in specified circumstances, to require the contractor or successors in title to the patent to grant a nonexclusive, partially exclusive, or exclusive license to a responsible applicant or applicants. If the patent owner refuses to do so, the government may grant the license
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itself. If, in the future, we co-own or license in technology which is critical to our business that is developed in whole or in part with federal funds subject to the Bayh-Dole Act, our ability to enforce or otherwise exploit patents covering such technology may be adversely affected.
We may not be able to protect our intellectual property rights throughout the world.
Patents are of national or regional effect, and filing, prosecuting and defending patents on all of our product candidates throughout the world would be prohibitively expensive, and the laws of foreign countries may not protect our rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. As such, we may not be able to prevent third parties from practicing our inventions in all countries outside the United States, or from selling or importing products made using our inventions in and into the United States or other jurisdictions. Further, the legal systems of certain countries, particularly certain developing countries, do not favor the enforcement of patents, trade secrets and other intellectual property protection, particularly those relating to pharmaceuticals or biologics, which could make it difficult for us to stop the infringement of our patents or marketing of competing products in violation of our proprietary rights generally. In addition, certain jurisdictions do not protect to the same extent or at all inventions that constitute new methods of treatment. As such, we may not be able to prevent third parties from practicing our inventions in all countries outside the United States, or from selling or importing products made using our inventions in and into the United States or other jurisdictions. Furthermore, certain foreign and developing countries, including China and India, have compulsory licensing laws under which a patent owner may be compelled to grant licenses to third parties. In those countries, we and our licensors may have limited remedies if patents are infringed or if we or our licensors are compelled to grant a license to a third party, which could materially diminish the value of those patents. This could limit our potential revenue opportunities. Accordingly, our efforts to enforce our intellectual property rights around the world may be inadequate to obtain a significant commercial advantage from the intellectual property that we develop or license.
We may rely on trade secret and proprietary know how which can be difficult to trace and enforce, and if we are unable to protect the confidentiality of our trade secrets, our business and competitive position would be harmed.
In addition to seeking patents for some of our technology and product candidates, we may also rely on trade secrets, including unpatented know-how, technology and other proprietary information, to maintain our competitive position. Elements of our product candidate, including processes for their preparation and manufacture, may involve proprietary know-how, information, or technology that is not covered by patents, and thus for these aspects we may consider trade secrets and know-how to be our primary intellectual property. Any disclosure, either intentional or unintentional, by our employees, the employees of third parties with whom we share our facilities or third party consultants and vendors that we engage to perform research, clinical trials or manufacturing activities, or misappropriation by third parties (such as through a cybersecurity breach) of our trade secrets or proprietary information could enable competitors to duplicate or surpass our technological achievements, thus eroding our competitive position in our market.
Trade secrets and know-how can be difficult to protect. We require our employees to enter into written employment agreements containing provisions of confidentiality and obligations to assign to us any inventions generated in the course of their employment. We further seek to protect our potential trade secrets, proprietary know-how, and information in part, by entering into non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements with parties who are given access to them, such as our corporate collaborators, outside scientific collaborators, contract research organizations, contract manufacturers, consultants, advisors and other third parties. With our consultants, contractors, and outside scientific collaborators, these agreements typically include invention assignment obligations. While it is our policy to require our employees and contractors who may be involved in the conception or development of intellectual property to execute agreements assigning such intellectual property to us, we may be unsuccessful in executing an enforceable agreement with each party who in fact conceives or develops intellectual property that we regard as our own. Despite these efforts, our assignment agreements may not be self-executing and any of these parties may breach the agreements and disclose our proprietary
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information, including our trade secrets, and we may not be able to obtain adequate remedies for such breaches. Enforcing a claim that a party illegally disclosed or misappropriated a trade secret is difficult, expensive and time-consuming, and the outcome is unpredictable. If we fail in bringing or defending any such claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, we may lose valuable intellectual property rights. Such an outcome could materially, and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and growth prospects. Even if we are successful in defending against such claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and distraction to management and other employees. The assignment risks of this paragraph could also pertain to any intellectual property licensed-in to us. In addition, some courts inside and outside the United States are less willing or unwilling to protect trade secrets. If any of our trade secrets were to be lawfully obtained or independently developed by a competitor or other third party, we would have no right to prevent them from using that technology or information to compete with us. If any of our trade secrets were to be disclosed to or independently developed by a competitor or other third party, our competitive position would be harmed.
We may be subject to claims that our employees, consultants or independent contractors have wrongfully used or disclosed confidential information of third parties.
We employ individuals who were previously employed at other biotechnology or biopharmaceutical companies, or at research institutions. Although we seek to protect our ownership of intellectual property rights by ensuring that our agreements with our employees, collaborators, and other third parties with whom we do business include provisions requiring such parties to assign rights in inventions to us, we may be subject to claims that we or our employees, consultants or independent contractors have inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed confidential information of our employees former employers or other third parties. We or our licensors may also be subject to claims that former employers or other third parties have an ownership interest in our patents. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these claims. There is no guarantee of success in defending these claims, and if we or our licensors fail in defending any such claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, we may lose valuable intellectual property rights, such as exclusive ownership of, or right to use, valuable intellectual property. Even if we are successful, litigation could result in substantial cost and be a distraction to our management and other employees.
Intellectual property rights do not necessarily address all potential threats to our competitive advantage.
The degree of future protection afforded by our intellectual property rights is uncertain because intellectual property rights have limitations, and may not adequately protect our business or permit us to maintain our competitive advantage. For example:
| others may be able to make product candidates that are similar to ours but that are not covered by the claims of the patents that we own or have exclusively licensed; |
| we or our licensors or future collaborators might not have been the first to make the inventions covered by the issued patent or pending patent application that we own or have exclusively licensed; |
| we or our licensors or future collaborators might not have been the first to file patent applications covering certain of our inventions; |
| others may independently develop similar or alternative technologies or duplicate any of our technologies without infringing our intellectual property rights; |
| it is possible that our pending patent applications will not lead to issued patents; |
| issued patents that we own or have exclusively licensed may be held invalid or unenforceable, as a result of legal challenges by our competitors; |
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| our competitors might conduct research and development activities in countries where we do not have patent rights and then use the information learned from such activities to develop competitive products for sale in our major commercial markets; |
| we cannot ensure that any of our patents, or any of our pending patent applications, if issued, or those of our licensors, will include claims having a scope sufficient to protect our product candidates; |
| we cannot ensure that any patents issued to us or our licensors will provide a basis for an exclusive market for our commercially viable product candidates or will provide us with any competitive advantages; |
| the Supreme Court of the United States, other U.S. federal courts, Congress, the USPTO or similar foreign authorities may change the standards of patentability and any such changes could narrow or invalidate, or change the scope of, our or our licensors patents; |
| patent terms may be inadequate to protect our competitive position on our product candidates for an adequate amount of time; |
| we cannot ensure that our commercial activities or product candidates will not infringe upon the patents of others; |
| we cannot ensure that we will be able to successfully commercialize our product candidates on a substantial scale, if approved, before the relevant patents that we own or license expire; |
| we may choose not to file a patent in order to maintain certain trade secrets or know-how, and a third party may subsequently file a patent covering such intellectual property; |
| we may not develop additional proprietary technologies that are patentable; and |
| the patents of others may have an adverse effect on our business. |
Should any of these events occur, they could significantly harm our business, results of operations and prospects.
Patent terms may be inadequate to protect our competitive position on our product candidates and preclinical programs for an adequate amount of time.
Patent rights are of limited duration. In the United States, if all maintenance fees are timely paid, the natural expiration of a patent is generally 20 years from its earliest U.S. non-provisional filing date. Various extensions may be available, but the life of a patent, and the protection it affords, is limited. A patent term extension based on regulatory delay may be available in the United States. However, only a single patent can be extended for each marketing approval, and any patent can be extended only once, for a single product. Moreover, the scope of protection during the period of the patent term extension does not extend to the full scope of the claim, but instead only to the scope of the product as approved. Laws governing analogous patent term extensions in foreign jurisdictions vary widely, as do laws governing the ability to obtain multiple patents from a single patent family. Given the amount of time required for the development, testing and regulatory review of new product candidates, patents protecting such candidates might expire before or shortly after such product candidates are commercialized. Even if patents covering our product candidates are obtained, once the patent life has expired for a product, we may be open to competition from biosimilar or generic products. Additionally, we may not receive an extension if we fail to apply within applicable deadlines, fail to apply prior to expiration of relevant patents or otherwise fail to satisfy applicable requirements. If we are unable to obtain patent term
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extension or restoration, or the term of any such extension is less than we request, the period during which we will have the right to exclusively market our product will be shortened and our competitors may obtain approval of competing products following our patent expiration, and our revenue could be reduced, possibly materially.
Risks Related to Government Regulation
Our industry is highly regulated by the FDA and comparable foreign regulatory agencies. We must comply with extensive, strictly enforced regulatory requirements to develop, obtain, and maintain marketing approval for any of our product candidates.
Any product candidates we develop and the activities associated with their development and commercialization, including their design, testing, manufacture, safety, efficacy, recordkeeping, labeling, storage, approval, advertising, promotion, sale, and distribution are very heavily regulated. We have not received approval to market any product candidates from regulatory authorities in any jurisdiction. We have only limited experience in filing and supporting the applications necessary to gain marketing approvals and expect to rely on third-party contract research organizations to assist us in this process. Securing FDA or comparable foreign regulatory approval such as a marketing authorization from the European Commission or the competent authorities of the individual EU Member States, requires the submission of extensive preclinical and clinical data and supporting information for each therapeutic indication to establish the product candidates safety and efficacy for its intended use. Securing regulatory approval also requires the submission of information about the product manufacturing process to, and inspection of manufacturing facilities by, the relevant regulatory authority. It takes years to complete the testing of a new drug and development delays and/or failure can occur at any stage of testing. Any of our present and future clinical trials may be delayed, halted, not authorized, or approval of any of our products may be delayed or may not be obtained due to any of the following:
| any preclinical study or clinical trial may fail to produce safety and efficacy results satisfactory to the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities; |
| preclinical and clinical data can be interpreted in different ways, which could delay, limit or prevent marketing approval; |
| negative or inconclusive results from a preclinical study or clinical trial or adverse events during a clinical trial could cause a preclinical study or clinical trial to be repeated or a development program to be terminated, even if other studies or trials relating to the development program are ongoing or have been completed and were successful; |
| the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities can place a clinical hold on a trial if, among other reasons, it finds that subjects enrolled in the trial are or would be exposed to an unreasonable and significant risk of illness or injury; |
| the facilities that we utilize, or the processes or facilities of third-party vendors, including without limitation the contract manufacturers who will be manufacturing drug substance and drug product for us or any potential collaborators, may not satisfactorily complete inspections by the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities; and |
| we may encounter delays or rejections based on changes in FDA regulations, standards or policies or the regulations, standards or policies of comparable foreign regulatory authorities during the period in which we develop a product candidate or the period required for review of any final marketing approval before we are able to market any product candidate. |
In addition, information generated during the clinical trial process is susceptible to varying interpretations that could delay, limit, or prevent marketing approval at any stage of the approval process.
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Moreover, early positive preclinical or clinical trial results may not be replicated in later clinical trials. As more product candidates within a particular class of drugs proceed through clinical development to regulatory review and approval, the amount and type of clinical data that may be required by regulatory authorities may increase or change. Failure to demonstrate adequately the quality, safety and efficacy of any of our product candidates would delay or prevent marketing approval of the applicable product candidate. We cannot assure you that if clinical trials are completed, either we or our potential collaborators will submit applications for required authorizations to manufacture or market potential products or that any such application will be reviewed and approved by appropriate regulatory authorities in a timely manner, if at all. Changes in marketing approval policies during the development period, changes in or the enactment of additional statutes or regulations, or changes in regulatory review for each submitted product application, may cause delays in the approval or rejection of an application.
Changes in healthcare law and implementing regulations, as well as changes in healthcare policy, may impact our business in ways that we cannot currently predict, and may have a significant adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
In the United States and some foreign jurisdictions, there have been, and continue to be, several legislative and regulatory changes and proposed changes regarding the healthcare system that could prevent or delay marketing approval of product candidates, restrict or regulate post-approval activities, impact pricing and reimbursement and affect our ability to profitably sell any product candidates for which we obtain marketing approval. Among policy makers and payors both federally and on the state level in the United States and elsewhere, including in the European Union, there is significant interest in promoting changes in healthcare systems with the stated goals of containing healthcare costs, improving quality and/or expanding access. In the United States, the pharmaceutical industry has been a particular focus of these efforts and has been significantly affected by major legislative initiatives.
The Affordable Care Act substantially changed the way healthcare is financed by both the government and private insurers, and significantly impacts the U.S. pharmaceutical industry. The Affordable Care Act, among other things: (i) introduced a new average manufacturer price definition for drugs and biologics that are inhaled, infused, instilled, implanted or injected and not generally dispensed through retail community pharmacies; (ii) increased the minimum Medicaid rebates owed by manufacturers under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program and expanded rebate liability from fee-for-service Medicaid utilization to include the utilization of Medicaid managed care organizations as well; (iii) established a branded prescription drug fee that pharmaceutical manufacturers of branded prescription drugs must pay to the federal government; (iv) expanded the list of covered entities eligible to participate in the 340B drug pricing program; (v) established a new Medicare Part D coverage gap discount program, in which manufacturers must agree to offer 70% (increased from 50% in 2019) point-of-sale discounts off negotiated prices of applicable brand drugs to eligible beneficiaries during their coverage gap period, as a condition for the manufacturers outpatient drugs to be covered under Medicare Part D; (vi) expanded eligibility criteria for Medicaid programs by, among other things, allowing states to offer Medicaid coverage to additional individuals and by adding new mandatory eligibility categories for individuals with income at or below 133% of the federal poverty level, thereby potentially increasing manufacturers Medicaid rebate liability; (vii) created a licensure framework for follow on biologic products; and (viii) established a Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation, CMMI, at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, to test innovative payment and service delivery models to lower Medicare and Medicaid spending, potentially including prescription drug spending.
Since its enactment, there have been judicial challenges to certain aspects of the Affordable Care Act, as well as efforts by Congress to repeal or replace, and the Trump administration to alter the implementation of, certain aspects of the Affordable Care Act. For example, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, or the TCJA, includes a provision repealing, effective January 1, 2019, the tax-based shared responsibility payment imposed by the Affordable Care Act on certain individuals who fail to maintain qualifying health coverage for all or part of a year that is commonly referred to as the individual mandate. On December 14, 2018, a federal district court in Texas ruled the individual mandate in the absence of the tax penalty is unconstitutional and, because it is
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a critical and inseverable feature of the Affordable Care Act, the remaining provisions of the Affordable Care Act are invalid as well. On December 18, 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed the District Courts ruling but remanded the case back to the District Court as to the question of severability. On March 2, 2020, the United States Supreme Court granted certiorari to review this case, which is expected to be decided by mid-2021. Additionally, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020, Pub. L. No. 116-94 permanently eliminated, effective January 1, 2020, the Affordable Care Act -mandated Cadillac tax on high-cost employer-sponsored health coverage and the medical device excise tax on non-exempt medical devices and, effective January 1, 2021, also eliminates the annual fee imposed on certain health insurance providers based on market share. Further, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, among other things, amended the Affordable Care Act, effective January 1, 2019, to increase from 50 percent to 70 percent the point-of-sale discount that is owed by pharmaceutical manufacturers who participate in Medicare Part D and to close the coverage gap in most Medicare drug plans, commonly referred to as the donut hole. In the future, Congress may consider other legislation to repeal or replace elements of the Affordable Care Act, agencies may further alter their implementation of elements of the Affordable Care Act, and other judicial challenges to elements of the Affordable Care Act may be brought. The extent to which any such changes may impact our business or financial condition is uncertain.
Other legislative changes have been proposed and adopted since the Affordable Care Act was enacted. These changes include aggregate reductions to Medicare payments to providers of up to 2% per fiscal year pursuant to the Budget Control Act of 2011 and subsequent laws, which went into effect on April 1, 2013 and will remain in effect through 2020 unless additional Congressional action is taken, , with the exception of a temporary suspension of the 2% cut in Medicare payments from May 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020, pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, signed into law in March 2020 and designed to provide financial support and resources to individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, or ATRA, among other things, reduced Medicare payments to several providers, including hospitals, imaging centers and cancer treatment centers, and increased the statute of limitations period for the government to recover overpayments to providers from three to five years. New laws may result in additional reductions in Medicare and other healthcare funding, which may materially adversely affect customer demand and affordability for our products and related services and, accordingly, the results of our financial operations. Additional changes that may affect our business include the expansion of new programs such as Medicare payment for performance initiatives for physicians under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, or MACRA, which first affected physician payment in 2019. At this time, it is unclear how the introduction of the Medicare quality payment program will impact overall physician reimbursement.
Also, there has been heightened governmental scrutiny over the manner in which drug manufacturers set prices for their marketed products, which have resulted in several Congressional inquiries and proposed bills and initiatives, as well as state efforts, designed to, among other things, bring more transparency to product pricing, review the relationship between pricing and manufacturer patient programs, and reform government program reimbursement methodologies for drug products. For example, at the federal level, the Trump administrations budget for fiscal year 2021 includes a $135 billion allowance to support legislative proposals seeking to reduce drug prices, increase competition, lower out-of-pocket drug costs for patients, and increase patient access to lower-cost generic and biosimilar drugs. On March 10, 2020, the Trump administration sent principles for drug pricing to Congress, calling for legislation that would, among other things, cap Medicare Part D beneficiary out-of-pocket pharmacy expenses, provide an option to cap Medicare Part D beneficiary monthly out-of-pocket expenses, and place limits on pharmaceutical price increases. On July 24, 2020, President Trump signed several executive orders directed toward lowering drug prices. Individual states in the United States have become increasingly active in passing legislation and implementing 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.
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We expect that these and other healthcare reform measures in the future, may result in more rigorous coverage criteria and lower reimbursement, and in additional downward pressure on the price that we receive for any approved product. Any reduction in reimbursement from Medicare or other government-funded programs may result in a similar reduction in payments from private payors. The implementation of cost containment measures or other healthcare reforms may hinder us in generating revenue, attaining profitability or commercializing our drugs, once marketing approval is obtained.
In the European Union, coverage and reimbursement status of any product candidates for which we obtain regulatory approval are provided for by the national laws of EU Member States. The requirements may differ across the EU Member States. In markets outside of the United States and the European Union, reimbursement and healthcare payment systems vary significantly by country, and many countries have instituted price ceilings on specific products and therapies. Also, at national level, actions have been taken to enact transparency laws regarding payments between pharmaceutical companies and health care professionals.
We cannot predict the likelihood, nature or extent of government regulation that may arise from future legislation or administrative action in the United States, the European Union or any other jurisdiction. If we or any third parties we may engage are slow or unable to adapt to changes in existing requirements or the adoption of new requirements or policies, or if we or such third parties are not able to maintain regulatory compliance, our product candidates may lose any regulatory approval that may have been obtained and we may not achieve or sustain profitability.
Our employees, independent contractors, clinical trial investigators, CROs, consultants, vendors and any potential commercial partners may engage in misconduct or other improper activities, including non-compliance with regulatory standards and requirements and insider trading.
We are exposed to the risk of fraud or other misconduct by our employees, clinical trial investigators, CROs, consultants, vendors and any potential commercial partners. Misconduct by these parties could include intentional, reckless and/or negligent conduct or disclosure of unauthorized activities to us that violates: (i) FDA laws and regulations or those of comparable foreign regulatory authorities, including those laws that require the reporting of true, complete and accurate information, (ii) manufacturing standards, (iii) federal and state health and data privacy, security, fraud and abuse, government price reporting, transparency reporting requirements, and other healthcare laws and regulations in the United States and abroad or (iv) laws that require the true, complete and accurate reporting of financial information or data. Specifically, sales, marketing and business arrangements in the healthcare industry are subject to extensive laws and regulations intended to prevent fraud, misconduct, kickbacks, self-dealing and other abusive practices. These laws and regulations may restrict or prohibit a wide range of pricing, discounting, marketing and promotion, sales commission, customer incentive programs and other business arrangements. Activities subject to these laws could also involve the improper use or misrepresentation of information obtained in the course of clinical trials, creation of fraudulent data in preclinical studies or clinical trials or illegal misappropriation of drug product, which could result in regulatory sanctions and cause serious harm to our reputation. It is not always possible to identify and deter misconduct by employees and other third parties, and the precautions we take to detect and prevent this activity may not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses or in protecting us from governmental investigations or other actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure to comply with such laws or regulations. We intend to adopt a code of conduct applicable to all of our employees prior to completion of this offering, as well as a disclosure program and other applicable policies and procedures, but it is not always possible to identify and deter employee misconduct, and the precautions we take to detect and prevent this activity may not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses or in protecting us from governmental investigations or other actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure to comply with these laws or regulations. Additionally, we are subject to the risk that a person or government could allege such fraud or other misconduct, even if none occurred. If any such actions are instituted against us, and we are not successful in defending ourselves or asserting our rights, those actions could have a significant impact on our business, including the imposition of significant civil, criminal and administrative penalties, damages, monetary fines, disgorgements, possible exclusion from participation in
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Medicare, Medicaid, other U.S. federal healthcare programs or healthcare programs in other jurisdictions, integrity oversight and reporting obligations to resolve allegations of non-compliance, individual imprisonment, other sanctions, contractual damages, reputational harm, diminished profits and future earnings, and curtailment of our operations.
If we fail to comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, we could become subject to fines or penalties or incur costs that could have a material adverse effect on the success of our business.
We, and the third parties with whom we share our facilities, are subject to numerous environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including those governing laboratory procedures and the handling, use, storage, treatment and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes. Each of our operations involve the use of hazardous and flammable materials, including chemicals and biological and radioactive materials. Each of our operations also produce hazardous waste products. We generally contract with third parties for the disposal of these materials and wastes. We cannot eliminate the risk of contamination or injury from these materials. We could be held liable for any resulting damages in the event of contamination or injury resulting from the use of hazardous materials by us or the third parties with whom we share our facilities, and any liability could exceed our resources. We also could incur significant costs associated with civil or criminal fines and penalties.
Although we maintain general liability insurance as well as workers compensation insurance to cover us for costs and expenses we may incur due to injuries to our employees resulting from the use of hazardous materials, this insurance may not provide adequate coverage against potential liabilities. We do not maintain insurance for environmental liability or toxic tort claims that may be asserted against us in connection with our storage or disposal of biological, hazardous or radioactive materials.
In addition, we may incur substantial costs in order to comply with current or future environmental, health and safety laws and regulations. These current or future laws and regulations may impair our research and development. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations also may result in substantial fines, penalties or other sanctions.
Further, with respect to the operations of our current and any future third-party contract manufacturers, it is possible that if they fail to operate in compliance with applicable environmental, health and safety laws and regulations or properly dispose of wastes associated with our products, we could be held liable for any resulting damages, suffer reputational harm or experience a disruption in the manufacture and supply of our product candidates or products. In addition, our supply chain may be adversely impacted if any of our third-party contract manufacturers become subject to injunctions or other sanctions as a result of their non-compliance with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations.
We will be subject to federal, state and foreign healthcare and abuse laws and false claims laws, as well as information privacy and security laws and regulations. If we are unable to comply, or have not fully complied, with such laws, we could face substantial penalties, criminal sanctions, contractual damages, reputational harm, and diminished profits and future earnings.
ECPs and third-party payors will play a primary role in the recommendation and prescription of any future product candidates we may develop and any product candidates for which we obtain marketing approval. Our arrangements with ECPs, patients, third-party payors and customers may expose us to broadly applicable fraud and abuse and other healthcare laws and regulations that may affect our business or financial arrangements and relationships through which we would market, sell and distribute our products. As a biopharmaceutical company, federal and state healthcare laws and regulations pertaining to fraud and abuse are applicable to our business and may affect our ability to operate. These laws include, but are not limited to:
| the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits any person or entity from, among other things, knowingly and willfully soliciting, receiving, offering or paying any remuneration, directly or |
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indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind, to induce or reward either the referral of an individual for, or the purchase, order or recommendation of an item or service reimbursable, in whole or in part, under a federal healthcare program, such as the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The term remuneration has been broadly interpreted to include anything of value. The Anti-Kickback Statute has also been interpreted to apply to arrangements between pharmaceutical manufacturers on the one hand and prescribers, purchasers, and formulary managers on the other the other hand. Liability under the Anti-Kickback Statute may be established without proving actual knowledge of the statute or specific intent to violate it. In addition, the government may assert that a claim including items or services resulting from a violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute constitutes a false or fraudulent claim for purposes of the federal civil False Claims Act. Although there are a number of statutory exceptions and regulatory safe harbors protecting some common activities from prosecution or regulatory sanctions, the exemptions and safe harbors are drawn narrowly, and practices that do not fit squarely within an exemption or safe harbor, or for which no exception or safe harbor is available, may be subject to scrutiny; |
| federal civil laws, such as the False Claims Act, or the FCA, which prohibits individuals or entities from, among other things, knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, false or fraudulent claims for payment of government funds, and knowingly making, using or causing to be made or used a false record or statement material to an obligation to pay money to the government or knowingly concealing or knowingly and improperly avoiding, decreasing or concealing an obligation to pay money to the federal government. Actions under the FCA may be brought by the U.S. Attorney General or as a qui tam action by a private individual (a whistleblower) in the name of the government and the individual, and the whistleblower may share in any monetary recovery. Many pharmaceutical companies have been investigated and have reached substantial settlements under the federal civil FCA in connection with their alleged off-label promotion of drugs, purportedly concealing price concessions in the pricing information submitted to the government for government price reporting purposes, and allegedly providing free product to customers with the expectation that the customers would bill federal health care programs for the product. In addition, a claim including items or services resulting from a violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute constitutes a false or fraudulent claim for purposes of the FCA. In addition, manufacturers can be held liable under the FCA even when they do not submit claims directly to government payors if they are deemed to cause the submission of false or fraudulent claims. FCA liability is potentially significant in the healthcare industry because the statute provides for treble damages and significant mandatory penalties per false or fraudulent claim or statement for violations. Because of the potential for large monetary exposure, healthcare and pharmaceutical companies often resolve allegations without admissions of liability for significant and material amounts to avoid the uncertainty of treble damages and per claim penalties that may be awarded in litigation proceedings. Settlements may require companies to enter into corporate integrity agreements with the government, which may impose substantial costs on companies to ensure compliance. Pharmaceutical and other healthcare companies also are subject to other federal false claims laws, including, among others, federal criminal healthcare fraud and false statement statutes that extend to non-government health benefit programs; |
| the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA, among other things, imposes criminal liability for knowingly or willfully executing or attempting to execute a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program, including private third-party payors, knowingly and willfully embezzling or stealing from a healthcare benefit program, willfully obstructing a criminal investigation of a healthcare offense, and creates federal criminal laws that prohibit knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing or covering up a material fact or making any materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statement or representation, or making or using any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statement or entry in connection with the delivery of or payment for healthcare benefits, items or |
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services. Similar to the federal healthcare Anti-Kickback Statute, a person or entity does not need to have actual knowledge of the statute or specific intent to violate it to have committed a violation; |
| HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009, or HITECH, and its implementing regulations, which imposes privacy, security and breach reporting obligations with respect to individually identifiable health information upon entities subject to the law, such as health plans, healthcare clearinghouses and healthcare providers and their respective business associates that perform services for them that involve individually identifiable health information. HITECH also created new tiers of civil monetary penalties, amended HIPAA to make civil and criminal penalties directly applicable to business associates, and gave state attorneys general new authority to file civil actions for damages or injunctions in U.S. federal courts to enforce the federal HIPAA laws and seek attorneys fees and costs associated with pursuing federal civil actions; |
| federal and state consumer protection and unfair competition laws, which broadly regulate marketplace activities and activities that potentially harm consumers; |
| the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, which prohibits, among other things, the adulteration or misbranding of drugs, biologics and medical devices; |
| the federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act, implemented as the Open Payments Program, requires, among other things, certain manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologics and medical supplies for which payment I available under Medicare, Medicaid, or the Childrens Health Insurance Program (with certain exceptions) to report annually to the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, information related to payments and other transfers of value provided to physicians (defined to include doctors, dentists, optometrists, podiatrist and chiropractors) and teaching hospitals, as well as physician ownership and investment interests, including such ownership and investment interests held by a physicians immediate family members. Beginning in 2022, applicable manufacturers also will be required to report information regarding payments and transfers of value provided to physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse anesthetists, and certified nurse-midwives; |
| state and foreign law equivalents of each of the above federal laws, such as anti-kickback laws, false claims laws, transparency laws and misleading advertising laws, that may impose similar or more prohibitive restrictions, and may apply to items or services reimbursed by any non-governmental third-party payors, including private insurers; and |
| state and foreign laws that require pharmaceutical companies to implement compliance programs, comply with the pharmaceutical industrys voluntary compliance guidelines and the relevant compliance guidance promulgated by the federal government, or to track and report gifts, compensation and other remuneration provided to physicians and other health care providers, and other federal, state and foreign laws that govern the privacy and security of health information or personally identifiable information in certain circumstances, including state health information privacy and data breach notification laws which govern the collection, use, disclosure, and protection of health-related and other personal information, many of which differ from each other in significant ways and often are not pre-empted by HIPAA, thus requiring additional compliance efforts. |
We have entered into consulting and scientific advisory board arrangements with physicians and other ECPs, including some who could influence the use of our product candidates, if approved. Because of the complex and far-reaching nature of these laws, regulatory agencies may view these transactions as prohibited arrangements that must be restructured, or discontinued, or for which we could be subject to other significant
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penalties. We could be adversely affected if regulatory agencies interpret our financial relationships with providers who may influence the ordering of and use our product candidates, if approved, to be in violation of applicable laws.
The scope and enforcement of each of these laws is uncertain and subject to rapid change in the current environment of healthcare reform. Various state and federal regulatory and enforcement agencies continue actively to investigate violations of health care laws and regulations, and the United States Congress continues to strengthen the arsenal of enforcement tools. The BBA of 2018 increased the criminal and civil penalties that can be imposed for violating certain federal health care laws, including the Anti-Kickback Statute. Responding to investigations can be time-and resource-consuming and can divert managements attention from the business. Any such investigation or settlement could increase our costs or otherwise have an adverse effect on our business.
Efforts to ensure that our collaborations or business arrangements with third parties, and our business generally, comply with applicable healthcare laws and regulations will likely be costly. 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. If our operations are found to be in violation of any of these laws or any other current or future governmental laws and regulations that may apply to us, we may be subject to significant civil, criminal and administrative penalties, damages, fines, disgorgement, individual imprisonment, exclusion from government funded healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, contractual damages, reputational harm, diminished profits and future earnings, additional reporting obligations and oversight if we become subject to a corporate integrity agreement or other agreement to resolve allegations of non-compliance with these laws, and the curtailment or restructuring of our operations, any of which could substantially disrupt our operations.
Inadequate funding for the FDA and other government agencies could hinder their ability to hire and retain key leadership and other personnel, prevent new products and services from being developed or commercialized in a timely manner or otherwise prevent those agencies from performing normal business functions on which the operation of our business may rely, which could negatively impact our business.
The ability of the FDA to review and approve new products can be affected by a variety of factors, including government budget and funding levels, ability to hire and retain key personnel and accept the payment of user fees, and statutory, regulatory, and policy changes. Average review times at the agency have fluctuated in recent years as a result. In addition, government funding of the SEC and other government agencies on which our operations may rely, including those that fund research and development activities, is subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable.
Disruptions at the FDA and other agencies may also slow the time necessary for new products to be reviewed and/or approved by necessary government agencies, which would adversely affect our business. If a prolonged government shutdown occurs, it could significantly impact the ability of the FDA to timely review and process our regulatory submissions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Further, in our operations as a public company, future government shutdowns could impact our ability to access the public markets and obtain necessary capital in order to properly capitalize and continue our operations.
We are subject to certain U.S. and foreign anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, export control, sanctions, and other trade laws and regulations. We can face serious consequences for violations.
U.S. and foreign anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, export control, sanctions, and other trade laws and regulations, which we collectively refer to as Trade Laws, prohibit, among other things, companies and their employees, agents, clinical research organizations, legal counsel, accountants, consultants, contractors, and other partners from authorizing, promising, offering, providing, soliciting, or receiving directly or indirectly, corrupt or improper payments or anything else of value to or from recipients in the public or private sector. Violations of
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Trade Laws can result in substantial criminal fines and civil penalties, imprisonment, the loss of trade privileges, debarment, tax reassessments, breach of contract and fraud litigation, reputational harm, and other consequences. We have direct or indirect interactions with officials and employees of government agencies or government-affiliated hospitals, universities, and other organizations. We also expect our non-U.S. activities to increase over time. We expect to rely on third parties for research, preclinical studies, and clinical trials and/or to obtain necessary permits, licenses, patent registrations, and other marketing approvals. We can be held liable for the corrupt or other illegal activities of our personnel, agents, or partners, even if we do not explicitly authorize or have prior knowledge of such activities.
Even if we receive marketing approval for a product candidate, we will be subject to ongoing regulatory obligations and continued regulatory review, which may result in significant additional expense and subject us to restrictions, withdrawal from the market, or penalties if we fail to comply with applicable regulatory requirements or if we experience unanticipated problems with our product candidates, when and if approved.
Obtaining coverage and reimbursement approval for a product from a government or other third-party payor is a time-consuming and costly process that could require us to provide supporting scientific, clinical and cost effectiveness data for the use of our products to the payor. There may be significant delays in obtaining such coverage and reimbursement for newly approved products, and coverage may be more limited than the purposes for which the product is approved by the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities. Moreover, eligibility for coverage and reimbursement does not imply that a product will be paid for in all cases or at a rate that covers our costs, including research, development, intellectual property, manufacture, sale and distribution expenses. Interim reimbursement levels for new products, if applicable, may also not be sufficient to cover our costs and may not be made permanent. Reimbursement rates may vary according to the use of the product and the clinical setting in which it is used, may be based on reimbursement levels already set for lower cost products and may be incorporated into existing payments for other services. Net prices for products may be reduced by mandatory discounts or rebates required by government healthcare programs or private payors, by any future laws limiting drug prices and by any future relaxation of laws that presently restrict imports of product from countries where they may be sold at lower prices than in the United States.
There is significant uncertainty related to the insurance coverage and reimbursement of newly approved products. Third-party payors often rely upon Medicare coverage policy and payment limitations in setting reimbursement policies, but also have their own methods and approval process apart from Medicare coverage and reimbursement determinations.
Coverage and reimbursement by a third-party payor may depend upon a number of factors, including the third-party payors determination that use of a product is:
| a covered benefit under its health plan; |
| safe, effective and medically necessary; |
| appropriate for the specific patient; |
| cost-effective; and |
| neither experimental nor investigational. |
We cannot be sure that reimbursement will be available for any product that we commercialize and, if coverage and reimbursement are available, what the level of reimbursement will be. Obtaining reimbursement for our products may be particularly difficult because of the higher prices often associated with branded therapeutics and therapeutics administered under the supervision of a physician. Our inability to promptly obtain coverage and adequate reimbursement rates from both government-funded and private payors for any approved products that we develop could have a material adverse effect on our operating results, our ability to raise capital needed to commercialize products and our overall financial condition.
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Reimbursement may impact the demand for, and the price of, any product for which we obtain marketing approval. Assuming we obtain coverage for a given product by a third-party payor, the resulting reimbursement payment rates may not be adequate or may require co-payments that patients find unacceptably high. Patients who are prescribed medications for the treatment of their conditions, and their prescribing physicians, generally rely on third-party payors to reimburse all or part of the costs associated with those medications. Patients are unlikely to use our products unless coverage is provided and reimbursement is adequate to cover all or a significant portion of the cost of our products. Therefore, coverage and adequate reimbursement is critical to new product acceptance. Coverage decisions may depend upon clinical and economic standards that disfavor new products when more established or lower cost therapeutic alternatives are already available or subsequently become available.
We expect to experience pricing pressures in connection with the sale of any of our product candidates due to the trend toward managed healthcare, the increasing influence of health maintenance organizations, and additional legislative changes. The downward pressure on healthcare costs in general, particularly prescription medicines, medical devices and surgical procedures and other treatments, has become very intense. As a result, increasingly high barriers are being erected to the successful commercialization of new products. Further, the adoption and implementation of any future governmental cost containment or other health reform initiative may result in additional downward pressure on the price that we may receive for any approved product.
Outside of the United States, many countries require approval of the sale price of a product before it can be marketed and the pricing review period only begins after marketing or product licensing approval is granted. To obtain reimbursement or pricing approval in some of these countries, we may be required to conduct a clinical trial that compares the cost-effectiveness of our product candidate to other available therapies. In some foreign markets, prescription pharmaceutical pricing remains subject to continuing governmental control even after initial approval is granted. As a result, we might obtain marketing approval for a product candidate in a particular country, but then be subject to price regulations that delay our commercial launch of the product, possibly for lengthy time periods, and negatively impact the revenue, if any, we are able to generate from the sale of the product in that country. Adverse pricing limitations may hinder our ability to recoup our investment in one or more product candidates, even if such product candidates obtain marketing approval.
Failure to comply with health and data protection laws and regulations could lead to government enforcement actions (which could include civil or criminal penalties), significant fines, private litigation, and/or adverse publicity and could negatively affect our financial condition, operating results and business.
We and any potential collaborators may be subject to federal, state, and foreign data protection laws and regulations (i.e., laws and regulations that address privacy and data security). In the United States, numerous federal and state laws and regulations, including federal health information privacy laws, state data breach notification laws, state health information privacy laws, and federal and state consumer protection laws (e.g., Section 5 of the FTC Act), that govern the collection, use, disclosure, and protection of health-related and other personal information could apply to our operations or the operations of our collaborators. In addition, we may obtain health information from third parties (including research institutions from which we obtain clinical trial data) that are subject to privacy and security requirements under HIPAA as amended by HITECH. Depending on the facts and circumstances, we could be subject to criminal penalties if we knowingly obtain, use, or disclose individually identifiable health information maintained by a HIPAA-covered entity in a manner that is not authorized or permitted by HIPAA.
Furthermore, states are constantly adopting new laws or amending existing laws, requiring attention to frequently changing regulatory requirements. For example, California has enacted the California Consumer Privacy Act, or the CCPA, which came into effect on January 1, 2020. The CCPA gives California residents expanded rights to access and delete their personal information, opt out of certain personal information sharing and receive detailed information about how their personal information is used, by requiring covered companies to provide new disclosures to California consumers (as that term is broadly defined) and provide such consumers
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new ways to opt-out of certain sales of personal information. The California Attorney General may seek substantial monetary penalties and injunctive relief in the event of our non-compliance with the CCPA. The CCPA also provides a private right of action (with the potential for class actions) for certain data breaches that is expected to increase data breach litigation. The CCPA may increase our compliance costs and potential liability, and similar laws have been proposed at the federal level and in other states.
International data protection laws, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, may also apply to health-related and other personal information obtained outside of the United States. The GDPR extends the geographical scope of EU data protection law to non-EU entities under certain conditions, tightens existing EU data protection principles, creates new obligations for companies and new rights for individuals. Failure to comply with the GDPR may result in substantial fines and other administrative penalties. The GDPR may increase our responsibility and liability in relation to personal data that we process and we may be required to put in place additional mechanisms to ensure compliance with the GDPR. This may be onerous and if our efforts to comply with the GDPR or other applicable EU laws and regulations are not successful, it could adversely affect our business. The GDPR prohibits the transfer of personal data to countries outside of the European Economic Area, or EEA, such as the United States, which are not considered by the European Commission to provide an adequate level of data protection. Switzerland has adopted similar restrictions. Although there are legal mechanisms to allow for the transfer of personal data from the EEA and Switzerland to the United States, uncertainty about compliance with EU data protection laws remains and data protection authorities from the different EU Member States may interpret the GDPR differently, and guidance on implementation and compliance practices are often updated or otherwise revised, which adds to the complexity of processing personal data in the European Union. In particular, on July 16, 2020, the Court of Justice of the European Union, in the case of Data Protection Commissioner v. Facebook Ireland Limited, Maximillian Schrems (Case C-311/18), or Schrems II, invalidated the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield Program for transfers of personal data from the EU to the United States, and added further uncertainty and complexity to the use of the Standard Contractual Clauses as a compliance mechanism for transfers of personal data outside the EU.
In addition, the United Kingdom leaving the EU could also lead to further legislative and regulatory changes. It remains unclear how the United Kingdom data protection laws or regulations will develop in the medium to longer term and how data transfers from the EEA to the United Kingdom will be regulated, especially following the United Kingdoms departure from the EU on January 31, 2020 without a deal. However, the United Kingdom has transposed the GDPR into domestic law with the Data Protection Act 2018, which remains in force following the United Kingdoms departure from the EU. During the period of transition (i.e., until December 31, 2020), EU law will continue to apply in the UK, including the GDPR, after which the GDPR will be converted into UK law. Beginning in 2021, the UK will be a third country under the GDPR. We may incur liabilities, expenses, costs, and other operational losses under GDPR and applicable EU Member States and the United Kingdom privacy laws in connection with any measures we take to comply with them.
Failure to comply with U.S. and international data protection laws and regulations could result in government enforcement actions (which could include civil or criminal penalties), significant fines, private litigation, and/or adverse publicity and could negatively affect our financial condition, operating results and business. Moreover, clinical trial subjects about whom we or our potential collaborators obtain information, as well as the providers who share this information with us, may contractually limit our ability to use and disclose the information. Claims that we have violated individuals privacy rights, failed to comply with data protection laws, or breached our contractual obligations, even if we are not found liable, could be expensive and time-consuming to defend and could result in adverse publicity that could harm our business. We cannot assure you that our third-party service providers with access to our or our customers, suppliers, trial patients and employees personally identifiable and other sensitive or confidential information in relation to which we are responsible will not breach contractual obligations imposed by us, or that they will not experience data security breaches or attempts thereof, which could have a corresponding effect on our business, including putting us in breach of our obligations under privacy laws and regulations and/or which could in turn adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. We cannot assure you that our contractual measures and
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our own privacy and security- related safeguards will protect us from the risks associated with the third-party processing, storage and transmission of such information. Furthermore, the laws are not consistent, and compliance in the event of a widespread data breach is costly.
If we are able to successfully commercialize any of our products and if we participate in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program or other governmental pricing programs, failure to comply with obligations under these programs could result in additional reimbursement requirements, penalties, sanctions and fines which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
If we successfully commercialize any of our product candidates, we may participate in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. Participation is required for federal funds to be available for our covered outpatient drugs under Medicaid and, if applicable, Medicare Part B. Under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, we would be required to pay a rebate to each state Medicaid program for our covered outpatient drugs that are dispensed to Medicaid beneficiaries and paid for by a state Medicaid program as a condition of having federal funds being made available to the states for our drugs under Medicaid and, if applicable, Part B of the Medicare program.
Federal law requires that any company that participates in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program also participate in the Public Health Services 340B drug pricing program in order for federal funds to be available for the manufacturers drugs under Medicaid and Medicare Part B. The 340B drug pricing program requires participating manufacturers to agree to charge statutorily-defined covered entities no more than the 340B ceiling price for the manufacturers covered outpatient drugs. These 340B covered entities include a variety of community health clinics and other entities that receive health services grants from the Public Health Service, as well as hospitals that serve a disproportionate share of low-income patients.
In addition, in order to be eligible to have its products paid for with federal funds under the Medicaid and Medicare Part B programs and purchased by certain federal agencies and grantees, a manufacturer also must participate in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA, Federal Supply Schedule, or FSS, pricing program. Under this program, the manufacturer is obligated to make its innovator and single source products available for procurement on an FSS contract and charge a price to four federal agencies, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Department of Defense, or the DoD, Public Health Service and U.S. Coast Guard, that is no higher than the statutory Federal Ceiling Price. Moreover, pursuant to regulations issued by the DoD Defense Health Agency to implement Section 703 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, manufacturers are required to provide rebates on utilization of their innovator and single source products that are dispensed to TRICARE beneficiaries by TRICARE network retail pharmacies.
The requirements under the Medicaid, 340B, FSS, and TRICARE programs could reduce the revenue we may generate from any products that are commercialized in the future and could adversely affect our business and operating results. If we fail to comply with any applicable obligations under governmental pricing programs that we participate in, we could be subject to additional reimbursement requirements, significant civil monetary penalties, sanctions and fines, and those could negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
Risks Related to our Common Stock and to this Offering
There has been no prior public market for our common stock, the stock price of our common stock may be volatile or may decline regardless of our operating performance and you may not be able to resell your shares at or above the initial public offering price.
There has been no public market for our common stock prior to this offering. The initial public offering price for our common stock will be determined through negotiations between the underwriters and us and may vary from the market price of our common stock following this offering. If you purchase shares of our common
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stock in this offering, you may not be able to resell those shares at or above the initial public offering price. An active or liquid market in our common stock may not develop upon the completion of this offering or, if it does develop, it may not be sustainable. The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly in response to numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control, including:
| overall performance of the equity markets; |
| our operating performance and the performance of other similar companies; |
| results from our ongoing clinical trials and future clinical trials with our current and future product candidates or of our competitors; |
| delays in the commencement, enrollment and the ultimate completion of clinical trials; |
| changes in our projected operating results that we provide to the public, our failure to meet these projections or changes in recommendations by securities analysts that elect to follow our common stock; |
| regulatory actions with respect to our product candidates; |
| regulatory or legal developments in the United States and other countries; |
| the level of expenses related to future product candidates or clinical development programs; |
| our failure to achieve product development or commercialization goals or regulatory approval milestones in the timeframe we announce; |
| changes in hospital or ECP practices; |
| announcements of acquisitions, strategic alliances or significant agreements by us or by our competitors; |
| developments or disputes concerning patent applications, issued patents or other intellectual property or proprietary rights; |
| recruitment or departure of key personnel; |
| the economy as a whole and market conditions in our industry, including conditions resulting from COVID-19; |
| variations in our financial results or the financial results of companies that are perceived to be similar to us; |
| financing or other corporate transactions, or inability to obtain additional funding; |
| trading activity by a limited number of stockholders who together beneficially own a majority of our outstanding common stock; |
| the expiration of market standoff or contractual lock-up agreements; |
| the size of our market float; and |
| any other factors discussed in this prospectus. |
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In addition, the stock markets have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the market prices of equity securities of many biopharmaceutical companies. Stock prices of many biopharmaceutical companies have fluctuated in a manner unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. In the past, stockholders have filed securities class action litigation following periods of market volatility. If we were to become involved in securities litigation, it could subject us to substantial costs, divert resources and the attention of management from our business and adversely affect our business.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common stock will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. Securities and industry analysts do not currently, and may never, publish research on our company. If no or only very few securities analysts commence coverage of us, or if industry analysts cease coverage of us, the trading price for our common stock would be negatively affected. If one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our common stock or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our common stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of us or fail to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our common stock could decrease, which might cause our common stock price and trading volume to decline.
If you purchase shares of our common stock in this offering, you will experience substantial and immediate dilution.
If you purchase shares of our common stock in this offering, you will experience substantial and immediate dilution in the pro forma net tangible book value per share of $7.25 per share as of June 30, 2020, based on an assumed initial public offering price of our common stock of $16.00 per share, the midpoint of the price range on the cover page of this prospectus, because the price that you pay will be substantially greater than the pro forma net tangible book value per share of the common stock that you acquire. This dilution is due in large part to the fact that our earlier investors paid substantially less than the initial public offering price when they purchased their shares of our capital stock. You will experience additional dilution upon exercise of options to purchase common stock under our equity incentive plans, upon vesting of options to purchase common stock under our equity incentive plans, if we issue restricted stock to our employees under our equity incentive plans or if we otherwise issue additional shares of our common stock.
Participation in this offering by our existing stockholders and their affiliated entities may reduce the public float for our common stock.
To the extent certain of our existing stockholders and their affiliated entities participate in this offering (including through our reserved share program), such purchases would reduce the non-affiliate public float of our shares, meaning the number of shares of our common stock that are not held by officers, directors and principal stockholders. A reduction in the public float could reduce the number of shares that are available to be traded at any given time, thereby adversely impacting the liquidity of our common stock and depressing the price at which you may be able to sell shares of common stock purchased in this offering.
Substantial amounts of our outstanding shares may be sold into the market when lock-up periods end. If there are substantial sales of shares of our common stock, the price of our common stock could decline.
The price of our common stock could decline if there are substantial sales of our common stock, particularly sales by our directors, executive officers and significant stockholders, or if there is a large number of shares of our common stock available for sale and the market perceives that sales will occur. After this offering, we will have 18,759,014 outstanding shares of our common stock, based on the number of shares outstanding as of June 30, 2020, including the conversion of the 2,857,079 shares of Series C preferred stock we issued in
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September 2020, but excluding 67,316 shares that are issued but subject to a right of repurchase. All of the shares of common stock sold in this offering will be available for sale in the public market, unless purchased by our affiliates or existing stockholders. Substantially all of our outstanding shares of common stock are currently restricted from resale as a result of lock-up agreements (which may be waived by BofA Securities, Inc. and Jefferies LLC with or without notice), as more fully described in Shares Eligible for Future Sale. These shares will become available to be sold 181 days after the date of this prospectus. Shares held by directors, executive officers and other affiliates will be subject to volume limitations under Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and various vesting agreements.
After our initial public offering, holders of an aggregate of 11,107,018 shares of our common stock, issued upon conversion of our preferred stock, will have rights under our registration rights agreement, subject to specified conditions, to require us to file registration statements covering their shares and to include their shares in registration statements that we may file for ourselves or for other stockholders, subject to lockup agreements. We also intend to register shares of common stock that we have issued and may issue under our employee equity incentive plans. Once we register these shares, they will be able to be sold freely in the public market upon issuance, subject to existing market standoff or lock-up agreements.
The market price of the shares of our common stock could decline as a result of the sale of a substantial number of our shares of common stock in the public market or the perception in the market that the holders of a large number of shares intend to sell their shares.
The concentration of our stock ownership will likely limit your ability to influence corporate matters, including the ability to influence the outcome of director elections and other matters requiring stockholder approval.
Based upon the 13,995,006 shares of common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2020 (after giving effect to the conversion of all our 11,107,018 outstanding shares of preferred stock as of that date, including 2,857,079 shares of Series C preferred stock issued in September 2020, into an aggregate of 11,107,018 shares of our common stock, immediately prior to completion of this offering, but excluding 179,375 shares of common stock, which were issued upon the early exercise of certain stock options, but are not outstanding as they are subject to a right of repurchase), prior to this offering, our executive officers, directors and the holders of more than 5% of our outstanding common stock, in the aggregate, beneficially owned approximately 92.9% of our common stock. Upon the completion of this offering, that same group, in the aggregate, will beneficially own approximately 69.8% of our common stock, assuming no purchases of shares in this offering by any members of this group, including pursuant to our reserved share program, no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares, no exercise of outstanding options or warrants and after giving effect to the issuance of shares in this offering. As a result, these stockholders, acting together, will have significant influence over all matters that require approval by our stockholders, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. Corporate actions might be taken even if other stockholders, including those who purchase shares in this offering, oppose them. This concentration of ownership might also have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of our company that other stockholders may view as beneficial.
We are an emerging growth company, and we cannot be certain if the reduced reporting requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our common stock less attractive to investors.
We are an emerging growth company as defined in the JOBS Act and we intend to take advantage of some of the exemptions from reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including:
| the option to present only two years of audited financial statements, in addition to any required unaudited interim financial statements, with correspondingly reduced Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations disclosure; |
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| not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes Oxley Act; |
| not being required to comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditors report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements; |
| not being required to disclose certain executive compensation-related items such as the correlation between executive compensation and performance and comparisons of the chief executive officers compensation to median employee compensation; and |
| not being required to submit certain executive compensation matters to stockholder advisory votes, such as say-on-pay, say-on-frequency, and say-on-golden parachutes. |
The JOBS Act permits an emerging growth company such as us to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies. We have irrevocably elected to opt out of this provision and, as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards as required when they are adopted.
We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we will rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile. We may take advantage of these reporting exemptions until we are no longer an emerging growth company. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering, (b) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.07 billion or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the prior June 30th and (2) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period.
Requirements associated with being a public company will increase our costs significantly, as well as divert significant company resources and management attention.
After the completion of this offering, we will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, or the other rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, or any securities exchange relating to public companies. Compliance with the various reporting and other requirements applicable to public companies requires considerable time and attention of management and we will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. We cannot assure you that we will satisfy our obligations as a public company on a timely basis.
In addition, as a public company, it may be more difficult or more costly for us to obtain certain types of insurance, including directors and officers liability insurance, and we may be forced to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. The impact of these events could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified personnel to serve on our board of directors, our board committees or as executive officers.
If we fail to maintain proper and effective internal controls, our ability to produce accurate and timely financial statements could be impaired, which could result in sanctions or other penalties that would harm our business.
After the completion of this offering, we will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Global Market, or Nasdaq. The
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Sarbanes Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting. Commencing with our fiscal year ending the year after this offering is completed, we must perform system and process design evaluation and testing of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting to allow management to report on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting in our Form 10-K filing for that year, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. To achieve compliance with Section 404 within the prescribed period, we will be engaged in a process to document and evaluate our internal control over financial reporting, which is both costly and challenging. In this regard, we will need to continue to dedicate internal resources, including through hiring additional financial and accounting personnel, potentially engage outside consultants and adopt a detailed work plan to assess and document the adequacy of internal control over financial reporting, continue steps to improve control processes as appropriate, validate through testing that controls are functioning as documented and implement a continuous reporting and improvement process for internal control over financial reporting. This will require that we incur substantial additional professional fees and internal costs to expand our accounting and finance functions and that we expend significant management efforts. Prior to this offering, we have never been required to test our internal controls within a specified period and, as a result, we may experience difficulty in meeting these reporting requirements in a timely manner.
We may discover weaknesses in our system of internal financial and accounting controls and procedures that could result in a material misstatement of our financial statements. Our internal control over financial reporting will not prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control systems objectives will be met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud will be detected.
If we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in a timely manner, or if we are unable to maintain proper and effective internal controls over financial reporting, we may not be able to produce timely and accurate financial statements. If that were to happen, our investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information, the market price of our stock could decline and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other regulatory authorities including equivalent foreign authorities.
We will have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds from this offering and may not use them effectively.
We cannot specify with any certainty the particular uses of the net proceeds that we will receive from this offering, but we currently expect such uses will include funding our development and regulatory approval of TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis, and to develop our product pipeline, and other general corporate purposes, which may include the hiring of additional personnel, capital expenditures and the costs of operating as a public company. We will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds, including working capital and other general corporate purposes, and you and other stockholders may disagree with how we spend or invest these proceeds. The failure by our management to apply these funds effectively could adversely affect our business and financial condition. Pending their use, we may invest the net proceeds from our initial public offering in a manner that does not produce income or that loses value. These investments may not yield a favorable return to our investors.
We do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future.
We have never declared nor paid cash dividends on our capital stock. We currently intend to retain any future earnings to finance the operation and expansion of our business, and we do not expect to declare or pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. Consequently, stockholders must rely on sales of their common stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any future gains on their investment.
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We could be subject to securities class action litigation.
In the past, securities class action litigation has often been brought against a company following a decline in the market price of its securities. This risk is especially relevant for us because biopharmaceutical companies have experienced significant stock price volatility in recent years. If we face such litigation, it could result in substantial costs and a diversion of managements attention and resources, which could harm our business.
Our operating results may fluctuate significantly, which makes our future operating results difficult to predict and could cause our operating results to fall below expectations or our guidance.
Our quarterly and annual operating results may fluctuate significantly in the future, which makes it difficult for us to predict our future operating results. Our operating results may fluctuate due to a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control and may be difficult to predict, including the following:
| the timing and success or failure of clinical trials for our product candidates or competing product candidates, or any other change in the competitive landscape of our industry, including consolidation among our competitors or partners; |
| our ability to successfully recruit patients for preclinical studies and clinical trials, and any delays caused by difficulties in such recruitment efforts; |
| our ability to obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates, and the timing and scope of any such approvals we may receive; |
| the timing and cost of, and level of investment in, research and development activities relating to our product candidates, which may change from time to time; |
| the cost of manufacturing our product candidates, which may vary depending on the quantity of production and the terms of our agreements with manufacturers; |
| our ability to attract, hire and retain qualified personnel; |
| expenditures that we will or may incur to develop additional product candidates; |
| the level of demand for our product candidates should they receive approval, which may vary significantly; |
| the risk/benefit profile, cost and reimbursement policies with respect to our product candidates, if approved, and existing and potential future drugs that compete with our product candidates; |
| the changing and volatile U.S., European and global economic environments, including impact of COVID-19; and |
| future accounting pronouncements or changes in our accounting policies. |
The cumulative effects of these factors could result in large fluctuations and unpredictability in our quarterly and annual operating results. As a result, comparing our operating results on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful. This variability and unpredictability could also result in our failing to meet the expectations of industry or financial analysts or investors for any period. If our revenue or operating results fall below the expectations of analysts or investors or below any forecasts we may provide to the market, or if the forecasts we provide to the market are below the expectations of analysts or investors, the price of our common stock could decline substantially. Such a stock price decline could occur even when we have met any previously publicly stated guidance we may provide.
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Delaware law and provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that will be in effect at the completion of this offering could make a merger, tender offer or proxy contest difficult, thereby depressing the trading price of our common stock.
Following the completion of this offering, our status as a Delaware corporation and the anti-takeover provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control by prohibiting us from engaging in a business combination with an interested stockholder for a period of three years after the person becomes an interested stockholder, even if a change of control would be beneficial to our existing stockholders. In addition, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that will be in effect at the completion of this offering will contain provisions that may make the acquisition of our company more difficult, including the following:
| a classified board of directors with three-year staggered terms, which could delay the ability of stockholders to change the membership of a majority of our board of directors; |
| the ability of our board of directors to issue shares of preferred stock and to determine the price and other terms of those shares, including preferences and voting rights, without stockholder approval, which could be used to significantly dilute the ownership of a hostile acquiror; |
| the exclusive right of our board of directors to elect a director to fill a vacancy created by the expansion of our board of directors or the resignation, death or removal of a director, which prevents stockholders from being able to fill vacancies on our board of directors; |
| a prohibition on stockholder action by written consent, which forces stockholder action to be taken at an annual or special meeting of our stockholders; |
| the requirement that a special meeting of stockholders may be called only by a majority vote of our entire board of directors, the chairman of our board of directors or our chief executive officer, which could delay the ability of our stockholders to force consideration of a proposal or to take action, including the removal of directors; |
| the requirement for the affirmative vote of holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of the voting stock, voting together as a single class, to amend the provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws, which may inhibit the ability of an acquiror to effect such amendments to facilitate an unsolicited takeover attempt; and |
| advance notice procedures with which stockholders must comply to nominate candidates to our board of directors or to propose matters to be acted upon at a stockholders meeting, which may discourage or deter a potential acquiror from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquirors own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us. |
In addition, as a Delaware corporation, we are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. These provisions may prohibit large stockholders, in particular those owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock, from merging or combining with us for a certain period of time. A Delaware corporation may opt out of this provision by express provision in its original certificate of incorporation or by amendment to its certificate of incorporation or bylaws approved by its stockholders. However, we have not opted out of this provision.
These and other provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws and Delaware law could make it more difficult for stockholders or potential acquirors to obtain control of our board of directors or initiate actions that are opposed by our then-current board of directors,
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including delay or impede a merger, tender offer or proxy contest involving our company. The existence of these provisions could negatively affect the price of our common stock and limit opportunities for you to realize value in a corporate transaction.
For information regarding these and other provisions, see the section titled Description of Capital Stock.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and the U.S. federal district courts are the exclusive forums for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, any action asserting a breach of fiduciary duty, any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law, our certificate of incorporation or our bylaws or any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine.
This provision would not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Exchange Act. Furthermore, Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all such Securities Act actions. Accordingly, both state and federal courts have jurisdiction to entertain such claims. To prevent having to litigate claims in multiple jurisdictions and the threat of inconsistent or contrary rulings by different courts, among other considerations, our certificate of incorporation will further provide that the U.S. federal district courts will be the exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. While the Delaware courts have determined that such choice of forum provisions are facially valid, a stockholder may nevertheless seek to bring a claim in a venue other than those designated in the exclusive forum provisions. In such instance, we would expect to vigorously assert the validity and enforceability of the exclusive forum provisions of our certificate of incorporation. This may require significant additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions and there can be no assurance that the provisions will be enforced by a court in those other jurisdictions.
This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholders ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees and may discourage these types of lawsuits. Alternatively, if a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions.
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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this prospectus, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, future revenue, business strategy, prospects, product candidates, planned preclinical studies and clinical trials, results of clinical trials, research and development costs, regulatory approvals, timing and likelihood of success, as well as plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that are in some cases beyond our control and may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
The words anticipate, believe, contemplate, continue could, estimate, expect, intend, may, might, plan, potential predict, project, should, target, will or would or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus include, but are not limited to, statements about:
| the likelihood of our clinical trials demonstrating safety and efficacy of our product candidates, and other positive results; |
| the timing and progress of our current clinical trials and timing of initiation of our future clinical trials, and the reporting of data from our current and future trials; |
| our plans relating to the clinical development of our current and future product candidates, including the size, number and disease areas to be evaluated; |
| the prevalence of Demodex blepharitis and the size of the market opportunity for our product candidates; |
| the rate and degree of market acceptance and clinical utility of our product candidates; |
| our plans relating to commercializing our product candidates, if approved, including sales strategy; |
| the impact of COVID-19 on our business and operations; |
| the success of competing therapies that are or may become available; |
| our estimates of the number of patients in the United States or globally, as applicable, who suffer from Demodex blepharitis, MGD, rosacea, Lyme disease and malaria and the number of patients that will enroll in our clinical trials; |
| the beneficial characteristics, safety, efficacy, therapeutic effects and potential advantages of our product candidates; |
| the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approval for our product candidates; |
| our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval of our product candidates and our product candidates to meet existing or future regulatory standards; |
| our plans relating to the further development and manufacturing of our product candidates, including additional indications for which we may pursue; |
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| our ability to identify additional products, product candidates or technologies with significant commercial potential that are consistent with our commercial objectives; |
| the expected potential benefits of strategic collaborations with third parties and our ability to attract collaborators with development, regulatory and commercialization expertise; |
| existing regulations and regulatory developments in the United States and other jurisdictions; |
| our plans and ability to obtain or protect intellectual property rights, including extensions of existing patent terms where available; |
| our continued reliance on third parties to conduct additional clinical trials of our product candidates, and for the manufacture of our product candidates for preclinical studies and clinical trials; |
| the need to hire additional personnel, in particular sales personnel, and our ability to attract and retain such personnel; |
| the accuracy of our estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and needs for additional financing; |
| our financial performance; |
| the sufficiency of our existing capital resources to fund our future operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements; |
| our competitive position; |
| our expectations regarding the period during which we will qualify as an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act; and |
| our anticipated use of our existing resources and the proceeds from this offering. |
These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those described in the section titled Risk Factors elsewhere in this prospectus. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this prospectus may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements.
You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that the future results, advancements, discoveries, levels of activity, performance or events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur. Moreover, except as required by law, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason after the date of this prospectus to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations.
You should read this prospectus and the documents that we reference in this prospectus and have filed with the SEC as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part with the understanding that our actual future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances may be materially different from what we expect.
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MARKET, INDUSTRY AND OTHER DATA
This prospectus contains estimates, projections and other information concerning our industry, our business and the markets for our product candidates, including data regarding the estimated size of such markets and the incidence of certain medical conditions. We obtained the industry, market and similar data set forth in this prospectus from our internal estimates and research, including surveys and studies we have sponsored and/or conducted, and from published studies from third parties, including governmental agencies. Our estimates of the potential market opportunities for our product candidates include a number of key assumptions based on our industry knowledge, industry publications and third-party research, surveys and studies, which may be based on a small sample size and fail to accurately reflect market opportunities. Information based on estimates, forecasts, projections, market research or similar methodologies is inherently subject to uncertainties and actual events or circumstances may differ materially from events and circumstances that are assumed in this information. Unless otherwise expressly stated, we obtained this industry, business, market and other data from reports, research surveys, studies and similar data prepared by us and third parties, industry, medical and general publications, government data and similar sources.
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We estimate that the net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $72.1 million, or $83.3 million if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, assuming an initial public offering price of $16.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus.
Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $16.00 per share, the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by approximately $4.7 million, assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. An increase (decrease) of 1,000,000 shares in the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) our net proceeds from this offering by approximately $14.9 million, assuming no change in the assumed initial public offering price per share and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. The principal purposes of this offering are to increase our financial flexibility and create a public market for our common stock. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering as follows:
| approximately $65.0 million to fund our development and regulatory approval of TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis and to prepare for its commercial launch in the United States; and |
| the remaining proceeds to develop our product pipeline including TP-03 (for the treatment of MGD), TP-04, TP-05, and other general corporate purposes, which may include the hiring of additional personnel, capital expenditures and the costs of operating as a public company. |
This expected use of the net proceeds from this offering represents our intentions based upon our current business plans and economic conditions. Either could change in the future as our business plans evolve and economic conditions shift. As of the date of this prospectus, we cannot predict with certainty all of the particular uses for the net proceeds to be received upon the completion of this offering or the amounts that we will actually spend on the uses set forth above. The amounts and timing of our actual expenditures and the extent of our preclinical, clinical and future development activities may vary significantly depending on numerous factors, including the progress of our development efforts, the status of and results from our ongoing and planned clinical trials, the timing of regulatory submissions and the outcome of regulatory review, our ability to take advantage of expedited programs or to obtain regulatory approval for product candidates, the timing and costs associated with the manufacture and supply of product candidates for clinical development or commercialization, as well as any collaborations that we may enter into with third parties for our product candidates and any unforeseen cash needs. As a result, our management will require broad discretion over the allocation of the net proceeds from this offering.
We nonetheless expect that the net proceeds from this offering, in combination with our existing cash and cash equivalents, will be sufficient to achieve the following:
(i) | TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis: Complete our Phase 2b/3 and Phase 3 clinical trials for TP-03 in the treatment of Demodex blepharitis and report corresponding top-line clinical results, then submit our NDA with the FDA for approval of TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis and prepare for its commercialization in the United States; |
(ii) | TP-03 for the treatment of MGD: Complete a Phase 2a study for TP-03 in the ocular treatment of MGD; |
(iii) | TP-03 preservative-free formulation for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis: Complete preclinical bioequivalence studies and initiate registration-enabling chemistry, manufacturing and control activities; |
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(iv) | TP-04 for the potential treatment of rosacea: Initiate a Phase 1/2 trial, outside the United States, for the use of TP-04 in topical formulation in the potential treatment of rosacea; |
(v) | TP-05 for prophylaxis of Lyme disease: Submit an IND with the FDA for the use of TP-05 in an oral formulation for prophylaxis of Lyme disease and then initiate a Phase 1/2 trial; and |
(vi) | TP-05 for potential community malaria reduction: Initiate a Phase 1/2 trial for the use of TP-05 in oral formulation for potential community malaria reduction. |
Our aggregate cash and cash equivalents (including the net proceeds from this offering) will not be sufficient to fund each of these product candidates through regulatory approval and commercial launch. Accordingly, we will need to raise additional capital in the future. We have based our estimates of capital requirements on assumptions that may prove to be incomplete or inaccurate and we also may modify or expand our drug development plans for TP-03, TP-04, and/or TP-05. Any of these factors could result in the accelerated use of our capital resources.
In the event that we use a portion of the net proceeds from this offering for the acquisition or in-license of other products, product candidates, businesses or technologies, our cash resources could be depleted earlier than we currently expect. However, we have no current agreements or commitments for these possible expenditures. We plan to invest the net proceeds from this offering in bank and investment accounts with the primary goal of capital preservation. These include operating bank accounts, short-term interest-bearing investment-grade securities and money market accounts.
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We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock and we do not currently intend to pay any cash dividends on our capital stock for the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings to support operations and to finance the growth and development of our business. Any future determination to declare and pay dividends will be made at the discretion of our board of directors subject to applicable laws and will depend upon, among other factors, our results of operations, financial condition, business prospects, contractual restrictions, capital requirements and other factors our board of directors may deem relevant. Our future ability to pay cash dividends on our capital stock may also be limited by the terms of any future debt or preferred securities or any future credit facility.
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The following table sets forth our cash and cash equivalents and total capitalization as of June 30, 2020, as follows:
| on an actual basis; |
| on a pro forma basis to give effect to: (i) the issuance of 2,857,079 shares of Series C preferred stock for net cash proceeds of $39.8 million in September 2020; (ii) the automatic conversion of all outstanding shares of our preferred stock, which includes our Series C preferred stock issued in September 2020, into an aggregate of 11,107,018 shares of common stock; and (iii) the filing and effectiveness of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, each of which will occur immediately prior to the completion of this offering; and |
| on a pro forma as adjusted basis to give effect to (i) the pro forma adjustments set forth above and (ii) receipt of estimated net proceeds from the sale and issuance of 5,000,000 shares of our common stock in this offering, at an assumed initial public offering price of $16.00 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. |
The pro forma and pro forma as adjusted information set forth in the table below is illustrative only and will be adjusted based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing. This information should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, as well as the sections of this prospectus titled Selected Financial Data and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
As of June 30, 2020 (unaudited) | ||||||||||||
Actual | Pro Forma |
Pro Forma As Adjusted(1) |
||||||||||
(in thousands, except share and per share data) |
||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 53,135 | $ | 92,890 | 165,001 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Series A preferred stock, $0.0001 par value per share; 1,575,030 shares authorized, issued and outstanding, actual; no shares authorized, issued or outstanding, pro forma and pro forma as adjusted |
$ | 3,564 | $ | | $ | | ||||||
Series B preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 6,731,649 authorized, 6,674,909 issued and outstanding shares, actual; no shares authorized, issued or outstanding, pro forma and pro forma as adjusted |
59,838 | | | |||||||||
Stockholders (deficit) equity: |
||||||||||||
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 13,867,198 shares authorized, 2,719,312 shares issued and 2,651,996 shares outstanding, which excludes 67,316 shares subject to repurchase, actual; 200,000,000 shares authorized, 13,826,330 shares issued and 13,759,014 shares outstanding, which excludes 67,316 shares subject to repurchase, pro forma; 200,000,000 shares authorized, 18,826,330 shares issued and 18,759,014 shares outstanding, which excludes 67,316 shares subject to repurchase, pro forma as adjusted |
2 | 1 | 2 | |||||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
204 | 103,362 | 175,472 | |||||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(11,241 | ) | (11,241 | ) | (11,241 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total stockholders (deficit) equity |
(11,035 | ) | 92,122 | 164,233 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total capitalization |
$ | 52,367 | $ | 92,122 | 164,233 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
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(1) | Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $16.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the estimated offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) our pro forma as adjusted amount of each of cash and cash equivalents, additional paid-in capital, total stockholders (deficit) equity and total capitalization by approximately $4.7 million, assuming that the number of shares of common stock offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions payable by us. We may also increase (decrease) the number of shares we are offering. Each increase (decrease) of 1.0 million shares in the number of shares of common stock offered by us would increase (decrease) our pro forma as adjusted amount of each of cash and cash equivalents, additional paid-in capital, total stockholders (deficit) equity and total capitalization by approximately $14.9 million, assuming the assumed initial public offering price of $16.00 per share, which is the midpoint of the estimated offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions. The pro forma as adjusted information discussed above is illustrative only and will be adjusted based on the actual public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing. |
The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after this offering is based on 13,759,014 shares of our common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2020, assuming the conversion of all our 11,107,018 outstanding shares of preferred stock, including 2,857,079 shares of Series C preferred stock issued in September 2020, into an aggregate of 11,107,018 shares of our common stock immediately prior to the completion of this offering, and excludes the following:
| 1,230,701 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options outstanding as of June 30, 2020, with a weighted-average exercise price of $1.60 per share; |
| 737,517 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options granted after June 30, 2020, at a weighted-average exercise price of $7.08 per share (112,059 shares of which have been issued as of the date of this prospectus upon early exercise of stock options, but are not outstanding as they are subject to a right of repurchase); |
| 67,316 shares of common stock, issued as of June 30, 2020 upon the early exercise of certain stock options, but not outstanding as they are subject to a right of repurchase; |
| 1,148,915 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2016 Plan, as of June 30, 2020, which shares will be added to the shares to be reserved under our 2020 Plan upon its effectiveness; |
| 9,000,000 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2020 Plan, which will become effective on the business day immediately prior to the date of effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, as well as any automatic increases in the number of shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under this plan; |
| 2,300,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our 2020 ESPP, which will become effective on the business day immediately prior to the date of effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, as well as any automatic increases in the number of shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under this plan; and |
| 222,460 shares of common stock issued to Elanco in September 2020 pursuant to the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement. |
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If you invest in our common stock in this offering, your ownership interest will be immediately diluted to the extent of the difference between the assumed initial public offering price per share of our common stock and the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately after this offering.
Historical net tangible book value (deficit) per share represents our total tangible assets (which excludes deferred offering costs) less our liabilities and preferred stock that is not included in equity divided by the total number of shares of common stock outstanding. As of June 30, 2020, our historical net tangible book value (deficit) was approximately $(11.1) million, or $(4.20) per share of common stock, based on 2,651,996 shares of common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2020 (which excludes 67,316 shares subject to a right of repurchase).
Our pro forma net tangible book value as of June 30, 2020, was approximately $92.0 million, or $6.69 per share of common stock. Our pro forma tangible book value per share represents the amount of our total tangible assets (which excludes deferred offering costs) reduced by the amount of our total liabilities and divided by the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2020, after giving effect to (i) the issuance of 2,857,079 shares of Series C preferred stock for net cash proceeds of $39.8 million in September 2020 and (ii) the conversion of all outstanding shares of our preferred stock into an aggregate of 11,107,018 shares of common stock, which includes our Series C preferred stock issued in September 2020, immediately prior to the completion of this offering.
After giving effect to (i) the pro forma adjustments set forth above and (ii) our sale in this offering of 5,000,000 shares of common stock at an assumed initial public offering price of $16.00 per share, the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of June 30, 2020 would have been approximately $164.2 million, or $8.75 per share of our common stock. This represents an immediate increase in pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value of $2.06 per share to our existing stockholders and an immediate dilution of $7.25 per share to investors purchasing common stock in this offering. Net tangible book value dilution per share to new investors participating in this offering represents the difference between the amount per share paid by purchaser of common stock in this offering and the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of common stock immediately after completion of this offering.
The following table illustrates this dilution to new investors on a per share basis:
Assumed initial public offering price per share |
$ | 16.00 | ||||||
Historical net tangible book value (deficit) per share as of June 30, 2020 |
$ | (4.20 | ) | |||||
Increase (decrease) in historical net tangible book value per share attributable to conversion of our preferred stock |
10.89 | |||||||
Pro forma net tangible book value (deficit) per share as of June 30, 2020 |
6.69 | |||||||
Increase in pro forma net tangible book value per share attributable to new investors in this offering |
$ | 2.06 | ||||||
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|||||||
Pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share immediately after this offering |
8.75 | |||||||
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Dilution per share to new investors purchasing shares in this offering |
$ | 7.25 | ||||||
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Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $16.00 per share, the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value, by $0.25 per share and the dilution per share to new investors by $0.75 per share, assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this
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prospectus, remains the same, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We may also increase (decrease) the number of shares we are offering.
If the underwriters option to purchase additional shares in this offering is exercised in full, the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value would be $8.99 per share, the increase in the pro forma net tangible book value per share for existing stockholders would be $0.24 per share and the dilution to new investors participating in this offering would be $7.01 per share.
We may also increase or decrease the number of shares we are offering. An increase (decrease) of 1,000,000 shares in the number of shares we are offering would increase (decrease) our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value by approximately $14.9 million, or $0.31 per share, and the pro forma dilution per share to investors in this offering by $0.31 per share, assuming that the assumed initial public offering price remains the same, and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. The pro forma information discussed above is illustrative only and will change based on the actual initial public offering price, number of shares and other terms of this offering determined at pricing.
The table below summarizes, as of June 30, 2020, on a pro forma as adjusted basis, the number of shares of our common stock, the total consideration, and the average price per share (i) paid to us by our existing stockholders and (ii) to be paid by new investors participating in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $16.00 per share, the midpoint of the estimated price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, before deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
Shares Purchased | Total Consideration | Weighted- Average Price Per Share |
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Number | Percent | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||||||
Existing stockholders |
13,759,014 | 73.3 | % | $ | 103,252,455 | 56.3 | % | $ | 7.50 | |||||||||||
New investors |
5,000,000 | 26.7 | 80,000,000 | 43.7 | 16.00 | |||||||||||||||
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Total |
18,759,014 | 100 | % | $ | 183,252,455 | 100 | % | |||||||||||||
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In addition, if the underwriters option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full, the number of shares held by existing stockholders will be reduced to 70.5% of the total number of shares of common stock to be outstanding upon completion of this offering, and the number of shares of common stock held by new investors participating in this offering will be further increased to 29.5% of the total number of shares of common stock to be outstanding upon completion of the offering.
Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $16.00 per share would increase (decrease) total consideration paid by new investors by $4.7 million assuming the number of shares we are offering, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions. We may also increase or decrease the number of shares we are offering. An increase (decrease) of 1,000,000 in the number of shares offered by us would increase (decrease) total consideration paid by new investors by $14.9 million, assuming that the assumed initial price to the public remains the same, and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions.
The number of shares of common stock to be outstanding after this offering is based on 13,759,014 shares of common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2020, assuming the conversion of all our 11,107,018 outstanding shares of preferred stock, including 2,857,079 shares of Series C preferred stock issued in September 2020, into an aggregate of 11,107,018 shares of our common stock immediately prior to the completion of this offering, and excludes the following:
| 1,230,701 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options outstanding as of June 30, 2020 with a weighted-average exercise price of $1.60 per share; |
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| 737,517 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options granted after June 30, 2020 with a weighted-average exercise price of $7.08 per share (112,059 shares of which have been issued as of the date of this prospectus upon early exercise of stock options, but are not outstanding as they are subject to a right of repurchase); |
| 67,316 shares of common stock, issued as of June 30, 2020 upon the early exercise of certain stock options, but not outstanding as they are subject to a right of repurchase; |
| 1,148,915 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2016 Plan, as of June 30, 2020, which shares will be added to the shares to be reserved under our 2020 Plan upon its effectiveness; |
| 9,000,000 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2020 Plan, which will become effective on the business day immediately prior to the date of effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, as well as any automatic increases in the number of shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under this plan; |
| 2,300,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our 2020 ESPP, which will become effective on the business day immediately prior to the date of effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, as well as any automatic increases in the number of shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under this plan; and |
| 222,460 shares of common stock issued in September 2020 to Elanco pursuant to the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement. |
To the extent that any outstanding options are exercised or new awards are granted under our equity compensation plans, new investors will experience further dilution.
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The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the section titled Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
The statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2018 and 2019 are derived from our audited financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. We derived the statements of operations data for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 and the balance sheet data as of June 30, 2020 from the unaudited interim financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, which include only normal, recurring adjustments that are necessary to state fairly the unaudited interim financial statements. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in the future, and the results for the six months ended June 30, 2020, are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the full year or any other period. The selected financial data in this section are not intended to replace our financial statements and the related notes and are qualified in their entirety by the financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Year Ended December 31, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2019 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
(unaudited) | (unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||
Statement of Operations Data |
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Operating expenses: |
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Research and development |
$ | 901 | $ | 3,162 | $ | 2,066 | $ | 3,249 | ||||||||
General and administrative |
449 | 1,136 | 514 | 2,132 | ||||||||||||
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Total operating expenses |
1,350 | 4,298 | 2,580 | 5,381 | ||||||||||||
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Loss from operations before other income (expense) and income taxes |
(1,350 | ) | (4,298 | ) | (2,580 | ) | (5,381 | ) | ||||||||
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Other income (expense): |
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Interest income (expense), net |
32 | (40 | ) | 5 | 174 | |||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of convertible notes |
| (255 | ) | | | |||||||||||
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities |
| (76 | ) | | 0 | |||||||||||
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Total other income (expense) |
32 | (371 | ) | 5 | 174 | |||||||||||
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Provision for income taxes |
(1 | ) | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | 0 | |||||||||
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Net loss |
$ | (1,319 | ) | $ | (4,670 | ) | $ | (2,576 | ) | $ | (5,207 | ) | ||||
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Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted (1) |
$ | (0.75 | ) | $ | (1.98 | ) | $ | (1.15 | ) | $ | (1.96 | ) | ||||
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Weighted-average shares used in computing net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted (1) |
1,759,495 | 2,362,768 | 2,238,793 | 2,650,843 | ||||||||||||
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Pro forma net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted (unaudited) (1) |
$ | (1.09 | ) | $ | (0.48 | ) | ||||||||||
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Weighted-average shares used in computing pro forma net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted (unaudited) (1) |
4,285,262 | 10,900,782 | ||||||||||||||
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(1) | For the calculation of our basic and diluted net loss per share, unaudited basic and diluted pro forma net loss per share and weighted-average number of shares used in the computation of the per share amounts, see Note 6 and Note 7 to our financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. |
As of December 31, | As of June 30, | |||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2020 | ||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 2,355 | $ | 57,952 | $ | 53,135 | ||||||
Working capital (1) |
2,204 | 57,211 | 51,631 | |||||||||
Total assets |
2,389 | 58,316 | 56,239 | |||||||||
Total liabilities |
179 | 919 | 3,872 | |||||||||
Preferred stock |
3,564 | 63,402 | 63,402 | |||||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(1,364 | ) | (6,034 | ) | (11,241 | ) | ||||||
Total stockholders deficit |
(1,354 | ) | (6,005 | ) | (11,035 | ) |
(1) | We define working capital as current assets less current liabilities as of the balance sheet date. |
Recent Developments
In September 2020, we issued and sold 2,857,079 shares of our Series C preferred stock and received net cash proceeds of $39.8 million.
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MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our Selected Financial Data and our financial statements and the related notes to those statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. In addition to historical financial information, the following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results and timing of selected events may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including, but not limited to, those discussed under the section titled Risk Factors and elsewhere in this prospectus. See the section titled Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements elsewhere in this prospectus.
Overview of our Business
We are a late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutic candidates to address large market opportunities initially in ophthalmic conditions where there are limited treatment alternatives. Our lead product candidate, TP-03, is a novel therapeutic in Phase 2b/3 that is being developed for the treatment of blepharitis caused by the infestation of Demodex mites, which is referred to as Demodex blepharitis. Blepharitis (Blephar is a reference to eyelid and itis is a reference to inflammation) is a condition characterized by inflammation of the eyelid margin, redness and ocular irritation, including a specific type of eyelash dandruff called collarettes in Demodex blepharitis. The healthy interaction of the eyelid and the surface of the eyeball is crucial to ocular health. Poorly controlled and progressive blepharitis can lead to worsening of corneal damage over time and, in extreme cases, blindness. According to published studies, there are an estimated 20 million patients in the United States who suffer from blepharitis, with approximately 45%, or approximately nine million, of cases caused by Demodex infestation. Further, our estimates indicate the possibility that the number of Demodex blepharitis cases may be as high as approximately 25 million, based on our internal research indicating approximately 58% of patients presenting to eye care clinics have collarettes and a published study estimating that at least 45 million people annually visit an eye care clinic. To date, we have completed four Phase 2 trials for TP-03 in Demodex blepharitis, all of which met their primary, secondary and/or exploratory endpoints, as applicable, and during which TP-03 was well tolerated. We have commenced our Phase 2b/3 trial, Saturn-1, in September 2020, and intend to commence our Phase 3 trial, Saturn-2, in 2021, both with primary and secondary endpoints consistent with those of our Europa and Io Phase 2 trials. If successful, we expect these trials to support the submission of an NDA to the FDA for TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis. Furthermore, we intend to pursue marketing authorizations in jurisdictions outside the United States, including Europe and Japan. We believe that, if approved, TP-03 has the potential to be the first FDA-approved therapeutic and become the standard of care for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis.
Our current therapeutic strategy is focused on the clinical development of, for the first time in human medicine, the novel drug, lotilaner, which is designed to paralyze and eradicate mites and other parasites through the inhibition of parasite-specific GABA-Cl channels. We are advancing our pipeline to address a number of diseases across therapeutic categories including eye care, dermatology and other diseases with high, unmet needs. These diseases include Demodex blepharitis, MGD, rosacea, Lyme disease and malaria.
Corporate and Financial Overview
We were incorporated as a Delaware corporation in November 2016, and our headquarters is located in Irvine, California. Since our inception in November 2016, we have devoted substantially all of our resources to organizing and staffing our company, acquiring intellectual property, clinical development of our product candidates, building our research and development capabilities, raising capital, and enhancing our corporate infrastructure. To date we have financed our operations through private placements of preferred stock and convertible promissory notes. From inception through June 30, 2020, we have raised net proceeds of approximately $61.0 million through private placements of preferred stock.
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We have incurred significant net operating losses in every year since our inception and expect to continue to incur significant operating expenses and increasing operating losses for the foreseeable future. Our net losses were $1.3 million and $4.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively. Our net losses were $2.6 million and $5.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020, respectively. Our net losses may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year and could be substantial. As of December 31, 2019 and June 30, 2020, we had an accumulated deficit of $6.0 million and $11.2 million, respectively, from research and development and general and administrative activities since our inception. We anticipate that our operating expenses will increase significantly as we:
| conduct additional clinical trials of our lead product candidate, TP-03, for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis including our Phase 2b/3 trial, Saturn-1, and our Phase 3 trial, Saturn-2; |
| advance the clinical development of TP-03 for the treatment of MGD, TP-04 for the potential treatment of rosacea and TP-05 for potential Lyme prophylaxis and community malaria reduction; |
| seek regulatory and marketing approvals for product candidates that successfully complete clinical development, if any; |
| establish our own salesforce in the United States to commercialize our products for which we obtain regulatory approval; |
| engage with contract manufacturers to ensure a sufficient supply chain capacity to provide commercial quantities of any products for which we may obtain marketing approval; |
| maintain, expand and protect our intellectual property portfolio; |
| hire additional staff, including clinical, scientific, technical, regulatory, marketing, operations, financial, and other support personnel, to execute our business plan; and |
| add information systems and personnel to support our product development and potential future commercialization efforts, and to enable us to operate as a public company. |
We do not have any products approved for sale and we have not yet generated any revenue from product sales or other sources. We do not expect to generate revenues from product sales unless and until we successfully complete clinical development and obtain regulatory approval for a product candidate and commercially launch such product. Until such time as we can generate significant revenue from product sales, if ever, we expect to finance our operations through private or public equity or debt financings, or collaborations, strategic alliances, or licensing arrangements with third parties. Adequate funding may not be available to us when needed on acceptable terms, or at all. If we raise additional funds through collaborations, strategic alliances, or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our intellectual property, future revenue streams, research programs or product candidates or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. If we are unable to raise additional capital or enter into such agreements as and when needed, we could be forced to significantly delay, scale back, or discontinue our product development and/or commercialization plans, which would negatively and adversely affect our financial condition.
Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with drug product development, we are unable to accurately predict the timing or amount of increased expenses or when or if we will be able to achieve or maintain profitability. Even if we are able to generate revenue from product sales, we may not become profitable. If we fail to become profitable or are unable to sustain profitability on a continuing basis, then we may be unable to continue our operations at planned levels.
As of June 30, 2020, our aggregate cash and cash equivalents was $53.1 million. In September 2020, we received an additional $39.8 million in net cash proceeds by issuing an aggregate of 2,857,079 shares of our
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Series C preferred stock. We believe that the net proceeds from this offering together with our existing cash and cash equivalents will enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the fourth quarter of 2022 see Liquidity and Capital Resources.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on our Operations
Efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the United States (including in California where our corporate headquarters and laboratory facility are located) and other countries have included quarantines, shelter-in-place orders, and various other government restrictions in order to control the spread of this virus.
We have been carefully monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic as it continues to progress and its potential impact on our business. We have taken important steps to ensure the workplace safety of our employees when working within our laboratory and administrative offices, or when traveling to our clinical trial sites. We have also implemented an interim work-from-home policy and we may take further actions as may be required by federal, state or local authorities.
To date, we have been able to continue our key business activities and advance our clinical programs. However, in the future, it is possible that our clinical development timelines and business plans could be adversely affected. We maintain regular communication with our vendors and clinical sites to appropriately plan for, and mitigate, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations. However, the ultimate effect from this pandemic on our development timelines for TP-03 and our other product candidates is inherently uncertain.
See Risk Factors for a further discussion of the potential adverse impact of COVID-19 on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
In-License Agreements for Lotilaner
In January 2019, we entered into the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement with Elanco granting us a worldwide, sublicensable license for the development and marketing rights of lotilaner for the treatment or cure of any eye or skin disease or condition in humans. We plan to utilize these license rights in developing and marketing our TP-03 and TP-04 product candidates.
We made an upfront cash payment at contract execution, which we recorded within research and development expense within our statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 and six months ended June 30, 2019.
The value of remaining clinical milestone payments that may become contractually due to Elanco for the Demodex blepharitis or MGD indications aggregate to $3.0 million, $1.0 million of which was paid in the third quarter of 2020; and aggregate to $3.0 million for the rosacea indication. We may also be required to pay Elanco up to an aggregate of $79.0 million for various commercialization and sales-threshold milestones. Also, we will be obligated to pay Elanco tiered single-digit royalties on our worldwide net sales of these products.
In September 2020, we entered into the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement with Elanco granting us a worldwide, sublicensable licenses for the development and marketing rights of lotilaner for all other applications in humans (i.e., in addition to the treatment or cure of any eye or skin disease or condition in humans). We plan to utilize these license rights in developing and marketing our TP-05 product candidates.
We made an initial equity grant of approximately 0.2 million shares of our common stock to Elanco at contract execution. If the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement is not terminated, or if we have not provided notice to terminate the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement, within 18 months of its effective date, we will be required to issue Elanco additional shares of our common stock equating to $3.0 million of aggregate value in accordance with the terms of the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement.
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The value of remaining clinical milestone payments that may become contractually due to Elanco for the treatment of malaria aggregate to $3.0 million; and aggregate to $1.5 million for the indications other than malaria. We may also be required to pay Elanco up to an aggregate of $77.0 million for various commercialization and sales threshold milestones under the current terms of the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement. Also, we will be obligated under the terms of the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement to pay Elanco tiered single-digit royalties on net sales of these products including in the United States, Canada, the countries of the European Economic Area (which, for clarity, shall be deemed to include the United Kingdom), Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
Components of our Results of Operations
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses since inception have consisted solely of research and development expenses and general and administrative expenses.
Research and Development Expenses
Our research and development expenses consist of expenses incurred in connection with the development of our product candidates, including:
| fees paid to third parties to conduct certain research and development activities on our behalf, including under agreements with CROs; |
| payments under licensing agreements, such as our upfront in-license fee for lotilaner; |
| consulting costs and certain allocated payroll and employee-related expenses (including stock-based compensation and salaries) for personnel engaged in research and development functions; |
| costs related to compliance with clinical regulatory requirements; |
| costs of procuring drug products for use in our preclinical studies and clinical trials; and |
| facilities expenses, which include direct and allocated expenses for rent of our laboratory. |
We expense both internal and external research and development expenses as incurred or as certain upfront or milestone payments become contractually due to licensors upon achievement of clinical or regulatory events. We recognize external research and development costs based on an evaluation of the progress to completion of specific tasks or patient dosing using information provided to us by our service providers.
We track our external research and development expenses on a program-by-program basis, such as fees paid to CROs, CMOs and research laboratories in connection with our pre-clinical development, process development, manufacturing and clinical development activities. However, we do not track our internal research and development expenses on a program-by-program basis as they primarily relate to compensation, early research and other costs which are deployed across multiple projects under development. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020, substantially all of our research and development expenses are attributable to our TP-03 program for Demodex blepharitis.
Research and development activities are central to our business model. Product candidates in later stages of clinical development, such as TP-03, generally have higher development costs than those in earlier stages of clinical development, primarily due to the increased size and duration of later-stage clinical trials. We expect our research and development expenses to increase substantially following this offering and in the future, as we seek
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to initiate and progress additional clinical trials for our product candidates, including TP-03 for the potential treatment of MGD, TP-04 for the potential treatment of rosacea and TP-05 for potential Lyme prophylaxis and community malaria reduction, complete our clinical programs, pursue regulatory approval of our product candidates, and prepare for the possible commercialization of these product candidates. The successful development of our product candidates is highly uncertain. As this time, we cannot precisely estimate the aggregate costs required to complete significant portions of our clinical programs or additional costs associated with the validation of our contract manufacturers and suppliers as required by the FDA. See Risk Factors for a discussion of risks and uncertainties associated with our research and development projects.
General and Administrative Expenses
Our general and administrative expenses consist of personnel-related costs including payroll, benefits, and stock-based compensation for our executive, finance, and other administrative functions. Other general and administrative expenses include consulting fees, legal services, rent and other facilities costs, and other general operating expenses not otherwise classified as research and development expenses.
We expect that our general and administrative expenses will increase substantially in the future as a result of expanding our operations, including hiring personal, preparing for potential commercialization of our product candidates, and additional facility occupancy costs, as well various incremental costs associated with being a public company (including increased legal and accounting fees, regulatory costs associated with maintaining compliance with the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market and SEC regulations, investor relations activities, directors and officers liability insurance premiums, and other accompanying compliance and governance costs).
Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense), net consists primarily of interest expense on our convertible promissory notes, other expense from the change in fair value of the derivative liabilities associated with the promissory notes and losses recorded on the extinguishment of convertible promissory notes. Interest expense is comprised of coupon interest, amortization of debt issuance costs, and non-cash accretion of an estimated discount on the convertible promissory notes (as part of the separate recognition of an embedded derivative liability). Our recognized interest expense was partially offset by interest income earned on our cash and cash equivalents.
Income Tax Provision
Since our inception, we have not recorded any U.S. federal or state income tax benefits for the net operating losses we have incurred in each year, or for our earned research and development tax credits, due to our uncertainty of realizing a benefit from either. As of December 31, 2019, we had deferred tax assets, including federal and state net operating loss carryforwards, of $1.4 million. As a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, net operating losses (for U.S. income tax purposes) generated prior to December 31, 2018 can be carried forward for up to 20 years, while net operating losses generated after December 31, 2017 can be carried forward indefinitely, but are limited to 80% utilization against taxable income. Our California net operating losses will begin to expire in 2037. At December 31, 2019, we had federal and California research and development tax credits of $0.1 million each. The federal research and development tax credits begin to expire in 2037 unless previously utilized, and the California credit carryforwards are available indefinitely.
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Result of Operations
Comparison of the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 and 2020
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the periods indicated:
Six Months Ended June 30, |
Change | |||||||||||
2019 | 2020 | |||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||
Research and development |
$ | 2,066 | $ | 3,249 | $ | 1,183 | ||||||
General and administrative |
514 | 2,132 | 1,618 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total operating expenses |
2,580 | 5,381 | 2,801 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Loss from operations before other income (expense) and income taxes |
(2,580 | ) | (5,381 | ) | (2,801 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Other income (expense): |
||||||||||||
Interest income (expense), net |
5 | 174 | 169 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total income (expense), net |
5 | 174 | 169 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Provision for income taxes |
(1 | ) | | 1 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net loss |
$ | (2,576 | ) | $ | (5,207 | ) | $ | (2,631 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses increased by $1.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The increase was primarily due to (i) increased manufacturing and development activities of $0.8 million to support our clinical studies, and (ii) increased payroll and personnel-related expenses (including stock-based compensation) of $0.4 million due to additional clinical and formulation development employees to drive our product development initiatives.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses increased by $1.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The increase was primarily due to $0.8 million increase in payroll and personnel-related expenses (including stock-based compensation) for employee additions and $0.7 million increase from market research activities and other professional services.
Interest Income (Expense), Net
The increase in interest income (expense), net of $0.2 million was primarily due to interest earned on our money market funds from the proceeds from the issuance of our Series B convertible preferred stock in December 2019.
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Results of Operations
Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2019
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | Change | ||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||
Research and development |
$ | 901 | $ | 3,162 | $ | 2,261 | ||||||
General and administrative |
449 | 1,136 | 687 | |||||||||
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|
|
|
|||||||
Total operating expenses |
1,350 | 4,298 | 2,948 | |||||||||
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|
|
|
|||||||
Loss from operations before other income (expense) and income taxes |
(1,350 | ) | (4,298 | ) | (2,948 | ) | ||||||
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Other income (expense): |
||||||||||||
Interest income (expense), net |
32 | (40 | ) | (72 | ) | |||||||
Loss on extinguishment of convertible notes |
| (255 | ) | (255 | ) | |||||||
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities |
| (76 | ) | (76 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total income (expense), net |
32 | (371 | ) | (403 | ) | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Provision for income taxes |
(1 | ) | (1 | ) | | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Net loss |
$ | (1,319 | ) | $ | (4,670 | ) | $ | (3,351 | ) | |||
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|
|
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses increased by $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to (i) our one-time upfront payment of $1.0 million for the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement, (ii) increased payroll and personnel related expenses (including stock-based compensation) of $0.9 million due to additional clinical and formulation development employees to drive our product development initiatives, and (iii) increased clinical study site costs of $0.3 million.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses increased by $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to $0.5 million increase in payroll and personnel-related expenses (including stock-based compensation) for employee additions and $0.2 million increase primarily from legal service costs and market research activities.
Interest Income (Expense), Net
The change in interest income (expense), net was primarily due to convertible promissory notes issued to our co-founders and certain other related parties, aggregating $2.0 million in principal value (see below). During the year ended December 31, 2019 interest expense recognized for these notes was $0.1 million and was partially offset by interest income on our cash and cash equivalents.
Change in Fair Value of Derivative Liabilities
During May, August, and October 2019, we issued convertible promissory notes to our co-founders and certain other related parties, aggregating $2.0 million in principal value. These notes contained stock-settled
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redemption features that were required to be separately accounted for as derivative liabilities on the balance sheet until December 13, 2019 when we completed a qualified equity financing and these then-outstanding notes converted at the option of the holder into 2.0 million shares of Series B preferred stock. Change in fair value of derivative liabilities consists of non-cash changes in the fair value of these stock-settled redemption features. We classified the rights as a derivative liability on our balance sheet that was initially recorded at fair value and that we remeasured to fair value at December 13, 2019, and we recognized changes in the fair value of the derivative associated with the rights as a component of other income (expense) in our statement of operations.
Loss on Extinguishment of Convertible Notes
The loss on extinguishment of convertible notes was due to the extinguishment of convertible promissory notes issued to our co-founders and certain other related parties, aggregating $2.0 million in principal value (see below). On December 13, 2019 we completed the issuance of Series B preferred stock upon which the then-outstanding notes, along with accrued interest, converted into 2.0 million shares of Series B preferred stock.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources of Liquidity
Since our inception in 2016 through June 30, 2020, our operations have been substantially financed by net cash proceeds of $61.0 million from private placements of Series A and Series B preferred stock. In September 2020, we issued 2,857,079 shares of our Series C preferred stock for net cash proceeds of $39.8 million. We will continue to be dependent upon equity, debt financing, and/or other forms of capital raises at least until we are able to generate significant positive cash flows from our operations. As of June 30, 2020, we had cash and cash equivalents of $53.1 million, which does not include the $39.8 million net cash proceeds we received in September 2020 from selling shares of our Series C preferred stock. We estimate that we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $86.4 million as of September 30, 2020. This estimate was prepared by management in good faith based upon internal reporting, is preliminary, and unaudited, and may be revised as a result of managements further review of our results as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. We have not yet completed our interim review procedures as of and for the period ended September 30, 2020. We have no ongoing material financing commitments, such as lines of credit or guarantees, that are expected to affect our liquidity over the next five years.
Funding Requirements
Our primary use of cash is to fund operating expenditures, consisting of research and development expenses (including activities within our pre-clinical, clinical, regulatory, and drug manufacturing initiatives) and general and administrative expenses. Our use of cash is impacted by the timing and extent of the required payments for each of these activities.
We believe that the net proceeds from this offering, in combination with our existing cash and cash equivalents, will enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the fourth quarter of 2022. We have based these estimates on our current assumptions that may require future adjustments based on our ongoing business decisions. Accordingly, we may require additional capital resources earlier than we currently expect.
To date, we have not generated any revenue. We do not expect to generate any product revenue unless and until we (1) complete development of any of our product candidates; (2) obtain applicable regulatory approvals; and (3) successfully commercialize or enter into collaborative agreements for our product candidates. We do not know with certainty when, or if, any of these items will ultimately occur. We expect to incur continuing significant losses for the foreseeable future and our losses to increase as we ramp up our clinical development programs and begin activities related to commercial launch readiness. We may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other currently unknown factors that could adversely
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affect our business. Moreover, following the completion of this offering, we will incur material incremental costs in operating as a publicly traded company.
We will require additional capital to develop our product candidates and fund our operations into the foreseeable future. We anticipate that we will eventually need to raise substantial additional capital, the requirements for which will depend on many factors, including:
| the scope, timing, rate of progress and costs of our drug discovery efforts, preclinical development activities, laboratory testing and clinical trials for our product candidates; |
| the number and scope of clinical programs we decide to pursue; |
| the cost, timing and outcome of preparing for and undergoing regulatory review of our product candidates; |
| the scope and costs of development and commercial manufacturing activities; |
| the cost and timing associated with commercializing our product candidates, if they receive marketing approval; |
| the amount of revenue, if any, received from commercial sales of our product candidates, should any of our product candidates receive marketing approval; |
| the achievement of milestones or occurrence of other developments that trigger payments under any collaboration agreements we might have at such time; |
| the extent to which we acquire or in-license other product candidates and technologies; |
| the costs of preparing, filing and prosecuting patent applications, maintaining and enforcing our intellectual property rights and defending intellectual property-related claims; |
| our ability to establish and maintain collaborations on favorable terms, if at all; |
| our efforts to enhance operational systems and our ability to attract, hire and retain qualified personnel, including personnel to support the development of our product candidates and, ultimately, the sale of our products, following FDA approval; |
| our implementation of various computerized information systems; |
| impact of COVID-19 on our clinical development or operations; and |
| the costs associated with being a public company. |
A change in the outcome of any of these or other variables with respect to the development of any of our product candidates could significantly change the costs and timing associated with the development of that product candidate. Furthermore, our operating plans may change in the future, and we will continue to require additional capital to meet operational needs and capital requirements associated with such operating plans. If we raise additional funds by issuing equity securities, our stockholders may experience dilution. Any future debt financing into which we enter may impose upon us additional covenants that restrict our operations, including limitations on our ability to incur liens or additional debt, pay dividends, repurchase our common stock, make certain investments or engage in certain merger, consolidation or asset sale transactions. Any debt financing or additional equity that we raise may contain terms that are not favorable to us or our stockholders.
Adequate funding may not be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. Our potential inability to raise capital when needed could have a negative impact on our financial condition and our ability to pursue our
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business strategies. If we are unable to raise additional funds as required, we may need to delay, reduce, or terminate some or all development programs and clinical trials. We may also be required to sell or license our rights to product candidates in certain territories or indications that we would otherwise prefer to develop and commercialize ourselves. If we are required to enter into collaborations and other arrangements to address our liquidity needs, we may have to give up certain rights that limit our ability to develop and commercialize our product candidates or may have other terms that are not favorable to us or our stockholders, which could materially and adversely affect our business and financial prospects. See the section of this prospectus titled Risk Factors for additional risks associated with our substantial capital requirements.
Convertible Notes
From May 2019 through October 2019, we issued convertible promissory notes with an aggregate principal amount of $2.0 million. These notes were fully converted into an aggregate of 268,056 shares of Series B preferred stock in December 2019.
Summary Statement of Cash Flows
The following table sets forth the primary sources and uses of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash for each of the periods presented below:
Year Ended December 31, |
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2019 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
(in thousands) | (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by: |
||||||||||||||||
Operating activities |
$ | (1,183 | ) | $ | (3,673 | ) | $ | (2,297 | ) | $ | (4,553 | ) | ||||
Investing activities |
(7 | ) | (175 | ) | (145 | ) | (371 | ) | ||||||||
Financing activities |
3,564 | 59,445 | 500 | 107 | ||||||||||||
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Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
$ | 2,374 | $ | 55,597 | $ | (1,942 | ) | $ | (4,817 | ) | ||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities was $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, which was primarily due to our net loss of $1.3 million, partially offset by an increase in accrued liabilities of $0.1 million associated with clinical and manufacturing activities.
Net cash used in operating activities was $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, which primarily consisted of our net loss of $4.7 million, partially offset by non-cash items totaling $0.5 million and a net increase in liabilities of $0.5 million associated with accounts payable and accrued bonuses.
Net cash used in operating activities was $2.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, which primarily consisted of our net loss of $2.6 million, partially offset by a net increase in liabilities of $0.2 million associated with accounts payable and other accrued liabilities.
Net cash used in operating activities was $4.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, which primarily consisted of our net loss of $5.2 million, partially offset by non-cash items totaling $0.2 million and a net increase in liabilities of $0.4 million associated with accounts payable and other accrued liabilities.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $7 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2018, which consisted of property and equipment purchases.
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Net cash used in investing activities was $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, which consisted of property and equipment purchases and tenant improvements to our leased laboratory and administrative offices.
Net cash used in investing activities was $0.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, which consisted of property and equipment purchases and tenant improvements to our leased laboratory and administrative offices.
Net cash used in investing activities was $0.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, which consisted of property and equipment purchases and tenant improvements to our new leased laboratory and administrative offices.
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $3.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 due to our issuance of Series A preferred stock.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $59.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 due to our issuance of Series B preferred stock for net proceeds of $57.5 million and issuance of convertible promissory notes for proceeds of $2.0 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $0.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 due to our issuance of convertible promissory notes for proceeds of $0.5 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $0.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 due to proceeds from the early exercise of stock options of $0.1 million.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2019:
Payments Due by Period | ||||||||||||||||||||
Less than 1 year |
1 to 3 years |
3 to 5 years |
More than 5 years |
Total | ||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating lease obligations (1) |
$ | 77 | $ | 106 | $ | | $ | | $ | 183 | ||||||||||
Contingent milestone obligations (2) |
2,000 | 6,000 | 11,000 | 66,000 | 85,000 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total |
$ | 2,077 | $ | 6,106 | $ | 11,000 | $ | 66,000 | $ | 85,183 | ||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) | The operating lease obligations are related to the facility lease for our corporate headquarters and research and development facility in Irvine, California, expiring April 30, 2022. |
(2) | Milestone obligations are contingent upon our achievement of specified development, regulatory and sales milestones. Given the unpredictability of the drug development process, and the impossibility of predicting the success of current and future clinical trials and the timing of achievement (if at all) of sales milestones, these values assume that all development, regulatory, and sales milestones under our in-license agreement with Elanco are successfully met. These values in each column represent the composite best estimates for each achievement date. If any or all milestones are met, we believe that the corresponding increase in value from the related drug program will exceed the amount of our milestone obligation. |
We enter into contracts in the normal course of business with (i) clinical research organizations and clinical sites, (ii) contract manufacturers for pre-clinical and clinical drug supply, (iii) regulatory consultants and (iv) various other vendors in operating our business. These contracts generally provide for termination provisions with notice, and therefore we believe that our non-cancelable obligations under these agreements were not material as of December 31, 2019.
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The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of June 30, 2020:
Payments Due by Period | ||||||||||||||||||||
Less than 1 year |
1 to 3 years |
3 to 5 years |
More than 5 years |
Total | ||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating lease obligations (1) |
$ | 194 | $ | 623 | $ | 221 | $ | | $ | 1,038 | ||||||||||
Contingent milestone obligations (2) |
2,000 | 6,000 | 11,000 | 66,000 | 85,000 | |||||||||||||||
Purchase obligations (3) |
1,118 | | | | 1,118 | |||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Total |
$ | 3,312 | $ | 6,623 | $ | 11,221 | $ | 66,000 | $ | 87,156 | ||||||||||
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|
(1) | The operating lease obligations are related to the facility lease for our corporate headquarters and research and development facility in Irvine, California, expiring April 30, 2022 and January 31, 2024. |
(2) | Milestone obligations are contingent upon our achievement of specified development, regulatory and sales milestones. Given the unpredictability of the drug development process, and the impossibility of predicting the success of current and future clinical trials and the timing of achievement (if at all) of sales milestones, these values assume that all development, regulatory, and sales milestones under our in-license agreement with Elanco are successfully met. These values in each column represent the composite best estimates for each achievement date. If any or all milestones are met, we believe that the corresponding increase in value from the related drug program will exceed the amount of our milestone obligation. |
(3) | Purchase obligations represent the amount of open purchase orders and contractual commitments to vendors for products and services that have not been delivered or rendered, as of June 30, 2020. We enter contracts in the normal course of business with clinical research organizations and clinical sites and with contract manufacturers for pre-clinical and clinical drug supply, as well as with various other vendors in operating our business. These contracts generally provide for termination provisions with notice. The values in each column represent the obligations that are non-cancelable as of June 30, 2020. |
Critical Accounting Policies, Significant Judgments and Use of Estimates
Our managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported expenses incurred during the reporting periods. Our estimates are based on our historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
While our significant accounting policies are described in the notes to our financial statements also included in this registration statement, we believe these critical accounting policies are the most important to understanding and evaluating our reported financial results.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred or as certain upfront or milestone payments become contractually due to licensors upon the achievement of clinical or regulatory events. These expenses also include internal costs directly attributable to in-development programs, including cost of certain salaries, payroll taxes, employee benefits, and stock-based compensation expense, as well as laboratory and clinical supplies, pre-clinical and clinical trial related expenses, and the cost of services provided by outside contractors.
We have entered, and may continue to enter into, license agreements to access and utilize certain technology. In each case, we evaluate if the assets acquired in a transaction represent the acquisition of an asset or a business, as defined under applicable GAAP. Our only executed in-license agreement was evaluated and determined to represent an asset acquisition. Because this asset had not yet received regulatory approval and has no alternative future use, its fair value was immediately recognized as research and development expense.
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We make research and development expense accrual estimates as of each balance sheet date, based on facts known to us at that time. This process involves reviewing open contracts and purchase orders, communicating with our personnel to identify services that have been performed on our behalf, and estimating the level of service performed and the associated cost incurred for the service when we have not yet been invoiced or otherwise notified of the actual cost. We periodically confirm the accuracy of our estimates with the service providers, including CROs, and record adjustments, if necessary. To date, there have been no material differences between our estimates of such expenses and the amounts actually incurred.
Stock-Based Compensation
We measure and recognize compensation expense for all options based on the estimated fair value of the award on the grant date. We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the fair value of awarded stock options. The fair value is recognized as expense on a straight-line or ratable basis over the requisite or implicit service period.
The determination of the grant date fair value of options using an option pricing model is affected principally by our estimated fair value of shares of our common stock and requires management to make a number of other assumptions, including the (a) the fair value of Tarsus common stock on the date of the option grant, (b) the expected term of the stock option until its exercise by the recipient, (c) our stock price volatility over the expected term, (d) the prevailing risk-free interest rate over the expected term, and (e) our expected dividend payments over the expected term.
The assumptions used in our Black-Scholes option-pricing model represent managements best estimates at the time of measurement. These estimates are complex and involve several variables, uncertainties, and assumptions and the application of managements judgment. If any assumptions change, our stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future.
Subsequent to June 30, 2020, we granted options to purchase an aggregate of 737,517 shares of common stock to certain employees, consultants, and board members that have a weighted-average exercise price of $7.08 per share. We expect to record aggregate stock-based compensation of approximately $7.9 million related to these unvested stock options. This amount represents the combined July 13, 2020 and September 25, 2020 grant date fair value of the common stock underlying these options which are expected to be calculated using the price per share of our Series C preferred stock issued in September 2020 at $14.0003 per share in the Black-Scholes model as the fair value input. This expense will be recorded over a weighted-average period of 3.2 years beginning with our financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.
Fair Value of Common Stock
We are required to periodically estimate the fair value of our common stock in order properly apply the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value our issued stock options to employees, board members, and consultants. The fair value of our common stock is the most subjective input into this option pricing model. The fair value of our common stock underlying our stock-based awards at the time of issuance was derived with the assistance of an independent and qualified valuation expert. All options to purchase shares of our common stock are intended to be granted with an exercise price per share no less than the fair value per share of our common stock on the date of grant, based on the information known to us on the date of grant. In the absence of a public trading market for our common stock, the estimated fair value of our common stock has been determined by our board of directors, with input from management, taking into consideration our most recently available third-party valuations of our common stock at the time of the grants, as well as our board of directors assessment of additional objective and subjective factors that it believed were relevant and which may have changed from the date of the most recent valuation report through the date of the grant. Third-party valuations, or valuation reports, were performed in accordance with the guidance outlined in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Accounting and Valuation Guide, Valuation of Privately-Held-Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation, or the Practice Aid.
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In addition to contemporaneous or most recently available third-party valuation reports, our board of directors also considered various objective and subjective factors, along with input from management, to determine the fair value of our common stock, including:
| the price of our Series A preferred stock, Series B preferred stock and Series C preferred stock sold to investors in arms length transactions and the rights, preferences and privileges of such preferred stock as compared to those of our common stock, including the liquidation preferences of such preferred stock; |
| our results of operations, financial position and the status of research and development and clinical development efforts and achievement of enterprise milestones; |
| the composition of, and changes to, our management team and board of directors; |
| the lack of liquidity of our common stock as a private company; |
| our stage of development, business strategy and the material risks related to our business and industry; |
| the valuation of publicly-traded companies in the life sciences and biotechnology sectors, as well as recently completed mergers and acquisitions of peer companies; |
| external market conditions affecting the life sciences and biotechnology industry sectors; |
| the likelihood of achieving a liquidity event for the holders of our common stock, such as an initial public offering, or IPO, or a sale of our company, given prevailing market conditions; and |
| the state of the IPO market for similarly situated privately held biotechnology companies. |
The Practice Aid identifies various available methods for allocating enterprise value across classes and series of capital stock to determine the estimated fair value of common stock at each valuation date. In accordance with the Practice Aid, we considered the following methods:
| Hybrid Option Pricing Method. The hybrid option pricing method (HOPM) is a hybrid between the PWERM (as defined below) and the option pricing model, estimating the probability-weighted value across multiple scenarios but using the option pricing model to estimate the allocation of value within one or more of those scenarios. Under the HOPM, shares are valued by taking into account the preferred stockholders liquidation preferences, participation rights, dividend policy, and conversion rights to determine how proceeds from a liquidity event shall be distributed among the various ownership classes at a future date and also applies the PWERM. The HOPM considers the current value of equity and then allocates that equity value to the various interests considering their rights and preferences. The HOPM treats common stock and preferred stock as call options on the portfolio companys equity value, with exercise prices based on the liquidation preferences of the preferred stock. Under this method, the common stock has value only if the funds available for distribution to shareholders exceed the value of the liquidation preferences at the time of a liquidity event (for example, a merger or sale), assuming the portfolio company has funds available to make a liquidation preference meaningful and collectible by the shareholders. The common stock is modeled as a call option that gives its owner the right, but not the obligation, to buy the underlying equity value at a predetermined or exercise price. In the model, the exercise price is based on a comparison with the equity value rather than, as in the case of a regular call option, a comparison with a per-share stock price. Thus, common stock is considered to be a call option with a claim on the equity at an exercise price equal to the remaining value immediately after the preferred stock is liquidated. The option pricing model has commonly used the Black-Scholes model to price the call option. |
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| Probability-Weighted Expected Return Method. The probability-weighted expected return method, or PWERM, is a scenario-based analysis that estimates value per share based on the probability-weighted present value of expected future investment returns, considering each of the possible outcomes available to us, as well as the economic and control rights of each share class. |
Based on our early stage of development and other relevant factors, we determined that an HOPM was the most appropriate method for allocating our enterprise value to determine the estimated fair value of our common stock for the valuation performed on May 31, 2018. For the valuation performed after this date which valued our common stock as of March 19, 2020, we also used an HOPM method to determine the estimated fair value of our common stock. In determining the estimated fair value of our common stock, our board of directors also considered the fact that our stockholders could not freely trade our common stock in the public markets. Accordingly, we applied discounts to reflect the lack of marketability of our common stock based on the weighted-average expected time to liquidity.
The assumptions underlying these valuations represented managements best estimate, which involved inherent uncertainties and the application of managements judgment. As a result, if we had used different assumptions or estimates, the fair value of our common stock and our stock-based compensation expense could have been materially different.
Once a public trading market for our common stock has been established in connection with the closing of this offering, it will no longer be necessary for our board of directors to estimate the fair value of our common stock in connection with our accounting for granted stock options and other such awards we may grant, as the fair value of our common stock will be determined based on the daily quoted market price of our common stock.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
A description of recent accounting pronouncements that may potentially impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows is disclosed in the notes to which they relate within our financial statements also included in this registration statement.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Since our inception, we have not engaged in any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC.
Indemnification Agreements
As permitted under Delaware law and in accordance with our bylaws, we indemnify our officers and directors for certain events or occurrences while the officer or director is or was serving in such capacity. We are also party to indemnification agreements with our officers and directors. We believe the fair value of the indemnification rights and agreements is minimal. Accordingly, we have not recorded any liabilities for these indemnification rights and agreements as of December 31, 2019 or June 30, 2020.
JOBS Act Accounting Election
The JOBS Act permits an emerging growth company such as us to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies. We have irrevocably elected to opt out of this provision and, as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards as required when they are adopted.
We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (1) the last day of our first fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering, (b) in which we have total annual gross
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revenues of at least $1.07 billion or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million of the prior June 30th and (2) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the prior three-year period.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The market risk inherent in our financial instruments and in our financial position represents the potential loss arising from adverse changes in interest rates. As of June 30, 2020, we had cash and cash equivalents of $53.1 million, consisting of interest-bearing money market accounts, for which the fair market value would be affected by changes in the general level of United States interest rates. However, due to the short-term maturities and the low-risk profile of our investments, an immediate 100 basis point change in interest rates would not have a material effect on the fair market value of our cash and cash equivalents.
We do not believe that inflation, interest rate changes, or exchange rate fluctuations had a significant impact on our results of operations for any periods presented herein.
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Overview
We are a late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutic candidates to address large market opportunities initially in ophthalmic conditions where there are limited treatment alternatives. Our lead product candidate, TP-03, is a novel therapeutic in Phase 2b/3 that is being developed for the treatment of blepharitis caused by the infestation of Demodex mites, which is referred to as Demodex blepharitis. Blepharitis (Blephar is a reference to eyelid and itis is a reference to inflammation) is a condition characterized by inflammation of the eyelid margin, redness and ocular irritation, including a specific type of eyelash dandruff called collarettes in Demodex blepharitis. The healthy interaction of the eyelid and the surface of the eyeball is crucial to ocular health. Poorly controlled and progressive blepharitis can lead to worsening of corneal damage over time and, in extreme cases, blindness. According to published studies, there are an estimated 20 million patients in the United States who suffer from blepharitis, with approximately 45%, or approximately nine million, of cases caused by Demodex infestation. Further, our estimates indicate the possibility that the number of Demodex blepharitis cases may be as high as approximately 25 million, based on our internal research indicating approximately 58% of patients presenting to eye care clinics have collarettes and a published study estimating that at least 45 million people annually visit an eye care clinic. To date, we have completed four Phase 2 trials for TP-03 in Demodex blepharitis, all of which showed statistically significant cure and eradication rates, all of which met their primary, secondary and/or exploratory endpoints, as applicable, and during which TP-03 was well tolerated. We have commenced our Phase 2b/3 trial, Saturn-1, in September 2020, and intend to commence our Phase 3 trial, Saturn-2, in 2021, both with primary and secondary endpoints consistent with those of our Europa and Io Phase 2 trials. If successful, we expect these trials to support the submission of an NDA to the FDA for TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis. Furthermore, we intend to pursue marketing authorizations in jurisdictions outside the United States, including Europe and Japan. We believe that, if approved, TP-03 has the potential to be the first FDA-approved therapeutic and become the standard of care for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis.
Our current therapeutic strategy is focused on the clinical development of, for the first time in human medicine, the novel drug, lotilaner, which is designed to paralyze and eradicate mites and other parasites through the inhibition of parasite-specific GABA-Cl channels. We are advancing our pipeline to address a number of diseases across therapeutic categories including eye care, dermatology and other diseases with high, unmet needs. These diseases include Demodex blepharitis, MGD, rosacea, Lyme disease and malaria.
The following pipeline chart presents our wholly-owned product candidates and clinical development status:
Figure 1: Pipeline Chart
* | Anticipated milestones are subject to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on our business and those of our partners. |
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** | We intend to rely on preclinical studies and clinical safety assessments from the Demodex blepharitis program. We have not conducted and do not intend to conduct any preclinical studies with TP-03 for the treatment of MGD in order to advance to Phase 2a. |
*** | We intend to leverage all preclinical, Phase 2 and Phase 3 data from the TP-03 Demodex blepharitis program. We intend to conduct in vitro or in vivo bioequivalence studies with our preservative-free formulation to compare it to the current preserved formulation of TP-03 in Demodex blepharitis after NDA submission and file a supplement. |
| We intend to leverage systemic preclinical data from our TP-03 program and augment with additional dermal preclinical studies to select formulation in order to advance to Phase 1/2, which we intend to conduct outside the United States. We may need to address this approach with the FDA if we were to conduct a clinical trial in the United States. We have not conducted any preclinical studies in rosacea with TP-04 to date. |
| In relation to Lyme disease and malaria, we intend to leverage oral systemic preclinical data from our TP-03 program as well as third-party oral systemic preclinical studies for Lyme disease or community malaria reduction, respectively (and will not conduct our own preclinical studies for Lyme disease and malaria). The formulations used in preclinical studies use the common approach of a gavage that is scaled as appropriate for use in animals. However, human administration, while continuing to be oral, will take the form of a tablet or capsule. Subject to FDA feedback from our planned pre-IND meeting, we intend to conduct Phase 1/2 trials in these indications based on these preclinical studies. In relation to malaria, we may conduct our Phase 1/2 trial outside the United States. While we plan to discuss this approach for Lyme disease in a planned pre-IND meeting with the FDA, the FDA may reject our use of data from these preclinical studies and require us to conduct additional preclinical studies before advancing to clinical trials, which may delay our expected timelines for approval and increase costs. |
Blepharitis: A Significant, Underserved and Underdiagnosed Market
Blepharitis is a common, chronic ophthalmic condition characterized by inflammation of the eyelid margin, redness and ocular irritation. It is also a progressive disease that often manifests with more severe symptoms if left untreated, such as blurring of vision, missing eyelashes, corneal damage and, in extreme cases, blindness. According to published studies, an estimated 20 million patients suffer from blepharitis in the United States, and there is growing recognition within the ophthalmic community about Demodex mites as an underlying cause of blepharitis. Demodex mites are the most common ectoparasite found on humans. Demodex mites potentially cause approximately 45%, or approximately nine million, of blepharitis cases in the United States and we believe that the number of Demodex blepharitis patients in the United States may be as high as approximately 25 million based on our internal research indicating approximately 58% of patients presenting to eye care clinics have collarettes and a published study estimating that at least 45 million people annually visit an eye care clinic. In addition, there is growing awareness among ECPs of a specific type of debris found at the base of the eyelashes, known as collarettes, or cylindrical dandruff, which are highly correlated with Demodex infestation. Collarettes are composed of partially digested epithelial cells, mite waste products and eggs among other things and can be easily diagnosed by ECPs with a standard eye examination. Demodex blepharitis increases progressively with aging, which is the main risk factor for the condition. These aging patients commonly present to the offices of ECPs for other ophthalmic conditions besides blepharitis, such as cataract surgery and contact lens discomfort. Accordingly, we believe that there is significant opportunity to increase the diagnosis rate of Demodex blepharitis through ECP and patient education that encourages examination of the condition in standard practice.
Despite the high prevalence of patients with Demodex blepharitis and growing awareness of the condition amongst ECPs, there are no FDA-approved therapeutics for the treatment of blepharitis or for Demodex blepharitis. Although we believe blepharitis and Demodex blepharitis are significantly underdiagnosed conditions, with limited treatment alternatives, there are already an estimated 2.1 million annual blepharitis diagnoses in the United States with blepharitis classified per the ICD-10-CM. Demodex blepharitis is currently treated with a variety of over the counter remedies such as tea tree oil, lid wipes and artificial tears, as well as off-label prescription products, which often show sub-optimal efficacy, are poorly tolerated and lead to significant irritation and dissatisfaction for patients, and do not eradicate the Demodex mites.
We have conducted epidemiology and market research on the prevalence of blepharitis and potential adoption of TP-03. Our research indicates approximately 58% of patients presenting to ECP offices have collarettes and, based on Gao (2005), all patients with collarettes were also found to have Demodex. This further validates the accessible opportunity to increase diagnosis rates among patients. In addition, our market research suggests the potential for a high level of adoption of TP-03, if approved. In our surveys, we interviewed 50 ECPs, 96% of whom indicated they would prescribe TP-03 as a first-line treatment for Demodex blepharitis after exposure to the TP-03 target product profile. See the section titled Market Opportunity in BlepharitisOur Market Research Studies and Surveys for more information regarding our surveys. Further, patients continue to have underlying risk of
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Demodex infestation, so there could be a recurrence based on the presence of Demodex mites in the skin even after eradication of Demodex mites from the eyelid. Our Phase 2 data from the Mars and Jupiter clinical trials followed patients to one year after treatment and showed meaningful recurrence of Demodex blepharitis within six to nine months, which increased considerably one year after treatment. We believe this data suggests TP-03, if approved, may be used on a chronic, intermittent basis in Demodex blepharitis.
We believe the blepharitis market has the potential to be analogous to other ophthalmic markets that grew significantly once there was a product to address the large, latent demand for an effective therapy, such as dry eye. For example, another ocular surface disease, dry eye, had no approved therapeutic for the condition until 2003. With the approval of a therapeutic to treat dry eye in 2003 and concurrent ECP and patient education, the diagnosis rate increased by approximately 12 times, growing from 500,000 annual diagnoses in 2003 to over six million annual diagnoses in 2015. Annual diagnoses rates have been maintained at similar levels since 2015. Blepharitis already has 2.1 million diagnoses per year with blepharitis classified per the ICD-10-CM, despite no approved therapies to help with market awareness, but we believe there is potential for significant market expansion. The markets may be analogous because both Demodex blepharitis and dry eye are diseases that affect the front of the eye, are treated by ECPs, can cause an inflamed ocular surface or eyelids and have similar patient demographics. The potential market for Demodex blepharitis, however, may not be analogous to the market for dry eye due to differences in symptoms, regulatory approval and market dynamics and certain other factors. See Risk Factors Risk Related to Development and Commercialization of Our Product CandidatesThe market for blepharitis and Demodex blepharitis may be not be similar to the market for dry eye. for additional information and risks related to the comparison of the Demodex blepharitis market to that of dry eye.
We believe there is a significant opportunity to increase the diagnosis rate of Demodex blepharitis and build a significant new market with the approval of a safe and effective therapeutic alternative that addresses the underlying cause of the condition.
Our Approach: TP-03
We are developing TP-03, formulated as an eye drop, which we believe, if approved, has the potential to become the standard of care for Demodex blepharitis. TP-03 is a novel therapeutic based on the drug, lotilaner, which is designed to paralyze and eradicate mites and other parasites through the inhibition of parasite-specific GABA-Cl channels.
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The following figure provides the characteristics of TP-03 in the Saturn-1 Phase 2b/3 clinical trial:
Figure 2: Characteristics of TP-03 in the Saturn-1 Phase 2b/3 Clinical Trial
We have completed four Phase 2 clinical trials to date, along with one additional ex vivo study. Key efficacy endpoints for our Mars and Jupiter clinical trials included collarette grade and mite density and key efficacy endpoints for our Io and Europa clinical trials included collarette cure rate based on collarette grade, which we refer to herein as collarette cure rate, and mite eradication rate. TP-03 met its primary, secondary and/or exploratory endpoints, as applicable, in such trials, and showed statistically significant cure and eradication rates in our two most recent trials, Io and Europa. TP-03 was generally well tolerated throughout these trials. The Phase 2a Mars trial was a smaller single arm trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of TP-03 with a 28-day twice per day, or BID, dosing regimen, with exploratory endpoints including collarette grade and mite density. We utilized the data from the exploratory endpoints to determine collarette cure rate, defined as 10 or fewer collarettes, and mite eradication rate, defined as zero mites per lash. Both collarette cure and mite eradication rates were assessed at 28 days, which were 86% and 57%, respectively. The Phase 2b Jupiter trial was a larger randomized, controlled double-blind trial with mite density and collarette grade as primary and secondary endpoints, respectively. Similarly to the Mars trial, we utilized the collarette grade and mite density data to determine collarette cure and mite eradication rates, which were both defined consistently with those used in the Mars trial. The efficacy observed in the Jupiter trial appeared consistent with the Mars trial, with a collarette cure rate of 88%, and mite eradication rate of 66%, which were statistically significant compared to the vehicle control. We subsequently conducted the Io Phase 2a and Europa Phase 2b trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TP-03 formulation for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis. The design of the Io trial took into account feedback from the FDA, and accordingly we defined collarette cure rate as a more stringent standard of two or fewer collarettes on the eyelid, with a treatment duration of 42 days. In the Io trial, we utilized for the first time in clinical trials the formulation of TP-03 that is expected to support our NDA submission for Demodex blepharitis. The change in formulation consisted of replacing LAK with sorbate as the preservative as well as adding a chelating agent. The key differences between the Io and Europa trials, were that Io was a smaller single-arm trial, while Europa was a slightly larger randomized vehicle-controlled trial. The endpoints achieved in Io and Europa were consistent across both trials, with a collarette cure rate of 72% and 80%, respectively, and a mite eradication rate of 78% and 73%, respectively. The achievement of primary, secondary and/or exploratory endpoints, as applicable, in such trials, and safety results across our comprehensive Phase 2 program provided us with the basis to design and initiate our pivotal Phase 2b/3 and Phase 3 clinical trials for TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis.
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The following figure provides a summary of our completed and planned clinical investigations evaluating TP-03 for Demodex blepharitis:
Figure 3: Our Completed and Planned Clinical Investigations
* | The Mars and Jupiter trials used collarette grade as an endpoint, which has been translated into a collarette cure (defined as £10 collarettes). This is different from the collarette cure (defined as £2 collarettes) endpoint used in Io, Europa, Saturn-1 and the planned Saturn-2 trials. The Mars and Jupiter trials also used mite density as an endpoint, which is different from mite eradication. Mite density is translated into mite eradication, which is defined as zero mites per lash consistently throughout trials. |
** | Primary endpoint in Io, Europa, Saturn-1 and intended in Saturn-2 is collarette cure rate based on collarette grade. |
| In connection with our IND application, a no-objection letter was received from the FDA regarding the trial design of the Saturn-1 trial. |
| Saturn-2 design is highly comparable to that of Saturn-1 with respect to which the FDA raised no-objection and we expect to update the IND protocol prior to commencing Saturn-2. |
We plan to evaluate TP-03 in two pivotal registration trials, referred to as Saturn-1 and Saturn-2. Saturn-1 is a Phase 2b/3, randomized, controlled, double-blind trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TP-03 that is expected to enroll at least 350 Demodex blepharitis patients in multiple centers in the United States. We commenced Saturn-1 in September 2020 and top-line data is expected in 2021, subject to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Saturn-2, our confirmatory Phase 3 randomized, controlled, double-blind trial, has a highly comparable design to that of Saturn-1 and is also expected to enroll approximately 350 Demodex blepharitis patients. Enrollment of Saturn-2 is expected to begin in 2021, subject to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In connection with our IND application, we have received a no-objection letter from the FDA regarding the trial design for Saturn-1. The trial design for Saturn-2 is highly comparable to that of Saturn-1 and we expect to update the IND protocol prior to commencing Saturn-2. We expect these trials to support the potential submission of an NDA for TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis.
We also intend to explore the therapeutic potential of TP-03 for a second ophthalmic condition, MGD, commonly characterized in part by a widespread clogging of the meibomian glands that can result in tear film deficiency, and is one of the leading causes of dry eye disease. There are no FDA-approved therapeutics for MGD. In the United States, MGD prevalence has been found to be approximately two-thirds of the estimated 34 million dry eye patient population. One species of Demodex mite, Demodex brevis, is known to infest the meibomian gland, and clinical signs of MGD have been shown to be correlated with infestation of Demodex
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brevis. While dry eye is a multi-factorial disease, TP-03 is designed to relieve some of the key elements of MGD by virtue of causing the death of the Demodex brevis mites.
Beyond TP-03, we are developing additional clinical-stage product candidates focused on expanding into other therapeutic categories, including dermatology and other diseases with high, unmet needs. These include TP-04 for the potential treatment of rosacea as well as TP-05 for potential Lyme prophylaxis and community malaria reduction.
Rosacea is a chronic skin disease characterized by facial redness, inflammatory lesions, burning and stinging, which can flare up in response to certain triggers such as sun exposure or emotional stress. According to the U.S. National Rosacea Society, approximately 16 million people in the United States are affected by rosacea and a study estimates rosacea prevalence can represent up to 5.4% of the global population. We intend to develop TP-04 as a topical formulation, and we plan to initiate a Phase 1/2 trial of TP-04 outside the United States, for the treatment of rosacea in 2021. In anticipation of such trial, we intend to initiate preclinical studies in 2020 to select Phase 1/2 formulation for TP-04.
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States, caused by infection of Borrelia bacteria following bite by a tick vector. Estimates of annual cases of Lyme disease in the United States range from approximately 300,000 to 400,000. Malaria is one of the worlds highest unmet public health needs, with approximately 228 million cases and more than 400,000 deaths caused by malaria worldwide. We are developing TP-05 as an oral formulation that is designed as a prophylactic drug against Lyme disease to eradicate the tick before it can transmit the Borrelia bacteria. Further, we believe TP-05 also has the potential to significantly reduce malaria transmission through reducing the lifespan of mosquitos that transmit malaria. This may in turn provide herd protection against the spread of malaria. TP-05 is not intended to treat the disease, but to limit its transmission. We plan to seek FDA feedback in a pre-IND meeting and submit an IND and initiate a Phase 1/2 trial of TP-05 for Lyme disease in 2021. For malaria, we may conduct the Phase 1/2 trial outside of the United States.
Our Strengths and Differentiation
We believe our company and our product candidates have the following key distinguishing characteristics:
| TP-03 is currently in Phase 2b/3 and has met various endpoints for efficacy in Phase 2 trials. We have observed TP-03s clinical results across our four Phase 2 clinical trials Mars, Jupiter, Io, and Europa in which treatment with TP-03 resulted in the achievement of primary, secondary and/or exploratory endpoints, as applicable, in such trials, and we observed that TP-03 was well tolerated. Our Phase 2b/3 trial, Saturn-1, and our Phase 3 trial, Saturn-2, are utilizing or are expected to utilize trial designs that are comparable in many respects to those of the Phase 2 Io and Europa trials. The trial designs for Saturn-1 and Saturn-2 are, however, expected to be more stringent than those for Io and Europa. Saturn-1 is expected to enroll at least 350 patients and Saturn-2 is expected to enroll approximately 350 patients, which is substantially more patients compared to a maximum of 54 patients in the Europa trial, have a longer safety protocol (Saturn-1 only, which will follow subjects to safety for one year as opposed to 42 days) and enroll patients in multiple locations in the United States (as opposed to one location in Mexico). In connection with our IND application, we have received a no-objection letter from the FDA regarding the trial design for Saturn-1. The trial design for Saturn-2 is highly comparable to that of Saturn-1 and we expect to update the IND protocol prior to commencing Saturn-2. We commenced Saturn-1 in September 2020. |
| Large, underserved and underdiagnosed blepharitis market with a significant opportunity for growth. Although we believe blepharitis and Demodex blepharitis are significantly underdiagnosed conditions, with limited treatment alternatives, there are already an estimated 2.1 million annual blepharitis diagnoses in the United States, with blepharitis classified per ICD-10-CM. However, we |
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believe the market opportunity may be substantially larger. According to published studies, there are an estimated 20 million patients in the United States that suffer from blepharitis with approximately 45%, or approximately nine million, of cases caused by Demodex infestation and we believe the number of Demodex blepharitis cases may be higher. We believe the blepharitis market may be analogous to other ophthalmic markets where diagnoses grew significantly once there was a product to address the large, latent demand for an effective therapy. |
| Novel chemistry developed for the first time in human medicine. Our current therapeutic strategy is focused on the clinical development of, for the first time in human medicine, the novel drug, lotilaner, which is designed to paralyze and eradicate mites and other parasites through the inhibition of parasite-specific GABA-Cl channels. Our pipeline aims to address a number of diseases across therapeutic categories including eye care, dermatology and other diseases with high, unmet needs. |
| Additional opportunities beyond Demodex blepharitis. Like blepharitis, MGD may also be caused by Demodex infestation, and we intend to explore the therapeutic potential for TP-03 in this indication. In the United States, MGD prevalence has been found to be approximately two-thirds of that of the estimated 34 million dry eye patient population. Further, we are developing TP-04 for the potential treatment of rosacea, a condition that affects approximately 16 million patients per year in the United States and TP-05 for potential prophylaxis of Lyme and community malaria reduction. Annual estimates of Lyme disease in the United States range from approximately 300,000 to 400,000. Malaria is one of the worlds highest unmet public health needs, with approximately 228 million cases and more than 400,000 deaths due to malaria globally in 2018 alone. |
| Experienced management team and board of directors supported by high quality investor base. We have built a leadership team with significant experience in developing and commercializing therapeutic products for ophthalmic conditions. Our management team and board of directors have founded and led several companies in the ophthalmic care space, including Oyster Point Pharma and Oculeve, and have been pivotal in the development and commercialization of various leading ophthalmic products, including the dry eye therapy, Restasis. |
Our Strategy
Our goal is to transform the treatment of Demodex blepharitis with a first ever FDA approved pharmaceutical therapeutic, and to develop our pipeline of innovative therapies that target certain parasite-mediated diseases with large market opportunities. We intend to achieve these goals by pursuing the following key strategic objectives:
| Advance TP-03 through clinical development and eventual approval for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis. We have observed in multiple Phase 2 trials across 147 patients that TP-03 results in the achievement of clinical endpoints, which are generally the same clinical endpoints that will be utilized in our pivotal Phase 2b/3 and Phase 3 trials. We have commenced our first pivotal trial, Saturn-1, a Phase 2b/3 trial, in September 2020, and we expect top-line data in 2021, subject to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Enrollment of our second pivotal trial, Saturn-2, which will be a Phase 3 trial, is expected to begin in 2021, subject to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. |
| Educate ECPs and establish our own specialty sales organization to commercialize TP-03 in the United States. If approved by the FDA for Demodex blepharitis, we intend to commercialize TP-03 by developing our own sales organization targeting a subset of the approximately 25,000 prescribing ECPs in the United States. Throughout our commercialization efforts, we intend to educate ECPs on Demodex blepharitis and how to diagnose it with a standard eye examination. |
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| Expand the label of TP-03 for other indications, including MGD. Like blepharitis, MGD may also be caused by Demodex infestation, and we intend to explore the clinical potential for TP-03 in the indication. |
| Develop our pipeline, bringing novel products utilizing lotilaner to unmet needs across human medicine, including rosacea, Lyme disease and malaria. We plan to expand our pipeline of novel, differentiated product candidates that target parasites to treat or prevent important diseases. The mechanism of lotilaner coupled with our insights into disease where it can demonstrate clinical benefit, provides an opportunity to expand into new indications for treatment or prevention. By utilizing new formulations of lotilaner, we intend to develop a topical formulation designed to treat rosacea, and oral formulations for the prophylaxis of Lyme and community malaria reduction. We intend to expand into Phase 1/2 clinical trials for these indications in 2021. |
| Evaluate and selectively enter into strategic collaborations to maximize the potential of our pipeline and the scope of our eye care product offerings. We have retained our rights globally to all of our indications for use in humans, including our lead product candidate, TP-03, for the potential treatment of Demodex blepharitis and MGD, TP-04 for the potential treatment of rosacea and TP-05 for potential prophylaxis of Lyme and community malaria reduction. We are dependent on licenses from Elanco for the development and commercialization of these products. Given the potential to treat patients worldwide we may opportunistically enter into strategic collaborations around certain product candidates, disease or geographic regions. |
Blepharitis Overview
Blepharitis
Ocular surface disease represents a broad category of disease that affects at least 35 million people in the United States. The ocular surface comprises the cornea, conjunctiva, eyelids and lacrimal glands and as such any diseases in these structures can be classified as ocular surface disease. Common ocular surface diseases include dry eye disease, ocular allergy, blepharitis and MGD. Almost all of the ocular surface diseases are associated with eye redness and ocular surface inflammation and in some cases conjunctival and/or lid edema. Patients often present with multiple ocular surface diseases and the symptoms have significant overlap, leading to frequent misdiagnosis of the various conditions.
Blepharitis is a common chronic ophthalmic condition characterized by inflammation of the eyelid margin, redness and ocular irritation and is primarily diagnosed and treated by ECPs, including ophthalmologists and optometrists. Based on published studies, an estimated 20 million patients suffer from blepharitis in the United States. Typical signs and symptoms of blepharitis include debris on the eyelashes, redness of eye and eyelid, missing or misdirected eyelashes, blurring of vision, irritation, itchiness and ocular discomfort. It is challenging to manage, recurs frequently, and its progression can lead to scarring of the eyelid, loss of proper eyelid and tear-film function, eyelid and lash abnormalities, inflammation of the conjunctiva and surrounding skin, suboptimal surgical outcomes, corneal damage, and in extreme cases, blindness. Further, approximately 67% of cataract patients have Demodex infestation, which can increase the risk for both infection after cataract and refractive surgery. Therefore, treating Demodex blepharitis may improve patient satisfaction with cataract and refractive surgery. Additionally, the primary reason people stop wearing contact lenses is discomfort and blepharitis has been shown to cause contact lens intolerance. Therefore, treating Demodex blepharitis may reduce contact lens intolerance. We believe these benefits may lead to better vision and an improved quality of life for patients.
Multiple factors can cause blepharitis, including infestation by Demodex mites, bacterial infection, clogging of the meibomian glands and seborrheic dermatitis.
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The following image shows an eyelid with blepharitis:
Figure 4: Eyelid With Blepharitis
Demodex Blepharitis
Demodex infestation is a major cause of blepharitis, implicated in approximately 45% of blepharitis cases, or approximately nine million patients. We estimate that the number of Demodex blepharitis patients in the United States may be as high as approximately 25 million based on our internal research indicating approximately 58% of patients presenting to eye care clinics have collarettes and a published study estimating that at least 45 million people annually visit an eye care clinic. These blepharitis cases are referred to Demodex blepharitis. Demodex mites are the most common ectoparasite found on humans and are more likely to cause infestation and disease with aging. Demodex blepharitis typically presents bilaterally in patients with the condition. There are two species of Demodex, folliculorum and brevis, that live on the skin of the face and eyelids. Demodex folliculorum, which is commonly found in the follicle, is the more common sub-species of mite that causes Demodex blepharitis.
The key clinical sign of Demodex blepharitis is a specific type of eyelid debris known as the collarette, which is also sometimes referred to as cylindrical dandruff or waxy scurf. Collarettes are composed of partially digested epithelial cells, mite waste products and eggs among other things and can be easily diagnosed by ECPs with a standard eye examination known as the slit lamp examination. Other bothersome signs and symptoms of Demodex blepharitis that lead to further disease progression include missing or misdirected eyelashes, crusting, redness of the lid margin, inflammation of the lid margin, inflammation of the conjunctiva and/or inflammation of the cornea, also known as blepharoconjunctivitis and blepharokeratitis. Demodex blepharitis is a progressive disease that often manifests with more severe signs and symptoms if left untreated, such as blurring of vision, missing eyelashes, corneal damage and, in extreme cases, blindness. Furthermore, Demodex blepharitis can negatively impact quality of life and create an emotional burden for individuals with the condition.
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The following figures demonstrate how Demodex folliculorum mites enter and reside in the eyelash follicles:
Figure 5: Demodex folliculorum Mites Entering and Residing in Eyelash Follicles
Demodex infestation can lead to Demodex blepharitis in three main ways:
1) | Mechanical: Overcrowded mites scrape the epithelial cell lining of the eyelash follicles with their claws and lay eggs, causing follicular distention, misdirected lashes, eyelash loss and irritation. Dead mites and collarettes also obstruct the hair follicle opening, leading to inflammation. |
2) | Chemical: Mites excrete digestive enzymes as they feed and exude digestive waste when they die, resulting in inflammation, redness, irritation and epithelial hyperplasia. |
3) | Bacterial: Bacteria living on the mite surface or in its gut cause inflammation of the surrounding ocular tissues. |
As mites scratch and feed on the skin, the partially digested epithelial cells, keratin, mite waste and eggs combine to form collarettes. These collarettes are typically found at the base of the lash but can migrate away as the hair shaft grows.
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The following figure shows collarettes at the base of an eye lash:
Figure 6: Collarettes Are the Pathognomonic Sign of Demodex Blepharitis
A study conducted by Gao et al. (Gao et al. (2005): High Prevalence of Demodex in Eyelashes with Cylindrical Dandruff. Invst Ophth and Vis Sci, September 2005, Vol. 46, No. 3089-3094.) confirmed the pathognomonic relationship of the collarette to Demodex infestation. The study included 55 patients seen at the Ocular Surface Center in Miami, Florida to determine the prevalence of Demodex in eyelashes with collarettes. All patients underwent a routine, complete eye examination and external photography. Patients were divided into three main groups: those with collarettes; those without collarettes and who had been using daily lid scrubs for a full year; and those without collarettes who were not performing the daily lid scrubs. As illustrated in the figure below, 100% (n=32) of patients with at least one collarette had Demodex present. Those patients without collarettes were divided into two groups; patients who were using lid scrubs for a full year and those who were not. Only 7% (n=15) of patients without collarettes and who were not performing the daily lid scrubs had Demodex, while 50% (n=8) of those subjects without collarettes, but who were using daily lid scrubs with shampoo for a full year, had Demodex infestation, implying that hygiene alone did not eradicate the mites. All 55 patients were seen at one location and may not be representative of the United States population.
The following figure shows that 100% of patients with at least one collarette had Demodex infestation:
Figure 7: 100% of Patients With at Least One Collarette Had Demodex Infestation
Demodex blepharitis can be easily diagnosed by ECPs with the standard eye examination, the slit lamp examination, by confirming the presence of collarettes. The slit lamp examination is routinely performed by ECPs as part of standard practice during a customary eye examination, so diagnosing Demodex blepharitis via presence of collarettes would not involve any additional equipment, training or workflow alterations on the part of the ECP.
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Market Opportunity in Blepharitis
According to published studies, there are an estimated 20 million patients in the United States who suffer from blepharitis, with approximately 45%, or approximately nine million, of cases caused by Demodex infestation. Further, we estimate that the number of Demodex blepharitis cases in the United States may be as high as approximately 25 million based on our internal research indicating approximately 58% of patients presenting to eye care clinics have collarettes and a published study estimating that at least 45 million people annually visit an eye care clinic. Despite the high prevalence of patients with Demodex blepharitis and growing awareness of the condition amongst ECPs, there are no FDA-approved therapeutics for the treatment of blepharitis or for Demodex blepharitis. Although we believe blepharitis and Demodex blepharitis are significantly underdiagnosed conditions, with limited treatment alternatives, there are already an estimated 2.1 million annual blepharitis diagnoses in the United States with blepharitis classified per the ICD-10-CM.
Our Market Research Studies and Surveys
Our market research studies include an ECP survey of 50 ECPs, or the ECP Survey, that we commissioned and which was conducted in 2019 and 2020 to generally determine market awareness and current management of Demodex blepharitis and introduce a hypothetical TP-03 product profile. Twenty ECPs were interviewed in 2019 and 30 ECPs were interviewed in 2020. ECPs were chosen based on a random sample of ophthalmologists and optometrists nationwide that had sufficient exposure to blepharitis patients to provide a representative sample of ECPs who see and manage blepharitis patients, and would potentially be in a position to prescribe TP-03 if it were approved and available. The ECP Survey generally asked ECPs questions regarding their patient base and also introduced the TP-03 product profile to them. The ECP Survey showed that 44% of all diagnosed patients were over the age of 65, and 57% of diagnosed patients were female. Distribution of diagnoses across race and income metrics was approximately proportional to that of the United States population, implying little correlation of the condition with socioeconomic status. The ECP Survey also showed that in April through May of 2020, the number of blepharitis patients in the eye care clinic, which represented 60% of the total patients, was approaching the level of dry eye patients, which represented approximately 65% of the total patients. We believe this demonstrates that the market size for blepharitis may be similar to the market size of dry eye and that both are common in the eye care clinics, which informs us on the potential to increase diagnoses through ECP education. As the population of the United States continues to age, we believe this disease will become more prevalent. While we believe the ECP survey provides insight to the potential market size of Demodex patients, since it was a random sampling of ECPs nationwide that had sufficient exposure to blepharitis patients, the sample size of ECPs and corresponding potential patient population was relatively small and the number of blepharitis patients may not be comparable to the number of dry eye patients. The patients may have had overlapping diagnoses but the ECP Survey did not measure any such potential overlap.
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The following figures show that according to the ECP Survey, the number of blepharitis diagnoses approached the number of dry eye diagnoses. This trend is also supported by independent epidemiology studies including one recently published research study that indicates that there is a significant overlap between Dry Eye and Demodex blepharitis with 69% of patients presenting with Demodex blepharitis (Cheng et al. Cornea, September 2020):
Figures 8 and 9: Blepharitis Diagnoses Approaching Number of Dry Eye Diagnoses
Additionally, the ECP Survey obtained feedback on a hypothetical TP-03 product profile, based on the Mars and Jupiter clinical trial data. In the ECP Survey, a total of 25 ophthalmologists and 25 optometrists were educated on the pathognomonic relationship of collarettes to Demodex blepharitis and exposed to the Mars and Jupiter clinical trial data. After exposure, ECPs were asked their intent to prescribe TP-03 if it were available for their patients presenting with Demodex blepharitis as indicated by collarettes. In these studies, 48 of 50 (96%) ECPs indicated that they would prescribe TP-03 as first-line treatment, and 2 of 50 (4%) indicated that they would prescribe it as second-line treatment. No ECPs indicated that they would prescribe TP-03 as third line or not prescribe TP-03.
The following figure shows that 96% of the surveyed ECPs indicated they would prescribe TP-03 as a first-line treatment:
Figure 10: 96% of Surveyed ECPs Indicated Prescribing Intention TP-03 as First-Line Treatment
We also sponsored a separate market research survey of 50 patients with blepharitis symptoms, where the presence of eye crust on eye lashes was noted as a primary symptom. These patients were randomly
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selected nationwide and not chosen in connection with the identity of his or her ECP. The individuals with blepharitis symptoms were educated on collarettes and that Demodex mites cause collarettes, and provided with a description of a hypothetical product with the target profile of TP-03, which can potentially eradicate Demodex mites in the eyelid and eliminate collarettes in a majority of patients. After considering the target product profile, the individuals with blepharitis symptoms were asked how likely they were to visit a doctor and ask about whether a product such as TP-03 would be right for them (on a scale of 1-7). Forty-six of 50 (92%) of the individuals with blepharitis symptoms indicated a likelihood to visit a doctor and ask about a product with a target profile of TP-03, and 32 of 50 (64%) indicated a response of definitely would. Two of 50 (4%) of the individuals with blepharitis symptoms indicated that they may or may not, and two of 50 (4%) of the individuals with blepharitis symptoms indicated that they definitely would not.
The following figure shows the results of this survey:
Figure 11: 92% of Individuals with Blepharitis Symptoms Indicated Likelihood To Inquire About a TP-03-Type Product
We believe that blepharitis is underdiagnosed due to the lack of an approved treatment and associated patient and physician education, and the lack of awareness of the role of Demodex mites in the disease process. The ECP Survey showed that only 10-15% of ECPs were aware that collarettes are highly correlated with Demodex infestation. Despite the current lack of awareness by ECPs, we believe that the ocular surface disease marketplace is highly responsive to education of both the ECP and the patient. For example, as a result of ECP and patient education, the dry eye market grew significantly once there was a product to address the large, latent demand for an effective therapy. Dry eye had no approved therapeutic until 2003. Once a therapeutic was approved, the diagnosis rate increased by approximately 12 times, growing from 500,000 annual diagnoses in 2003 to over six million annual diagnoses by 2015. Annual diagnoses rates have been maintained at similar levels since 2015. We believe the Demodex blepharitis and dry eye markets may be analogous because both Demodex blepharitis and dry eye are diseases that affect the front of the eye, are treated by ECPs, can cause an inflamed ocular surface or eyelids and have similar patient demographics. The potential market for Demodex blepharitis, however, may not be analogous to the market for dry eye due to differences in symptoms, regulatory approval and market dynamics and other factors. See Risk FactorsRisk Related to Development and Commercialization of Our Product CandidatesThe market for blepharitis and Demodex blepharitis may be not be similar to the market for dry eye for additional information and risks related to the comparison of the Demodex blepharitis market to that of dry eye.
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The following figure shows the annual diagnoses of dry eye disease prior to and after and the launch of an approved therapy for dry eye, with the 2.1 million diagnoses for blepharitis in 2019 shown on the plot for reference:
Figure 12: Dry Eye Diagnoses Per Year
Demodex mites have been implicated in approximately 45% of all blepharitis cases in a meta-analysis of 11 studies consisting of an aggregate of 4,741 patients with blepharitis. The incidence of Demodex blepharitis increases progressively with aging, which is the main risk factor for the condition, with the majority of people over the age of 60 having been shown to have the disease.
Our market research studies also included an epidemiological evaluation we conducted of 1,121 consecutive patients in eight ophthalmology and optometry practices conducted in 2020, or the Patient Epidemiology Survey, which showed that 58% of all patients entering the practices had collarettes and all patients entering practices with collarettes were also found to have Demodex blepharitis. By comparison, 20% of those same 1,121 patients were currently on a prescription therapeutic for dry eye disease (Restasis or Xiidra). Additionally, 13% of the 1,121 patients presented with collarettes and were also on a prescription therapeutic for dry eye at the same time. The clinics in the Patient Epidemiology Survey were geographically diverse and represented both high and low dry eye prescription rates. Each practice was required to enroll between 100 and 180 consecutive patients. The clinic with the lowest prevalence demonstrated 29% of consecutive patients had collarettes, and the clinic with the highest prevalence demonstrated 76% of consecutive patients had collarettes.
The following figure shows the prevalence of collarettes and prevalence distribution by clinic, from the Patient Epidemiology Survey:
Figures 13 and 14: Prevalence of Collarettes
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We believe the data has demonstrated that there is a significant population for blepharitis, and for Demodex blepharitis more specifically, since the number of patients with collarettes exceeded by almost three times the number of patients on a prescription therapeutic for dry eye disease. While there is overlap between the number of patients with collarettes and the number of patients with dry eye and the number of patients with dry eye is most likely higher than the number of patients currently on a prescription for dry eye, and we believe the data shows a potential significant population for Demodex blepharitis. We also believe the data illustrates a significant opportunity to increase the diagnosis rate of Demodex blepharitis by educating ECPs on the high correlation of the presence of collarette to Demodex blepharitis in order for ECPs to incorporate the examination of the condition into standard practice.
Over the past several years, an increasing number of clinical studies on Demodex have been published in the context of ocular surface disease, with more than half of these studies published in the last four years. We believe this shows an increased understanding of the importance of Demodex in the scientific ophthalmology community and represents an important step in educating ECPs about Demodex blepharitis.
Current Treatment Options and Their Limitations
Despite the high prevalence of patients with Demodex blepharitis and growing awareness of the condition amongst ECPs, there are no FDA-approved therapeutics for the treatment of blepharitis or for Demodex blepharitis. Demodex blepharitis is currently treated with a variety of over the counter remedies such as tea tree oil, lid wipes and artificial tears, as well as off-label prescription products for dry eye.
These approaches have significant limitations, including:
| limited efficacy of over-the-counter and off-label treatments as well as device-based treatments administered in clinic by ECPs; |
| insufficient definitive knowledge of diagnostic criteria to guide treatment decisions; |
| prohibitive side effects (significant burning and stinging) from treatments that target Demodex mites (e.g. tea tree oil); and |
| current treatments do not eradicate the Demodex mites, leading to a chronic and progressive condition. |
Our Approach: Treating Demodex Mites, a Root Cause of Disease
To address these limitations and high unmet need for effectively treating Demodex blepharitis, we are developing TP-03, formulated as an eye drop, which we believe, if approved, has the potential to become the standard of care for Demodex blepharitis. TP-03 is a novel therapeutic based on the drug, lotilaner, which is designed to paralyze and eradicate mites and other parasites through the inhibition of parasite-specific GABA-Cl channels. To date, TP-03 has successfully met the primary, secondary and/or exploratory, endpoints, as applicable, in each of the four completed Phase 2 trials. TP-03 was generally well tolerated throughout these trials. As a result, we believe that TP-03 has the potential to be the first ever approved therapeutic for Demodex blepharitis.
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The following figure summarizes the key advantages of TP-03:
Figure 15: Summary of TP-03 Key Advantages
* | Blepharitis can increase the risk for both infection after cataract and refractive surgery and discomfort and can cause intolerance to contact lenses so treating Demodex blepharitis may improve tolerance to contact lenses and improve patient satisfaction with cataract and refractive surgery |
Commercial Strategy for Demodex Blepharitis Launch
If approved, we plan to commercialize TP-03 in the United States with a focused, specialty sales force, direct-to-consumer, or DTC, campaign, and ECP education campaigns with key opinion leaders, and professional associations. In our work with key opinion leaders and various associations to increase Demodex blepharitis awareness and education, we plan to highlight prevalence, impact, and simplicity of diagnosis of Demodex blepharitis. Our goal is to educate ECPs about the prevalence of Demodex blepharitis and the safety and efficacy of our products. In addition to educating ECPs, we believe that patient awareness and identification is important and plan to increase awareness through education and marketing efforts directed toward patients. We also believe that TP-03 has potential for favorable reimbursement as we expect that a novel treatment for Demodex blepharitis will drive compelling pricing and modest discounts.
TP-03 Eye Drops Mechanism of Action
The active ingredient in TP-03 eye drops is lotilaner, a member of a new class of anti-parasitic molecules called isoxazolines. It is a potent non-competitive antagonist of insect and arachnid GABA-Cl channels. Lotilaner is designed to eradicate Demodex mites by selectively inhibiting GABA-Cl channels, causing mite paralysis and eventual death. It has a low affinity to mammalian GABA-Cl and other ion channels (e.g. hERG) and thus has no impact on the human nervous system. Lotilaner is a lipophilic molecule, which may promote its uptake in the oily sebum of the hair follicle, where the mites reside. In clinical trials, TP-03 is topically applied to the eye twice daily to ensure delivery of the drug to the eyelid margin. Following mite eradication, collarettes eventually clear from the eyelid since they are composed of mite-related waste. |
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The following figures show the intended paralysis of mites in the hair follicle by TP-03 administration:
Figure 16: Progression of TP-03 Application, Mite Paralysis and Eradication
Clinical Development Program
We have completed four Phase 2 clinical trials to date, along with one additional ex vivo study. The table below summarizes completed and planned clinical investigations evaluating TP-03 for Demodex blepharitis. We plan to evaluate TP-03 in two pivotal registration trials, referred to as Saturn-1 and Saturn-2. Saturn-1 is a Phase 2b/3, randomized, controlled, double-blind trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TP-03 is expected to enroll at least 350 Demodex blepharitis patients in multiple centers in the United States. We commenced Saturn-1 in September 2020 and top-line data is expected in 2021, subject to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Saturn-2, our confirmatory Phase 3 randomized, controlled, double-blind trial, has a highly comparable design to that of Saturn-1 and is also expected to enroll approximately 350 Demodex blepharitis patients. Enrollment of Saturn-2 is expected to begin in 2021, subject to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In connection with our IND application, we have received a no-objection letter from the FDA regarding the trial design for Saturn-1. The trial design for Saturn-2 is highly comparable to that of Saturn-1 and we expect to update the IND protocol prior to commencing Saturn-2. We expect these trial results to support the potential submission of an NDA for TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis.
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The following figure shows our completed and planned investigations evaluating TP-03 for Demodex blepharitis:
Figure 17: Completed and Planned Investigations Evaluating TP-03 for Demodex Blepharitis
* The Mars and Jupiter trials used collarette grade as an endpoint, which has been translated into a collarette cure (defined as £10 collarettes). This is different from the collarette cure (defined as £2 collarettes) endpoint used in Io, Europa, Saturn-1 and the planned Saturn-2 trials. The Mars and Jupiter trials also used mite density as an endpoint, which is different from mite eradication. Mite density is translated into mite eradication, which is defined as zero mites per lash consistently throughout trials.
** Primary endpoint in Io, Europa, Saturn-1 and intended in Saturn-2 is collarette cure rate based on collarette grade.
In connection with our IND application, a no-objection letter was received from the FDA regarding the trial design of the Saturn-1 trial.
Saturn-2 design is highly comparable to that of Saturn-1 with respect to which the FDA raised no-objection and we expect to update the IND protocol prior to commencing Saturn-2.
TP-03 is a presentation of lotilaner, the API, formulated into a topical eye drop formulation. Only one dose strength of TP-03, 0.25% lotilaner solution was used across all clinical trials and studies.
A statistically significant outcome for primary efficacy endpoints is typically one of the requirements for FDA approval of a product. A statistically significant outcome indicates that the probability of the outcome occurring at random is less than the pre-established allowed error level, frequently set at 0.05 (or 1 in 20).
Mercury Study
The Mercury preclinical study was an ex vivo study of the efficacy of TP-03 in causing the paralysis and death of Demodex mites performed at a single center in the United States in 2019 through 2020. Mites were collected following lash plucking at a single center in the United States. Mites were placed in small wells and submersed in a drop of either TP-03 (pilot formulation) or a vehicle control (formulation with no active ingredient). The ex vivo efficacy results of the Mercury study show that 100% of mites subjected to the pilot formulation of TP-03 were dead within 24 hours and more than 70% of mites subjected to the formulation with no active ingredient were still viable after four days of observation.
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The following figure presents the efficacy results on Demodex mite survival probability over time, with the shaded regions representing the 95% confidence interval for each of the two groups:
Figure 18: Mercury Study Ex Vivo Efficacy Results
Mars Phase 2a Single-Arm Clinical Trial
Mars was a Phase 2a single-arm clinical trial which evaluated the safety and efficacy of TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis completed in 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico at a well-established site for ocular therapy trials. Subjects were treated with TP-03 (pilot formulation) BID for 28 days and followed to 90 days (62 days post-treatment). A total of 18 subjects were enrolled in the trial, with 15 patients receiving treatment beyond Day 1. Fourteen of the 15 subjects who received treatment completed the trial through Day 28. Twelve of the 15 subjects continued through 90 days (62 days post-treatment) and three subjects did not continue the trial after Day 28. In data described below, one subject was lost to follow-up after Day 2, one subject missed the Day 7 visit and one subject missed the Day 14 visit.
Exploratory endpoints included collarette grading score and mite density, as assessed by microscopic evaluation of plucked lashes. As this was an exploratory Phase 2a trial, no primary or secondary endpoints were pre-specified. We utilized the data from the exploratory endpoints to determine collarette cure and mite eradication rates. We defined collarette cure as collarette count of 10 or fewer, consistent with prior studies in the field. We defined mite eradication as zero mites per lash.
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The following figure illustrates representative photos of two Mars subjects at baseline and Day 28 who exhibited a collarette cure:
Figure 19: Two Mars Trial Subjects at Baseline and Day 28 Who Exhibited a Collarette Cure
The proportion of subjects who exhibited a collarette cure was statistically significant compared to baseline by Day 14 with 54% of subjects (7 of 13 subjects, p < 0.05) exhibiting a cure, at Day 28 with 86% of subjects (12 of 14 subjects, p < 0.05) exhibiting a cure, and post-treatment at Day 60 with 83% of subjects (10 of 12 subjects, p < 0.05) exhibiting a cure and at Day 90 with 83% of subjects (10 of 12 subjects, p < 0.05) exhibiting a cure.
The proportion of subjects who exhibited mite eradication was statistically significant compared to baseline at Day 14 with 31% of subjects (4 of 13 subjects, p < 0.05) exhibiting eradication, at Day 28 with 57% of subjects (8 of 14 subjects, p < 0.05) exhibiting eradication, and post-treatment at Day 60 with 50% of subjects (6 of 12 subjects, p < 0.05) exhibiting eradication and Day 90 with 83% of subjects (10 of 12 subjects, p < 0.05) exhibiting eradication.
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The following figure shows the data for each visit day:
Figures 20 and 21: Mars Phase 2a Trial Collarette Cure and Mite Eradication Rates
There were no adverse events reported and TP-03 was well tolerated. No subjects discontinued the trial due to adverse events.
Jupiter Phase 2b Trial
Jupiter was a Phase 2b randomized, controlled, double-blind trial which evaluated the safety and efficacy of TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis completed in 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico at a well-established site for ocular therapy trials. Subjects were treated with either TP-03 (pilot formulation) or with a vehicle control BID for 28 days. Subjects were followed to 90 days (62 days post-treatment) to evaluate post-treatment duration of effect. The primary endpoint was mite density for the treatment group as compared to the mite density for the vehicle control group at Day 28 and the secondary endpoint was collarette grade as compared to the collarette grade for the vehicle control group at Day 28. We utilized the collarette grading and mite density data to determine collarette cure and mite eradication rates. The definitions of collarette cure and mite eradication in the Jupiter trial were consistent with those used in the Mars trial. A total of 60 subjects were enrolled in the trial, with 51 subjects receiving treatment through Day 28 and 49 subjects completing the trial through Day 90.
The proportion of subjects who exhibited a collarette cure was statistically significant for TP-03 compared to vehicle control at Day 14 (78% vs. 44% subjects, p = 0.020), Day 28 (88% vs. 22%, p < 0.001) and post-treatment at Day 60 (95% vs. 26%, p < 0.001) and Day 90 (96% vs. 15%, p < 0.001).
The proportion of subjects who exhibited mite eradication was statistically significant for TP-03 compared to vehicle control at Day 14 (35% vs. 4% subjects, p = 0.009), Day 28 (67% vs. 26%, p = 0.005) and post-treatment at Day 60 (85% vs. 7%, p < 0.001) and Day 90 (68% vs. 19%, p = 0.001).
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The following figures show the collarette cure and mite eradication rates for each visit day:
Figures 22 and 23: Jupiter Trial Collarette Cure and Mite Eradication Rates
There were no serious adverse events reported and TP-03 was well tolerated. Any adverse events were not related to treatment and no subjects discontinued the trial due to adverse events.
Trials With Updated Protocol and Formulation Designed to Support Pivotal Trials
Io Phase 2a Trial
Io was a Phase 2a single-arm trial which evaluated the safety and efficacy of TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis completed in 2020 in Mexico City, Mexico at a well-established site for ocular therapy trials. The design of the Io trial took into account feedback from the FDA, and accordingly we subsequently defined collarette cure rate as a more stringent standard of less than or equal to two collarettes on the eyelid. The definition of mite eradication, defined as zero mites per lash, remained consistent with that of the Mars and Jupiter trials. In the Io trial we also utilized for the first time in clinical trials the formulation of TP-03 which is expected to support our NDA submission for Demodex blepharitis. The Io trial design, as well as the formulation of TP-03 utilized, are consistent with the design and formulation to be utilized in our Saturn-1 Phase 2b/3 trial. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients experiencing a cure based on collarette grade, or collarette cure, at Day 42. The secondary endpoint was the mite eradication rate at Day 42. A total of 18 subjects were enrolled in the trial, all of whom were crossed over from the vehicle control group of the Jupiter trial. In data described below, three subjects missed the Day 7 visit, one subject missed the Day 14 visit and one subject missed the Day 28 visit.
The proportion of subjects who exhibited a collarette cure was statistically significant for TP-03 compared to baseline by Day 14 with 29% of subjects (5 of 17 subjects, p < 0.05), at Day 28 with 71% of subjects (12 of 17 subjects, p < 0.05) and at Day 42 with 72% of subjects (13 of 18 subjects, p < 0.05).
The proportion of subjects who exhibited mite eradication was statistically significant for TP-03 compared to baseline by Day 14 with 47% of subjects (8 of 17 subjects, p < 0.05), at Day 28 with 59% of subjects (10 of 17 subjects, p < 0.05) and at Day 42 with 78% of subjects (14 of 18 subjects, p < 0.05).
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The following figures present the collarette cure and mite eradication rates for each visit day:
Figures 24 and 25: Io Trial Collarette Cure and Mite Eradication Rates
All 18 subjects completed the trial through Day 42 of dosing. There were no serious adverse events reported and TP-03 was well tolerated. No subjects discontinued the trial due to adverse events. The most common adverse event included mild transient burning after administration for less than 10 seconds.
The following table provides a summary of treatment emergent adverse events for the trial:
Figure 26: Summary of Treatment Emergent Adverse Events
Adverse Event |
N = 18 n (%) |
|||
Transient burning |
4 (22%) | |||
Transient blurriness |
1 (6%) |
Europa Phase 2b Trial
Europa was a Phase 2b randomized, controlled, double-blind trial, which evaluated the safety and efficacy of TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis completed in 2020 in Mexico City, Mexico at a well-established site for ocular therapy trials. Like the Io trial, the Europa trial was designed with the same protocols and formulation as will be utilized in our Saturn-1 Phase 2b/3 trial. Subjects were treated with either TP-03 or with a vehicle control BID for 42 days. A total of 54 subjects were enrolled in the trial with 34 subjects completing the trial through Day 42.
The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients experiencing a cure based on collarette grade of two or fewer collarettes on the eyelid, or collarette cure, as compared to the vehicle control, at Day 42. Secondary efficacy endpoints included (1) mite eradication compared to vehicle control (defined as zero mites per lash) at Day 42, and (2) a composite cure rate of collarette cure and zero lid erythema (redness) compared to vehicle control. Subjects were also asked to rate the comfort of the trial eye drop at Day 42.
The proportion of subjects who exhibited a collarette cure was statistically significant for TP-03 compared to vehicle control at Day 28 (72% vs 11% subjects, p < 0.001) and Day 42 (80% vs. 16%, p < 0.001).
The proportion of subjects who exhibited a mite eradication was statistically significant for TP-03 compared to vehicle control at Day 28 (56% vs 11% subjects, p = 0.006) and Day 42 (73% vs. 21%, p = 0.003).
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The following figures show the collarette cure and mite eradication rates for each visit day:
Figures 27 and 28: Europa Trial Collarette Cure and Mite Eradication Rates
As provided in the figures below, the proportion of subjects who exhibited composite cure rate of zero lid erythema combined with collarette cure was statistically significant for TP-03 compared to vehicle control at Day 28 (67% vs 11% subjects, p < 0.001) and Day 42 (73% vs. 11%, p < 0.001).
The following figure shows data for each visit day:
Figure 29: Composite Cure Rate was Statistically Significant for TP-03 Compared to Vehicle Control
The figure below shows how subjects rated drop comfort at each visit in each of the active and vehicle control groups. The bars shows the percentage of patients who rated the drop as either very comfortable, slightly comfortable or neither comfortable or uncomfortable in both the active and vehicle control groups for each visit day. There was only one subject, in the vehicle group, that rated the drop as very uncomfortable and only at Days 14 and 28. All other subjects that did not rate the drop as very comfortable, slightly comfortable or neither comfortable or uncomfortable rated the drop as slightly uncomfortable. At Day 7, the drop was rated as slightly uncomfortable by 6/22 (27.3%) in the active group, 2/20 (10.0%) in the vehicle control group and 8/42 (19.0%) overall.
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The following figure shows the drop comfort ratings at each visit day:
Figure 30: Comfort Ratings
No subjects discontinued the trial due to an adverse event and TP-03 was well tolerated. All adverse events were mild in severity.
The following table provides a summary of treatment related or possibly related adverse events for the trial:
Figure 31: No Subjects Discontinued Europa Trial Due to Adverse Event
Adverse Event |
Active N = 23 n (%) |
Vehicle N = 20 n (%) | ||
Transient burning |
3 (13%) | 1 (4%) | ||
Transient eye redness |
1 (4%) | | ||
Transient blurriness |
1 (4%) | | ||
Dysgeusia |
1 (4%) | |
TP-03 Safety Profile From Phase 2 Clinical Trials
Our Phase 2 trial data indicates that TP-03 was well tolerated with no significant adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation across the four trials. A total of 82 subjects have received one or more doses of TP-03 and have had at least one follow-up visit; while 52 subjects received the vehicle control. Only nine subjects treated with TP-03 had treatment-related adverse events, versus one subject treated with the vehicle control. The most common treatment-related adverse events, or TRAEs, reported were burning after administration, which was reported in seven subjects (8.5%) receiving TP-03 versus one subject (1.9%) receiving the vehicle control. Other TRAEs reported for subjects treated with TP-03 were blurred vision in two subjects (2.4%), dysgeusia in one subject (1.2%), and instillation site erythema in one subject (1.2%); with no corresponding TRAEs reported in subjects treated with vehicle.
Adverse events deemed unrelated to treatment occurred in five subjects treated with TP-03, with diarrhea reported in two subjects (2.4%), hypertension reported in one subject (1.2%), cataract operation reported in one subject (1.2%), and pharyngotonsillitis reported in one subject (1.2%).
For subjects treated with the vehicle control, the six subjects reported adverse events unrelated to treatment, which consisted of diarrhea in three subjects (5.7%) and viral upper respiratory tract infection in three subjects (5.7%).
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Furthermore, there was little or no change in mean corrected distance visual acuity across all four trials, and only one subject treated with TP-03 showed a worsening of 0.22 logMAR from baseline to Day 28 in the left eye. This subject did not return for their follow-up visit on Day 42. Intraocular pressure was recorded in the Mars, Jupiter and Europa trials, and there were only minor reported changes observed in both the active and the vehicle control. The most common clinically significant slit lamp examination finding was an increase from baseline in corneal staining. The increases in staining were typically transient, occurring at only a single visit, and, in the controlled trials, occurred more often in subjects treated with the vehicle control versus subjects treated with TP-03. The only other slit lamp examination finding was conjunctival hyperemia in one subject receiving TP-03 at Day seven and one subject receiving the vehicle control at Day 14.
Disease Recurrence Following End of Treatment Course
Subjects from the Mars and active arm of the Jupiter trials were followed for one year after enrollment. Combined interim data for recurrence of clinical grade Demodex blepharitis was defined as a collarette score of two or more meaning more than 10 collarettes on the lid, and mite density of one or more per lash. The data show a persistent treatment effect of TP-03 for six months or greater for collarette score, with meaningful recurrence of collarettes occurring after six months with the recurrence increasing considerably one year after treatment. Mites recurred more quickly than collarettes, consistent with collarettes being composed of mite byproducts. Based on this data, we believe that subsequent to initial treatment TP-03 may be utilized by patients and ECPs for intermittent re-treatment based on the disease recurrence observed.
The figures below present the collarette and mite recurrence for each visit day.
Figures 31 and 32: Collarette and Mite Recurrence
Ongoing and Planned Pivotal Trials
Saturn-1 and Saturn-2 Trials
Saturn-1 is a randomized, controlled, double-blind Phase 2b/3 trial. In September 2020, we have commenced the trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis in multiple centers in the United States. Target enrollment for the trial is at least 350 subjects, enrolled 1:1 between a BID dose of TP-03 and a vehicle control. Saturn-1 is designed for subjects to receive treatment for 42 days and be subsequently followed for safety under a separate protocol for one year. The primary efficacy endpoint is proportion of subjects with cure based on a collarette grade of zero (£ 2) at Day 43. The two secondary endpoints
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are (1) proportion of subjects with Demodex eradication (zero mites per lash) at Day 43 and (2) proportion of subjects with a composite of collarette and erythema cure at Day 43 (collarette grade of zero combined with erythema score of zero). Top-line data for Saturn-1 is anticipated in 2021, subject to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Saturn-2 is designed to be a confirmatory Phase 3 trial that we plan to initiate promptly after completing enrollment in Saturn-1. It is a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TP-03 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis in multiple centers in the Unites States. Target enrollment for the trial is approximately 350 subjects, enrolled 1:1 between a BID dose TP-03 arm and a vehicle control. Saturn-2 is designed for subjects to be followed for 43 days and receive treatment for 42 days. The primary efficacy endpoint is proportion of subjects with cure based on a collarette grade of zero at Day 43. The two secondary endpoints are (1) proportion of subjects with Demodex eradication (zero mites per lash) at Day 43 and (2) proportion of subjects with a composite of collarette and erythema cure at Day 43 (collarette grade of zero combined with erythema score of zero). Enrollment of Saturn-2 is expected to begin in 2021, subject to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The protocol, including the subject inclusion and exclusion criteria and endpoints, and formulation are designed to be consistent with those of our Io and Europa Phase 2 trials. We have received a no-objection letter from the FDA regarding the trial design for Saturn-1 and Saturn-2 has a highly comparable design to that of Saturn-1. We expect that the data form the Saturn-1 and Saturn-2 trials will support our NDA filing for TP-03 in Demodex blepharitis. Prior to submitting an NDA, we plan to perform a clinical pharmacokinetic study for TP-03 to support our NDA submission for Demodex blepharitis, and the FDA is recommending we perform carcinogenicity testing as well as embryofetal development studies in a second species. While we have factored these recommendations into our timeline and expenses, any adverse results, or any additional or similar requirements or recommendations from the FDA could cause delay in obtaining regulatory approval and increased costs.
Development of TP-03 for Meibomian Gland Disease
Beyond Demodex blepharitis, we intend to explore the clinical potential for TP-03 in MGD, a chronic abnormality of the meibomian glands. MGD is commonly characterized in part by a widespread clogging of the meibomian glands that can result in tear film deficiency, and is one of the leading causes of dry eye disease. In the United States, MGD prevalence has been found to be approximately two-thirds of the estimated 34 million dry eye patient population. One species of Demodex mite, Demodex brevis, is known to infest the meibomian gland, and clinical signs of MGD have been shown to be correlated with Demodex brevis infestation. While dry eye is a multi-factorial disease, TP-03 is designed to relieve some of the key elements associated with MGD by virtue of causing the death of the Demodex brevis mites.
There are no FDA-approved therapeutics for MGD. MGD is currently treated with a variety of over-the-counter remedies such as tea tree oil, lid wipes and artificial tears, as well as off-label prescription products for dry eye. MGD is also treated with in-office device procedures for gland expression (de-clogging) by an ECP. Despite these existing treatments, there is still a significant and unmet need for an effective prescription therapeutic in MGD.
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The following figures show a representation of Demodex mites infesting the meibomian gland:
Figure 33: Demodex Mites Infesting the Meibomian Gland
Our Additional Product Candidates
TP-04 Topical Formulation for the Treatment of Rosacea
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin disease characterized by facial redness, inflammatory lesions, burning and stinging, which can flare up in response to certain triggers such as sun exposure or emotional stress. According to the U.S. National Rosacea Society, approximately 16 million people in the United States are affected by rosacea and a study estimates rosacea prevalence can represent up to 5.4% of the global population. There are two phenotypes for rosacea: patients who present with papulopustular rosacea, or PPR, and patients who do not (non-PPR), with approximately 55% of patients presenting with the PPR phenotype and 45% presenting with the non-PPR phenotype. According to primary research we conducted of dermatologists, of patients who are being treated with topicals for rosacea, an estimated 18% of overall rosacea patients are seeking treatments, with PPR patients generally more likely to seek treatment given the noticeable symptoms.
The cause of rosacea remains unclear but there is increasing evidence that Demodex mites play a role in the disease. Studies have found a correlation between Demodex infestation and rosacea, with a higher density of Demodex mites found in the skin of rosacea patients than in controls. A proposed theory suggests that the bacillus oleronius bacteria has a pathogenic role, contributing to skin inflammation and the signs and symptoms of rosacea; these bacteria are also known to be sensitive to the antibiotics typically prescribed to treat rosacea. Meanwhile, Demodex mites have been shown to carry bacillus oleronius in their digestive tracts, suggesting that Demodex may contribute to rosacea by being a transporter for the bacteria that causes the disease. Furthering that point, there is evidence to suggest that bacillus oleronius forms a symbiotic relationship with Demodex, and that both species must be present in order to cause the signs and symptoms of rosacea. Other bacteria such as staphylococcus epidermidis, also carried by Demodex mites, may play a role in the disease as well. In fact, Soolantra, the current standard of care for rosacea, has an anti-parasitic and Demodex targeting mechanism, suggesting that the clearance of Demodex plays a role in resolving the signs of symptoms of rosacea.
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Current Treatment Options and Their Limitations
Rosacea is currently treated through topical anti-parasitic creams like ivermectin and other topicals including azelaic acid, and antibiotics like metronidazole, as well as other mechanisms such as alpha agonists. An estimated 50% of rosacea patients are on at least one prescription topical treatment. The current standard of care, Soolantra, is a branded anti-parasitic drug composed of 1% ivermectin cream, which targets Demodex mites but is only modestly effective, takes 8 to 12 weeks to show efficacy and is expensive at around approximately $500 wholesale acquisition cost, or WAC, for a 30-day supply.
Other treatments in development include Sol-Gels Epsolay, a topical cream containing 5% encapsulated benzoyl peroxide, and Foamixs FMX103, a topical foam containing 1.5% minocycline, for the treatment of Subtype II rosacea, characterized by small, dome-shaped erythematous papules that resemble acne but are associated with burning and stinging sensations.
While current treatments address the symptoms of the disease by reducing redness and decreasing papules and pustules, for the majority of patients, complete clearance of these features is not currently achievable and there still exists an unmet medical need.
Our Approach, TP-04 Topical Formulation for Rosacea
To address this unmet need in the rosacea market, lotilaner is being developed as a topical dermatology product, TP-04, initially for the treatment of PPR. It is designed to be active after topical administration in skin with no systemic activity. Lotilaners mechanism of targeting and killing Demodex mites has been established through our preclinical study and clinical trials evaluating TP-03 in Demodex blepharitis, which is why we believe it may be effective in another Demodex driven condition. We believe we can improve upon existing treatments in the market, like Soolantra, with an API that is more effective (longer half-life, more lipophilic, greater therapeutic window). We believe a longer half-life is expected to lead to a more durable and long-lasting treatment and that more lipophilicity is expected to provide better bioavailability in the sebum in the follicle and sebaceous glands where mites reside, thus increasing the opportunity to target and eradicate mites and a greater therapeutic window. We further believe there is potential for TP-04 to be evaluated in combination with topical anti-inflammatory agents or vasoconstrictors.
We have not conducted any preclinical studies for TP-04 to date. We intend to leverage systemic preclinical data from our TP-03 program (such as embryofetal development studies, genotoxicity studies and safety pharmacology studies, and augment with additional dermal preclinical studies such as in vitro skin permeation and penetration studies, dermal toxicology and dermal pharmacodynamics testing we intend to conduct) to identify a lead formulation that maximizes dermal levels of TP-04 and which we believe can compare favorably to Soolantra. We may need to address this approach with the FDA if we were to conduct a clinical trial in the United States and if the FDA rejected our use of data from these preclinical studies, it could cause delay in any trial we conduct in the United States for TP-04. We plan to evaluate whether TP-04 is safe and effective at treating the symptoms of PPR in a Phase 1/2 trial outside the United States, which is expected to begin enrollment in 2021. Prior to commencing clinical trials in the United States for TP-04, we will need to obtain an IND from the FDA.
TP-05 Oral Formulation for the Prophylactic Protection against Lyme Disease
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States, caused by infection of Borrelia bacteria following bite by a tick vector, predominantly ticks of the Ixodes genus (namely Ixodes scapularis in the United States). Estimates of annual cases of Lyme disease in the United States range from approximately 300,000 to 400,000, with many cases being misdiagnosed or diagnosed late. According to 2018
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data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, or CDC, in 2018, over 30 million people in the United States are at risk of contracting Lyme disease, with over 20 million of those people residing in states that have a high incidence of Lyme disease per the CDC; and the geographic footprint of Lyme disease carrying ticks is expanding. Lyme disease occurs most commonly in geographical areas where the Ixodes scapularis tick is prevalent, namely in the Northeast of the United States. Lyme disease also occurs in certain parts of Europe, typically resulting from a different Ixodes species vector.
The mechanism of Lyme disease infection is well understood. Borrelia bacteria colonizes the salivary glands of the ticks, and the infected saliva is transmitted to the human host when a tick attaches to a person for feeding. The probability of Borrelia transmission, and therefore the risk of Lyme disease, increases with the duration of the ticks attachment. Borrelia is rarely transferred during the first or even second day of feeding but transfers quite efficiently during and after the third day of feeding. This window from the time of bite to the time of transmission offers an opportunity for intervention to prevent Lyme disease.
Lyme disease can be a serious condition that may affect multiple bodily systems and produce a broad range of symptoms. Early symptoms include a localized rash, fever and fatigue. More severe, sometimes chronic, symptoms may evolve as the infection spreads, including fever, muscle and joint pain, peripheral and central neurological deficits and lymphocytic meningitis. Lyme disease can be successfully treated with oral antibiotics when diagnosed sufficiently early, but chronic symptoms can commonly persist beyond antibiotic treatment.
Current Lyme Prophylaxis Options and Their Limitations
Lyme disease is currently prevented through behavior modification avoiding areas where ticks are prevalent, wearing clothing which minimizes tick exposure, using insect repellants and physically removing ticks that have attached. With the exception of removing attached ticks, none of these approaches prevents the transmission of Borrelia post-bite.
Moreover, there are currently no FDA-approved therapeutics for the prevention of Lyme disease. A vaccine for Lyme disease, LYMERix, was developed and launched by SmithKline Beecham in 1999. Approximately 1.5 million doses of the vaccine were sold in 1999, but the product was quickly pulled from the market following negative press and class action litigation claiming a dangerous side effect profile. We are aware of a second vaccine currently under development by Valneva for Lyme disease, VLA-15.
There is significant unmet need for a safe, effective and easy to use prophylactic for at-risk individuals in Lyme disease.
Our Approach, TP-05 Oral Formulation for the Prophylactic Protection against Lyme Disease
Since Borrelia is usually transferred during the second or third day following a tick bite, our approach is to eradicate the tick before it can transmit the bacteria. To do this, we are developing TP-05 as an oral formulation of lotilaner. We are targeting 30 days of prophylactic protection against Lyme disease with a single oral dose of TP-05. Given that lotilaner was developed specifically, in part, to eradicate ticks with systemic administration to companion animals, the pharmacology of lotilaner in Lyme prophylaxis is well understood. Similar to its mechanism against Demodex, lotilaner is a potent non-competitive antagonist of tick GABA-Cl channels. Antagonism of these channels in ticks induces paralysis and eventual death. The high preference for insect and arachnid GABA-Cl channels over mammalian channels promotes the safety profile of the molecule. Extensive preclinical systemic toxicology and safety pharmacology studies have been performed by third parties to date and support advancing TP-05 into clinical development. Lotilaner has a long, approximate 30-day systemic half-life in dogs, which we believe could provide for a convenient monthly administration.
We have identified a lead formulation of TP-05 for Phase 1/2 trials. For TP-05 and its use in Lyme prophylaxis, we intend to leverage oral systemic preclinical data from our TP-03 program (embryofetal
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development studies and safety pharmacology studies) as well as third-party oral systemic preclinical studies, such as 28-day and 13-week rat toxicology studies, eight-month dog toxicology studies, and systemic genetoxicity studies. These preclinical studies use the same route of administration (oral) and cover the dose range intended for clinical studies, but whereas the preclinical studies used a gavage administration, we intend to administer TP-05 in humans via a tablet or capsule. TP-05 is a presentation of lotilaner, which is the same as the Elanco API but formulated into a tablet. We obtained rights to these studies through the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement and we will not conduct any additional preclinical studies to support our Phase 1/2 clinical trial. While we plan to discuss this approach in a planned pre-IND meeting with the FDA, the FDA may reject our use of data from these preclinical studies and require us to conduct additional preclinical studies before advancing to clinical trials, which may delay our expected timelines for approval and increase costs. Subject to feedback from the FDA on this approach from our planned pre-IND meeting, we intend to evaluate whether TP-05 is safe and effective at eradicating ticks in a planned Phase 1/2 trial, which is expected to begin enrollment in 2021. Prior to commencing clinical trials in the United States for TP-05 for the potential Lyme prophylaxis, we will need to submit an IND with the FDA.
Malaria
Malaria is one of the worlds highest unmet public health needs, with approximately 228 million cases and more than 400,000 deaths caused by malaria worldwide in 2018 alone. The disease is caused by several species of plasmodium, a parasite transmitted to humans by a mosquito vector. Symptoms and outcomes include fever, vomiting, fatigue, seizure, coma and death. The disease is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions near the equator, with sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Asia and parts of Latin America impacted the most. The majority of deaths occur in Africa.
There has been a massive years-long effort to combat malaria using a variety of techniques, including administration of multiple types of prophylactic and therapeutic drugs, insecticide spraying and mosquito nets. While worldwide rates of malaria have dropped over the last two decades, meaningful reduction in malaria rates has stalled since approximately 2015. It is widely hoped that new vector control and prophylactic modalities will play an important role in further reducing the burden of the disease.
Our Approach, TP-05 Oral Formulation, Long-acting Endectocide for Community Malaria Reduction
The malaria community, including, the World Health Organization, Medicines for Malaria Venture, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and others, has called for the development of a long-acting endectocide, or antiparasitic drug active against endoparasites such as plasmodium, for the control and reduction of malaria in endemic regions. An endectocide for malaria is a drug taken by a person that causes the death or incapacity of a mosquito before it can infect another person. Field studies and modeling have shown that reducing the lifespan of the mosquitos may significantly reduce malaria transmission. With mass drug administration, which is a common approach for other anti-malarial medications, a community could attain herd protection against spread of malaria using an endectocide. For instance, the PNAS Study on mosquito populations showed that mass administration of an isoxazoline endectocide could reduce community malaria rates by as much as 66% with administration to just 30% of a communitys population.
The pharmacology of isoxazoline endectocide in malaria control is well understood. Similar to its mechanism against Demodex and ticks, the isoxazoline endectocides are potent non-competitive antagonists of GABA-Cl channels in mosquitos. Furthermore, according to the PNAS Study, the isoxazoline endectocides showed significant ability to cause the death of various disease carrying mosquito vectors that were fed drug-supplemented human blood in a membrane feeding assay. Additional transmission modeling in the PNAS Study of these isoxazolines on malaria incidence, which assumed a 90-day efficacy period, translated to survival of less than 1% of mosquitos. We believe our treatment concept of the oral administration of TP-05 to a human population may likewise lead to the death of blood-fed insect vectors and a decline in disease transmission. This is based on the relatively long half-life of lotilaner, an isoxazoline endectocide, which has been demonstrated in
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preclinical studies. However, modeling studies may not be accurate representations of malaria transmission in human populations and the efficacy of lotilaner or TP-05 to cause the death of mosquitos and reduced transmission rates has not been tested in human populations.
For TP-05 and its use in malaria community reduction, we intend to leverage oral systemic preclinical data from our TP-03 program (embryofetal development studies and safety pharmacology studies), as well as third-party oral systemic preclinical studies, such as 28-day and 13-week rat toxicology studies, eight-month dog toxicology studies, and systemic genetoxicity studies. These preclinical studies use the same route of administration (oral) and cover the dose range intended for clinical studies, but whereas the preclinical studies used a gavage administration, we intend to administer TP-05 in humans via a tablet or capsule. We obtained rights to these studies through the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement and we will not conduct any additional preclinical studies to support our Phase 1/2 clinical trial. We intend to evaluate whether TP-05 is safe and effective at eradicating mosquitos in a planned Phase 1/2 trial, which may be conducted outside the United States, and which is expected to begin enrollment in 2021.
Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls
We do not currently own or operate and currently have no plans to establish facilities for manufacturing, storing, distributing or testing our product candidates. We rely and expect to continue to rely for the foreseeable future on CMOs to manufacture and supply our preclinical and clinical materials to be used during the development of our product candidates. We have assembled a team of employees and consultants to oversee our technical quality and CMOs.
The product candidate TP-03 is a presentation of lotilaner, the API, formulated into a topical eye drop formulation. Only one dose strength of TP-03 is currently being developed, 0.25% lotilaner solution. Since TP-03 is an anti-infective, only one strength, the maximum formulatable (0.25%), is required to be evaluated clinically.
We believe that our supply of TP-03 is sufficient to complete Saturn-1, and that our supply of cGMP lotilaner is sufficient to complete Saturn-2. We believe that the existing capacity of our current API supplier will be sufficient to support commercial scale-up, validation and commercial launch activities if TP-03 is approved. Our current supplier currently manufactures cGMP lotilaner at multiple geographically distinct facilities.
Although we have relied on a single supplier for both non-clinical and clinical supply for lotilaner under cGMP protocols and a single CMO to manufacture TP-03 and to perform analytical testing services, it is our intent to identify and qualify additional manufacturers to provide lotilaner and drug product manufacturing and analytical testing services, if possible, prior to submission of our NDA for TP-03. The drug product manufacturing is a compounding and aseptic filling operation that we believe could be transferred to additional CMOs as necessary. We are evaluating a supplier for TP-04 topical formulation for rosacea and have identified a supplier for TP-05 oral formulation for Phase 1/2 trials for Lyme disease and malaria.
Our third-party service providers, our third-party supply chain providers, their facilities and the TP-03 used in our clinical trials or for commercial sale are required to be in compliance with the requirements of cGMP. The cGMP regulations govern manufacturing processes and procedures, including requirements relating to organization of personnel, buildings and facilities, equipment, control of components and packaging containers and closures, production and process controls, packaging and labeling controls, holding and distribution, laboratory controls, records and reports, and returned or salvaged products. Product candidates used in late-stage clinical trials must be manufactured in accordance with cGMP requirements and manufacturing specifications and processes must satisfy FDA or other authorities requirements before any product is approved and before we can manufacture commercial products. Our third-party manufacturers are also subject to periodic inspections of facilities by the FDA and other authorities, including procedures and operations used in the testing and manufacture of TP-03 to assess compliance with applicable regulations. Our failure, or the failure of our third-party providers and supply chain providers, to comply with such statutory and regulatory requirements could
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subject us to possible legal or regulatory action, including clinical holds, fines, injunctions, civil penalties, delays, suspension or withdrawal of approvals, license revocation, suspension of production, warning letters, the seizure or recall of products, operating restrictions and criminal prosecutions. Any of these actions could have a material impact on clinical supplies of TP-03 or our other product candidates. Contract manufacturers at times encounter difficulties involving production yields, quality control and quality assurance, as well as shortages of qualified personnel.
Competition
The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries are characterized by rapid technological advancement, significant competition and an emphasis on intellectual property. We face potential competition from many different sources, including major and specialty pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic research institutions, governmental agencies and public and private research institutions. Any product candidates that we successfully develop and commercialize will compete with existing approaches and new therapies that may become available in the future. We believe that the key competitive factors affecting the success of any of our product candidates will include efficacy, combinability, safety profile, convenience, cost, level of promotional activity devoted to them and intellectual property protection.
While there are no currently available on-label prescription pharmaceutical treatments available for the treatment of blepharitis or Demodex blepharitis specifically, a number of other treatments are currently available for the treatment of blepharitis in the United States. Current treatments for blepharitis in the United States include over the counter and off-label remedies such as tea tree oil, lid wipes and artificial tears. We are aware of other companies developing prescription therapies for blepharitis, including Azura Ophthalmics, Aperta Biosciences, LLC, Eyevance Pharmaceuticals, Formosa Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Hovione Scientia, Nicox SA, Novaliq GmbH, Premark Pharma and Quorum Innovations. To our knowledge, Aperta Biosciences, LLC is the only company currently focused on Demodex blepharitis and Nicox SA and Premark Pharma are the only companies with blepharitis programs that have completed Phase 2 trials.
Many of the companies against which we may compete have significantly greater financial resources and expertise in research and development, manufacturing, preclinical testing, conducting clinical trials, obtaining regulatory approvals and marketing approved products than we do. Smaller or early-stage companies may also prove to be significant competitors, particularly through collaborative arrangements with large and established companies. These competitors also compete with us in recruiting and retaining qualified scientific and management personnel and establishing clinical trial sites and patient registration for clinical trials, as well as in acquiring technologies complementary to, or necessary for, our programs.
Sales and Marketing
In light of our stage of development, we have not yet established a commercial organization or distribution capabilities. If TP-03 receives marketing approval, we plan to commercialize TP-03 in the United States by developing our own sales organization targeting a subset of the approximately 25,000 prescribing ECPs in the United States. Throughout our commercialization efforts, we intend to educate ECPs on Demodex blepharitis and how to diagnose it with a simple slit lamp examination. Given the importance of increasing awareness and educating patients with blepharitis, we also anticipate deploying focused DTC marketing campaigns for TP-03. We expect to conduct most of the buildout of this organization following NDA submission and approval of TP-03, if obtained. Outside the United States, we intend to establish commercialization strategies for TP-03 as we approach possible commercial approval in each market, which may include collaborations with other companies.
Intellectual Property
We protect our intellectual property rights and proprietary technology with a combination of patent rights that we own or license in certain fields of use, trademark rights, confidentiality procedures and contractual
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provisions. We seek not only to protect our intellectual property rights and proprietary technology in select key global markets, but also to supplement our intellectual property portfolio with new filings and applications to enhance such protection and support commercialization of current and future product candidates. To that end, we continue to seek protection for our technological innovations and branding efforts by filing new patent and trademark applications when and where appropriate. In the normal course of business, we intend to pursue, when possible, composition, method of use, dosing and formulation patent protection, as well as manufacturing and drug development processes and technology.
The term of individual patents varies depending upon the date of filing of the patent application, the date of patent issuance, and the legal term of patents in the countries in which they are obtained. Generally, patents issued for applications filed in the United States are effective for 20 years from the earliest effective filing date. In addition, in certain instances, a patent term can be extended to restore a portion of the term effectively lost as a result of the FDA regulatory review period. The restoration period cannot be longer than five years and the total patent term, including the restoration period, must not exceed 14 years following FDA approval. The duration of patents outside of the United States varies in accordance with provisions of applicable local law, but typically is also 20 years from the earliest effective filing date.
Our patent portfolio includes a combination of issued patents and pending patent applications licensed from third parties, as well as those assigned solely to us based on our ongoing development activities. The patents and applications in our portfolio can be categorized as related to TP-03, TP-04, TP-05 or future pipeline product candidates and alternative technologies. Some of our issued patents and patent applications are exclusively licensed to us in therapeutic fields of use from Elanco. The patents and patent applications owned by or licensed to us worldwide include approximately 36 issued patents and approximately 23 pending patent applications.
We in-license certain of such patents and patent applications from Elanco. These patents and patent applications relate to lotilaner and are issued or pending in, for example, the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, several European territories, India, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, the Russian Federation, and Taiwan. The licensed-in portfolio includes approximately 36 issued patents and approximately 4 pending patent applications; the issued patents and at least some of the pending patent applications include composition of matter claims. The estimated natural expiration date of the issued in-licensed patents is approximately 2029 with a potential extension until 2032.
Approximately 16 of our owned pending patent applications include treatment and composition of matter claims which relate to our TP-03 product candidate with respect to our lead indication (e.g., isoxazoline parasiticides for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis), as well as other conditions. These pending patent applications include applications in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Europe, Israel, India, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, the Russian Federation, South Africa, and the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). We received a Notice of Allowance on one of our owned pending patent applications with treatment claims, U.S. App. No. 16/221,390, on September 22, 2020. If patents issue on these pending applications of ours, the estimated natural expiration dates are between approximately 2038 and 2040.
While estimated expiration dates and descriptions of patents and patent applications are listed above, the actual protection afforded by a patent varies on a product-by-product basis, from country-to-country, and depends upon many factors, including the type of patent, the scope of its coverage, patent term adjustments, the availability of regulatory-related extensions, disclaimers, the availability of legal remedies in a particular country, and the validity and enforceability of the patent.
Our continuing research and development activities, technical expertise and contractual arrangements supplement our existing intellectual property protection and help us maintain our competitive position, and we rely on trade secrets to protect our proprietary information and technologies, especially where we do not believe patent protection is appropriate or obtainable, or where such patents would be difficult to enforce. In order to
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maintain such trade secrets and other proprietary information, we rely in part on confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants, contractors, outside scientific collaborators and other advisors.
We also protect our brand through trademark rights. We are the registered owner of two U.S. pending trademark applications for the trademarks TARSUS and TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS. In order to supplement the protection of our brand, we also own at least one registered internet domain name.
License Agreements
Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement
In January 2019, we entered into the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement granting us an exclusive, worldwide, sublicensable license to certain intellectual property for the development, marketing, and commercialization of lotilaner for the treatment, palliation, prevention or cure of any eye or skin disease or condition in humans. We are obligated to use commercially reasonable efforts to develop and commercialize products comprising lotilaner and must achieve certain developmental milestones within specified achievement deadlines. If we fail to meet these obligations, Elanco has the right to terminate the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement. We utilize the intellectual property licensed under the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement in our TP-03 and TP-04 product candidates. We are permitted to have certain third parties manufacture lotilaner for us and, upon Elanco consent, additional third parties.
We made an upfront payment of $1.0 million to Elanco at contract execution, which we recorded within research and development expense within our statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019. In accordance with the terms of the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement, we are obligated to make further payments to Elanco upon our achievement of various clinical milestones up to an aggregate maximum of $6.0 million and various sales milestones up to an aggregate maximum of $79.0 million. If we receive payments from sublicensees, we are obligated to pay Elanco a variable percentage beginning in the low double-digits of such proceeds and decreasing after certain milestones are met, except for sublicense revenue generated after achieving regulatory approval for the use of lotilaner to treat or cure any eye or skin disease or condition in humans. We owe Elanco tiered royalties during the royalty term in the mid-to-high single digits on our future net sales and those of our sublicensees. The royalty term for any licensed product in a given country commences on the date of first commercial sale of such licensed product and ends on the latest of (i) expiration of the last-to-expire of the licensed patents which has at least one valid claim, (ii) the expiration of regulatory exclusivity and (iii) ten years after the first commercial sale of such licensed product in such country. The Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement shall expire on a licensed product-by-licensed product and country-by-country basis upon the expiration of the applicable royalty term with respect to such licensed product in such country. The achievement deadlines for eye-related diligence milestones range between 18 months after contract execution to six years after contract execution. The achievement deadlines for dermatological diligence milestones range between 24 months after contract execution to nine years after contract execution.
Either party may terminate the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement upon a material breach by the other party, solely in the country pertaining to such breach, that is not cured within 60 days after receiving written notice thereof. If we fail to comply with our development obligations under the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement, and fail to remedy such failure or cure such breach within 60 days, Elanco will have the right to terminate the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement. If we fail to meet any diligence milestones by the achievement deadlines set forth in the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement for any reason other than those outside of our reasonable control, and such milestones remain unmet for 120 days after Elanco notifies us thereof, Elanco may terminate the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement. If we fail to meet certain dermatological milestones by the achievement deadlines set forth in the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement for any reasons other than those outside of our reasonable control, and such milestones remain unmet for 120 days after Elanco notifies us thereof, Elanco may limit our field of use under the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement to the treatment, palliation, prevention or cure of eye diseases or conditions in humans only. If Elanco terminates the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement for
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our failure to achieve a development milestone by the specified achievement deadline, then we must grant Elanco a non-exclusive, sublicensable, royalty free license to our patents and know-how relating to lotilaner to develop, manufacture and commercialize lotilaner and any licensed products for the treatment, palliation, prevention or cure of any eye or skin disease or condition in humans. Elanco may also terminate the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement if we, our affiliates or sublicensees initiate proceedings to oppose Elancos licensed patents and such proceeding is not withdrawn within 30 days of Elanco providing notice to us; provided that Elanco may not terminate the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement for a challenge by a sublicensee if we terminate the sublicense with such sublicensee within such 30 day period.
Under the terms of the Eye and Derm Elanco Agreement, we grant to Elanco a worldwide, sublicensable, royalty-free, perpetual license to our patents related to lotilaner and the licensed products and to our know-how to research, develop, make and commercialize lotilaner and the licensed products for all applications in non-human animals, agricultural application, seed treatment applications and urban pest applications related to structural, turf, lawns and gardens. We also grant Elanco an exclusive royalty-free, perpetual license to any intellectual property we conceive from our use of lotilaner applications in non-human animals, agricultural applications, seed treatment applications and urban pest applications related to structural, turf, lawns and gardens.
Elanco retains the sole responsibility to prosecute the patents they license to us and has the first right to enforce the licensed intellectual property against third parties in the licensed field of use but cannot settle or dispose of any such action without our written consent.
All Human Uses Elanco Agreement
In September 2020, we entered into the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement granting us an exclusive, worldwide, sublicensable license to certain intellectual property for the development, marketing, and commercialization of lotilaner for all applications in humans other than the treatment, palliation, prevention or cure of any eye or skin disease or condition. We are obligated to use commercially reasonable efforts to develop and commercialize products comprising lotilaner and must achieve certain developmental milestones within specified achievement deadlines. If we fail to meet these obligations, Elanco has the right to terminate the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement. We utilize the intellectual property licensed under the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement in our TP-05 product candidates. We are permitted to have certain third parties manufacture lotilaner for us and, upon Elanco consent, additional third parties.
Pursuant to the terms of the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement, we issued 222,460 shares of our common stock to Elanco, which we expect to record within research and development expense within our statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. In accordance with the terms of the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement, we are obligated to make further payments to Elanco upon our achievement of various clinical milestones up to an aggregate maximum of $4.5 million and various sales milestones up to an aggregate maximum of $77.0 million. We may owe further sales milestone payments to Elanco for sales in certain countries. If we receive payments from sublicensees, we are obligated to pay Elanco a variable percentage beginning in the low double-digits of such proceeds and decreasing after certain milestones are met, except for sublicense revenue generated after achieving regulatory approval for the use of lotilaner to applications in humans other than to treat or cure any eye or skin disease or condition. We owe Elanco tiered royalties during the royalty term in the mid-to-high single digits on our future net sales and those of our sublicensees. The royalty term for any licensed product in a given country commences on the date of first commercial sale of such licensed product and ends on the latest of (a) expiration of the last-to-expire of the licensed patents which has at least one valid claim, (b) the expiration of regulatory exclusivity, and (c) ten years after the first commercial sale of such licensed product in such country. The All Human Uses Elanco Agreement shall expire on a licensed product-by-licensed product and country-by-country basis upon the expiration of the applicable royalty term with respect to such licensed product in such country. The achievement deadlines for diligence milestones range between 24 months after contract execution to six years after contract execution.
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Either party may terminate the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement upon a material breach by the other party, solely in the country pertaining to such breach, that is not cured within 60 days after receiving written notice from the other party. If we fail to comply with our development obligations under the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement, and fail to remedy such failure or cure such breach within 60 days, Elanco will have the right to terminate the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement. If we fail to meet any diligence milestones by the achievement deadlines set forth in the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement for any reason other than those outside of our reasonable control, and such milestones remain unmet for 120 days after Elanco notifies us of the failure to meet such diligence milestone, Elanco may terminate the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement. If Elanco terminates the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement for our failure to achieve a development milestone by the specified achievement deadline, then we must grant Elanco a non-exclusive, sublicensable, royalty free license to our patents and know-how relating to lotilaner to develop, manufacture and commercialize lotilaner and any licensed products for all applications in humans other than the treatment, palliation, prevention or cure of any eye or skin disease or condition. Elanco may also terminate the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement if we, our affiliates or sublicensees initiate proceedings to oppose Elancos licensed patents and such proceeding is not withdrawn within 30 days of Elanco providing notice to us; provided that Elanco may not terminate the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement for a challenge by a sublicensee if we terminate the sublicense with such sublicensee within such 30 day period.
Under the terms of the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement, we grant to Elanco a non-exclusive worldwide, sublicensable, royalty-free, perpetual license to our patents related to lotilaner and the licensed products and to our know-how to research, develop, make and commercialize lotilaner and the licensed products for all applications in non-human animals, agricultural applications, seed treatment applications and urban pest applications related to structural, turf, lawns and gardens. We also grant to Elanco an exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to any intellectual property we conceive from our use of lotilaner for all applications in non-human animals, agricultural applications, seed treatment applications and urban pest applications related to structural, turf, lawns and gardens.
Elanco retains the sole responsibility to prosecute the patents they license to us and has the first right to enforce the licensed intellectual property against third parties in the licensed field of use but cannot settle or dispose of any such action without our written consent.
Government Regulation
Government authorities in the United States at the federal, state and local level and in other countries extensively regulate, among other things, the research, development, testing, manufacture, quality control, approval, labeling, packaging, storage, record-keeping, promotion, advertising, distribution, post-approval monitoring and reporting, marketing and export and import of drug products such as those we are developing. Generally, before a new drug can be marketed, considerable data demonstrating its quality, safety and efficacy must be obtained, organized into a format specific for each regulatory authority, submitted for review and approved by the regulatory authority. We will be required to navigate the various preclinical, clinical and commercial approval requirements of the governing regulatory agencies of the countries in which we wish to conduct studies or trials or seek approval of our product candidates. The processes for obtaining regulatory approvals in the United States and other countries, as appropriate, along with subsequent compliance with appropriate federal, state, local and foreign statutes and regulations, require the expenditure of substantial time and resources.
United States Drug Regulation
In the United States, we are subject to extensive regulation by the FDA, which regulates drugs under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or the FDCA, and its implementing regulations. FDA approval is required before any new unapproved drug or dosage form, including a new use of a previously approved drug, can be marketed in the United States. Drugs also are subject to other federal, state and local statutes and
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regulations. The process of obtaining regulatory approvals and the subsequent compliance with appropriate federal, state, local and foreign statutes and regulations requires the expenditure of substantial time and financial resources. Failure to comply with the applicable U.S. or foreign requirements at any time during the product development process, approval process or post-marketing may subject an applicant to a variety of administrative or judicial sanctions, such as the FDA refusal to approve pending NDAs, withdrawal of an approval, imposition of a clinical hold, issuance of warning or untitled letters, product recalls, product seizures, total or partial suspension of production or distribution, injunctions, fines, refusals of government contracts, restitution, disgorgement or civil or criminal penalties. Any agency or judicial enforcement action could have a material adverse effect on our business, market acceptance of our products, and our reputation.
Our product candidates are considered small molecule drugs and must be approved by the FDA through the NDA process before they may be legally marketed in the United States. The process generally involves the following:
| completion of extensive preclinical studies in accordance with applicable regulations, including studies conducted in accordance with good laboratory practice, or GLP, requirements; |
| submission to the FDA of an IND, which must become effective before human clinical trials may begin in the United States and must be updated annually or when significant changes are made; |
| approval by an independent IRB or independent ethics committee at each clinical trial site before each trial may be initiated; |
| performance of adequate and well-controlled human clinical trials in accordance with applicable IND regulations, GCP, requirements and other clinical trial-related regulations to establish substantial evidence of the safety and efficacy of the investigational product for each proposed indication; |
| submission to the FDA of an NDA; |
| a determination by the FDA within 60 days of its receipt of an NDA to accept the submission for review; |
| satisfactory completion of an FDA pre-approval inspection of the manufacturing facility or facilities where the drug will be produced to assess compliance with cGMP requirements, and of selected clinical investigational sites to assess compliance with GCD; |
| potential FDA audit of the preclinical study and/or clinical trial sites that generated the data in support of the NDA filing; |
| payment of user fees for FDA review of the NDA; |
| FDA review and approval of the NDA, including consideration of the views of any FDA advisory committee, prior to any commercial marketing or sale of the drug in the United States; and |
| compliance with any post-approval requirements, including the potential requirement to implement a REMS and the potential requirement to conduct post-approval studies. |
The data required to support an NDA are generated in two distinct developmental stages: preclinical and clinical. The preclinical and clinical testing and approval process can take many years and the actual time required to obtain approval, if any, may vary substantially based upon the type, complexity and novelty of the product or condition being treated.
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Preclinical Studies and IND Submission
Before testing any drug product candidate in humans, the product candidate must undergo rigorous preclinical testing. The preclinical developmental stage generally involves laboratory evaluations of drug chemistry, formulation and stability, as well as in vitro and animal studies to assess the potential for adverse events and in some cases to establish a rationale for therapeutic use. The conduct of preclinical studies is subject to federal regulations and requirements, including GLP regulations for certain safety/toxicology studies. An IND is a request for authorization from the FDA to administer an investigational product to humans, and must become effective before human clinical trials may begin in the United States.
An IND sponsor must submit the results of the preclinical tests, together with manufacturing information, analytical data, any available clinical data or literature and plans for clinical studies, among other things, to the FDA as part of an IND. Some long-term preclinical testing, such as animal tests of reproductive adverse events and carcinogenicity, may continue after the IND is submitted. An IND automatically becomes effective 30 days after receipt by the FDA and clinical trials may proceed under such IND at such time, unless before that time the FDA raises concerns or questions related to one or more proposed clinical trials and places the trial on clinical hold. In such a case, the IND sponsor and the FDA must resolve any outstanding concerns before the clinical trial can begin. As a result, submission of an IND may not result in the FDA allowing clinical trials to commence. A separate submission to an existing IND must also be made for each successive clinical trial conducted during product development along with any subsequent changes to the investigational plan.
Clinical Trials
The clinical stage of development involves the administration of the investigational product to healthy volunteers or patients under the supervision of qualified investigators, generally physicians not employed by or under the trial sponsors control, in accordance with GCP requirements, which include the requirement that all research subjects provide their informed consent for their participation in any clinical trial. Clinical trials are conducted under protocols detailing, among other things, the objectives of the clinical trial, dosing procedures, subject selection and exclusion criteria and the parameters to be used to monitor subject safety and assess efficacy. Each protocol, and any subsequent amendments to the protocol, must be submitted to the FDA as part of the IND. Furthermore, each clinical trial must be reviewed and approved by an IRB for each institution at which the clinical trial will be conducted to ensure that the risks to individuals participating in the clinical trials are minimized and are reasonable in relation to anticipated benefits. The IRB also approves the informed consent form that must be provided to each clinical trial subject or his or her legal representative, and must monitor the clinical trial until completed. There also are requirements governing the reporting of ongoing clinical trials and completed clinical trial results to public registries, including the website maintained by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, ClinicalTrials.gov.
A sponsor who wishes to conduct a clinical trial outside of the United States may, but need not, obtain FDA authorization to conduct the clinical trial under an IND. If a foreign clinical trial is not conducted under an IND, the sponsor may still submit data from the clinical trial to the FDA in support of an NDA. The FDA may agree to accept a well-designed and well-conducted foreign clinical trial not conducted under an IND if the trial was conducted in accordance with GCP requirements and the FDA is able to validate the data through an onsite inspection, if deemed necessary, and the practice of medicine in the foreign country is consistent with the United States.
Clinical trials in the United States generally are conducted in three sequential phases, known as Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3. Although the phases are usually conducted sequentially, they may overlap or be combined.
| Phase 1 clinical trials generally involve a small number of healthy volunteers or disease-affected patients who are initially exposed to a single dose and then multiple doses of the product candidate. The primary purpose of these clinical trials is to assess the metabolism, pharmacologic action, |
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tolerability and safety of the drug in humans, the side effects associated with increasing doses, and if possible, to gain early evidence on effectiveness. |
| Phase 2 clinical trials generally involve studies in disease-affected patients to determine the dose and dosing schedule required to produce the desired benefits. At the same time, safety and further pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic information is collected, possible adverse effects and safety risks are identified and a preliminary evaluation of efficacy is conducted. |
| Phase 3 clinical trials generally involve a large number of patients at multiple sites and are designed to provide the data necessary to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the product for its intended use and to establish the overall benefit/risk relationship of the product to provide an adequate basis for product approval. These trials may include comparisons with placebo and/or other comparator treatments. The duration of treatment is often extended to mimic the actual use of a product during marketing. |
| A Phase 1/2 clinical trial has elements of a Phase 1 trial and a Phase 2 trial. We have designated our TP-04 and TP-05 trials as Phase 1/2 trials since we intend to go beyond the typical safety and tolerability assessments of a Phase 1 trial and intend to have these trials include additional efficacy assessments as well. |
| A Phase 2b/3 clinical trial has elements of a late Phase 2 trial and a Phase 3 trial. We have designated Saturn-1 as a Phase 2b/3 trial as it is both our first multi-center trial based in the United States, and also a pivotal trial for the United States. |
Post-approval trials, sometimes referred to as Phase 4 clinical trials, may be conducted after initial marketing approval. These trials are used to gain additional experience from the treatment of patients in the intended therapeutic indication. In certain instances, the FDA may mandate the performance of Phase 4 clinical trials as a condition of approval of an NDA.
Progress reports detailing the results of the clinical trials, among other information, must be submitted at least annually to the FDA and written IND safety reports must be submitted to the FDA and the investigators for serious and unexpected suspected adverse events, findings from other studies suggesting a significant risk to humans exposed to the drug, findings from animal or in vitro testing that suggest a significant risk for human subjects and any clinically important increase in the rate of a serious suspected adverse reaction over that listed in the protocol.
Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials may not be completed successfully within any specified period, if at all. The FDA or the sponsor may suspend or terminate a clinical trial at any time on various grounds, including a finding that the research subjects or patients are being exposed to an unacceptable health risk. Similarly, an IRB can suspend or terminate approval of a clinical trial at its institution if the clinical trial is not being conducted in accordance with the IRBs requirements or if the drug has been associated with unexpected serious harm to patients.
NDA Review and Marketing Approval
Following completion of clinical trials, data are analyzed to assess whether the investigational product is safe and effective for the proposed indicated use or uses. The results of preclinical studies and clinical trials are then submitted to the FDA as part of an NDA, along with proposed labeling, chemistry and manufacturing information, and other information in a request for approval to market the drug for one or more specified indications. The application must include both negative and ambiguous results of preclinical studies and clinical trials, as well as positive findings. Data may come from company-sponsored clinical trials intended to test the safety and efficacy of a products use or from a number of alternative sources, including studies initiated by
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investigators. To support marketing approval, the data submitted must be sufficient in quality and quantity to establish the safety and efficacy of the investigational product to the satisfaction of FDA. FDA approval of an NDA must be obtained before a drug may be marketed in the United States.
Under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, or PDUFA, as amended, each NDA must be accompanied by an application user fee. FDA adjusts the PDUFA user fees on an annual basis. PDUFA also imposes an annual program fee for each marketed human drug. Fee waivers or reductions are available in certain circumstances, including a waiver of the application fee for the first application filed by a qualifying small business. Additionally, no user fees are assessed on NDAs for products designated as orphan drugs, unless the product NDA also includes a non-orphan indication.
The FDA reviews all submitted NDAs before it accepts them for filing to determine if they are sufficiently complete to permit a substantive review, and the FDA may request additional information rather than accepting the NDA for filing. The FDA must make a decision on accepting an NDA for filing within 60 days of receipt. Once the submission is accepted for filing, the FDA begins an in-depth review of the NDA. Under PDUFA, the FDA has agreed to certain performance goals in the review of NDAs through a two-tiered classification system, standard review and priority review. According to PDUFA performance goals, the FDA endeavors to review applications subject to standard review within ten months, whereas the FDAs goal is to review priority review applications within six months, depending on whether the drug is a new molecular entity. The FDA does not always meet its PDUFA goal dates for standard and priority NDAs, and the review process is often extended by FDA requests for additional information or clarification.
The FDA conducts a preliminary review of all NDAs within the first 60 days after submission, before accepting them for filing, to determine whether they are sufficiently complete to permit substantive review. The FDA may request additional information rather than accept an NDA for filing. In this event, the application must be resubmitted with the additional information. The resubmitted application is also subject to review before the FDA accepts it for filing. Once the submission is accepted for filing, the FDA begins an in-depth substantive review. The FDA reviews an NDA to determine, among other things, whether the drug is safe and effective and whether the facility in which it is manufactured, processed, packaged or held meets standards designed to assure the products continued safety, quality and purity.
In addition, under the Pediatric Research Equity Act of 2003 as amended and reauthorized, certain NDAs or supplements to an NDA must contain data that are adequate to assess the safety and effectiveness of the drug for the claimed indications in all relevant pediatric subpopulations, and to support dosing and administration for each pediatric subpopulation for which the product is safe and effective. The FDA may, on its own initiative or at the request of the applicant, grant deferrals for submission of some or all pediatric data until after approval of the product for use in adults, or full or partial waivers from the pediatric data requirements.
Before approving an NDA, the FDA will conduct a pre-approval inspection of the manufacturing facilities for the new product to determine whether they comply with cGMP requirements. The FDA will not approve the product unless it determines that the manufacturing processes and facilities are in compliance with cGMP requirements and adequate to assure consistent production of the product within required specifications. The FDA also may audit data from clinical trials to ensure compliance with GCP requirements.
The FDA generally accepts data from foreign clinical trials in support of an NDA if the trials were conducted under an IND. If a foreign clinical trial is not conducted under an IND, the FDA nevertheless may accept the data in support of an NDA if the study was conducted in accordance with GCP requirements and the FDA is able to validate the data through an on-site inspection, if deemed necessary. Although the FDA generally requests that marketing applications be supported by some data from domestic clinical studies, the FDA may accept foreign data as the sole basis for marketing approval if (1) the foreign data are applicable to the U.S. population and U.S. medical practice, (2) the studies were performed by clinical investigators with recognized competence, and (3) the data may be considered valid without the need for an on-site inspection or, if the FDA
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considers the inspection to be necessary, the FDA is able to validate the data through an on-site inspection or other appropriate means.
Additionally, the FDA may refer applications for novel drug products or drug products which present difficult questions of safety or efficacy to an advisory committee, typically a panel that includes clinicians and other experts, for review, evaluation and a recommendation as to whether the application should be approved and under what conditions, if any. The FDA is not bound by recommendations of an advisory committee, but it considers such recommendations when making decisions on approval. The FDA also closely analyzes the clinical trial data, which could result in extensive discussions between the FDA and the applicant during the review process.
After the FDA evaluates an NDA, it will issue an approval letter or a Complete Response Letter. An approval letter authorizes commercial marketing of the drug with specific prescribing information for specific indications and potentially subject to other requirements. A Complete Response Letter indicates that the review cycle of the application is complete and the application will not be approved in its present form. A Complete Response Letter usually describes all of the specific deficiencies in the NDA identified by the FDA. The Complete Response Letter may require additional clinical data, including the potential requirement to conduct additional pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial(s) and/or other significant and time-consuming requirements related to clinical trials, or to conduct additional preclinical studies or manufacturing changes. If a Complete Response Letter is issued, the applicant may either resubmit the NDA, addressing all of the deficiencies identified in the letter, or withdraw the application. Even if such data and information are submitted, the FDA may decide that the NDA does not satisfy the criteria for approval. Data obtained from clinical trials are not always conclusive and the FDA may interpret data differently than we interpret the same data.
Post-Approval Requirements
Following approval of a new product, the product is subject to continuing regulation by the FDA, including, among other things, requirements relating to facility registration and drug listing monitoring and record keeping, periodic reporting, product sampling and distribution, advertising and promotion, and reporting of adverse experiences with the product. After approval, most changes to the approved product, such as adding new indications or other labeling claims, are subject to prior FDA review and approval. There also are continuing, annual user fee requirements for any marketed products and the establishments at which such products are manufactured, as well as new application fees for supplemental applications with clinical data. The FDA strictly regulates marketing, labeling, advertising and promotion of drugs, including after they are placed on the market. Drugs may be promoted only for the approved indications and in accordance with the provisions of the approved label.
Although physicians may prescribe legally available drugs for off-label uses, manufacturers may not market or promote such uses. Prescription drug promotional materials must be submitted to the FDA in conjunction with their first use or first publication.
The FDA may also place other conditions on approvals including the requirement for REMS, to assure the safe use of the product. If the FDA concludes that a REMS is needed, the NDA sponsor must submit a proposed REMS. The FDA will not approve the FDA without an approved REMS, if required. Any of these limitations on approval or marketing could restrict the commercial promotion, distribution, prescription or dispensing of products. Product approvals may be withdrawn for non-compliance with regulatory standards or if problems occur following initial marketing.
FDA regulations require that products be manufactured in specific approved facilities and in accordance with cGMP regulations. We rely, and expect to continue to rely, on third parties for the production of clinical and commercial quantities of our products in accordance with cGMP regulations. These manufacturers must comply with cGMP regulations that require, among other things, quality control and quality assurance, the maintenance
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of records and documentation, and the obligation to investigate and correct any deviations from cGMP. Manufacturers and other entities involved in the manufacture and distribution of approved drugs are required to register their establishments with the FDA and certain state agencies, and are subject to periodic unannounced inspections by the FDA and certain state agencies for compliance with cGMP requirements and other laws. Accordingly, manufacturers must continue to expend time, money and effort in the area of production and quality control to maintain cGMP compliance. The discovery of violative conditions, including failure to conform to cGMP regulations, could result in enforcement actions, and the discovery of problems with a product after approval may result in restrictions on a product, its manufacturer or the NDA holder, including recalls.
The FDA may withdraw approval of a product if compliance with regulatory requirements and standards is not maintained or if problems occur after the product reaches the market. Corrective action could delay drug distribution and require significant time and financial expenditures. Later discovery of previously unknown problems with a product, including adverse events of unanticipated severity or frequency, or with manufacturing processes, or failure to comply with regulatory requirements, may result in revisions to the approved labeling to add new safety information; imposition of post-market studies or clinical studies to assess new safety risks or imposition of distribution restrictions or other restrictions under a REMS program. Other potential consequences include, among other things:
| restrictions on the marketing or manufacturing of the product, suspension of the approval, complete withdrawal of the product from the market, or product recalls; |
| fines, warning letters, or holds on post-approval clinical trials; |
| refusal of the FDA to approve pending applications or supplements to approved applications; |
| suspension or revocation of product approvals; |
| product seizure or detention, or refusal to permit the import or export of products; or |
| injunctions or the imposition of civil or criminal penalties. |
Other Regulatory Matters
Pharmaceutical companies are subject to additional healthcare regulation and enforcement by the federal government and by authorities in the states and foreign jurisdictions in which they conduct their business. Manufacturing, sales, promotion and other activities following product approval are subject to regulation by numerous regulatory authorities in the United States in addition to the FDA, including CMS, other divisions of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Justice, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and state and local governments.
For example, in the United States, sales, marketing and scientific and educational programs also must comply with state and federal fraud and abuse laws, false claims laws, transparency laws, government price reporting, and health information privacy and security laws. These laws include the following:
| the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which makes it illegal for any person, including a prescription drug manufacturer (or a party acting on its behalf), to knowingly and willfully solicit, receive, offer or pay any remuneration, directly or indirectly, in cash or in kind, to induce or reward either the referral of an individual for, or the purchase, lease, order or recommendation of an item or service for which payment may be made, in whole or in part, under a federal healthcare program, such as Medicare or Medicaid. Moreover, the government may assert that a claim including items or services resulting from a violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute constitutes a false or fraudulent claim for purposes of the civil False Claims Act; |
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| the federal False Claims Act, which imposes civil penalties, sometimes pursued through civil whistleblower or qui tam actions, against individuals or entities for, among other things, knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, claims for payment of government funds that are false or fraudulent or making a false statement material to an obligation to pay money to the government or knowingly concealing or knowingly and improperly avoiding, decreasing, or concealing an obligation to pay money to the federal government; |
| the Federal HIPAA, which imposes criminal liability for, among other things, knowingly and willfully executing or attempting to execute a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program, knowingly and willfully embezzling or stealing from a health care benefit program, willfully obstructing a criminal investigation of a health care offense, or knowingly and willfully making false statements relating to healthcare matters; |
| HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act and their implementing regulations, also imposes obligations, including mandatory contractual terms, with respect to safeguarding the privacy, security and transmission of individually identifiable health information; |
| federal consumer protection and unfair competition laws, which broadly regulate marketplace activities and activities that potentially harm consumers; |
| the FDCA, which prohibits, among other things, the adulteration or misbranding of drugs, biologics and medical devices, including off-label or pre-approval promotion; |
| the federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act, which requires applicable manufacturers of covered drugs, devices, biologics and medical supplies for which payment is available under Medicare, Medicaid or the Childrens Health Insurance Program, with specific exceptions, to annually report to CMS information regarding direct or indirect payments and other transfers of value to physicians and teaching hospitals (and certain other practitioners beginning in 2022), as well as information regarding ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members; and |
| analogous state and foreign laws and regulations, such as state anti-kickback and false claims laws which may apply to sales or marketing arrangements and claims involving healthcare items or services reimbursed by non- governmental third-party payors, including private insurers, state laws that require pharmaceutical manufacturers to comply with the industrys voluntary compliance guidelines and the relevant compliance guidance promulgated by the federal government and may require drug manufacturers to report information related to payments and other transfers of value to physicians and other healthcare providers or marketing expenditures, state laws that require pharmaceutical manufacturers to report information on the pricing of certain drug products, and state and foreign laws that govern the privacy and security of health information in some circumstances, many of which differ from each other in significant ways and often are not preempted by HIPAA, thus complicating compliance efforts. |
Additionally, California recently enacted legislation that has been dubbed the first GDPR-like law in the United States. CCPA creates new individual privacy rights for consumers (as that word is broadly defined in the law) and places increased privacy and security obligations on entities handling personal data of consumers or households. The CCPA went into effect on January 1, 2020 and requires covered companies to provide new disclosures to California consumers, provide such consumers new ways to opt-out of certain sales of personal information, and allow for a new cause of action for data breaches. The CCPA could impact our business activities depending on how it is interpreted and exemplifies the vulnerability of our business to not only cyber threats but also the evolving regulatory environment related to personal data and protected health information.
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Products must meet applicable child-resistant packaging requirements under the U.S. Poison Prevention Packaging Act. Manufacturing, sales, promotion and other activities also are potentially subject to federal and state consumer protection and unfair competition laws.
The distribution of pharmaceutical products is subject to additional requirements and regulations, including extensive record-keeping, licensing, storage and security requirements intended to prevent the unauthorized sale of pharmaceutical products.
We may also be subject to state laws that require pharmaceutical companies to comply with the pharmaceutical industrys voluntary compliance guidelines and the relevant compliance guidance promulgated by the federal government, as well as state laws that require drug manufacturers to report information related to payments and other transfers of value to physicians and other healthcare providers, marketing expenditures or drug pricing. In addition, we may be subject to state and local laws that require the registration of pharmaceutical sales representatives.
The failure to comply with any of these laws or regulatory requirements subjects firms to possible legal or regulatory action. Depending on the circumstances, failure to meet applicable regulatory requirements can result in significant civil, criminal and administrative penalties, including damages, fines, disgorgement, individual imprisonment, exclusion from participation in government funded healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, compliance oversight and reporting obligations, contractual damages, reputational harm, diminished profits and future earnings, injunctions, requests for recall, seizure of products, total or partial suspension of production, denial or withdrawal of product approvals or refusal to allow a firm to enter into supply contracts, including government contracts.
Equivalent, and similarly detailed, obligations will apply to the conduct of clinical trials in third countries including the EU.
United States Patent-Term Restoration and Marketing Exclusivity
Depending upon the timing, duration and specifics of FDA approval of any future product candidates, some of our U.S. patents may be eligible for limited patent term extension under the Hatch-Waxman Act. The Hatch-Waxman Act permits restoration of the patent term of up to five years as compensation for patent term lost during product development and FDA regulatory review process. Patent-term restoration, however, cannot extend the remaining term of a patent beyond a total of 14 years from the products approval date. The patent-term restoration period is generally one-half the time between the effective date of an IND or the issue date of the patent, whichever is later, and the submission date of an NDA plus the time between the submission date of an NDA or the issue date of the patent, whichever is later, and the approval of that application, except that the review period is reduced by any time during which the applicant failed to exercise due diligence. Only one patent applicable to an approved drug is eligible for the extension and the application for the extension must be submitted prior to the expiration of the patent. The USPTO, in consultation with the FDA, reviews and approves the application for any patent term extension or restoration. In the future, we may apply for restoration of patent term for our currently owned or licensed patents to add patent life beyond its current expiration date, depending on the expected length of the clinical trials and other factors involved in the filing of the relevant NDA.
Market exclusivity provisions under the FDCA also can delay the submission or the approval of certain applications. The FDCA provides a five-year period of non-patent marketing exclusivity within the United States to the first applicant to gain approval of an NDA for a new chemical entity. A drug is a new chemical entity if the FDA has not previously approved any other new drug containing the same active moiety, which is the molecule or ion responsible for the action of the drug substance. During the exclusivity period, the FDA may not accept for review an abbreviated new drug application, or ANDA, or a 505(b)(2) NDA submitted by another company for another version of such drug where the applicant does not own or have a legal right of reference to all the data required for approval. However, an application may be submitted after four years if it contains a certification of
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patent invalidity or non-infringement. The FDCA also provides three years of marketing exclusivity for an NDA, 505(b)(2) NDA or supplement to an existing NDA if new clinical investigations, other than bioavailability studies, that were conducted or sponsored by the applicant are deemed by the FDA to be essential to the approval of the application, for example, new indications, dosages or strengths of an existing drug. This three-year exclusivity covers only the conditions of use associated with the new clinical investigations and does not prohibit the FDA from approving ANDAs for drugs containing the original active agent. Five-year and three-year exclusivity will not delay the submission or approval of a full 505(b)(1) NDA. However, an applicant submitting a full NDA would be required to conduct or obtain a right of reference to all of the preclinical studies and adequate and well-controlled clinical trials necessary to demonstrate safety and effectiveness.
European Union Drug Development
Similar to the United States, the various phases of preclinical and clinical research in the European Union are subject to significant regulatory controls. Although the European Union Clinical Trials Directive 2001/20/EC has sought to harmonize the EU clinical trials regulatory framework, setting out common rules for the control and authorization of clinical trials in the EU, the EU Member States have transposed and applied the provisions of the Directive differently. This has led to significant variations in the member state regimes. Under the current regime, before a clinical trial can be initiated it must be approved in each of the EU countries where the trial is to be conducted by two distinct bodies: the National Competent Authority, or NCA, and one or more ethics committees. Under the current regime all suspected unexpected serious adverse reactions to the investigated drug that occur during the clinical trial have to be reported to the NCA and ECs of the Member State where they occurred.
The EU clinical trials legislation currently is undergoing a transition process mainly aimed at harmonizing and streamlining clinical-trial authorization, simplifying adverse-event reporting procedures, improving the supervision of clinical trials and increasing their transparency. Recently enacted Clinical Trials Regulation EU No 536/2014 ensures that the rules for conducting clinical trials in the EU will be identical. In the meantime, Clinical Trials Directive 2001/20/EC continues to govern all clinical trials performed in the EU.
European Union Drug Review and Approval
In order to market any product outside of the United States, a company must also comply with numerous and varying regulatory requirements of other countries and jurisdictions regarding quality, safety, and efficacy, and governing, among other things, clinical trials, marketing authorization, commercial sales, and distribution of products. Whether or not it obtains FDA approval for a product, an applicant will need to obtain the necessary approvals by the comparable foreign regulatory authorities before it can commence clinical trial or marketing of the product in those countries or jurisdictions.
Clinical Trial Approval
Pursuant to the currently applicable Clinical Trials Directive 2001/20/EC and the Directive 2005/28/EC on GCP, in order to undertake a clinical trial in a European Union member state, an applicant must obtain approval from the competent national authority of the European Union member state in which the clinical trial is to be conducted, or in multiple member states if the clinical trial is to be conducted in a number of member states. The EEA is comprised of the 27 Member States of the European Union and the three members of the EFTA pillar of the EEA, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Furthermore, the applicant may only start a clinical trial at a specific site after the competent ethics committee has issued a favorable opinion. The clinical trial application must be accompanied by an IMP dossier with supporting information prescribed by Directive 2001/20/EC and Directive 2005/28/EC and corresponding national laws of the member states and further detailed in applicable guidance documents.
In April 2014, the European Union adopted a new Clinical Trials Regulation (EU) No 536/2014, but it is not yet applicable in the European Union. The new legislation, which will be directly applicable in all European
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Union member states, aims to streamline the approval of clinical trials in the European Union by applying consistent rules and harmonizing the approvals process throughout the European Union. For instance, the new Clinical Trials Regulation provides for a streamlined application procedure via a single-entry point facilitating a harmonized assessment across multiple member states. The timing of implementation of the new Clinical Trials Regulation will be dependent on the development and launch of a fully functional clinical trials portal and database, which would be confirmed by an independent audit. The new legislation will come into effect six months after the European Commission publishes a confirmation of full functionality of the clinical trials information system. The website indicated that the audit was expected to commence in December 2020.
Parties conducting certain clinical trials in the European Union must, as in the United States, post clinical trial information at the EudraCT website: https://eudract.ema.europa.eu.
Marketing Authorization
In the EEA, medicinal products can only be commercialized after obtaining a Marketing Authorization, or MA. There are a number of types of marketing authorizations.
| The Community MA is adopted by the European Commission in the form of a decision through the Centralized Procedure. The decision, which is based on the opinion of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, or CHMP, of the EMA, and is valid throughout the entire territory of the EEA. The Centralized Procedure is mandatory for certain types of products, such as biotechnology medicinal products, orphan medicinal products, advanced-therapy medicines such as gene-therapy, somatic cell-therapy or tissue-engineered medicines and medicinal products containing a new active substance indicated for the treatment of HIV, AIDS, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, auto-immune and other immune dysfunctions and viral diseases. The Centralized Procedure is optional, on approval by the EMA for products containing a new active substance not yet authorized in the EEA, or for products that constitute a significant therapeutic, scientific or technical innovation or which are in the interest of public health in the European Union. |
Under the Centralized Procedure, the CHMP established at the EMA is responsible for conducting an initial scientific assessment of a product. The maximum timeframe for the evaluation of an MA under the Centralized Procedure is 210 days, excluding clock stops when additional information or written or oral explanation is to be provided by the applicant in response to questions of the CHMP. Accelerated evaluation may be granted by the CHMP in exceptional cases, when a medicinal product is of major interest from the point of view of public health and, in particular, from the viewpoint of therapeutic innovation. If the CHMP accepts such a request, the time limit of 210 days will be reduced to 150 days, but it is possible that the CHMP may revert to the standard time limit for the Centralized Procedure if it determines that it is no longer appropriate to conduct an accelerated assessment.
| MAs based on the Mutual Recognition Procedure or the Decentralised Procedure are available for products not falling within the mandatory scope of the Centralized Procedure. Where a product is first authorized by a Reference Member State this may be recognized by other Concerned Member States through the Mutual Recognition Procedure. Alternatively, a product can be approved simultaneously in various EU Member States through the Decentralized Procedure. Under the Decentralized Procedure an identical dossier is submitted to the competent authorities of each of the EU Member States in which the MA is sought, one of which is selected by the applicant as the Reference Member State. The competent authority of the Reference Member State prepares a draft assessment report, a draft Summary of Product Characteristics, or SmPC, and a draft of the labeling and package leaflet, which are sent to the other Member States (referred to as the Concerned Member States) for their approval. If the Concerned Member States raise no objections, based on a potential serious risk to public health, to the assessment, SPC, labeling or packaging proposed by |
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the Reference Member State, the product is subsequently granted a national MA in all the Member States (i.e., in the Reference Member State and the Concerned Member States). |
Coverage and Reimbursement
Sales of our products will depend, in part, on the extent to which our products will be covered by third-party payors, such as government health programs, commercial insurance, and managed healthcare organizations. There is significant uncertainty related to third-party payor coverage and reimbursement of newly approved products. In the United States, for example, principal decisions about reimbursement for new products are typically made by CMS or by Medicares contractors and drug plans. These entities decide whether and to what extent a new product will be covered and reimbursed under Medicare, and private third-party payors often follow their decisions regarding coverage and reimbursement to a substantial degree. However, no uniform policy of coverage and reimbursement for drug products exists. Accordingly, decisions regarding the extent of coverage and amount of reimbursement to be provided for any of our products will be made on a payor-by-payor basis.
Increasingly, third-party payors are requiring that drug companies provide them with predetermined discounts from list prices and are challenging the prices charged for medical products. Further, such payors are increasingly challenging the price, examining the medical necessity and reviewing the cost effectiveness of medical product candidates. There may be especially significant delays in obtaining coverage and reimbursement for newly approved drugs. Third-party payors may limit coverage to specific product candidates on an approved list, known as a formulary, which might not include all FDA-approved drugs for a particular indication. We may need to conduct expensive pharmaco-economic studies to demonstrate the medical necessity and cost effectiveness of our products. As a result, the coverage determination process is often a time-consuming and costly process that will require us to provide scientific and clinical support for the use of our products to each payor separately, with no assurance that coverage and adequate reimbursement will be obtained.
If we successfully commercialize any of our product candidates, we may participate in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. Participation is required for federal funds to be available for our covered outpatient drugs under Medicaid and, if applicable, Medicare Part B. Under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, we would be required to pay a rebate to each state Medicaid program for our covered outpatient drugs that are dispensed to Medicaid beneficiaries and paid for by a state Medicaid program as a condition of having federal funds being made available to the states for our drugs under Medicaid and, if applicable, Part B of the Medicare program.
Federal law requires that any company that participates in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program also participate in the Public Health Services 340B drug pricing program in order for federal funds to be available for the manufacturers drugs under Medicaid and Medicare Part B. The 340B drug pricing program requires participating manufacturers to agree to charge statutorily-defined covered entities no more than the 340B ceiling price for the manufacturers covered outpatient drugs. These 340B covered entities include a variety of community health clinics and other entities that receive health services grants from the Public Health Service, as well as hospitals that serve a disproportionate share of low-income patients.
In addition, in order to be eligible to have its products paid for with federal funds under the Medicaid and Medicare Part B programs and purchased by certain federal agencies and grantees, a manufacturer also must participate in the VA FSS pricing program. Under this program, the manufacturer is obligated to make its innovator and single source products available for procurement on an FSS contract and charge a price to four federal agencies, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. DoD, Public Health Service and U.S. Coast Guard, that is no higher than the statutory Federal Ceiling Price. Moreover, pursuant to regulations issued by the DoD Defense Health Agency to implement Section 703 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, manufacturers are required to provide rebates on utilization of their innovator and single source products that are dispensed to TRICARE beneficiaries by TRICARE network retail pharmacies.
The requirements under the Medicaid, 340B, FSS, and TRICARE programs could reduce the revenue we may generate from any products that are commercialized in the future and could adversely affect our business
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and operating results. If we fail to comply with any applicable obligations under governmental pricing programs that we participate in, we could be subject to additional reimbursement requirements, significant civil monetary penalties, sanctions and fines, and those could negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
In addition, in most foreign countries, the proposed pricing for a drug must be approved before it may be lawfully marketed. The requirements governing drug pricing and reimbursement vary widely from country to country. For example, the European Union provides options for its member states to restrict the range of medicinal products for which their national health insurance systems provide reimbursement and to control the prices of medicinal products for human use. A member state may approve a specific price for the medicinal product or it may instead adopt a system of direct or indirect controls on the profitability of the company placing the medicinal product on the market. Pharmaceutical products may face competition from lower-priced products in foreign countries that have placed price controls on pharmaceutical products and may also compete with imported foreign products. There can be no assurance that any country that has price controls or reimbursement limitations for pharmaceutical products will allow favorable reimbursement and pricing.
Healthcare Reform
The United States government, state legislatures, and foreign governments have shown significant interest in implementing cost containment programs to limit the growth of government-paid healthcare costs, including price-controls, restrictions on reimbursement, and requirements for substitution of generic products for branded prescription drugs. For example, in March 2010, the Affordable Care Act was passed, which substantially changed the way healthcare is financed by both the government and private insurers, and significantly impacts the U.S. pharmaceutical industry. The Affordable Care Act contains provisions that may reduce the profitability of drug products through increased rebates for drugs reimbursed by Medicaid programs, extension of Medicaid rebates to Medicaid managed care plans, mandatory discounts for certain Medicare Part D beneficiaries and annual fees based on pharmaceutical companies share of sales to federal health care programs. The Affordable Care Act made several changes to the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, including increasing pharmaceutical manufacturers rebate liability by raising the minimum basic Medicaid rebate. The Affordable Care Act also expanded the universe of Medicaid utilization subject to drug rebates by requiring pharmaceutical manufacturers to pay rebates on Medicaid managed care utilization and by enlarging the population potentially eligible for Medicaid drug benefits. Effective April 1, 2022, Medicaid rebate liability will be expanded to include the territories of the United States as well.
There have been judicial challenges to certain aspects of the Affordable Care Act, as well as efforts by Congress to repeal or replace, and by the Trump administration to alter the implementation of, certain aspects of the Affordable Care Act. For example, on December 22, 2017, President Trump signed into law new federal tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act) which includes a provision repealing, effective January 1, 2019, the tax-based shared responsibility payment imposed by the Affordable Care Act on certain individuals who fail to maintain qualifying health coverage for all or part of a year that is commonly referred to as the individual mandate. On December 14, 2018, a federal district court in Texas ruled the individual mandate in the absence of the tax penalty is unconstitutional and, because it is a critical and inseverable feature of the Affordable Care Act, the remaining provisions of the Affordable Care Act are invalid as well. On December 18, 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed the District Courts ruling, but remanded the case back to the District Court as to the question of severability. On March 2, 2020, the United States Supreme Court granted certiorari to review this case, which is expected to be decided in mid-2021. Additionally, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020, Pub. L. No. 116-94, permanently eliminated, effective January 1, 2020, the Affordable Care Act-mandated Cadillac tax on high-cost employer-sponsored health coverage and the medical device excise tax on non-exempt medical devices and, effective January 1, 2021, also eliminates the annual fee imposed on certain health insurance providers based on market share. Further, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, among other things, amended the Affordable Care Act, effective January 1, 2019, to increase from 50 percent to 70 percent the point-of-sale discount that is owed by pharmaceutical
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manufacturers who participate in Medicare Part D and to close the coverage gap in most Medicare drug plans, commonly referred to as the donut hole.
Other legislative changes have been proposed and adopted in the United States since the Affordable Care Act was enacted. These changes included aggregate reductions to Medicare payments to providers of 2% per fiscal year, effective April 1, 2013, which, due to subsequent legislative amendments, will stay in effect through 2030 unless additional Congressional action is taken, with the exception of a temporary suspension of the 2% cut in Medicare payments from May 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020, pursuant to the CARES Act signed into law in March 2020 and designed to provide financial support and resources to individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In January 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was signed into law, which, among other things, reduced Medicare payments to several providers, and increased the statute of limitations period for the government to recover overpayments to providers from three to five years. Other new laws may result in additional reductions in Medicare and other healthcare funding, which could have a material adverse effect on customers for our drugs, if approved, and accordingly, our financial operations.
Additionally, there has been heightened governmental scrutiny over the manner in which drug manufacturers set prices for their marketed products, which has resulted in several Congressional inquiries and proposed and enacted federal and state legislation designed to, among other things, bring more transparency to product pricing, review the relationship between pricing and manufacturer patient programs, and reform government program reimbursement methodologies for drug products. For example, at the federal level, the Trump administrations budget for fiscal year 2021 includes a $135 billion allowance to support legislative proposals seeking to reduce drug prices, increase competition, lower out-of-pocket drug costs for patients, and increase patient access to lower-cost generic and biosimilar drugs. On March 10, 2020, the Trump administration sent principles for drug pricing to Congress, calling for legislation that would, among other things, cap Medicare Part D beneficiary out-of-pocket pharmacy expenses, provide an option to cap Medicare Part D beneficiary monthly out-of-pocket expenses, and place limits on pharmaceutical price increases. On July 24, 2020, President Trump signed several executive orders directed toward lowering drug prices. On October 9, 2019, HHS, OIG and CMS issued two proposed rules that set forth modifications to the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute, Civil Monetary Penalties Law and Physician Self-Referral Law (or the Stark Law) regulations to promote value-based and coordinated care arrangements. 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.
Moreover, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, or MMA, established the Medicare Part D program to provide a voluntary prescription drug benefit to Medicare beneficiaries. Under Part D, Medicare beneficiaries may enroll in prescription drug plans offered by private entities that provide coverage of outpatient prescription drugs. Unlike Medicare Part A and B, Part D coverage is not standardized. While all Medicare drug plans must give at least a standard level of coverage set by Medicare, Part D prescription drug plan sponsors are not required to pay for all covered Part D drugs, and each drug plan can develop its own drug formulary that identifies which drugs it will cover and at what tier or level. However, Part D prescription drug formularies must include drugs within each therapeutic category and class of covered Part D drugs, though not necessarily all the drugs in each category or class. Any formulary used by a Part D prescription drug plan must be developed and reviewed by a pharmacy and therapeutic committee. Government payment for some of the costs of prescription drugs may increase demand for products for which we receive marketing approval. However, any negotiated prices for our products covered by a Part D prescription drug plan likely will be lower than the prices we might otherwise obtain. Moreover, while the MMA applies only to drug benefits for Medicare beneficiaries, private third-party payors often follow Medicare coverage policy and payment limitations in setting their own payment rates.
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Employees
As of June 30, 2020, we had 12 employees, all of whom were full-time employees, and seven of whom were engaged in research and development activities. None of our employees are represented by a labor union or covered under a collective bargaining agreement.
Facilities
We currently lease 10,879 square feet of office and laboratory space in Irvine, California under a lease that expires in January 2024. We believe that this space is sufficient to meet our needs for the foreseeable future and that any additional space we may require will be available on commercially reasonable terms.
We also lease 3,290 square feet of office and laboratory space in Irvine, California under an existing lease that expires in April 2022. We plan to sublease this space.
Legal Proceedings
We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings. From time to time, we may become involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. Regardless of outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on us due to defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources, negative publicity, reputational harm and other factors.
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Executive Officers and Directors
The following table sets forth the names, ages and positions of our executive officers and directors as of September 30, 2020:
Name |
Age |
Position | ||||
Executive Officers: |
||||||
Bobak Azamian, M.D., Ph.D. |
42 | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director | ||||
Leo M. Greenstein |
44 | Chief Financial Officer | ||||
Seshadri Neervannan, Ph.D. |
52 | Chief Operating Officer | ||||
Aziz Mottiwala |
43 | Chief Commercial Officer | ||||
Mark Holdbrook |
67 | Vice President, Clinical Affairs | ||||
Non-Employee Directors: |
||||||
Michael Ackermann, Ph.D. |
38 | Chairperson of the Board (2) (3) | ||||
Bhaskar Chaudhuri, Ph.D. |
66 | Director (1) | ||||
Andrew Goldberg, M.D. |
39 | Director (2)(3) | ||||
William J. Link, Ph.D. |
74 | Director (1)(2)(3) | ||||
Jason Tester |
44 | Director (1) |
(1) | Audit Committee Member |
(2) | Compensation Committee Member |
(3) | Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Member |
Executive Officers
Bobak Azamian, M.D., Ph.D., is our co-founder and has served as our President since our inception, as our Chief Executive Officer since September 2018 and as a member of our board of directors since December 2016. From June 2012 to September 2018, Dr. Azamian co-founded and served as Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chief Medical Officer of Metavention, Inc., a company focused on treatment of diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Since September 2016, Dr. Azamian has also served as co-founder, co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vibrato Medical, Inc., a medical device company developing wearable treatments for peripheral arterial disease. Dr. Azamian previously served as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Versant Ventures from 2011 to 2013, and as a consultant and Senior Associate at Third Rock Ventures from 2007 to 2011, both venture capital firms focused on investing in early stage healthcare companies, and earlier served as a consultant at Amgen. He also completed residency in internal medicine and served as an attending hospitalist at Brigham and Womens Hospital from 2006 to 2011. Dr. Azamian received a B.A. in Biophysics from Rice University, a Doctor of Philosophy (Chemistry) from University of Oxford and a Doctor of Medicine from Harvard Medical School. We believe that Dr. Azamian is qualified to serve on our board of directors because of the perspective and experience he provides as our President and Chief Executive Officer as well as his broad experience within the life sciences industry.
Leo M. Greenstein has served as our Chief Financial Officer since April 2020. Mr. Greenstein previously served as Senior Vice President of Finance and Corporate Controller at Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a publicly-traded oncology pharmaceutical company from September 2013 until April 2020. Prior to Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Greenstein served as Vice President of Finance and Corporate Controller at Endologix, Inc., a publicly-traded medical device company, from May 2011 to September 2013, and Senior Director of Finance and SEC Reporting at Clarient, Inc., a then publicly-traded advanced oncology diagnostics services company, from June 2007 to April 2011, inclusive of his finance role with its then-majority shareholder.
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Mr. Greenstein spent eight years in Big-4 Public Accounting, beginning with Arthur Andersen LLP in September 1999 and ending with PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP in June 2007. Mr. Greenstein received a B.A. in Accounting from Arcadia University and Juris Doctorate from the Temple University Beasley School of Law. He is an active attorney and member of the State Bar of California and is an active Certified Public Accountant in California.
Seshadri Neervannan, Ph.D. has served as our Chief Operating Officer since July 2020. Dr. Neervannan previously served as Senior Vice President of Global Pharmaceutical Development, from March 2015 to July 2020 at Allergan, and Vice President, Pharmaceutical Development, from January 2007 to February 2015 at Allergan Inc., a global pharmaceutical company. Prior to Allergan he was Director of Pharmaceutics R&D, at Amgen Inc., a biotechnology company, from February 1999 to January 2007. From November 1994 to February 1999, Dr. Neervannan was Sr. Research Investigator at Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical Research Institute. Dr. Neervannan received a B.S. in Pharmacy (with Honors) from Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, India, and a Ph.D. (with Honors) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS.
Aziz Mottiwala has served as our Chief Commercial Officer since August 2020. Mr. Mottiwala has served on the board of directors of OneOC, a non-profit organization based in Orange County, California since March 2018. Mr. Mottiwala previously served as Chief Commercial Officer of Opiant Pharmaceutical, Inc., or Opiant, a publicly-traded pharmaceutical company specializing in medicines for the treatment of addictions and drug overdose from September 2019 to August 2020. Prior to Opiant, Mr. Mottiwala served as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Head of Commercial at Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc., or Avanir, a pharmaceutical company specializing in medicines to treat nervous system disorders from July 2017 to September 2019. Prior to Avanir, Mr. Mottiwala spent over ten years at Allergan, a global pharmaceutical company, in various roles from December 2006 to July 2017, most recently as Vice President of Marketing for Allergans eye car portfolio from January 2014 to July 2017. Mr. Mottiwala holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of California San Diego and an MBA in Marketing and Finance from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California.
Michael Holdbrook has served as our Vice President of Clinical Affairs since November 2018. Prior to this Mr. Holdbrook was an independent consultant from October 2017 to November 2018 and served as Senior/Executive Director for Oculeve, which was acquired by Allergan, from May 2014 to October 2017. Mr. Holdbrook received a B.A. from the University of California at San Diego.
Non-Employee Directors
Michael Ackermann, Ph.D. has served as a member of our board of directors and as chairperson of our board of directors since July 2017. Dr. Ackermann has been the Chief Executive Officer of Presidio Medical, Inc. since September 2017. From October 2017 until October 2020, Mr. Ackermann served as the chairman of the board of Oyster Point Pharma. Prior to that, he was Vice President, Neurostimulation for Allergan from August 2015 to June 2017 after serving as Chief Executive Officer of Oculeve, which was acquired by Allergan, from June 2012 to August 2015. Dr. Ackermann received a B.E. in biomedical engineering from Vanderbilt University and a M.S. and Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Case Western Reserve University. We believe Dr. Ackermann is qualified to serve on our board of directors because of his substantial business and academic experience in the medical device and pharmaceutical development industries.
Bhaskar Chaudhuri, Ph.D. has served as a member of our board of directors since December 2019. Dr. Chaudhuri has more than 20 years experience in pharmaceutical management, research and development. Since June 2011, he has been the Operating Partner at Frazier Healthcare Ventures. Prior to that time, Dr. Chaudhuri served as President of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. from January 2009 to September 2010. Prior to joining Valeant, Dr. Chaudhuri served for seven years as President and Chief Executive Officer of Dow Pharmaceutical Sciences, Inc. and as a member of its board of directors from 2003 to 2008, at which time Dow was acquired by Valeant. Prior to that, Dr. Chaudhuri served as Executive Vice President of
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Scientific Affairs at Bertek Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a subsidiary of Mylan N.V., from 1998 to 2000. Prior to his positions at Bertek, Dr. Chaudhuri served as the General Manager of the Dermatology Division of Mylan. Dr. Chaudhuri joined Mylan through the acquisition of Penederm, Inc., where he worked from 1992 to 1998 in a number of senior positions before becoming the Vice President of Research and Development. Dr. Chaudhuri currently serves on the boards of directors of Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc., since June 2016, Teligent Pharmaceuticals, Inc. since November 2010 and Vyome Biosciences, Ltd. since June 2015. He also serves on the Advisory Board of the Berman Institute of John Hopkins University. Dr. Chaudhuri holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy and an M.S. in Industrial Pharmacy from Jadavpur University and a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics form the University of Louisiana. We believe Dr. Chaudhuris qualifications to serve on the Board of Directors include his many years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including his prior positions in senior executive roles at major pharmaceutical companies.
Andrew Goldberg, M.D. has served as a member of our board of directors since August 2020. Since February 2016, Dr. Goldberg has served as a principal of Vivo Capital, a global healthcare investment firm that focuses exclusively on the life sciences industry. Prior to this, Dr. Goldberg was a consultant at McKinsey & Company from September 2014 to February 2016, where he served pharmaceutical, medical device, and biotechnology companies across a range of strategy, M&A, sales, marketing, and product development topics. Dr. Goldberg is a U.S. board-certified physician in both Critical Care Medicine and Emergency Medicine. He recently served as an Instructor in Medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, MN, from January 2013 to June 2013, where he also completed a fellowship in Critical Care Medicine and served as an Attending Physician in the Department of Emergency Medicine. Prior to this, he completed Emergency Medicine residency training at Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center (LAC+USC). His research has spanned a variety of topics, from traumatic brain injury and cardiac arrest to biomarker analysis and healthcare quality. He has over 25 scientific publications in leading peer-reviewed journals, including JAMA, Resuscitation, and the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. Dr. Goldberg received his M.D. from The George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, DC, and a post-doctoral diploma in translational science from the Mayo Graduate School. He has held prior academic and clinical appointments at Oregon Health & Science University and the University of Arizona and currently at the Washington Township Medical Foundation. We believe Dr. Goldbergs qualifications to serve on the Board of Directors include his many years of experience in strategy and product development in the pharmaceutical industry, and his experience investing in pharmaceutical companies.
William J. Link, Ph.D. has served as a member of our board of directors since January 2017. Dr. Link is a managing director and co-founder of both Flying L Partners, a venture capital firm formed in 2016 to focus on investing primarily in the ophthalmic space, and Versant Venture Management LLC, a life science venture capital firm investing in early stage healthcare companies. Prior to co-founding Versant in 1999, Dr. Link was a general partner at Brentwood Venture Capital. From 1987 to 1997, Dr. Link was founder, chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Chiron Vision Corporation (acquired by Bausch & Lomb). He also founded and served as President of American Medical Optics (acquired by Allergan). Dr. Link served as a director of Advanced Medical Optics (acquired by Abbott) from 2002 to 2009 and Inogen from 2003 to February 2014. Before entering the healthcare industry, Dr. Link was an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine. He has been a member of the board of directors of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation since May 2009, Second Sight Medical Products from 2003 to May 31, 2020, Glaukos Corporation since 2001, and Oyster Point Pharma since July 2015. Dr. Link holds a B.S., an M.S., and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Purdue University. We believe Dr. Link is qualified to serve on our board of directors because of his extensive experience in successfully commercializing products in the medical device industry, as well as his prior experience on the boards of U.S. public companies.
Jason Tester has served as a member of our board of directors since March 2018. Since September 2017 Mr. Tester has served as Chief Financial Officer of the Horowitz Group. From September 2008 to August 2017 Mr. Tester was Chief Financial Officer of AcuFocus, an ophthalmic medical device company. From July 2007 to May 2008, Mr. Tester was Vice President of Jefferies & Company, a healthcare investment bank. Mr. Tester
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holds an MBA in finance from the Emory University Goizueta Business School, a Master of Accountancy with a specialization in taxation and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Georgia. We believe that Mr. Tester is qualified to serve on our board of directors because of his financial and accounting expertise and his experience in the life science industry.
Board Composition
Our board of directors is currently authorized to have six members and currently consists of six members, who were elected pursuant to the amended and restated voting agreement that we entered into with certain holders of our common stock and certain holders of our preferred stock and the related provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation.
The provisions of this voting agreement will terminate upon the completion of this offering, after which there will be no further contractual obligations regarding the election of our directors. Our directors hold office until their successors have been elected and qualified or appointed, or the earlier of their death, resignation or removal.
In accordance with the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that will be in effect upon the completion of this offering, our board of directors will be divided into three classes with staggered three-year terms. At each annual meeting of stockholders, the successors to directors whose terms then expire will be elected to serve from the time of election and qualification until the third annual meeting following election. Our directors will be divided among the three classes as follows:
| the Class I directors will be William J. Link and Jason Tester and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2021; |
| the Class II directors will be Michael Ackermann and Bobak Azamian and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2022; and |
| the Class III directors will be Bhaskar Chaudhuri and Andrew Goldberg and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2023. |
Directors in a particular class will be elected for three-year terms at the annual meeting of stockholders in the year in which their terms expire. As a result, only one class of directors will be elected at each annual meeting of our stockholders, with the other classes continuing for the remainder of their respective three-year terms. Each directors term continues until the election and qualification of his or her successor, or the earlier of his or her death, resignation or removal.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that will be in effect upon the completion of this offering provide that only our board of directors can fill vacant directorships, including newly-created seats. Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the authorized number of directors would be distributed pro rata among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class would consist of one-third of the authorized number of directors.
The classification of our board of directors may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in our control or management. See the section titled Description of Capital Stock Anti-Takeover Provisions Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaw Provisions elsewhere in this prospectus.
Director Independence
Upon the completion of this offering, we anticipate that our common stock will be listed on Nasdaq. Under the rules of Nasdaq, independent directors must comprise a majority of a listed companys board of
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directors within one year of the completion of this offering. In addition, the rules of Nasdaq require that, subject to specified exceptions and phase-in periods, each member of a listed companys audit, compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees be independent. Audit committee members and compensation committee members must also satisfy the independence criteria set forth in Rule 10A-3 and Rule 10C-1, respectively, under the Exchange Act. Under the rules of Nasdaq, a director will only qualify as an independent director if, in the opinion of that companys board of directors, that person does not have a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director.
To be considered to be independent for purposes of Rule 10A-3 and under the rules of Nasdaq, a member of an audit committee of a listed company may not, other than in his or her capacity as a member of the audit committee, the board of directors or any other board committee: (1) accept, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory or other compensatory fee from the listed company or any of its subsidiaries or (2) be an affiliated person of the listed company or any of its subsidiaries.
To be considered independent for purposes of Rule 10C-1 and under the rules of Nasdaq, the board of directors must affirmatively determine that each member of the compensation committee is independent, including a consideration of all factors specifically relevant to determining whether the director has a relationship to the company which is material to that directors ability to be independent from management in connection with the duties of a compensation committee member, including, but not limited to: (i) the source of compensation of such director, including any consulting, advisory or other compensatory fee paid by the company to such director and (ii) whether such director is affiliated with the company, a subsidiary of the company or an affiliate of a subsidiary of the company.
Our board of directors undertook a review of its composition, the composition of its committees and the independence of our directors and considered whether any director has a material relationship with us that could compromise his or her ability to exercise independent judgment in carrying out his or her responsibilities. Based upon information requested from and provided by each director concerning his background, employment and affiliations, including family relationships, our board of directors has determined that none of our directors other than Dr. Azamian have a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director and that each of these directors is independent as that term is defined under the rules of Nasdaq, including in the case of all the members of our audit committee, the independence criteria set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act, and in the case of all the members of our compensation committee, the independence criteria set forth in Rule 10C-1 under the Exchange Act. Dr. Azamian is not an independent director because he is our President and Chief Executive Officer.
In making these determinations, our board of directors considered the current and prior relationships that each non-employee director has with our company and all other facts and circumstances our board of directors deemed relevant in determining his or her independence, including the beneficial ownership of our capital stock by each non-employee director, and the transactions involving them described in the section titled Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions elsewhere in this prospectus. There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers.
Board Leadership Structure
Our board of directors is currently chaired by Dr. Ackermann. As a general policy, our board of directors believes that separation of the positions of chairperson of our board of directors and Chief Executive Officer reinforces the independence of our board of directors from management, creates an environment that encourages objective oversight of managements performance and enhances the effectiveness of our board of directors as a whole. As such, Dr. Azamian serves as our President and Chief Executive Officer while Dr. Ackermann serves as the chairperson of our board of directors but is not an officer of the Company. We currently expect and intend the positions of chairperson of our board of directors and Chief Executive Officer to continue to be held by two individuals in the future.
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Role of the Board in Risk Oversight
One of the key functions of our board of directors is informed oversight of our risk management process. In particular, our board of directors is responsible for monitoring and assessing strategic risk exposure. Our executive officers are responsible for the day-to-day management of the material risks we face. Our board of directors administers its oversight function directly as a whole. Our board of directors will also administer its oversight through various standing committees, which will be constituted prior to the completion of this offering, that address risks inherent in their respective areas of oversight. For example, our audit committee will be responsible for overseeing the management of risks associated with our financial reporting, accounting and auditing matters; our compensation committee will oversee the management of risks associated with our compensation policies and programs; and our nominating and corporate governance committee will oversee the management of risks associated with director independence, conflicts of interest, composition and organization of our board of directors and director succession planning.
Board Committees
Our board of directors will establish an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee prior to the completion of this offering. Our board of directors may establish other committees to facilitate the management of our business. Our board of directors and its committees will set schedules for meeting throughout the year and can also hold special meetings and act by written consent from time to time, as appropriate. Our board of directors expects to delegate various responsibilities and authority to committees as generally described below. The committees will regularly report on their activities and actions to the full board of directors. Each member of each committee of our board of directors will qualify as an independent director in accordance with the listing standards of Nasdaq. Each committee of our board of directors will have a written charter approved by our board of directors. Upon the completion of this offering, copies of each charter will be posted on our website at www.tarsusrx.com under the Investor Relations section. The inclusion of our website address in this prospectus does not include or incorporate by reference the information on our website into this prospectus. Members will serve on these committees until their resignation or until otherwise determined by our board of directors.
Audit Committee
Effective immediately after the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, the members of our audit committee will be Dr. Chaudhuri, Dr. Link and Mr. Tester, each of whom can read and understand fundamental financial statements. Each member of our audit committee is independent under the rules and regulations of the SEC and the listing standards of Nasdaq applicable to audit committee members. Mr. Tester will be the chair of the audit committee. Our board of directors has determined that each of Dr. Link and Mr. Tester qualify as an audit committee financial expert within the meaning of SEC regulations and each member meets the financial sophistication requirements of Nasdaq.
Our audit committee will assist our board of directors with its oversight of the integrity of our financial statements; our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; the qualifications, independence and performance of the independent registered public accounting firm; the design and implementation of our risk assessment and risk management. Among other things, our audit committee is responsible for reviewing and discussing with our management the adequacy and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. The audit committee also will discuss with our management and independent registered public accounting firm the annual audit plan and scope of audit activities, scope and timing of the annual audit of our financial statements, and the results of the audit, quarterly reviews of our financial statements and, as appropriate, initiates inquiries into certain aspects of our financial affairs. Our audit committee is responsible for establishing and overseeing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of any complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, as well as for the confidential and anonymous submissions by our employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. In addition, our audit committee has direct
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responsibility for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of our independent registered public accounting firm. Our audit committee has sole authority to approve the hiring and discharging of our independent registered public accounting firm, all audit engagement terms and fees and all permissible non-audit engagements with the independent auditor. Our audit committee will review and oversee all related person transactions in accordance with our policies and procedures.
Our audit committee operates under a written charter that satisfies the applicable rules of the SEC and the listing standards of Nasdaq. We believe that the composition of our audit committee will meet the requirements for independence under current Nasdaq and SEC rules and regulations.
Compensation Committee
Upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, the members of our compensation committee will be Dr. Ackermann, Dr. Goldberg and Dr. Link. Dr. Ackermann will be the chair of the compensation committee. Each member of our compensation committee is independent under the rules and regulations of the SEC and the listing standards of Nasdaq applicable to compensation committee members. Our compensation committee will assist our board of directors with its oversight of the forms and amount of compensation for our executive officers (including officers reporting under Section 16 of the Exchange Act), the administration of our equity and non-equity incentive plans for employees and other service providers and certain other matters related to our compensation programs. Our compensation committee, among other responsibilities, evaluates the performance of our chief executive officer and, in consultation with him, evaluates the performance of our other executive officers (including officers reporting under Section 16 of the Exchange Act).
Our compensation committee will operate under a written charter that satisfies the applicable rules of the SEC and the listing standards of Nasdaq. We believe that the composition of our compensation committee will meet the requirements for independence under current Nasdaq and SEC rules and regulations.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, the members of our nominating and corporate governance committee will be Dr. Ackermann, Dr. Goldberg and Dr. Link. Each member of our nominating and governance committee is independent under the rules and regulations of the SEC and the listing standards of Nasdaq, applicable to nominating and governance committee members. Dr. Ackermann will be the chair of the nominating and corporate governance committee. Our nominating and corporate governance committee will assist our board of directors with its oversight of and identification of individuals qualified to become members of our board of directors, consistent with criteria approved by our board of directors, and selects, or recommends that our board of directors selects, director nominees; develops and recommends to our board of directors a set of corporate governance guidelines and oversees the evaluation of our board of directors.
Our nominating and corporate governance committee will operate under a written charter that satisfies the applicable rules of the SEC and the listing standards of Nasdaq. We believe that the composition of our nominating and corporate governance committee will meet the requirements for independence under current Nasdaq and SEC rules and regulations.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of our executive officers currently serves, or in the past fiscal year has served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire board of directors) of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our board of directors or compensation committee.
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Code of Conduct
Our board of directors will adopt a Code of Conduct, or the Conduct Code, prior to the completion of this offering. The Conduct Code will apply to all of our employees, officers, directors, contractors, consultants, suppliers and agents. Upon the completion of this offering, the full text of the Conduct Code will be posted on our website at www.tarsusrx.com under the Investor Relations section. We intend to disclose future amendments to, or waivers of, the Conduct Code, as and to the extent required by SEC regulations, at the same location on our website identified above or in public filings. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider information contained on our website to be part of this prospectus or in deciding whether to purchase shares of our common stock. We have included our website address in this prospectus solely as an inactive textual reference.
Director Compensation
Prior to this offering, we did not have a formal policy with respect to compensation payable to our non-employee directors. Other than as set forth in the table and described more fully below, we did not pay any compensation, including equity awards, to any of our non-employee directors in 2019. We have a policy of reimbursing our directors for expenses associated with attending meetings of our board of directors and its committees.
The following table presents the total compensation that we paid to Michael Ackermann, our only non-employee director who received compensation during the year ended December 31, 2019.
Name |
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) |
Option Awards ($) |
All Other Compensation ($) |
Total ($) | ||||||||||||
Michael Ackermann |
$ | 100,000 | | | $ | 100,000 |
We have approved a compensation program for our non-employee directors to become effective following our initial public offering. Pursuant to this program, non-employee directors will receive the following cash compensation:
Position |
Annual Retainer | |||
Board Member |
$ | 40,000 | ||
plus (as applicable): |
||||
Board Chair |
$ | 25,000 | ||
Audit Committee Chair |
$ | 15,000 | ||
Compensation Committee Chair |
$ | 10,000 | ||
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chair |
$ | 8,000 | ||
Audit Committee Member |
$ | 7,500 | ||
Compensation Committee Member |
$ | 5,000 | ||
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Member |
$ | 4,000 |
We will continue to reimburse our non-employee directors for their reasonable expenses incurred in connection with attending board of directors and committee meetings.
In addition, the compensation program for our non-employee directors will include both an initial equity award upon joining our board of directors and an annual equity award in connection with each annual meeting of our stockholders.
| Initial Equity Award Each new non-employee director joining our board of directors will receive an option grant for 20,000 shares of our common stock under our 2020 Equity Incentive Plan. The option will vest in three equal annual installments on each anniversary of the date of grant, subject to the non-employee directors continuous service. |
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| Annual Equity Award |
| Board Service - Following the conclusion of each regular annual meeting of stockholders, each continuing non-employee director will receive an option grant for 10,000 shares of our common stock under our 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (and in the case of a non-employee director who was elected or appointed to the board of directors since the prior annual meeting, the number of shares subject to the option grant will be prorated based on the number of full months of service provided since the prior annual meeting of stockholders). The option will vest in full on the one year anniversary of the date of grant, subject to the non-employee directors continuous service. For non-employee directors serving on the board of directors upon the effectiveness of our initial public offering and who continue to serve as a member of the board of directors at the conclusion of the first annual meeting of stockholders, such non-employee directors will receive an additional option at the conclusion of the first regular annual meeting of stockholders for 10,000 shares of our common stock, which will be fully vested as of the date of grant. |
| Service as Board Chair Following the conclusion of each regular annual meeting of stockholders, each non-employee director who continues to serve as a member of the board of directors and as the Chair of the board of directors will receive a grant of 10,000 restricted stock units under the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan. The restricted stock units will vest in full on the one year anniversary of the date of grant, subject to the non-employee directors continuous service. For the non-employee director serving as Chair of the board of directors upon the effectiveness of our initial public offering and who continues to serve as a member of the board of directors at the conclusion of the first annual meeting of stockholders, such non-employee director will receive an additional award of 10,000 restricted stock units at the conclusion of the first regular annual meeting of stockholders, which will be fully vested as of the date of grant. |
The awards will also vest in full in the event of a change in control (as defined in our 2020 Equity Incentive Plan).
Directors who are also our employees or officers receive no additional compensation for their service as directors. See the section titled Executive Compensation elsewhere in this prospectus for additional information about the compensation of our employee directors.
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Summary Compensation Table
The following table shows information regarding the compensation of our named executive officers(1) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.
Name and Principal Position |
Year |
Salary ($) |
Bonus ($)(2) |
Total ($) |
||||||||||||
Bobak Azamian, MD, PhD |
2019 | 300,000 | 116,137 | 416,137 | ||||||||||||
Chief Executive Officer |
||||||||||||||||
Mark Holdbrook |
2019 | 250,000 | 58,219 | 308,219 | ||||||||||||
Vice President, Clinical Affairs |
(1) | Leo Greenstein, Sesha Neervannan and Aziz Mottiwala were not executive officers prior to 2020 and, accordingly, are not named executive officers with respect to our fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. |
(2) | Represents a cash performance award earned with respect to prior fiscal year but paid in fiscal year 2020. |
Narrative Explanation of Compensation Arrangements with our Named Executive Officers
Base Salaries and Annual Incentive Opportunities
The base salaries of all of our named executive officers are reviewed from time to time and adjusted when our board of directors or compensation committee determines an adjustment is appropriate. For our 2019 fiscal year, the base salary was $300,000 for Dr. Azamian and $250,000 for Mr. Holdbrook.
Each of our named executive officers is eligible to earn an incentive bonus for each of our fiscal years, with such bonus awarded based on individual performance goals, as well as corporate goals related to our product development and advancement of clinical studies established by our chief executive officer and approved by our board of directors. During our fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, our named executive officers were eligible to earn cash incentive bonuses based on a combination of corporate and individual goals. We require that participants continue to be employed through the payment date to receive a bonus. For our 2019 fiscal year, the target bonus rate (as a percentage of base salary) was 30% for Dr. Azamian and 20% for Mr. Holdbrook.
Equity Compensation
We offer stock options to our employees, including our named executive officers, as the long-term incentive component of our compensation program. Our stock options allow our employees to purchase shares of our common stock at a price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. In the past, our board of directors or compensation committee has determined the fair market value of our common stock based on inputs including valuation reports prepared by third party valuation firms. Generally, our stock options granted to new hires have vested as to 25% of the total number of option shares on the first anniversary of the award and in equal monthly installments over the following 36 months.
Employee Benefits and Perquisites.
Our named executive officers are eligible to participate in our health and welfare plans to the same extent as our full-time employees generally. We generally do not provide our named executive officers with perquisites or other personal benefits. We contract with Trinet, a professional employer organization that helps us administer pay and benefits, among other things.
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Retirement Benefits.
We have established a 401(k) tax-deferred savings plan through Trinet, which permits participants, including our named executive officers, to make contributions by salary deduction pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. We are responsible for administrative costs of the 401(k) plan.
Employment Arrangements with Named Executive Officers
We entered into offer letters with each of our named executive officers setting forth the initial terms of the officers employment with us and providing that the officers employment will be at will and may be terminated at any time.
On October 8, 2020, we entered into an amended employment letter agreement with Bobak Azamian, or the Azamian Letter Agreement, which will become effective upon our initial public offering, to continuing serving as our Chief Executive Officer and pursuant to which Dr. Azamian is entitled to receive an annual base salary of $532,000 and an annual incentive bonus with a target equal to 50% of his annual base salary. Dr. Azamian is eligible to receive severance benefits pursuant to the Azamian Letter Agreement, as described in Severance and Change in Control Benefits below.
Outstanding Equity Awards at 2019 Fiscal Year-End
The following table sets forth information regarding each unexercised option held by each of our named executive officers as of December 31, 2019. All of these awards were made pursuant to our 2016 Stock Plan.
The vesting schedule applicable to each outstanding award is described in the footnotes to the table below.
Option Awards | ||||||||||||||||
Name |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Vested (#) |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unvested (#) |
Option Exercise Price ($) |
Option Expiration Date |
||||||||||||
Bobak Azamian |
35,904 | (1) | 78,990 | (1) | $ | 0.45 | 10/26/2028 | |||||||||
Mark Holdbrook |
58,200 | (2) | 25,609 | (2) | $ | 0.0007 | 11/28/2027 |
(1) | Option vests in 48 substantially equal monthly installments beginning on September 15, 2018 provided Dr. Azamian remains in continuous service through each such vesting date. The option will also become fully vested on an accelerated basis if Dr. Azamian remains in continuous service through a change in control. |
(2) | Option vests in 36 substantially equal monthly installments beginning on November 1, 2017, provided Mr. Holdbrook remains in continuous service through each such vesting date. The option will also become fully vested on an accelerated basis if Mr. Holdbrook remains in continuous service through a change in control. |
Severance and Change in Control Benefits
The options to purchase shares of our Common Stock held by Dr. Azamian and Mr. Holdbrook fully vest in the event we are subject to a change in control. Change in control means our consummation of a merger or consolidation with or into another entity or our dissolution, liquidation or winding up. The foregoing notwithstanding, our merger or consolidation does not constitute a change in control if immediately after the merger or consolidation a majority of the voting power of the capital stock of the continuing or surviving entity, or any direct or indirect parent corporation of the continuing or surviving entity, will be owned by the persons
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who were our stockholders immediately prior to the merger or consolidation in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the voting power of our capital stock immediately prior to the merger or consolidation.
Pursuant to the Azamian Letter Agreement, Dr. Azamian is eligible for severance benefits upon an involuntary termination of his employment. If the involuntary termination is prior to or more than 12 months after a change in control, he is eligible to receive severance consisting of 12 months of base salary and company-paid continued benefits coverage. If the involuntary termination is in connection with or within 12 months after a change in control, he is eligible to receive accelerated vesting of all of his then-unvested option shares and severance consisting of 18 months of base salary and company-paid continued benefits coverage, plus a lump sum bonus payment equal to (i) a prorated portion of his target bonus for the year in which his termination occurs and (ii) 150% of such target bonus.
Equity Plans
2020 Equity Incentive Plan
Our board of directors and stockholders adopted and approved our 2020 Plan on October 8, 2020. While our 2020 Plan became effective immediately on adoption and approval, no awards will be made under it until the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Our 2020 Plan is intended to replace our 2016 Plan. However, awards outstanding under our 2016 Plan will continue to be governed by their existing terms. Our 2020 Plan has the features described below.
Share Reserve. The number of shares of our common stock available for issuance under our 2020 Plan will equal the sum of 9,000,000 shares plus up to 2,433,395 shares remaining available for issuance under our 2016 Plan, or issued pursuant to or subject to awards granted under, our 2016 Plan. The number of shares reserved for issuance under our 2020 Plan will be increased automatically on the first business day of each of our fiscal years, commencing in 2021 and ending in 2030, by a number equal to the lesser of:
| 4% of the shares of common stock outstanding on the last business day of the prior fiscal year; or |
| the number of shares determined by our board of directors. |
In general, to the extent that any awards under our 2020 Plan are forfeited, terminate, expire or lapse without the issuance of shares, or if we reacquire the shares subject to awards granted under our 2020 Plan, those shares will again become available for issuance under our 2020 Plan, as will shares applied to pay the exercise or purchase price of an award or to satisfy tax withholding obligations related to any award.
Administration. The compensation committee of our board of directors will administer our 2020 Plan. The compensation committee will have complete discretion to make all decisions relating to our 2020 Plan and outstanding awards, with the exception of repricing outstanding options.
Eligibility. Employees, non-employee directors, consultants and advisors will be eligible to participate in our 2020 Plan.
Under our 2020 Plan, the aggregate grant date fair value of awards granted to our non-employee directors may not exceed $800,000 in any one fiscal year, except that the grant date fair value of awards granted to newly appointed non-employee directors may not exceed $1,200,000 in the fiscal year in which such non-employee director is initially appointed to our board of directors.
Types of Awards. Our 2020 Plan provides for the following types of awards:
| incentive and nonstatutory stock options; |
| stock appreciation rights; |
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| restricted shares; and |
| restricted stock units. |
Options and Stock Appreciation Rights. The exercise price for options granted under our 2020 Plan may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the grant date. Optionees will be permitted to pay the exercise price in cash or, with the consent of the compensation committee:
| with shares of common stock that the optionee already owns; |
| by an immediate sale of shares through a broker approved by us; |
| by instructing us to withhold a number of shares having an aggregate fair market value that does not exceed the exercise price; or |
| by other methods permitted by applicable law. |
An optionee who exercises a stock appreciation right receives the increase in value of our common stock over the base price. The base price for stock appreciation rights may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the grant date. The settlement value of a stock appreciation right may be paid in cash, shares of our common stock or a combination.
Options and stock appreciation rights vest as determined by the compensation committee. In general, they will vest over a four-year period following the date of grant. Options and stock appreciation rights expire at the time determined by the compensation committee but in no event more than ten years after they are granted. These awards generally expire earlier if the participants service terminates earlier.
Restricted Shares and Stock Units. Restricted shares and stock units may be awarded under our 2020 Plan in return for any lawful consideration, and participants who receive restricted shares or stock units generally are not required to pay cash for their awards. In general, these awards will be subject to vesting. Vesting may be based on length of service, the attainment of performance-based milestones or a combination of both, as determined by the compensation committee.
Corporate Transactions. In the event we are a party to a merger, consolidation or certain change in control transactions, outstanding awards granted under our 2020 Plan, and all shares acquired under our 2020 Plan, will be subject to the terms of the definitive transaction agreement (or, if there is no such agreement, as determined by our compensation committee). Unless an award agreement provides otherwise, such treatment may include any of the following with respect to each outstanding award:
| the continuation, assumption or substitution of an award by a surviving entity or its parent; |
| the cancellation of an award without payment of any consideration, provided that the optionee shall be notified of such treatment; |
| the cancellation of the vested portion of an award (and any portion that becomes vested as of the effective time of the transaction) in exchange for a payment equal to the excess, if any, of the value that the holder of each share of our common stock receives in the transaction over (if applicable) the exercise price otherwise payable in connection with the award; or |
| the assignment of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by us with respect to an award of restricted shares to the surviving entity or its parent (with proportionate adjustments made to the price per share to be paid upon exercise of such rights). |
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The compensation committee is not required to treat all awards, or portions thereof, in the same manner.
Unless determined otherwise by the administrator at the time of grant of an award, all outstanding awards held by current service providers at the time of occurrence of a change in control will fully accelerate and vest if they are not continued, assume or substituted by the acquirer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the vesting of an outstanding award may be accelerated by the administrator upon the occurrence of a change in control, whether or not the award is to be assumed or replaced in the transaction, or in connection with a termination of service following a change in control transaction.
A change in control includes:
| any person acquiring beneficial ownership of more than 50% of our total voting power; |
| the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets; or |
| our merger or consolidation after which our voting securities represent 50% or less of the total voting power of the surviving or acquiring entity. |
Changes in Capitalization. In the event of certain changes in our capital structure without our receipt of consideration, such as a stock split, reverse stock split or dividend paid in common stock, proportionate adjustments will automatically be made to:
| the maximum number and kind of shares available for issuance under our 2020 Plan, including the maximum number and kind of shares that may be issued upon the exercise of incentive stock options; |
| the maximum number and kind of shares covered by, and exercise price, base price or purchase price, if any, applicable to each outstanding stock award; and |
| the maximum number and kind of shares by which the share reserve may increase automatically each year. |
In the event that there is a declaration of an extraordinary dividend payable in a form other than our common stock in an amount that has a material effect on the price of our common stock, a recapitalization, a spin-off or a similar occurrence, the compensation committee may make such adjustments to any of the foregoing as it deems appropriate, in its sole discretion.
Amendments or Termination. Our board of directors may amend, suspend or terminate our 2020 Plan at any time. If our board of directors amends our 2020 Plan, it does not need stockholder approval of the amendment unless required by applicable law, regulation or rules. Our 2020 Plan will terminate automatically 10 years after the later of the date when our board of directors adopted our 2020 Plan or approved the latest share increase that was also approved by our stockholders.
2016 Stock Plan
Our board of directors adopted our 2016 Plan in December 2016, and it was approved by our stockholders on January 17, 2017. No further awards will be made under our 2016 Plan after this offering; however, awards outstanding under our 2016 Plan will continue to be governed by their existing terms.
Share Reserve. As of June 30, 2020 we have reserved 2,670,151 shares of our common stock, for issuance under our 2016 Plan, all of which may be issued as incentive stock options. As of December 31, 2019, options to purchase 297,142 shares of our common stock, at exercise prices ranging from $0.0007 to $0.45 per
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share, or a weighted-average exercise price of $0.32 per share were outstanding under our 2016 Plan, and 2,150,867 shares of our common stock remained available for future issuance. As of June 30, 2020, options to purchase 1,230,701 shares of our common stock, at exercise prices ranging from $0.0007 to $2.01 per share, or a weighted-average exercise price of $1.61 per share were outstanding under our 2016 Plan, and 1,148,915 shares of our common stock remained available for future issuance. Unissued shares subject to awards that expire or are cancelled, shares reacquired by us and shares withheld in payment of the purchase price or exercise price of an award or in satisfaction of withholding taxes will again become available for issuance under our 2016 Plan or, following consummation of this offering, under our 2020 Plan.
Administration. Our board of directors has administered our 2016 Plan since its adoption; however, following this offering, the compensation committee of our board of directors will generally administer our 2016 Plan. The administrator has complete discretion to make all decisions relating to our 2016 Plan and outstanding awards.
Eligibility. Employees, non-employee members of our board of directors and consultants are eligible to participate in our 2016 Plan. However, only employees are eligible to receive incentive stock options.
Types of Awards. Our 2016 Plan provides for the following types of awards granted with respect to shares of our common stock:
| incentive and nonstatutory stock options to purchase shares of our common stock; and |
| direct award or sale of shares of our common stock, including restricted shares. |
Options. The exercise price for options granted under our 2016 Plan is determined by our board of directors, but may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the grant date. Optionees may pay the exercise price in cash or cash equivalents or by one, or any combination of, the following forms of payment, as permitted by the administrator in its sole discretion:
| Surrender of shares of common stock that the optionee already owns; |
| Delivery of a full-recourse promissory note, with the option shares pledged as security against the principal and accrued interest on the note; |
| An immediate sale of the option shares through a company-approved broker, if the shares of our common stock are publicly traded; |
| Surrendering a number of vested shares subject to the option having an aggregate fair market value no greater than the aggregate exercise price, or the sum of such exercise price plus all or a portion of the minimum amount required to be withheld under applicable law; or |
| Other methods permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended. |
Options vest as determined by the administrator. In general, we have granted options that vest over a four-year period. Options expire at the time determined by the administrator, but in no event more than ten years after they are granted, and generally expire earlier if the optionees service terminates.
Restricted Shares. Restricted shares may be awarded or sold under our 2016 Plan in return for cash or cash equivalents or, as permitted by the administrator in its sole discretion, in exchange for services rendered to us, by delivery of a full-recourse promissory note or through any other means permitted by applicable law. Restricted shares vest as determined by the administrator.
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Corporate Transactions. In the event that we are a party to a merger or consolidation or in the event of a sale of all or substantially all of our stock or assets, awards granted under our 2016 Plan will be subject to the agreement governing such transaction or, in the absence of such agreement, in the manner determined by the administrator. Such treatment may include, without limitation, one or more of the following with respect to outstanding awards:
| The continuation, assumption or substitution of an award by the surviving entity or its parent; |
| Cancellation of the vested portion of the award in exchange for a payment equal to the excess, if any, of the value of the shares subject to the award over any exercise price per share applicable to the award; |
| Cancellation of the award without payment of any consideration; |
| Suspension of the optionees right to exercise the option during a limited period of time preceding the completion of the transaction; or |
| Termination of any right the optionee has to exercise the option prior to vesting in the shares subject to the option. |
The administrator is not obligated to treat all awards in the same manner. The administrator has the discretion, at any time, to provide that an award under our 2016 Plan will vest on an accelerated basis in connection with a corporate transaction or to amend or modify an award so long as such amendment or modification is not inconsistent with the terms of the 2016 Plan or would not result in the impairment of a participants rights without the participants consent.
Changes in Capitalization. In the event of certain specified changes in the capital structure of our common stock, such as a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, reclassification or any other increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of stock effective without receipt of consideration by us, proportionate adjustments will automatically be made in (i) each of the number and kind of shares available for future grants under our 2016 Plan, (ii) the number and kind of shares covered by each outstanding option and all restricted shares, (iii) the exercise price per share subject to each outstanding option and (iv) any repurchase price applicable to shares granted under our 2016 Plan. In the event of an extraordinary cash divided that has a material effect on the fair market value of our common stock, a recapitalization, spin-off or other similar occurrence, the administrator at its sole discretion may make appropriate adjustments to one or more of the items described above.
Amendments or Termination. The administrator may at any time amend, suspend or terminate our 2016 Plan, subject to stockholder approval in the case of an amendment if the amendment increases the number of shares available for issuance or materially changes the class of persons eligible to receive incentive stock options. Our 2016 Plan will terminate automatically ten years after the later of the date when our board of directors adopted the plan or the date when our board of directors most recently approved an increase in the number of shares reserved thereunder which was also approved by our stockholders, provided, however, that in any event, it will terminate upon the completion of this offering, but as noted above, awards outstanding under our 2016 Plan will remain outstanding and will continue to be governed by their existing terms.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
General. Our board of directors and stockholders adopted and approved our 2020 ESPP on October 8, 2020. Our 2020 ESPP will become effective as of the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Our 2020 ESPP is intended to qualify under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. Our 2020 ESPP has the features described below.
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Share Reserve. 2,300,000 shares of our common stock have been reserved for issuance under our 2020 ESPP. The number of shares reserved for issuance under our 2020 ESPP will automatically be increased on the first business day of each of our fiscal years, commencing in 2021 and ending in 2040, by a number equal to the least of:
| 2,300,000 shares; |
| 1% of the shares of common stock issued and outstanding on the last business day of the prior fiscal year; or |
| the number of shares determined by our board of directors. |
The number of shares reserved under our 2020 ESPP will automatically be adjusted in the event of a stock split, stock dividend or a reverse stock split (including an adjustment to the per-purchase period share limit).
Administration. The compensation committee of our board of directors will administer our 2020 ESPP.
Eligibility. All of our employees will be eligible to participate in our ESPP, although the administrator may exclude certain categories of employees from an offering period, as permitted by applicable law, including employees employed for less than two years, working less than 20 hours per week, who are employed less than five months per year, or are highly compensated employees. Eligible employees may begin participating in our 2020 ESPP at the start of any offering period.
Offering Periods. Each offering period will last a number of months determined by the compensation committee, not to exceed 27 months. A new offering period will begin periodically, as determined by the compensation committee. Offering periods may overlap or may be consecutive.
Amount of Contributions. Our 2020 ESPP will permit each eligible employee to purchase common stock through payroll deductions. Each employees payroll deductions may not exceed 50% of the employees cash compensation. Each participant may purchase up to the number of shares determined by our board of directors on any purchase date, not to exceed 3,000 shares. The value of the shares purchased in any calendar year may not exceed $25,000. Participants may withdraw their contributions at any time before stock is purchased.
Purchase Price. The price of each share of common stock purchased under our 2020 ESPP will not be less than 85% of the lower of the fair market value per share of common stock on the first day of the applicable offering period or the fair market value per share of common stock on the purchase date.
Other Provisions. Employees may end their participation in our 2020 ESPP at any time. Participation ends automatically upon termination of employment with us. If we experience a change in control, our 2020 ESPP will end and shares will be purchased with the payroll deductions accumulated to date by participating employees, unless the rights to purchase our common stock under the 2020 ESPP for an offering period then in progress are continued, assumed or substituted by the surviving entity. Our board of directors or our compensation committee may amend or terminate our 2020 ESPP at any time.
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The following is a description of transactions since January 1, 2017 to which we have been a party in which the amount involved exceeded $120,000 and in which any of our executive officers, directors or beneficial holders of more than 5% of our capital stock (or any immediate family member of, or person sharing the household with, any of these individuals or entities), which we collectively refer to as a related person, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than compensation arrangements which are described in Management Director Compensation and Executive Compensation. We believe that all of these transactions were on terms as favorable as could have been obtained from unrelated third parties.
Sales of Securities
Sale of Common Stock
From January 2017 to March 2018, we issued and sold an aggregate of 2,677,846 shares of our common stock at a cash purchase price of $0.0007 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1,989.00.
The following table sets forth the number of shares of our common stock sold to our directors, executive officers and holders of more than 5% of our capital stock:
Investor |
Affiliated Director(s) or Officer(s) |
Shares of Common Stock |
Total Purchase Price |
|||||||
Bobak Azamian |
Bobak Azamian | 1,211,696 | $ | 900.00 | ||||||
Michael Ackermann |
Michael Ackermann | 1,211,696 | $ | 900.00 | ||||||
William J. Link |
William J. Link | 134,632 | $ | 100.00 |
Series A Preferred Stock Financing
In March and May 2018, we issued and sold an aggregate of 1,575,030 shares of our Series A preferred stock at a cash purchase price of $2.3174 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $3.6 million. These shares of Series A preferred stock will convert into an aggregate of 1,575,030 shares of Common Stock upon the completion of this offering.
The following table summarizes purchases of shares of our Series A preferred stock by our executive officers, directors and holders of more than 5% of our capital stock:
Investor |
Affiliated Director(s) or Officer(s) |
Shares of Series A Preferred Stock |
Total Purchase Price |
|||||||
Entities affiliated with Horowitz Limited Partnership VIII (1) |
Jason Tester | 1,477,941 | $ | 3,424,999.66 | ||||||
Entities Affiliated with Jason Tester (2) |
Jason Tester | 21,575 | $ | 49,999.97 | ||||||
Michael Ackermann |
Michael Ackermann | 53,939 | $ | 125,000.00 | ||||||
Bobak Azamian |
Bobak Azamian | 21,575 | $ | 49,999.87 |
(1) | Entities affiliated with the Horowitz Limited Partnership VIII, who purchased shares of Series A preferred stock include the Horowitz Limited Partnership VIII and the Adam S Horowitz Revocable Trust. Jason Tester is an affiliate of Horowitz Limited Partnership VIII. |
(2) | Entities affiliated with Jason Tester who purchased shares of Series A preferred stock includes the Tester Living Trust. |
2019 Convertible Notes
Throughout 2019, we issued various convertible notes with an aggregate principle amount of $2.0 million, or the 2019 Notes. All principal and interest accrued under the 2019 Notes was converted at various discounts into shares of Series B preferred stock in connection with the closing of our Series B preferred stock financing in December 2019.
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The following table sets forth the aggregate principal amount plus accrued interest of the 2019 Notes that was converted, the number of shares of Series B preferred stock issued upon conversion of such notes to our executive officers, directors and holders of more than 5% of our capital stock, and their respective affiliates upon conversion of such notes and the aggregate purchase price for such notes:
Investor |
Affiliated Director(s) or Officer(s) |
Series B Convertible Promissory Note Principal Amount and Interest ($) |
Shares of Series B Preferred Stock |
|||||||
Entities affiliated with Horowitz Limited Partnership VIII (1) |
Jason Tester | $ | 1,930,070.20 | 253,362 | ||||||
Entities Affiliated with Jason Tester (2) |
Jason Tester | $ | 28,176.15 | 3,698 | ||||||
Bobak Azamian |
Bobak Azamian | $ | 14,162.48 | 1,750 | ||||||
Michael Ackermann |
Michael Ackermann | $ | 70,440.52 | 9,246 |
(1) | Entities affiliated with Horowitz Limited Partnership VIII whose convertible promissory notes converted into shares of our Series B preferred stock include the Horowitz Limited Partnership VIII and the Adam S Horowitz Revocable Trust. Mr. Tester is an affiliate of Horowitz Limited Partnership VIII. |
(2) | Entities affiliated with Mr. Tester whose convertible promissory notes converted into shares of our Series B preferred stock include the Tester Living Trust. |
Series B Preferred Stock Financing
In December 2019, we issued and sold an aggregate of 6,406,853 shares of our Series B preferred stock (exclusive of 268,056 shares issued upon the conversion of the 2019 Notes) at a cash purchase price of $8.9904 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $57.6 million. These shares of Series B preferred stock, together with the shares issued upon conversion of the 2019 Notes, will convert into an aggregate of 6,674,909 shares of common stock upon the completion of this offering. The table below sets forth the number of shares of Series B preferred stock sold to our directors, executive officers and holders of more than 5% of our capital stock (not including the 268,056 shares of Series B preferred stock issued upon the conversion of the 2019 Notes):
Investor |
Affiliated Director(s) or Officer(s) |
Shares of Series B Preferred Stock |
Total Purchase Price |
|||||||
Vivo Capital Fund IX, L.P. |
Andrew Goldberg (1) | 2,780,754 | $ | 24,999,999.83 | ||||||
Frazier Life Sciences IX, L.P. |
Bhaskar Chaudhuri (2) | 1,390,376 | $ | 12,499,999.31 | ||||||
Flying L Investments XI, LLC |
William J. Link | 1,112,301 | $ | 9,999,999.21 | ||||||
Entities affiliated with Visionary Venture Fund (3) |
834,225 | $ | 7,499,999.11 |
(1) | Mr. Goldberg was designated by Vivo Capital Fund IX, L.P. but does not have any voting or investment control over the shares held by Vivo Capital Fund IX, L.P. |
(2) | Dr. Chaudhuri was designated by Frazier Life Sciences IX, L.P. but does not have any voting or investment control over the shares held by Frazier Life Sciences IX, L.P. |
(3) | Entities affiliated with Visionary Venture Fund holding shares of our Series B preferred stock which are aggregated for purposes of reporting share ownership information include Visionary Venture Fund II, LP and Visionary Venture Fund II (QP), LP. |
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Series C Preferred Stock Financing
In September 2020, we issued and sold an aggregate of 2,857,079 shares of our Series C preferred stock at a cash purchase price of $14.0003 per share of Series C preferred Stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $40.0 million. These shares of Series C preferred stock will convert into an aggregate of 2,857,079 shares of common stock upon the completion of this offering. The table below sets forth the number of shares of Series C preferred stock sold to our directors, executive officers and holders of more than 5% of our capital stock:
Investor |
Affiliated Director(s) or Officer(s) |
Shares of Series C Preferred Stock |
Total Purchase Price |
|||||||
Vivo Capital Fund IX, L.P. |
Andrew Goldberg (1) | 214,281 | $ | 2,999,999.31 | ||||||
Frazier Life Sciences IX, L.P. |
Bhaskar Chaudhuri (2) | 214,281 | $ | 2,999,999.31 | ||||||
Horowitz Limited Partnership VIII |
Jason Tester | 71,427 | $ | 999,999.77 | ||||||
Entities affiliated with RTW Investments, LP (3) |
1,071,406 | $ | 14,999,998.40 | |||||||
Entities affiliated with Cormorant Asset Management, |
714,268 | $ | 9,999,995.81 |
(1) | Mr. Goldberg was designated by Vivo Capital Fund IX, L.P. but does not have any voting or investment control over the shares held by Vivo Capital Fund IX, L.P. |
(2) | Dr. Chaudhuri was designated by Frazier Life Sciences IX, L.P. but does not have any voting or investment control over the shares held by Frazier Life Sciences IX, L.P. |
(3) | Entities affiliated with RTW Investments, LP holding shares of our Series C preferred stock which are aggregated for purposes of reporting share ownership information include RTW Master Fund, Ltd., RTW Innovation Master Fund, Ltd. and RTW Venture Fund Limited. |
(4) | Entities affiliated with Cormorant Asset Management, LP holding shares of our Series C preferred stock which are aggregated for purposes of reporting share ownership information include Cormorant Private Healthcare Fund III, LP, Cormorant Private Healthcare Fund II, LP, Cormorant Global Healthcare Master Fund, LP and CRMA SPV, L.P. |
Agreements with Stockholders
Investors Rights Agreement
We are party to an amended and restated investors rights agreement with certain holders of our capital stock, including (i) entities affiliated with Mr. Tester, (ii) entities affiliated with Visionary Venture Fund, (iii) Vivo Capital Fund IX, L.P., (iv) Frazier Life Sciences IX, L.P., (v) Flying L Investments XI, LLC, (vi) entities affiliated with RTW Investments, LP, (vii) entities affiliated with Cormorant Asset Management, LP, (viii) Dr. Ackermann and (ix) Dr. Azamian. Under our investors rights agreement, certain holders of our capital stock have the right to demand that we file a registration statement or request that their shares of our capital stock be covered by a registration statement that we are otherwise filing. See the section titled Description of Capital Stock Registration Rights elsewhere in this prospectus for additional information regarding these registration rights.
Voting Agreement
We are party to an amended and restated voting agreement with certain holders of our capital stock, including (i) entities affiliated with Mr. Tester, (ii) entities affiliated with Visionary Venture Fund, (iii) Vivo Capital Fund IX, L.P., (iv) Frazier Life Sciences IX, L.P., (v) Flying L Investments XI, LLC, (vi) entities affiliated with RTW Investments, LP, (vii) entities affiliated with Cormorant Asset Management, LP, (viii) Dr. Ackermann, (ix) Dr. Azamian, (x) Mr. Greenstein and (xi) Dr. Neervannan. Under our voting agreement, certain holders of our capital stock have agreed as to the manner in which they will vote their shares of our capital stock on certain matters, including with respect to the election of directors. The voting agreement will terminate upon the completion of this offering, at which time there will be no further contractual obligations regarding the manner in which shares are voted with respect to the election of our directors.
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Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement
We are party to an amended and restated first refusal and co-sale agreement with certain holders of our capital stock, including (i) entities affiliated with Mr. Tester, (ii) entities affiliated with Visionary Venture Fund, (iii) Vivo Capital Fund IX, L.P., (iv) Frazier Life Sciences IX, L.P., (v) Flying L Investments XI, LLC, (vi) entities affiliated with RTW Investments, LP, (vii) entities affiliated with Cormorant Asset Management, LP, (viii) Dr. Ackermann, (ix) Dr. Azamian, (x) Mr. Greenstein and (xi) Dr. Neervannan. Under our first refusal and co-sale agreement, certain holders of our capital stock have the right of first refusal and co-sale relating to the shares of our common stock held by the parties to the agreement. Upon the consummation of this offering our first refusal and co-sale agreement will terminate.
Indemnification Agreements
We have entered, and intend to continue to enter, into separate indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers, in addition to the indemnification provided for in our restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws. The indemnification agreements and our restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that will be in effect upon the completion of this offering require us to indemnify our directors, executive officers and certain controlling persons to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. See the section titled Executive Compensation Limitation of Liability and Indemnification elsewhere in this prospectus for additional information.
Compensation Arrangements with Executive Officers
Leo Greenstein Offer Letter
On March 15, 2020 we entered into an Offer Letter with Leo Greenstein to serve as our Chief Financial Officer pursuant to which Mr. Greenstein is entitled to receive an annual base salary of $360,000, an annual incentive bonus with a target equal to 35% of his annual base salary, a signing bonus of $40,000 and an option to purchase 140,163 shares of our common stock. Effective upon our initial public offering, Mr. Greensteins annual base salary will be increased to $378,000, and his annual incentive bonus target will be increased to 40% of his annual base salary. Pursuant to his Offer Letter, Mr. Greenstein is eligible to receive severance benefits upon an involuntary termination of his employment. If the involuntary termination is prior to or more than 12 months after a change in control, he is eligible to receive severance consisting of six months of base salary and company-paid continued benefits coverage. If the involuntary termination is in connection with or within 12 months after a change in control, he is eligible to receive accelerated vesting of all of his then-unvested option shares and severance consisting of 18 months of base salary and company-paid continued benefits coverage, plus a bonus payment equal to (i) a prorated portion of his target bonus for the year in which his termination occurs and (ii) 150% of such target bonus.
Seshadri Neervannan Offer Letter
On June 4, 2020 we entered into an Offer Letter with Seshadri Neervannan to serve as our Chief Operating Officer pursuant to which Mr. Neervannan is entitled to receive an annual base salary of $400,000, an annual incentive bonus with a target equal to 35% of his annual base salary, a signing bonus of $75,000 (50% of which will be paid on January 31, 2021 and 50% of which will be paid on July 31, 2021) and an option to purchase 233,605 shares of our common stock. Effective upon our initial public offering, Mr. Neervannans annual base salary will be increased to $420,000, and his annual incentive bonus target will be increased to 40% of his annual base salary. Pursuant to his Offer Letter, Mr. Neervannan is eligible to receive severance benefits upon an involuntary termination of his employment. If the involuntary termination is prior to or more than 12 months after a change in control, he is eligible to receive severance consisting of nine months of base salary and company-paid continued benefits coverage. If the involuntary termination is in connection with or within 12 months after a change in control, he is eligible to receive accelerated vesting of all of his then-unvested option shares and severance consisting of 12 months of base salary and company-paid continued benefits coverage, plus a bonus payment equal to (i) a prorated portion of his target bonus for the year in which his termination occurs and (ii) 100% of such target bonus.
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Aziz Mottiwala Offer Letter
On June 22, 2020 we entered into an Offer Letter with Aziz Mottiwala to serve as our Chief Commercial Officer pursuant to which Mr. Mottiwala is entitled to receive an annual base salary of $360,000, an annual incentive bonus with a target equal to 35% of his annual base salary, a signing bonus of $100,000 (50% of which was paid on August 25, 2020 and 50% of which will be paid on February 10, 2021) and an option to purchase 104,788 shares of our common stock. Effective upon our initial public offering, Mr. Mottiwalas annual base salary will be increased to $378,000, and his annual incentive bonus target will be increased to 40% of his annual base salary. Pursuant to his Offer Letter, Mr. Mottiwala is eligible to receive severance benefits upon an involuntary termination of his employment. If the involuntary termination is prior to or more than 12 months after a change in control, he is eligible to receive severance consisting of nine months of base salary and company-paid continued benefits coverage. If the involuntary termination is in connection with or within 12 months after a change in control, he is eligible to receive accelerated vesting of all of his then-unvested option shares and severance consisting of 12 months of base salary and company-paid continued benefits coverage, plus a bonus payment equal to (i) a prorated portion of his target bonus for the year in which his termination occurs and (ii) 100% of such target bonus.
Related Party Transaction Policy
Prior to the completion of this offering, we intend to adopt a formal written policy providing that we are not permitted to enter into any transaction that exceeds $120,000 and in which any related person has a direct or indirect material interest without the consent of our audit committee. Our audit committee will have the primary responsibility for reviewing and approving or disapproving such related party transactions. The charter of our audit committee will provide that our audit committee shall review and approve in advance any related party transaction. In approving or rejecting any such transaction, our audit committee is to consider the relevant facts and circumstances available and deemed relevant to our audit committee, including whether the transaction is on terms no less favorable than terms generally available to an unaffiliated third party under the same or similar circumstances and the extent of the related persons interest in the transaction.
All of the transactions described in this section were entered into prior to the adoption of this policy. Although we have not had a written policy for the review and approval of transactions with related persons, our board of directors has historically reviewed and approved any transaction where a director or officer had a financial interest, including the transactions described above. Prior to approving such a transaction, the material facts as to relationship or interest of the relevant director, officer or holder of 5% or more of any class of our voting securities in the agreement or transaction was disclosed to our board of directors. Our board of directors took this information into account when evaluating the transaction and in determining whether such transaction was fair to us and in the best interest of all our stockholders.
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The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of September 30, 2020 and as adjusted to reflect the sale of common stock offered by us in this offering, for:
| each of the named executive officers; |
| each of our directors; |
| all of our executive officers and directors as a group; and |
| each person, or group of affiliated persons, who is known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock. |
We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC. Except as indicated in the footnotes below, we believe, based on the information furnished to us, that the persons and entities named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock that they beneficially own, subject to applicable community property laws.
Applicable percentage ownership is based on 13,995,006 shares of common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2020, after giving effect to the conversion of all 11,107,018 outstanding shares of preferred stock as of that date, into an aggregate of 11,107,018 shares of our common stock, but excluding 179,375 shares of common stock, which were issued upon the early exercise of certain stock options, but are not outstanding as they are subject to a right to repurchase. For purposes of computing percentage ownership after this offering, we have assumed that (i) 5,000,000 shares of common stock will be issued by us in this offering; (ii) the underwriters will not exercise their option to purchase up to 750,000 additional shares and (iii) none of our executive officers, directors, stockholders who beneficially own more than five percent of our common stock or affiliates of the foregoing will participate in this offering, including pursuant to our reserved share program. If any shares of our common stock are purchased in the offering by our officers, directors, stockholders who beneficially own more than five percent of our common stock or affiliates of the foregoing, the number and percentage of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by such entities after this offering will differ from the amounts set forth in the below table. In computing the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by a person or entity and the percentage ownership of that person or entity, we deemed to be outstanding all shares of common stock subject to options held by that person or entity that are currently exercisable or that will become exercisable within 60 days of September 30, 2020. We did not deem these shares outstanding, however, such shares were included for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person or entity.
Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner listed in the table below is c/o Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 15440 Laguna Canyon Road, Suite 160, Irvine, California 92618.
Shares Beneficially Owned |
Shares Beneficially Owned After this Offering |
|||||||||||||||
Name of Beneficial Owner |
Shares |
Percentage |
Shares |
Percentage |
||||||||||||
Named Executive Officers and Directors: |
||||||||||||||||
Bobak Azamian (1) |
1,907,596 | 13.01 | % | 1,907,596 | 9.70 | % | ||||||||||
Michael Ackermann (2) |
1,464,325 | 10.29 | 1,464,325 | 7.61 | ||||||||||||
Jason Tester (3) |
1,777,456 | 12.70 | 1,777,456 | 9.36 | ||||||||||||
Andrew Goldberg |
| | | | ||||||||||||
William J. Link (4) |
1,246,933 | 8.91 | 1,246,933 | 6.56 | ||||||||||||
Bhaskar Chaudhuri |
| | | | ||||||||||||
Leo M. Greenstein (5) |
118,257 | * | 118,257 | * | ||||||||||||
Seshadri Neervannan (6) |
|
101,524 |
|
* | 101,524 | * | ||||||||||
Aziz Mottiwala (7) |
56,620 | * | 56,620 | * | ||||||||||||
Mark Holdbrook (8) |
86,734 | * | 86,734 | * | ||||||||||||
All executive officers and directors as a group (10 persons) (9) |
6,759,445 | 44.78 | 6,759,445 | 33.64 |
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Shares Beneficially Owned |
Shares Beneficially Owned After this Offering |
|||||||||||||||
Name of Beneficial Owner |
Shares |
Percentage |
Shares |
Percentage |
||||||||||||
5% Stockholders: |
||||||||||||||||
Entities affiliated with Horowitz Limited Partnership VIII (10) |
1,802,730 | 12.88 | 1,802,730 | 9.49 | ||||||||||||
Vivo Capital Fund IX, L.P. (11) |
2,995,035 | 21.40 | 2,995,035 | 15.77 | ||||||||||||
Flying L Investments XI, LLC (12) |
1,112,301 | 7.95 | 1,112,301 | 5.86 | ||||||||||||
Frazier Life Sciences IX, L.P. (13) |
1,604,657 | 11.47 | 1,604,657 | 8.45 | ||||||||||||
Visionary Venture Fund (14) |
834,225 | 5.96 | 834,225 | 4.39 | ||||||||||||
Entities affiliated with RTW Investments, LP (15) |
1,071,406 | 7.66 | 1,071,406 | 5.64 | ||||||||||||
Entities affiliated with Cormorant Asset Management, LP (16) |
714,268 | 5.10 | 714,268 | 3.76 |
* | Represents beneficial ownership of less than one percent. |
(1) | Consists of (i) 1,750 shares of common stock held directly by Dr. Azamian (ii) 672,575 shares of common stock issuable pursuant to options held directly by Dr. Azamian exercisable within 60 days of September 30, 2020, and (iii) 1,233,271 shares of common stock held by Bobak Azamian, as Trustee of the Bobak Azamian Living Trust, established April 16, 2018. Dr. Azamian is a trustee the Bobak Azamian Living Trust, established April 16, 2018 and has voting and investment control with respect to these shares. |
(2) | Consists of (i) 1,228,924 shares of common stock held directly by Dr. Ackermann and (ii) 235,401 shares of common stock issuable pursuant to options held directly by Dr. Ackermann exercisable within 60 days of September 30, 2020. |
(3) | Consists of (i) 1,752,183 shares of common stock held by Horowitz Limited Partnership VIII and (ii) 25,273 shares of common stock held by the Tester Living Trust. Mr. Tester is a trustee of the Tester Living Trust, and has voting and investment control with respect to these shares. Mr. Tester is the Chief Financial Officer of Horowitz Management, Inc., the managing partner of Horowitz Limited Partnership VIII, and in his capacity as such, Mr. Tester may be deemed to have shared voting and or investment power over the shares held by Horowitz Limited Partnership VIII. Mr. Tester disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by Horowitz Limited Partnership VIII. |
(4) | Consists of (i) 134,632 shares of common stock held directly by Dr. Link and (ii) 1,112,301 shares of common stock owned by Flying L Investments XI, LLC. Dr. Link is the Manager of Flying L Investments XI, LLC, and in his capacity as such, Dr. Link may be deemed to have sole voting and investment power over shares held by Flying L Investments XI, LLC. Dr. Link disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by Flying L Investments XI, LLC except to the extent of his pecuniary interest in such shares. |
(5) | Consists of (i) 67,316 shares of common stock held directly by Mr. Greenstein and (ii) 50,941 shares of common stock issuable pursuant to options held directly by Mr. Greenstein exercisable within 60 days of September 30, 2020. |
(6) | Consists of (i) 49,864 shares of common stock held directly by Mr. Neervannan and (ii) 51,660 shares of common stock issuable pursuant to options held directly by Mr. Neervannan exercisable within 60 days of September 30, 2020. |
(7) | Consists of (i) 53,853 shares of common stock held directly by Mr. Mottiwala and (ii) 2,767 shares of common stock issuable pursuant to options held directly by Mr. Mottiwala exercisable within 60 days of September 30, 2020. |
(8) | Consists of 86,734 shares of common stock issuable pursuant to options held directly by Mr. Holdbrook exercisable within 60 days of September 30, 2020. |
(9) | See footnotes (1) through (8) above. |
(10) | Consists of (i) 1,752,183 shares of common stock held by Horowitz Limited Partnership VIII and (ii) 50,547 shares of common stock held by Adam S. Horowitz Revocable Trust. Mr. Tester is the Chief Financial Officer of Horowitz Management, Inc., the managing partner of Horowitz Limited Partnership VIII, and in his capacity as such, Mr. Tester may be deemed to have shared voting and or investment power over the shares held by Horowitz Limited Partnership VIII. Mr. Tester disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by Horowitz Limited Partnership VIII. The principal business address of Horowitz Limited Partnership VIII is 27241 La Paz Road, Suite B, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677. |
(11) | Consists of 2,995,035 shares of common stock held of record by Vivo Capital Fund IX, L.P. Vivo Capital IX, LLC is the general partner of Vivo Capital Fund IX, L.P. The voting members of Vivo Capital IX, LLC are Frank Kung, Edgar Engleman, Shan Fu, Jack Nielsen and Michael Chang. None of such voting members have individual voting or investment power with respect to these shares and each of whom disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares. The principal business address of Vivo Capital IX, LLC is 192 Lytton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301. |
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(12) | Consists of 1,112,301 shares of common stock owned by Flying L Investments XI, LLC. Dr. Link is the Manager of Flying L Investments XI, LLC, and in his capacity as such, Dr. Link may be deemed to have sole voting and investment power over shares held by Flying L Investments XI, LLC. Dr. Link disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by Flying L Investments XI, LLC except to the extent of his pecuniary interest in such shares. The principal business address of Flying L Investments XI, LLC is 11 Linda Isle, Newport Beach, CA 92660. |
(13) | Consists of 1,604,657 shares of common stock owned by Frazier Life Sciences IX, L.P., or FLS LP. The general partner of FLS LP is FHMLS IX, L.P., and the general partner of FHMLS IX, L.P. is FHMLS IX, LLC. James Topper and Patrick J. Heron are the sole managing members of FHMLS IX, LLC, and share voting and investment power with respect to such shares held by FLS LP. Dr. Topper and Mr. Heron disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares except to the extent of their pecuniary interest in such shares. The principal business address of Frazier Life Sciences IX, L.P. is Two Union Square, 601 Union St., Suite 3200, Seattle, WA 98101. |
(14) | Consists of (i) 627,671 shares of common stock held by Visionary Venture Fund II (QP), LP and (ii) 206,554 shares of common stock owned by Visionary Venture Fund II, LP. VMP Investments, Inc. is the manager of Visionary Venture Fund II, LP and Visionary Venture Fund II (QP). Jeffry K Weinhuff is the President of VMP Investments, Inc. and disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by Visionary Venture Fund II, LP and Visionary Venture Fund II (QP) except to the extent of his pecuniary interest in such shares. The principal business address of Visionary Venture Fund II, LP is 65 Enterprise, Suite 330, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656. |
(15) | Consists of 1,071,406 shares of common stock held in the aggregate by RTW Master Fund, Ltd., RTW Innovation Master Fund, Ltd. and RTW Venture Fund Limited, or the Funds. The Funds are managed by RTW Investments, LP, or the Adviser. The Adviser, in its capacity as the investment manager of the Funds, has the power to vote and the power to direct the disposition of the shares held by the Funds. Accordingly, the Adviser may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of such securities. Roderick Wong, M.D., as the Managing Partner of the Adviser, has the power to direct the vote and disposition of the securities held by the Adviser. Dr. Wong disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by the Funds, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. The address and principal office of RTW Investments, LP is 40 10th Avenue, Floor 7, New York, NY 10014, and the address of Dr. Wong and each of the Funds is c/o RTW Investments, LP, 40 10th Avenue, Floor 7, New York, NY 10014. |
(16) | Consists of (i) 351,849 shares of common stock held by Cormorant Private Healthcare Fund III, LP, or Cormorant PHF III, (ii) 281,422 shares of common stock held by Cormorant Private Healthcare Fund II, LP, or Cormorant PHF II, (iii) 75,498 shares of common stock held by Cormorant Global Healthcare Master Fund, LP, or Cormorant GHMF, and (iv) 5,499 shares of common stock held by CRMA SPV, L.P., or CRMA SPV. Cormorant Private Healthcare GP III, LLC and Cormorant Asset Management, LP serve as the general partner and investment manager of Cormorant PHF III, respectively. Cormorant Private Healthcare GP II, LLC and Cormorant Asset Management, LP serve as the general partner and investment manager of Cormorant PHF II, respectively. Cormorant Global Healthcare GP, LLC and Cormorant Asset Management, LP serve as the general partner and investment manager of Cormorant GHMF, respectively. Cormorant Asset Management, LP serves as the investment manager of CRMA SPV. Bihua Chen serves as the managing member of each of Cormorant Private Healthcare GP III, LLC, Cormorant Private Healthcare GP II, LLC, Cormorant Global Healthcare GP, LLC, and Cormorant Asset Management GP, LLC. Each of the reporting persons disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares except to the extent of its or hers pecuniary interest therein. The address of the principal business office of Cormorant PHF III, Cormorant PHF II, Cormorant GHMF and CRMA SPV is 200 Clarendon Street, 52nd Floor, Boston, MA 02116. |
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The following descriptions of our capital stock and certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws are summaries and are qualified by reference to the amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the amended and restated bylaws that will be in effect upon completion of this offering. A description of our capital stock and the material terms and provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that will be in effect upon the completion of this offering and affecting the rights of holders of our capital stock is set forth below. The forms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws to be adopted in connection with this offering are filed as exhibits to the registration statement relating to this prospectus.
Upon the completion of this offering, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will authorize shares of undesignated preferred stock, the rights, preferences and privileges of which may be designated from time to time by our board of directors.
Upon the completion of this offering, our authorized capital stock will consist of 210,000,000 shares, all with a par value of $0.0001 per share, of which:
| 200,000,000 shares are designated common stock; and |
| 10,000,000 shares are designated preferred stock. |
As of June 30, 2020, after giving effect to the conversion of all of our 11,107,018 outstanding shares of preferred stock, including 2,857,079 shares of Series C preferred stock issued in September 2020, into an aggregate of 11,107,018 shares of our common stock, there were outstanding:
| 13,759,014 shares of our common stock (which excludes 67,316 shares of common stock that are not outstanding as they are subject to a right of repurchase) held of record by 28 stockholders; and |
| 1,230,701 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options. |
Common Stock
Dividend Rights
Subject to preferences that may apply to shares of preferred stock outstanding at the time, the holders of outstanding shares of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends out of funds legally available if our board of directors, in its discretion, determines to issue dividends and only then at the times and in the amounts that our board of directors may determine. See Dividend Policy for more information.
Voting Rights
The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share. Stockholders do not have the ability to cumulate votes for the election of directors. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that will be in effect upon the completion of this offering will provide for a classified board of directors consisting of three classes of approximately equal size, each serving staggered three-year terms. Only one class of directors will be elected at each annual meeting of our stockholders, with the other classes continuing for the remainder of their respective three-year terms.
No Preemptive or Similar Rights
Our common stock is not entitled to preemptive rights and is not subject to conversion, redemption or sinking fund provisions.
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Right to Receive Liquidation Distributions
Upon our dissolution, liquidation or winding-up, the assets legally available for distribution to our stockholders are distributable ratably among the holders of our common stock, subject to prior satisfaction of all outstanding debt and liabilities and the preferential rights and payment of liquidation preferences, if any, on any outstanding shares of preferred stock.
Preferred Stock
Upon the completion of this offering, no shares of preferred stock will be outstanding, but we will be authorized, subject to limitations prescribed by Delaware law, to issue preferred stock in one or more series, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each series and to fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of the shares of each series and any associated qualifications, limitations or restrictions. Our board of directors also can increase or decrease the number of shares of any series, but not below the number of shares of that series then outstanding, without any further vote or action by our stockholders. Our board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of the common stock. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things, have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of our company and may adversely affect the market price of our common stock and the voting and other rights of the holders of common stock. We have no current plan to issue any shares of preferred stock.
Options
As of June 30, 2020, there were options to purchase 1,230,701 shares of our common stock outstanding, with an average exercise price of $1.60, all of which were subject to options granted under our 2016 Plan.
Registration Rights
Following the completion of this offering, the holders of 11,107,018 shares of our common stock issued upon the conversion of our preferred stock will be entitled to contractual rights to require us to register those shares under the Securities Act. These registration rights are provided under the terms of our amended and restated investors rights agreement between us and the holders of these shares, which we entered into on September 24, 2020.
We will pay all expenses relating to any demand or piggyback registration described below, other than underwriting discounts and commissions. The registration rights terminate upon the earliest to occur of: (i) the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering; (ii) a liquidation event; or (iii) with respect to the registration rights of an individual holder, such earlier time after this offering at which the holder (a) can sell all of its shares in compliance with Rule 144(b)(1)(i) or (b) holds one percent or less of our outstanding common stock and all shares held by the holder can be sold in any three-month period without registration in compliance with Rule 144.
Demand Registration Rights
The holders of the registrable securities will be entitled to certain demand registration rights. At any time beginning six months following the effectiveness of this offering, the holders of 30% or more of the registrable securities then outstanding may make a written request that we register some or all of their registrable securities, subject to certain specified conditions and exceptions. We are required to use commercially reasonable efforts to effect the registration and will pay all registration expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, related to any demand registration. Such request for registration must cover securities with an aggregate offering price of at least $20,000,000. We are not obligated to effect more than two of these registrations.
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Piggyback Registration Rights
In connection with this offering, holders of our registrable securities were entitled to, and the necessary percentage of holders waived, their rights to notice of this offering and to include their registrable securities in this offering. If we propose to register any of our securities under the Securities Act either for our own account or for the account of other stockholders in another offering, the holders of shares having registration rights will, subject to certain exceptions, be entitled to include their shares in our registration statement, provided that the underwriters of any such offering have the right to limit the number of shares included in the registration. These registration rights are subject to specified other conditions and limitations as set forth in our amended and restated investors rights agreement.
Form S-3 Registration Rights
At any time after we are qualified to file a registration statement on Form S-3, and subject to limitations and conditions specified in the amended and restated investors rights agreement, the holders of 25% or more of the registrable securities then outstanding may make a written request that we prepare and file a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act covering their shares, so long as the aggregate price to the public is at least $10,000,000. We are not obligated to effect more than two of these Form S-3 registrations in any 12-month period. Such holders will pay pro rata all expenses related to filing a registration statement on Form S-3.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
Delaware Law
Upon the completion of this offering, we will be governed by the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law regulating corporate takeovers. This section prevents some Delaware corporations from engaging, under some circumstances, in a business combination, which includes a merger or sale of at least 10% of the corporations assets with any interested stockholder, meaning a stockholder who, together with affiliates and associates, owns or, within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status, did own 15% or more of the corporations outstanding voting stock, unless:
| the transaction is approved by the board of directors prior to the time that the interested stockholder became an interested stockholder; |
| upon closing of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction began, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding those shares owned (i) by persons who are directors and also officers and (ii) employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or |
| subsequent to such time that the stockholder became an interested stockholder the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders by at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder. |
A Delaware corporation may opt out of these provisions with an express provision in its original certificate of incorporation or an express provision in its certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws resulting from a stockholders amendment approved by at least a majority of the outstanding voting shares. We have not opted out of these provisions. As a result, mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts of us may be discouraged or prevented.
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Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaw Provisions
Upon the completion of this offering, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws will include a number of provisions that may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying or preventing changes in control of our management team, including the following:
| Board of Directors Vacancies. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws will authorize our board of directors to fill vacant directorships, including newly-created seats. In addition, the number of directors constituting our board of directors will be set only by resolution adopted by a majority vote of our entire board of directors. These provisions will prevent a stockholder from increasing the size of our board of directors and gaining control of our board of directors by filling the resulting vacancies with its own nominees. |
| Classified Board. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws will provide that our board of directors will be classified into three classes of directors, each of which will hold office for a three-year term. In addition, directors may only be removed from the board of directors for cause and only by the approval of 66 2/3% of our then-outstanding shares of our common stock. A third party may be discouraged from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us as it is more difficult and time consuming for stockholders to replace a majority of the directors on a classified board of directors. |
| Stockholder Action; Special Meeting of Stockholders. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that stockholders will not be able to take action by written consent, and will only be able to take action at annual or special meetings of our stockholders. Stockholders will not be permitted to cumulate their votes for the election of directors. Our amended and restated bylaws will further provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by a majority vote of our entire board of directors, the chairman of our board of directors or our chief executive officer. |
| Advance Notice Requirements for Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations. Our amended and restated bylaws will provide advance notice procedures for stockholders seeking to bring business before our annual meeting of stockholders, or to nominate candidates for election as directors at any meeting of stockholders. Our amended and restated bylaws will also specify certain requirements regarding the form and content of a stockholders notice. These provisions may preclude our stockholders from bringing matters before our annual meeting of stockholders or from making nominations for directors at our meetings of stockholders. |
| Issuance of Undesignated Preferred Stock. Our board of directors will have, the authority, without further action by the holders of common stock, to issue up to 1,346,329 shares of undesignated preferred stock with rights and preferences, including voting rights, designated from time to time by the board of directors. The existence of authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock will enable our board of directors to render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise. |
Choice of Forum
Upon the completion of this offering, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; any action asserting a breach of fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers, employees or stockholders to us or our stockholders; any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws or any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs
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doctrine. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will also provide that the U.S. federal district courts will be the exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. Some companies that adopted a similar federal district court forum selection provision were subject to a suit in the Chancery Court of Delaware by stockholders who asserted that the provision is not enforceable. While the Delaware Supreme Court held that such federal district court forum selection provision was in fact valid, there can be no assurance that federal courts or other state courts will follow the holding of the Delaware Supreme Court or determine that the our federal district court forum selection provision should be enforced in a particular case.
These choice of forum provisions do not apply to actions brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Exchange Act. We intend for the choice of forum provision regarding claims arising under the Securities Act to apply despite the fact that Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all actions brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. There is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce such provision with respect to claims under the Securities Act, and our stockholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
These exclusive forum provisions may limit the ability of our stockholders to bring a claim in a judicial forum that such stockholders find favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and employees. Alternatively, if a court were to find such provisions contained in our certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
Upon the completion of this offering, the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock will be ComputerShare Trust Company, N.A. The transfer agents address is 462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600, Louisville, KY 40202.
Listing
We have applied to list our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol TARS.
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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Before this offering, there has not been a public market for shares of our common stock and a liquid trading market for our common stock may not develop or be sustained after this offering. Future sales of substantial amounts of shares of our common stock, including shares issued upon the exercise of outstanding options, in the public market following this offering or the possibility of these sales occurring, could cause the prevailing market price for our common stock to fall or impair our ability to raise equity capital through sales of equity securities in the future.
Upon the closing of this offering, we will have outstanding 18,759,014 shares of our common stock, based on the number of shares outstanding as of June 30, 2020. This includes 5,000,000 shares of common stock that we are selling in this offering, which shares may be resold in the public market immediately unless purchased by our affiliates, excludes 67,316 shares subject to a right of repurchase, and assumes (i) no additional exercise of outstanding options other than as described elsewhere in this prospectus and (ii) the conversion of all of our 11,107,018 outstanding shares of our preferred stock, including the conversion of 2,857,079 shares of Series C preferred stock issued in September 2020, into an aggregate of 11,107,018 shares of our common stock upon the closing of this offering.
Of these shares, all shares sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act, unless purchased by our affiliates, as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. The remaining 13,759,014 shares of common stock (which excludes 67,316 shares that are subject to a right of repurchase) that are not sold in this offering will be restricted securities, as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, and we expect that substantially all of these restricted securities will be subject to the 180-day lock-up period under the lock-up agreements as described below. These restricted securities are eligible for public sale only if they are registered under the Securities Act or if they qualify for an exemption from registration under Rule 144 or Rule 701 under the Securities Act, which are summarized below.
In addition, we, our executive officers and directors, and all of our other security holders have entered into market standoff agreements with us or lock-up agreements with the underwriters under which they have agreed, subject to specific exceptions, not to sell any of our capital stock until at least 180 days after the date of this prospectus, as described below. As a result of these agreements and the provisions of our investors rights agreement disclosed in Description of Capital StockRegistration Rights, subject to the provisions of Rule 144 or Rule 701, 18,759,014 shares will be available for sale in the public market as follows:
| beginning on the date of this prospectus, the 5,000,000 shares sold in this offering will be immediately available for sale in the public market, unless purchased by our affiliates; |
| beginning 181 days after the date of this prospectus, 13,759,014 additional shares (which excludes 67,316 shares that are subject to a right of repurchase) will become eligible for sale in the public market, of which 10,309,606 shares will be held by our current officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders, assuming that our existing stockholders do not participate in this offering, including pursuant to our reserved share program; and |
| the remainder of the shares will be eligible for sale in the public market from time to time thereafter, subject in some cases to the volume and other restrictions of Rule 144, as described below. |
We cannot estimate the number of shares of our common stock that our existing stockholders will elect to sell under Rule 144.
Rule 144
In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a person who has beneficially owned shares of our restricted common stock for at least six months would be entitled to sell their securities provided that such person is not deemed to have been one of our affiliates at the time of, or at any time during the 90 days preceding, a sale, and we are subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, for at least 90 days before the
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sale. In addition, under Rule 144, any person who is not an affiliate of ours and has held their shares for at least one year, including the holding period of any prior owner other than one of our affiliates, would be entitled to sell an unlimited number of shares immediately upon the completion of this offering without regard to whether current public information about us is available. Persons who have beneficially owned shares of our restricted common stock for at least six months but who are our affiliates at the time of, or any time during the 90 days preceding, a sale, would be subject to additional restrictions, by which such person would be entitled to sell within any three-month period only a number of securities that does not exceed the greater of either of the following:
| 1% of the number of shares of our capital stock then outstanding, which will equal 188,264 shares immediately after the completion of this offering, assuming no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares; or |
| the average weekly trading volume of our common stock on Nasdaq during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to such sale. |
provided, in each case, that we have been subject to the Exchange Act periodic reporting requirements for at least 90 days before the sale. Such sales both by affiliates and by non-affiliates must also comply with the manner of sale, current public information and notice provisions of Rule 144.
Rule 701
Any of our employees, directors, officers, consultants, advisors or service providers, other than a person who is deemed to have been one of our affiliates during the immediately preceding 90 days, who purchased shares under a written compensatory plan or contract prior to this offering may be entitled to rely on the resale provisions of Rule 701. Rule 701, as currently in effect, permits resales of shares, in reliance upon Rule 144 but without compliance with certain restrictions, including the holding period requirement, of Rule 144. Rule 701 further provides that non-affiliates may sell such shares in reliance on Rule 144 without having to comply with the public information, volume limitation or notice provisions of Rule 144. All holders of Rule 701 shares are required to wait until 90 days after the date of this prospectus before selling such shares if such resale is pursuant to Rule 701. All Rule 701 shares are, however, subject to lock-up agreements and will only become eligible for sale upon the expiration of these lock-up agreements.
Lock-Up Agreements
In connection with this offering, we and each of our directors and officers and all of our other security holders have agreed that, without the prior written consent of BofA Securities, Inc. and Jefferies LLC, on behalf of the underwriters, we and they will not, subject to certain exceptions, during the period ending 180 days after the date of this prospectus:
| offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, shares of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our common stock whether now owned or hereafter acquired or with respect to which such holder has or acquires the power of disposition, of the Lock-up Securities; |
| enter into any swap or other agreement or transaction that transfers to another, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Lock-up Securities, whether any such swap or transaction is to be settled by delivery of our common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise; or |
| publicly disclose the intention to do any of the foregoing. |
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Each of our directors and executive officers and the holders of substantially all of our outstanding stock and stock options have also agreed during such 180-period not to make any demand for, or exercise any right with respect to, or confidentially submit or cause to be filed or confidentially submitted any registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to, the registration of shares of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of our common stock, or warrants or other rights to purchase shares of our common stock or any such securities.
Certain of our employees, including our executive officers, and directors may enter into written trading plans that are intended to comply with Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act. Sales under these trading plans would not be permitted until the expiration of the lock-up agreements relating to our initial public offering described above.
Registration Rights
Under our amended and restated investors rights agreement, after the completion of this offering, the holders of up to 11,107,018 shares of our common stock will, subject to the lock-up agreements referred to above, be entitled to certain rights, subject to certain conditions, to require us to file registration statements covering their shares or to include their shares in registration statements that we may file for ourselves or other stockholders. The registration of these shares of our common stock under the Securities Act would result in these shares becoming eligible for sale in the public market without restriction under the Securities Act immediately upon the effectiveness of such registration, subject to the Rule 144 limitations applicable to affiliates. See the section titled Description of Capital StockRegistration Rights for a description of these registration rights.
Equity Plans
As of June 30, 2020, we had outstanding options to purchase an aggregate of 1,230,701 shares of our common stock under the 2016 Plan. Following this offering, we intend to file a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register all of the shares of our common stock subject to options outstanding or reserved for issuance under the 2016 Plan, the 2020 Plan and the 2020 ESPP. We expect to file this registration statement as soon as practicable after the completion of this offering. This registration statement will become effective immediately upon filing, and shares covered by this registration statement will thereupon be eligible for sale in the public markets, subject to vesting restrictions, the lock-up agreements described above and Rule 144 limitations applicable to affiliates. For a more complete discussion of our stock plans, see Executive CompensationEquity Plans.
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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
FOR NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON STOCK
The following is a general discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to non-U.S. holders (as defined below) with respect to their ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock issued pursuant to this offering. For purposes of this discussion, a non-U.S. holder means a beneficial owner of our common stock (other than an entity or arrangement that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is not, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, any of the following:
| an individual citizen or resident of the United States; |
| a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; |
| an estate, the income of which is includable in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source; or |
| a trust if (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons, as defined under the Code, have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (ii) such trust has made a valid election to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes. |
This discussion is based on current provisions of the Code, existing, temporary and proposed Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial opinions, published positions of the Internal Revenue Service or, the IRS, and other applicable authorities, all of which are subject to change or to differing interpretation, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion assumes that a non-U.S. holder holds shares of our common stock as a capital asset (generally, property held for investment) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be important to a particular non-U.S. holder in light of that non-U.S. holders individual circumstances, nor does it address any aspects of the unearned income Medicare contribution tax pursuant to the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, any U.S. gift taxes, any U.S. alternative minimum taxes or any state, local or non-U.S. taxes. This discussion may not apply, in whole or in part, to particular non-U.S. holders in light of their individual circumstances or to holders subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws (such as insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, financial institutions, brokers or dealers in securities, controlled foreign corporations, passive foreign investment companies, non-U.S. holders that hold our common stock as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion transaction or other integrated investment and certain U.S. expatriates). If a partnership (or other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner therein will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partners of a partnership holding our common stock should consult their tax advisor as to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to them.
INVESTORS CONSIDERING THE PURCHASE OF OUR COMMON STOCK SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME AND ESTATE TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF NON-U.S., STATE, OR LOCAL LAWS AND TAX TREATIES.
Dividends
We do not expect to declare or make any distributions on our common stock in the foreseeable future. If we do pay dividends on shares of our common stock, however, such distributions will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as
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determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will constitute a return of capital that is applied against and reduces, but not below zero, a non-U.S. holders adjusted tax basis in shares of our common stock. Any excess will be treated as capital gain and will be subject to the treatment described below under Gain on Sale or Other Disposition of Common Stock. Any distributions will also be subject to the discussion below under Backup Withholding and Information Reporting and Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act.
Any dividend paid to a non-U.S. holder on our common stock that is not effectively connected with a non-U.S. holders conduct of a trade or business in the United States will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax at a 30% rate. The withholding tax might apply at a reduced rate, however, under the terms of an applicable income tax treaty between the United States and the non-U.S. holders country of residence. You should consult your own tax advisors regarding your entitlement to benefits under a relevant income tax treaty. Generally, in order for us or our paying agent to withhold tax at a lower treaty rate, a non-U.S. holder must certify its entitlement to treaty benefits. A non-U.S. holder generally can meet this certification requirement by providing an IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BENE or other appropriate form (or any successor or substitute form thereof) to us or our paying agent. If the non-U.S. holder holds the stock through a financial institution or other agent acting on the holders behalf, the holder will be required to provide appropriate documentation to the holders agent. The holders agent will then be required to provide certification to us or our paying agent, either directly or through other intermediaries. If you are eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. federal withholding tax under an income tax treaty, you may obtain a refund or credit of any excess amounts withheld by filing an appropriate claim for a refund with the IRS in a timely manner.
Dividends received by a non-U.S. holder that are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by the non-U.S. holder, and if required by an applicable income tax treaty between the United States and the non-U.S. holders country of residence, are attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States, are not subject to U.S. withholding tax. To obtain this exemption, a non-U.S. holder must provide us or our paying agent with an IRS Form W-8ECI properly certifying such exemption. Such effectively connected dividends, although not subject to withholding tax, are taxed at the same graduated rates applicable to U.S. persons, net of certain deductions and credits. In addition to being taxed at graduated tax rates, dividends received by a corporate non-U.S. holder that are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the corporate non-U.S. holder may also be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable tax treaty.
Gain on Sale or Other Disposition of Common Stock
Subject to the discussion below under Backup Withholding and Information Reporting and Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, non-U.S. holders will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gains realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock unless:
| the gain (i) is effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a U.S. trade or business and (ii) if required by an applicable income tax treaty between the United States and the non-U.S. holders country of residence, is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States (in which case the special rules described below apply); |
| the non-U.S. holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock, and certain other requirements are met (in which case the gain would be subject to a flat 30% tax, or such reduced rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty, which may be offset by U.S. source capital losses, even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States); or |
| the rules of the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, or FIRPTA, treat the gain as effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. |
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The FIRPTA rules may apply to a sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock if we are, or were within the shorter of the five-year period preceding the disposition and the non-U.S. holders holding period, a U.S. real property holding corporation, or USRPHC. In general, we would be a USRPHC if interests in U.S. real estate comprised at least half of the value of our business assets. We do not believe that we are a USRPHC and we do not anticipate becoming one in the future. Even if we are or were to become a USRPHC, gain arising from the sale or other taxable disposition by a non-U.S. holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax if our common stock is regularly traded, as defined by applicable Treasury Regulations, on an established securities market, and such non-U.S. holder owned, actually and constructively, 5% or less of our common stock throughout the shorter of the five-year period ending on the date of the sale or other taxable disposition or the non-U.S. holders holding period.
If any gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock, (i) is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by a non-U.S. holder and (ii) if required by an applicable income tax treaty between the United States and the non-U.S. holders country of residence, is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by such non-U.S. holder in the United States, then the gain generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the same graduated rates applicable to U.S. persons, net of certain deductions and credits. If the non-U.S. holder is a corporation, under certain circumstances, that portion of its earnings and profits that is effectively connected with its U.S. trade or business, subject to certain adjustments, generally would be subject also to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
We must report annually to the IRS and to each non-U.S. holder the amount of dividends paid to, and the tax withheld with respect to, each non-U.S. holder. These reporting requirements apply regardless of whether withholding was reduced or eliminated by an applicable tax treaty. Copies of this information reporting may also be made available under the provisions of a specific tax treaty or agreement with the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides or is established.
A non-U.S. holder will generally be subject to backup withholding for dividends on our common stock paid to such holder unless such holder certifies under penalties of perjury that, among other things, it is a non-U.S. holder (and the payer does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that such holder is a U.S. person) or otherwise establishes an exemption.
Information reporting and backup withholding generally are not required with respect to the amount of any proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our common stock by a non-U.S. holder outside the United States through a foreign office of a foreign broker that does not have certain specified connections to the United States. However, if a non-U.S. holder sells or otherwise disposes of its shares of common stock through a U.S. broker or the U.S. offices of a foreign broker, the broker will generally be required to report the amount of proceeds paid to the non-U.S. holder to the IRS and impose backup withholding on that amount unless such non-U.S. holder provides appropriate certification to the broker of its status as a non-U.S. holder (and the payer does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that such holder is a U.S. person) or otherwise establishes an exemption.
Backup withholding is not an additional income tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a non-U.S. holder generally can be credited against the non-U.S. holders U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, or refunded, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the information reporting and backup withholding rules to them.
Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act
Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or FATCA, withholding tax of 30% applies to certain payments to foreign financial institutions, investment funds and certain other non-U.S. persons that fail to
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comply with certain information reporting and certification requirements pertaining to their direct and indirect U.S. securityholders and/or U.S. accountholders and do not otherwise qualify for an exemption. Under applicable Treasury Regulations and IRS guidance, this withholding currently applies to payments of dividends, if any, on, and, subject to the proposed Treasury Regulations discussed below, gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, our common stock. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and a foreign country may modify the requirements described in this paragraph.
While, beginning on January 1, 2019, withholding under FATCA would have applied also to payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our common stock, proposed Treasury Regulations eliminate FATCA withholding on payments of gross proceeds entirely. Taxpayers generally may rely on these proposed Treasury Regulations until final Treasury Regulations are issued.
Prospective investors are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the possible implications of FATCA on their investment in our common stock.
Federal Estate Tax
Common stock we have issued that is owned (or treated as owned) by an individual who is not a citizen or a resident of the United States (as defined for U.S. federal estate tax purposes) at the time of death will be included in the individuals gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes unless an applicable estate or other tax treaty provides otherwise, and therefore may be subject to U.S. federal estate tax.
PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE POTENTIAL APPLICATION OF WITHHOLDING UNDER FATCA TO THEIR INVESTMENT IN OUR COMMON STOCK. THE PRECEDING DISCUSSION OF U.S. FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT TAX ADVICE. EACH PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR SHOULD CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE PARTICULAR U.S. FEDERAL, GIFT, ESTATE, STATE, LOCAL, AND NON-U.S. TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING, HOLDING, AND DISPOSING OF OUR COMMON STOCK, INCLUDING THE CONSEQUENCES OF ANY PROPOSED CHANGE IN APPLICABLE LAWS.
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BofA Securities, Inc., Jefferies LLC and Raymond James & Associates, Inc. are acting as representatives of each of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement among us and the underwriters, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each of the underwriters has agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase from us, the number of shares of common stock set forth opposite its name below.
Underwriter |
Number of Shares |
|||
BofA Securities, Inc. |
||||
Jefferies LLC |
||||
Raymond James & Associates, Inc. |
||||
LifeSci Capital LLC |
||||
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. |
||||
|
|
|||
Total |
5,000,000 | |||
|
|
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement, the underwriters have agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase all of the shares sold under the underwriting agreement if any of these shares are purchased. If an underwriter defaults, the underwriting agreement provides that the purchase commitments of the nondefaulting underwriters may be increased or the underwriting agreement may be terminated.
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
The underwriters are offering the shares, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the validity of the shares, and other conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters of officers certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.
Commissions and Discounts
The representatives have advised us that the underwriters propose initially to offer the shares to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of $ per share. After the initial offering, the public offering price, concession or any other term of the offering may be changed.
The following table shows the public offering price, underwriting discount and proceeds before expenses to us. The information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares.
Per Share |
Without Option |
With Option |
||||||||||
Public offering price |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Underwriting discounts and commissions |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Proceeds, before expenses, to us |
$ | $ | $ |
The expenses of the offering, not including the underwriting discount, are estimated at $2.3 million and are payable by us. We have also agreed to reimburse the underwriters for their expenses relating to clearance of this offering with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority in an amount up to $40,000. We have also agreed to reimburse the underwriters (including the affiliate of BofA Securities, Inc.) for certain fees and expenses in connection with the reserved share program described below, including the fees and disbursements of counsel to the underwriters (including counsel to the affiliate of BofA Securities, Inc.) in an amount up to $20,000.
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Option to Purchase Additional Shares
We have granted an option to the underwriters, exercisable for 30 days after the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to 750,000 additional shares at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount. If the underwriters exercise this option, each will be obligated, subject to conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, to purchase a number of additional shares proportionate to that underwriters initial amount reflected in the above table.
Reserved Share Program
At our request, an affiliate of BofA Securities, Inc., a participating underwriter, has reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to approximately 3.7% of the shares offered by this prospectus for sale to some of our business associates and certain other persons associated with us. If these persons purchase reserved shares it will reduce the number of shares available for sale to the general public. Any reserved shares that are not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same terms as the other shares offered by this prospectus.
No Sales of Similar Securities
We, our executive officers and directors and our other existing security holders have agreed not to sell or transfer any common stock or securities convertible into, exchangeable for, exercisable for, or repayable with common stock, for 180 days after the date of this prospectus without first obtaining the written consent of BofA Securities, Inc. and Jefferies LLC. Specifically, we and these other persons have agreed, with certain limited exceptions, not to directly or indirectly
| offer, pledge, sell or contract to sell any common stock, |
| sell any option or contract to purchase any common stock, |
| purchase any option or contract to sell any common stock, |
| grant any option, right or warrant for the sale of any common stock, |
| lend or otherwise dispose of or transfer any common stock, |
| request or demand that we file or make a confidential submission of a registration statement related to the common stock, |
| enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic consequence of ownership of any common stock whether any such swap or transaction is to be settled by delivery of shares or other securities, in cash or otherwise, or |
| publicly disclose the intention to do any of the foregoing. |
This lock-up provision applies to common stock and to securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for or repayable with common stock. It also applies to common stock owned now or acquired later by the person executing the agreement or for which the person executing the agreement later acquires the power of disposition. BofA Securities, Inc. and Jefferies LLC, in their sole discretion, may release the common stock and other securities subject to the lock-up agreements described above in whole or in part at any time with or without notice. In addition, in the event that one or more stockholders is granted an early release from any restriction on transfer described in the lock-up agreements during the lockup period described therein with respect to our securities in an aggregate amount in excess one percent of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock on
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an as-converted to common stock basis (whether in one or multiple releases), then each stockholder holding in excess of five percent of the outstanding shares of our securities on an as-converted to common stock basis, or a Major Holder, will automatically be granted an early release on the same terms from the lock-up restrictions on transfer under the lock-up agreement on a pro-rata basis. In the event of an underwritten primary or secondary public offering or sale of our common stock during the period ending 180 days after the date of this prospectus, such early release shall only apply with respect to such Major Holders participation in such offering.
Nasdaq Global Market Listing
We have applied to list our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol TARS.
Before this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. The initial public offering price will be determined through negotiations between us and the representatives. In addition to prevailing market conditions, the factors to be considered in determining the initial public offering price are
| the valuation multiples of publicly traded companies that the representatives believe to be comparable to us, |
| our financial information, |
| the history of, and the prospects for, our company and the industry in which we compete, |
| an assessment of our management, its past and present operations, and the prospects for, and timing of, our future revenues, |
| the present state of our development, and |
| the above factors in relation to market values and various valuation measures of other companies engaged in activities similar to ours. |
An active trading market for the shares may not develop. It is also possible that after the offering the shares will not trade in the public market at or above the initial public offering price.
The underwriters do not expect to sell more than 5% of the shares in the aggregate to accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority.
Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids
Until the distribution of the shares is completed, SEC rules may limit underwriters and selling group members from bidding for and purchasing our common stock. However, the representatives may engage in transactions that stabilize the price of the common stock, such as bids or purchases to peg, fix or maintain that price.
In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell our common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, purchases on the open market to cover positions created by short sales and stabilizing transactions. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering. Covered short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters option to purchase additional shares described above. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to
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the price at which they may purchase shares through the option granted to them. Naked short sales are sales in excess of such option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of our common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of shares of common stock made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the offering.
The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased shares sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.
Similar to other purchase transactions, the underwriters purchases to cover the syndicate short sales may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our common stock. As a result, the price of our common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. The underwriters may conduct these transactions on the Nasdaq Global Market, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.
Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of our common stock. In addition, neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation that the representatives will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
Electronic Distribution
In connection with the offering, certain of the underwriters or securities dealers may distribute prospectuses by electronic means, such as e-mail.
Other Relationships
The underwriters and their respective affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include sales and trading, commercial and investment banking, advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, market making, brokerage and other financial and non-financial activities and services. Some of the underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, investment banking and other commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with us or our affiliates. They have received, or may in the future receive, customary fees and commissions for these transactions.
In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom
In relation to each member state of the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom (each a Relevant State), no shares have been offered or will be offered pursuant to this offering to the public in that Relevant State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the shares which has been approved by the competent authority in that Relevant State or, where appropriate, approved in another Relevant State and notified to the competent authority in that Relevant State, all in accordance with the Prospectus Regulation), except that
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offers of shares may be made to the public in that Relevant State at any time under the following exemptions under the Prospectus Regulation:
| to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined under the Prospectus Regulation; |
| to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined under the Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the representatives for any such offer; or |
| in any other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation, provided that no such offer of shares shall require the Company or any representative to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the Prospectus Regulation. |
Each person in a Relevant State who initially acquires any shares or to whom any offer is made will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed to and with the Company and the representatives that it is a qualified investor within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation.
In the case of any shares being offered to a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 5(1) of the Prospectus Regulation, each such financial intermediary will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that the shares acquired by it in the offer have not been acquired on a non-discretionary basis on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in circumstances which may give rise to an offer to the public other than their offer or resale in a Relevant State to qualified investors, in circumstances in which the prior consent of the representatives has been obtained to each such proposed offer or resale.
The Company, the underwriters and their respective affiliates will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations, acknowledgements and agreements.
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an offer to the public in relation to any shares in any Relevant State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for any shares, and the expression Prospectus Regulation means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.
References to the Prospectus Regulation includes, in relation to the UK, the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.
The above selling restriction is in addition to any other selling restrictions set out below.
In connection with the offering, the underwriters are not acting for anyone other than the Company and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to their clients nor for providing advice in relation to the offering.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom
This document is for distribution only to persons who (i) have professional experience in matters relating to investments and who qualify as investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended, or, the Financial Promotion Order, (ii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) (high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.) of the Financial Promotion Order, (iii) are outside the United Kingdom or (iv) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended, or FSMA) in connection with the issue
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or sale of any securities may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as relevant persons). This document is directed only at relevant persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Switzerland
The shares may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, or SIX, or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the shares or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.
Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, the Company, or the shares have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of shares will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority, or FINMA, and the offer of shares has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes, or CISA. The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of shares.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the Dubai International Financial Centre
This prospectus relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Offered Securities Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority, or DFSA. This prospectus is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Offered Securities Rules of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for the prospectus. The shares to which this prospectus relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the shares offered should conduct their own due diligence on the shares. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus you should consult an authorized financial advisor.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Australia
No placement document, prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document has been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, or ASIC, in relation to the offering. This prospectus does not constitute a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act 2001, or the Corporations Act, and does not purport to include the information required for a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act.
Any offer in Australia of the shares may only be made to persons, or the Exempt Investors, who are sophisticated investors (within the meaning of section 708(8) of the Corporations Act), professional investors (within the meaning of section 708(11) of the Corporations Act) or otherwise pursuant to one or more exemptions contained in section 708 of the Corporations Act so that it is lawful to offer the shares without disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.
The shares applied for by Exempt Investors in Australia must not be offered for sale in Australia in the period of 12 months after the date of allotment under the offering, except in circumstances where disclosure to
- 209 -
investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act would not be required pursuant to an exemption under section 708 of the Corporations Act or otherwise or where the offer is pursuant to a disclosure document which complies with Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act. Any person acquiring shares must observe such Australian on-sale restrictions.
This prospectus contains general information only and does not take account of the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. It does not contain any securities recommendations or financial product advice. Before making an investment decision, investors need to consider whether the information in this prospectus is appropriate to their needs, objectives and circumstances, and, if necessary, seek expert advice on those matters.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong
The shares have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold in Hong Kong, by means of any document, other than (a) to professional investors as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under that Ordinance; or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a prospectus as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the shares has been or may be issued or has been or may be in the possession of any person for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to shares which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to professional investors as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Japan
The shares have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (Law No. 25 of 1948, as amended) and, accordingly, will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan, or for the benefit of any Japanese Person or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to any Japanese Person, except in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines promulgated by relevant Japanese governmental or regulatory authorities in effect at the relevant time. For the purposes of this paragraph, Japanese Person shall mean any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Singapore
This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, the shares were not offered or sold or caused to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase and will not be offered or sold or caused to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, and this prospectus or any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the shares, has not been circulated or distributed, nor will it be circulated or distributed, whether directly or indirectly, to any person in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor (as defined in Section 4A of the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289) of Singapore, as modified or amended from time to time, or the SFA,) pursuant to Section 274 of the SFA, (ii) to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA) pursuant to Section 275(1) of the SFA, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A) of the SFA, and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA, or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.
- 210 -
Where the shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:
(a) | a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or |
(b) | a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor, securities or securities-based derivatives contracts (each term as defined in Section 2(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the beneficiaries rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the shares pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except: |
(c) | to an institutional investor or to a relevant person, or to any person arising from an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) or Section 276(4)(i)(B) of the SFA; |
(d) | where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer; |
(e) | where the transfer is by operation of law; or |
(f) | as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA. |
Notice to Prospective Investors in Canada
The shares may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the shares must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.
Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchasers province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchasers province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.
Pursuant to section 3A.3 (or, in the case of securities issued or guaranteed by the government of a non-Canadian jurisdiction, section 3A.4) of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.
- 211 -
The validity of the shares of our common stock offered in this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian, LLP, San Diego, California. Shearman & Sterling LLP, New York, New York is acting as counsel for the underwriters in connection with this offering. Certain investment partnerships comprised of partners of Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian, LLP, own an interest representing less than one percent of the shares of our common stock.
Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our financial statements at December 31, 2018 and 2019, and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019, as set forth in their report. Weve included our financial statements in the prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement in reliance on Ernst & Young LLPs report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement or the exhibits, schedules and amendments to the registration statement. Please refer to the registration statement and to the exhibits and schedules for further information with respect to the common stock offered by this prospectus. Statements contained in this prospectus regarding the contents of any contract, agreement or other document are only summaries. With respect to any contract, agreement or document that is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, you should refer to the exhibit for a copy of the contract, agreement or document, and each statement in this prospectus regarding that contract, agreement or document is qualified by reference to the exhibit. The SEC maintains an Internet website that contains the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, as well as the exhibits thereto. These documents, along with future reports, proxy statements and other information about us, are available at the SECs website, www.sec.gov. The information on the SECs web site is not part of this prospectus, and any references to this web site or any other web site are inactive textual references only.
Upon completion of this offering, we will become subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and, in accordance with this law, will be required to file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. These periodic reports, proxy statements and other information will be available on the SECs website referred to above. We also maintain a website at www.tarsusrx.com, at which you may access these materials free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not a part of this prospectus. Investors should not rely on any such information in deciding whether to purchase our common stock. We have included our website address in this prospectus solely as an inactive textual reference.
- 212 -
INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Pages |
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F-2 | ||||
F-3 | ||||
F-4 | ||||
F-5 | ||||
F-6 | ||||
F-7 |
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2018 and 2019, the related statements of operations and comprehensive loss, preferred stock and stockholders deficit and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2018 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Companys financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (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. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
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.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Companys auditor since 2020.
Irvine, California
August 7, 2020
except for the retroactive effect of the 1-for-7.4276 reverse stock split as described in the second paragraph of Note 1(a), as to which the date is
October 9, 2020
F-2
BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and par value amounts)
December 31, | June 30, (unaudited) |
Pro Forma Stockholders Equity as of June 30, (unaudited) |
||||||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 2,355 | $ | 57,952 | $ | 53,135 | ||||||||||
Restricted cash |
20 | 20 | 20 | |||||||||||||
Other receivables |
4 | 36 | 2 | |||||||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
4 | 22 | 1,549 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total current assets |
2,383 | 58,030 | 54,706 | |||||||||||||
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation |
6 | 154 | 540 | |||||||||||||
Operating lease right-of-use asset |
| 126 | 855 | |||||||||||||
Other assets |
| 6 | 138 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 2,389 | $ | 58,316 | $ | 56,239 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
LIABILITIES, PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS (DEFICIT) EQUITY |
||||||||||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities |
$ | 176 | $ | 520 | $ | 2,803 | ||||||||||
Accrued payroll and benefits |
3 | 299 | 272 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total current liabilities |
179 | 819 | 3,075 | |||||||||||||
Other long-term liabilities |
| 100 | 797 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total liabilities |
179 | 919 | 3,872 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10) |
||||||||||||||||
Series A Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value; 1,575,030 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2018, December 31, 2019, and June 30, 2020 (unaudited); liquidation preference of $3,650 at December 31, 2018, December 31, 2019 and June 30, 2020 (unaudited); no shares authorized, issued or outstanding, pro forma (unaudited) |
3,564 | 3,564 | 3,564 | $ | | |||||||||||
Series B Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value; zero shares authorized, issued or outstanding at December 31, 2018 and 6,731,649 shares authorized and 6,674,909 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and June 30, 2020 (unaudited); liquidation preference of $0 at December 31, 2018, and $60,010 at December 31, 2019 and June 30, 2020, (unaudited); no shares authorized, issued or outstanding, pro forma (unaudited) |
| 59,838 | 59,838 | | ||||||||||||
Stockholders (deficit) equity: |
||||||||||||||||
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 13,867,198 shares authorized; 2,677,846 shares issued and 2,078,918 outstanding, which excludes 598,928 shares subject to repurchase at December 31, 2018; 2,650,919 shares issued and 2,646,619 outstanding, which excludes 4,300 shares subject to repurchase at December 31, 2019; 2,719,312 shares issued and 2,651,996 outstanding, which excludes 67,316 shares subject to repurchase at June 30, 2020 (unaudited); 13,867,198 shares authorized, 10,969,251 shares issued and 10,901,935 outstanding, which excludes 67,316 shares subject to repurchase pro forma (unaudited) |
1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | ||||||||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
9 | 27 | 204 | 63,607 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(1,364 | ) | (6,034 | ) | (11,241 | ) | (11,241 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total stockholders (deficit) equity |
(1,354 | ) | (6,005 | ) | (11,035 | ) | 52,367 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total liabilities, preferred stock and stockholders (deficit) equity |
$ | 2,389 | $ | 58,316 | $ | 56,239 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to these financial statements.
F-3
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Year Ended December 31, | Six Months Ended June 30, (unaudited) |
|||||||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2019 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||
Research and development |
$ | 901 | $ | 3,162 | $ | 2,066 | $ | 3,249 | ||||||||
General and administrative |
449 | 1,136 | 514 | 2,132 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total operating expenses |
1,350 | 4,298 | 2,580 | 5,381 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Loss from operations before other income (expense) and income taxes |
(1,350 | ) | (4,298 | ) | (2,580 | ) | (5,381 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Other income (expense): |
||||||||||||||||
Interest income (expense), net |
32 | (40 | ) | 5 | 174 | |||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of convertible notes |
| (255 | ) | | | |||||||||||
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities |
| (76 | ) | | | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total other income (expense) |
32 | (371 | ) | 5 | 174 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Provision for income taxes |
(1 | ) | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net loss and comprehensive loss |
$ | (1,319 | ) | $ | (4,670 | ) | $ | (2,576 | ) | $ | (5,207 | ) | ||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted |
$ | (0.75 | ) | $ | (1.98 | ) | $ | (1.15 | ) | $ | (1.96 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|||||||||
Weighted-average shares outstanding used in computing net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted |
1,759,495 | 2,362,768 | 2,238,793 | 2,650,843 | ||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
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|
|||||||||
Pro forma net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted (unaudited) |
$ | (1.09 | ) | $ | (0.48 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Weighted-average shares outstanding used in computing pro forma net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted (unaudited) |
4,285,262 | 10,900,782 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to these financial statements.
F-4
STATEMENTS OF PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT
(In thousands, except share data)
Preferred Stock |
Common Stock |
Additional Paid-In |
Accumulated Deficit |
Total Stockholders Deficit |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares |
Amount |
Shares |
Amount |
Capital |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2017 |
| $ | | 1,434,027 | $ | 1 | $ | | $ | (45 | ) | $ | (44 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net loss |
| (1,319 | ) | (1,319 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Recognition of stock-based compensation expense |
| | | | 9 | | 9 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock under stock purchase agreements |
| | 5,385 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Vesting of founder shares subject to repurchase |
| | 538,532 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Lapse of repurchase rights related to common stock issued pursuant to early exercises |
| | 100,974 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock for cash, net of issuance costs of $86 |
1,575,030 | 3,564 | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
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Balance as of December 31, 2018 |
1,575,030 | $ | 3,564 | 2,078,918 | $ | 1 | $ | 9 | $ | (1,364 | ) | $ | (1,354 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | | | (4,670 | ) | (4,670 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Recognition of stock-based compensation expense |
| | | | 18 | | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Vesting of founder shares subject to repurchase |
493,654 | 1 | | | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Lapse of repurchase rights related to common stock issued pursuant to early exercises |
| | 74,047 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of Series B Preferred Stock upon conversion of Convertible Notes |
268,056 | 2,410 | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of Series B Preferred Stock for cash, net of issuance costs of $172 |
6,406,853 | 57,428 | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2019 |
8,249,939 | $ | 63,402 | 2,646,619 | $ | 2 | $ | 27 | $ | (6,034 | ) | $ | (6,005 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2018 |
1,575,030 | $ | 3,564 | 2,078,918 | $ | 1 | $ | 9 | $ | (1,364 | ) | $ | (1,354 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net loss (unaudited) |
| | | | | (2,576 | ) | (2,576 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Recognition of stock-based compensation expense (unaudited) |
| | | | 9 | | 9 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Vesting of founder shares subject to repurchase (unaudited) |
| | 269,264 | 1 | | | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Lapse of repurchase rights related to common stock issued pursuant to early exercises (unaudited) |
| | 50,486 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2019 (unaudited) |
1,575,030 | $ | 3,564 | 2,398,668 | $ | 2 | $ | 18 | $ | (3,940 | ) | $ | (3,920 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2019 |
8,249,939 | $ | 63,402 | 2,646,619 | $ | 2 | $ | 27 | $ | (6,034 | ) | $ | (6,005 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net loss (unaudited) |
| | | | | (5,207 | ) | (5,207 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Recognition of stock-based compensation expense (unaudited) |
| | | | 177 | | 177 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Lapse of repurchase rights related to common stock issued pursuant to early exercises (unaudited) |
| | 4,300 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of vested stock options (unaudited) |
| | 1,077 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2020 (unaudited) |
8,249,939 | $ | 63,402 | 2,651,996 | $ | 2 | $ | 204 | $ | (11,241 | ) | $ | (11,035 | ) | ||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to these financial statements.
F-5
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Year
ended |
Six Months Ended June 30, (unaudited) |
|||||||||||||||
2018 |
2019 |
2019 |
2020 |
|||||||||||||
Cash Flows From Operating Activities: |
||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (1,319 | ) | $ | (4,670 | ) | $ | (2,576 | ) | $ | (5,207 | ) | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
1 | 37 | 9 | 32 | ||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation (Note 5) |
9 | 18 | 9 | 177 | ||||||||||||
Amortization of operating lease right-of-use asset (Note 10(a)) |
| 37 | 15 | 38 | ||||||||||||
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities (Note 9) |
| 76 | | | ||||||||||||
Non-cash related party interest expense |
| 89 | 6 | | ||||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of convertible notes (Note 9) |
| 255 | | | ||||||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||
Other receivables |
(4 | ) | (32 | ) | (30 | ) | 34 | |||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
(4 | ) | (18 | ) | (2 | ) | (1,526 | ) | ||||||||
Other non-current assets |
| (6 | ) | (6 | ) | (27 | ) | |||||||||
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities |
131 | 245 | 261 | 1,953 | ||||||||||||
Accrued payroll and benefits |
3 | 296 | 17 | (27 | ) | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net cash used in operating activities |
(1,183 | ) | (3,673 | ) | (2,297 | ) | (4,553 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Cash Flows From Investing Activities: |
||||||||||||||||
Purchases of property and equipment |
(7 | ) | (175 | ) | (145 | ) | (371 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Cash used in investing activities |
(7 | ) | (175 | ) | (145 | ) | (371 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Cash Flows From Financing Activities: |
||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of Series A Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs (Note 4) |
3,564 | | | | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of Series B Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs (Note 4) |
| 57,456 | | (28 | ) | |||||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes, net of issuance costs (Note 9) |
| 1,989 | 500 | | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from early exercise of stock options |
| | | 135 | ||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
3,564 | 59,445 | 500 | 107 | ||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
2,374 | 55,597 | (1,942 | ) | (4,817 | ) | ||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash beginning of year |
1 | 2,375 | 2,375 | 57,972 | ||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash end of year |
$ | 2,375 | $ | 57,972 | $ | 433 | $ | 53,155 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 2,355 | $ | 57,952 | $ | 413 | $ | 53,135 | ||||||||
Restricted cash |
20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
$ | 2,375 | $ | 57,972 | $ | 433 | $ | 53,155 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Supplemental Disclosures Noncash Investing and Financing Activities: |
||||||||||||||||
Operating lease right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for operating lease liability |
$ | | $ | 163 | $ | 163 | $ | 767 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Settlement of derivative liabilities upon conversion of convertible notes (Note 9) |
$ | | $ | 363 | $ | | $ | | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Additions of property and equipment in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities (Note 3(b)) |
$ | | $ | 10 | $ | 2 | $ | 47 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Series B Preferred Stock issuance costs in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities |
$ | | $ | 28 | $ | | $ | | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Conversion of convertible notes to Series B Preferred Stock (Note 9) |
$ | | $ | 2,410 | $ | | $ | | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Convertible notes issuance costs included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
$ | | $ | | $ | 3 | $ | | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Deferred offering costs included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 106 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to these financial statements.
F-6
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(a) Description of Business
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Tarsus or the Company) is a late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel therapeutic candidates to address large market opportunities initially in ophthalmic conditions where there are limited treatment alternatives.
On October 8, 2020, the Board of Directors approved a 1-for-7.4276 reverse stock split of the Companys capital stock and the Company filed a certificate of amendment to its restated certificate of incorporation to effect the split. The par value was not adjusted as a result of the reverse split. All share and per share information included in the accompanying financial statements has been adjusted to reflect this reverse stock split.
(b) Liquidity Risks
The Company has no revenue and incurred losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception, resulting in an accumulated deficit of $6.0 million as of December 31, 2019, and $11.2 million as of June 30, 2020. The Companys cash and cash equivalents was $2.4 million, $58.0 million, and $53.1 million as of December 31, 2018, December 31, 2019, and June 30, 2020, respectively, and has historically financed its operations primarily through equity capital raises. Additionally, in September 2020, the Company received $40.0 million in gross cash proceeds from the sale of its Series C preferred stock. See Note 12. The Company believes that existing capital resources, including the cash proceeds received from the issuance of Series C preferred stock, will be sufficient to meet projected operating requirements for at least 12 months from the date of issuance of the accompanying financial statements, though expects to incur operating losses and negative cash flows for the foreseeable future.
The Companys operations have consisted primarily of its organization, securing financing, in-licensing intellectual property, and conducting preclinical and clinical studies. The Company faces risks associated with early-stage biotechnology companies whose product candidates are in development that require significant additional research and development efforts, including extensive preclinical and clinical testing and regulatory approval prior to commercialization. These efforts require the Company to expend large amounts of additional capital to complete research and development, achieve research and development objectives, defend intellectual property rights, and recruit and retain skilled personnel, including key members of management.
If the Company raises additional funds by issuing equity securities, its stockholders may experience dilution. Any future debt financing into which the Company enters may impose additional covenants that restrict operations, including limitations on its ability to incur liens or additional debt, pay dividends, repurchase common stock, make certain investments or engage in certain merger, consolidation or asset sale transactions. Any debt financing or additional equity raise may contain terms that are not favorable to the Company or its stockholders. Further, adequate funding may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all. The Companys potential inability to raise capital when needed could have a negative impact on its financial condition and ability to pursue planned business strategies. If the Company is unable to raise additional funds as required, it may need to delay, reduce, or terminate some or all its development programs and clinical trials. The Company may also be required to sell or license its rights to product candidates in certain territories or indications that it would otherwise prefer to develop and commercialize on its own. If the Company is required to enter into collaborations
F-7
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
and other arrangements to address its liquidity needs, it may have to give up certain rights that limit its ability to develop and commercialize product candidates or may have other terms that are not favorable to the Company or its stockholders, which could materially and adversely affect its business and financial prospects.
(c) Operating Segment
To date, the Company has operated and managed its business and financial information on an aggregate basis for the purposes of evaluating financial performance and the allocation of resources. Accordingly, the Companys management determined that it operates in one reportable operating segment that is focused exclusively on developing pharmaceutical products for commercialization.
(d) Emerging Growth Company Status
The Company is an emerging growth company, as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards issued subsequent to the enactment of the JOBS Act until such time as those standards apply to private companies. The Company has irrevocably elected to not take this exemption and, as a result, will adopt new or revised accounting standards on the relevant effective dates on which adoption of such standards is required for other public companies that are not emerging growth companies.
(e) Unaudited Interim Financial Information
The interim condensed balance sheet as of June 30, 2020, and the interim condensed statements of operations and comprehensive loss, changes in preferred stock and stockholders deficit and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 are unaudited. These unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the Companys annual financial statements and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, which consist of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair statement of the Companys financial information. The financial data and other information disclosed in these notes related to the six month periods are also unaudited. The condensed interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2020, any other interim periods or any future year or period.
(f) Unaudited Pro Forma Information
The unaudited pro forma stockholders equity in the accompanying balance sheet as of June 30, 2020 assumes the conversion of all of the outstanding preferred stock of the Company on a one-to-one basis into 8,249,939 shares of common stock immediately prior to the completion of the Companys planned initial public offering (IPO). The unaudited pro forma stockholders equity in the balance sheet assumes that the completion of the IPO had occurred as of June 30, 2020 and excludes shares of the Companys common stock issued in the proposed IPO and any related proceeds therefrom.
The unaudited pro forma net loss per share information for the six months ended June 30, 2020 assumes the conversion of all outstanding preferred stock into 8,249,939 shares of the Companys common stock at the beginning of the period or the date of issuance, if later.
F-8
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND USE OF ESTIMATES
(i) Basis of Presentation
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires management to make informed estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these financial statements and accompanying notes. These amounts may materially differ from the amounts ultimately realized and reported due to the inherent uncertainty of any estimate or assumption. On an on-going basis, management evaluates its most critical estimates and assumptions, including those related to the (i) fair value of stock awards and periodic expense recognition of stock-based compensation, (ii) the realization of income tax assets and estimates of tax liabilities, (iii) expense accruals related to research and development activities, including clinical trials, and (iv) valuation of convertible notes, derivative instruments, and preferred stock.
Accounting policies and estimates that most significantly impact the presented amounts within these financial statements are further described below:
(ii) Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of bank deposits and highly liquid investments, including money market fund accounts, with original maturities of three months or less from the purchase date.
(iii) Restricted Cash
Restricted cash represents cash held as collateral for the Companys corporate credit card program. Any cash that is legally or contractually restricted from immediate use is classified as restricted cash.
In November 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (ASU 2016-18), which requires companies to include restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in cash and cash equivalents when reconciling beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The Company early adopted ASU 2016-18 on January 1, 2018, as reflected in the accompanying Statements of Cash Flows.
(iv) Concentration of Credit Risk and Other Risks and Uncertainties
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents in deposits at financial institutions that exceed federally insured limits.
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared a pandemic related to the global novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. The Companys operations have not been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company has been carefully monitoring the potential impact COVID-19 may have on the Companys business. However, the Company cannot at this time predict the specific extent, duration, or full impact that the COVID-19 outbreak will have on its financial condition and operations, including ongoing and planned clinical trials.
F-9
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
The Companys results of operations involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Factors that could affect the Companys operating results and cause actual results to vary materially from expectations include, but are not limited to, uncertainty of results of clinical trials, uncertainty of regulatory approval of the Companys potential product candidates, including TP-03 for ophthalmic conditions, TP-04 for treatment of skin conditions and TP-05 for prophylaxis of Lyme and community malaria reduction, uncertainty of market acceptance of its product candidates, competition from substitute products and larger companies, securing and protecting proprietary technology, strategic relationships and dependence on key individuals and sole source suppliers.
The Companys product candidates require approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and comparable foreign regulatory agencies prior to commercial sales in their respective jurisdictions. There can be no assurance that any product candidates will receive the necessary approvals. If the Company is denied approval, approval is delayed or the Company is unable to maintain approval for any product candidate, it could have a materially adverse impact on the business.
(v) Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at historical cost and is depreciated on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life that corresponds with its designated asset category. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the remaining lease term or the estimated useful lives of related improvements. The Company evaluates the recoverability of long-lived assets (which includes property and equipment) whenever events or changes in circumstances in the business indicate that the assets carrying amount may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amounts to the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate over the remaining useful lives of the assets. If a long-lived asset fails a recoverability test, the Company measures the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value. There were no events or changes in business circumstances during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 or the six months ended June 30, 2020 that indicated the carrying amounts of any long-lived assets were not fully recoverable.
(vi) Derivative Instruments
The convertible notes issued in May 2019, August 2019, and October 2019 contained embedded derivative instruments, representing contingent redemption options. The contingent redemption options met the requirements for separate accounting and were accounted for as a single derivative instrument for each tranche of the convertible notes. The derivative instruments were recorded at fair value at inception and were subject to remeasurement to fair value, with any changes in estimated fair value recognized as a component of other (expense) income in the Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (see Note 8).
(vii) Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred or as certain upfront or milestone payments become contractually due to licensors upon the achievement of clinical or regulatory events. These expenses also include internal costs directly attributable to in-development programs, including cost of certain salaries, payroll taxes, employee benefits, and stock-based compensation expense, as well as laboratory and clinical supplies, pre-clinical and clinical trial related expenses, and the cost of services provided by outside contractors. Prior to receiving invoices from its vendors, the Company accrues expense for pre-clinical studies and clinical trial
F-10
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
activities performed by these third parties. This is typically based upon estimates of the proportion of work completed over the term of the individual study or trial, as well as patient enrollment and dosing events in accordance with agreements established with clinical research organizations (CROs) and clinical trial or pre-clinical study sites.
The Company has entered, and may continue to enter into, license agreements to access and utilize intellectual property for drug development. In each case, the Company evaluates if the assets acquired in a transaction represent the acquisition of an asset or a business, as defined under applicable GAAP. The Companys only executed in-license agreement (see Note 10(b)) was evaluated and determined to represent an asset acquisition. Because this asset had not yet received regulatory approval and has no alternative future use, its fair value was immediately recognized as research and development expense. In addition, any future milestone payments made before product approval (that do not meet the definition of a derivative) will also be immediately recognized as research and development expense when paid or becomes payable, provided there is no alternative future use of the rights in other research and development projects.
(viii) Deferred Offering Costs
Costs directly related to the Companys IPO are deferred for expense recognition and instead capitalized and recorded on the accompanying balance sheets. These costs consist of legal fees, accounting fees, and other applicable professional services. These deferred offering costs will be reclassified to additional paid in capital upon the closing of the planned IPO. In the event that the Companys plans for an IPO are terminated, all deferred offering costs will be recognized within general and administrative and expensed in the same period on the Companys statements of operations and comprehensive loss. There were no deferred offering costs capitalized as of December 31, 2018 and 2019. As of June 30, 2020, $0.1 million of deferred offering costs are reported on the accompanying Balance Sheets within other assets.
(ix) Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation expense is recognized for all equity awards granted to employees, consultants, and members of the Companys Board of Directors and is recognized at fair value. For stock-based awards that vest subject to the satisfaction of a service requirement, the fair value measurement date is the date of grant and the related expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over each awards actual or implied vesting period. For stock-based awards that vest subject to a performance condition, the Company recognizes compensation cost if and when it concludes that it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved and the related expense is recognized on an accelerated attribution method. As applicable, the Company reverses previously recognized expense for forfeitures of unvested awards in the period of occurrence. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock-based awards as of the date of grant.
The measurement of the fair value of stock-based awards and recognition of stock-based compensation expense requires assumptions to be estimated by management that involve inherent uncertainties and the application of managements judgment, including (a) the fair value of the Companys common stock on the date of the option grant, (b) the expected term of the stock option until its exercise by the recipient, (c) stock price volatility over the expected term, (d) the prevailing risk-free interest rate over the expected term, and (e) expected dividend payments over the expected term.
F-11
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
Management estimates the expected term of awarded stock options utilizing the simplified method for awards as the Company does not yet have sufficient exercise history since its November 2016 formation. Further, the Company is privately-held and therefore lacks company-specific historical and implied volatility information of its stock. Accordingly, management estimates this expected volatility using that of its designated peer-group of publicly-traded companies for a look-back period, as of the date of grant, that corresponds with the expected term of the awarded stock option. The Company estimates the risk-free interest rate based upon the U.S. Department of the Treasury yield curve in effect at award grant for time periods that correspond with the expected term of the awarded stock option. The Companys expected dividend yield is zero because it has never paid cash dividends and does not expect to for the foreseeable future.
Given the absence of a public trading market, the Companys Board of Directors, with input from management, considered numerous objective and subjective factors to determine the fair value of its common stock. The factors included: (i) third-party valuations of the Companys common stock; (ii) the Companys stage of development; (iii) the status of research and development efforts; (iv) the rights, preferences and privileges of the Companys preferred stock relative to common stock; (v) the Companys operating results and financial condition, including the Companys levels of available capital resources; (vi) equity market conditions affecting comparable public companies; (vii) general U.S. market conditions; and (viii) the lack of current marketability of the Companys common stock.
(x) Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and amounts reported in the financial statements, as well as operating losses and tax credit carry forwards using enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period of enactment. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon future earnings, the timing and amount of which are uncertain due to the Companys historical operating performance and recorded cumulative net losses in prior fiscal periods.
A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets, because based upon a weighting of positive and negative factors, it is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets will not be realized. If/when the Company were to determine that deferred tax assets are realizable, an adjustment to the corresponding valuation allowance would increase the net income in the period that such determination was made.
In the event that the Company is assessed interest and/or penalties from taxing authorities that have not been previously accrued, such amounts would be included as a component of income tax expense within the Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss in the period the notice was received. To date there have been no interest or penalties charged.
(xi) Preferred Stock
The Company classifies preferred stock outside of stockholders deficit on the accompanying balance sheets. The requirements of a deemed liquidation event, as defined within its amended and restated certificate of
F-12
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
incorporation filed in 2019 (the 2019 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation) are not entirely within the Companys control. In the event of such a deemed liquidation event, the proceeds from the event are distributed in accordance with the liquidation preferences, provided that the holders of preferred stock have not converted their shares into common stock. The Company records the issuance of preferred stock at the issuance price less related issuance costs. The Company has not adjusted the carrying value of outstanding preferred stock to its liquidation preference because a deemed liquidation event is not probable of occurring as of the end of the reporting period.
(xii) Net Loss per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders
Basic net loss per share attributable to common stockholders is calculated by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period, without the consideration for potential dilutive shares of common stock. Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of common share equivalents outstanding for the period determined using the treasury-stock method and if-converted method, as applicable. Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders is presented in conformity with the two-class method required for participating securities. The Companys participating securities include preferred stock, unvested common stock to founders, and unvested common stock awards issued upon early exercise of certain stock options. The Companys participating securities do not have a contractual obligation to share in the Companys losses. As such, the net loss was attributed entirely to common stockholders. Shares of common stock subject to repurchase by the Company are excluded from the weighted-average shares. Due to net losses in all periods presented, all otherwise potentially dilutive securities are antidilutive. Accordingly, basic net loss per share equals diluted net loss per share for all period presented in the accompanying financial statements.
(xiii) Unaudited Pro forma Net Loss Per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders
The unaudited pro forma basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders has been computed to give effect to the automatic conversion of all outstanding preferred stock into shares of common stock using the if-converted method immediately prior to the closing of a qualifying IPO (Note 4) as though such IPO had occurred as of the beginning of the period or the date of issuance, if later. The unaudited pro forma net loss per share does not include the shares expected to be sold and related proceeds to be received from the IPO of Tarsus common stock.
(xiv) Fair Value Measurements
Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis in the balance sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair values. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or an exit price that would be paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The authoritative guidance on fair value measurements establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements as follows:
| Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are publicly accessible at the measurement date. |
F-13
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
| Level 2: Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but that are corroborated by market data. These inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or quoted market prices in markets that are not active to the general public. |
| Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. |
The carrying amounts for financial instruments consisting of cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to their short maturities. Derivative instruments are carried at fair value based on unobservable market inputs.
(xv) Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive loss represents all changes in stockholders deficit, except those resulting from distributions to stockholders. For all periods presented, comprehensive loss was the same as reported net loss.
(xvi) Recently Issued or Effective Accounting Standards
Recently issued or effective accounting pronouncements that impact, or may have an impact, on the Companys financial statements have been discussed within the footnote to which each relates. Other recent accounting pronouncements not disclosed in these financial statements have been determined by the Companys management to have no impact, or an immaterial impact, on its current and expected future financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
3. BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNT DETAIL
The composition of selected financial statement captions that comprise the accompanying balance sheets are summarized below:
(a) Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consists of the following:
December 31, | June 30, | |||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2020 | ||||||||||
Prepaid expenses |
$ | 4 | $ | 22 | $ | 492 | ||||||
Clinical research organization service assets |
| | 1,057 | |||||||||
|
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|
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|
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
$ | 4 | $ | 22 | $ | 1,549 | ||||||
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F-14
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
(b) Property and Equipment, net of Accumulated Depreciation
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation consists of the following:
December 31, | June 30, | |||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2020 | ||||||||||
Furniture and fixtures |
$ | 1 | $ | 5 | $ | 276 | ||||||
Office equipment |
| 26 | 74 | |||||||||
Lab equipment |
6 | 92 | 138 | |||||||||
Leasehold improvements |
| 69 | 89 | |||||||||
Software licenses |
| | 33 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Property and equipment, at cost |
7 | 192 | 610 | |||||||||
(Less): Accumulated depreciation |
1 | 38 | 70 | |||||||||
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|
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Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation |
$ | 6 | $ | 154 | $ | 540 | ||||||
|
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|
|
Depreciation expense (included within total operating expenses in the accompanying Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 was $1 thousand and $37 thousand, respectively. Depreciation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 was $9 thousand and $32 thousand, respectively.
(c) Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities consists of the following:
December 31, | June 30, | |||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2020 | ||||||||||
Trade accounts payable |
$ | 175 | $ | 456 | $ | 1,420 | ||||||
Shares subject to repurchase from its founders (Note 5) |
1 | | | |||||||||
Operating lease liability, current portion |
| 64 | 111 | |||||||||
Accrued clinical studies |
| | 1,150 | |||||||||
Employee stock option early exercise liability, current portion |
| | 82 | |||||||||
Other accrued liabilities |
| | 40 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities |
$ | 176 | $ | 520 | $ | 2,803 | ||||||
|
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|
|
|
|
F-15
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
(d) Other Long-Term Liabilities
Other long-term liabilities consists of the following:
December 31, | June 30, | |||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2020 | ||||||||||
Operating lease liability, non-current portion |
$ | | $ | 100 | $ | 744 | ||||||
Employee stock option early exercise liability, non-current portion |
| | 53 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Other long-term liabilities |
$ | | $ | 100 | $ | 797 | ||||||
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4. STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
Authorized Stock
Under the December 2019 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Company is authorized to issue two classes of stock: common and preferred. The total number of shares authorized for issuance is 13.9 million of common shares and 8.3 million of preferred shares, of which 1.6 million shares are designated as Series A Preferred Stock and 6.7 million shares are designated as Series B Preferred Stock.
Preferred Stock Overview
Series A Preferred Stock Issuance
In March and May 2018, the Company executed a private placement Series A Stock Purchase Agreement and issued 1.6 million shares of Series A Preferred Stock at $2.3174 per share for net proceeds of $3.6 million, after issuance costs of $0.1 million.
As of December 31, 2018 |
Authorized | Outstanding | Net Carrying Value |
Liquidation Preference |
Original Issue Price |
|||||||||||||||
Series A Preferred Stock |
1,726,063 | 1,575,030 | $ | 3,564 | $ | 3,650 | $ | 2.3174 |
Series B Preferred Stock Issuance
In December 2019, the Company executed a private placement Series B Stock Purchase Agreement of 6.7 million shares of Series B Preferred Stock at $8.9904 per share for net proceeds of $57.4 million, after issuance costs of $0.2 million. Concurrently, convertible notes issued in May, August, and October 2019 for aggregate proceeds of $2.0 million were converted based on principal and accrued interest, and the Company issued 0.3 million shares of Series B Preferred Stock at its contractual conversion price (see Note 9). The table below includes preferred stock details as of December 31, 2019 and June 30, 2020.
As of December 31, 2019 and |
Authorized | Outstanding | Net Carrying Value |
Liquidation Preference |
Original Issue Price |
|||||||||||||||
Series A Preferred Stock |
1,575,030 | 1,575,030 | $ | 3,564 | $ | 3,650 | $ | 2.3174 | ||||||||||||
Series B Preferred Stock |
6,731,649 | 6,674,909 | $ | 59,838 | $ | 60,010 | $ | 8.9904 | ||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Total |
8,306,679 | 8,249,939 | $ | 63,402 | $ | 63,660 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-16
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
Significant Provisions of Series A and Series B Preferred Stock
Conversion Rights and Mandatory Conversion
Each share of Series A and Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into common shares determined by dividing the original issuance price by the conversion price and at the sole option of the holder on a one-to-one basis. The conversion price will be adjusted for stock splits, distributions, dividends, noncash distributions, share purchase rights, and capital reorganizations. In addition, subject to customary exceptions, the conversion price for each series of preferred stock will be reduced upon the issuance or sale of common shares or instruments convertible or exercisable into common shares, for consideration or with an exercise price that is less than the conversion price applicable to such series. Such reduction may result in recognition of a deemed dividend to preferred stockholders if the resulting conversion price is less than the fair value per share of common stock as of the date preferred stock was issued.
Mandatory conversion into common shares will occur upon either (i) the closing of a Qualified Public Offering, which is defined in the December 2019 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to include the sale of common stock in a firm commitment underwritten public offering on Form S-1, the public offering price of which is at least $3.03 per share and that results in at least $60 million of proceeds, or (ii) by vote or written consent or agreement of the holders of a majority of the then-outstanding shares of Series A and Series B Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class on an as-converted basis.
Liquidation Preference
In the event of any Liquidation Event (as defined in the December 2019 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation), the holders of Series A and B Preferred Stock are first entitled to proceeds or assets available for distribution that are in preference of any distribution to common stockholders (the Liquidation Preference); provided, however, that if the holders of Series A and Series B Preferred Stock would receive greater proceeds in a Liquidation Event as a result of their conversion to common stock such shares of Series A and/or Series B Preferred Stock shall be deemed to have automatically thus converted. This Liquidation Preference is equal to the sum of (i) the original issue price of Series A and Series B Preferred Stock ($2.3174 and $8.9904 per share, respectively) for each outstanding share of Series A and Series B Preferred Stock and (ii) any declared but unpaid dividends for each outstanding share of Series A and Series B Preferred Stock. If the proceeds from the Liquidation Event are less than the Liquidation Preference, then all available proceeds will be distributed ratably to the holders of Series A and Series B Preferred Stock in proportion to the preferential amount each is otherwise entitled to receive. After the distributions described above have been paid in full, the remaining assets of the Company will be distributed among the holders of common stock pro rata based on the number of shares held by each holder.
Voting Rights
The holder of each share of preferred stock has the right to one vote for each share of common stock into which such preferred stock could then be converted, and with respect to such vote, such holder has full voting rights and powers equal to the voting rights and powers of the holders of common stock. So long as the majority of the Series A Preferred Stock originally issued remains outstanding, its holders are additionally entitled to elect one director (Series A Director). So long as at least 1.3 million shares of Series B Preferred
F-17
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
Stock remain outstanding, its holders are entitled to elect two directors (each a Series B Director). The holders of outstanding common stock are entitled to elect three directors. The holders of preferred stock and common stock (voting together as a single class and on an as-converted basis) are entitled to elect any of the Companys remaining directors.
Dividend Rights
The holders of Preferred Stock are entitled to receive dividends, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors at the applicable dividend rate set forth in the December 2019 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation ($0.22 and $0.74 per annum for each share of Series A and Series B Preferred Stock, respectively), prior and in preference to any declaration or payment of any cash dividend on the common stock. The Company cannot declare, pay, or set aside any dividends on shares of any class or series of capital stock unless the Series A and Series B Preferred Stockholders first receive a dividend in an amount equal to the greater of (i) applicable dividend rate, or (ii) the dividend payable to such other class or series of capital stock. No cash dividends have been declared to date.
Redemption Rights
The Series A and Series B Preferred Stock are not redeemable at the option of its holder under the terms of the December 2019 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Upon certain change in control events that are outside of the Companys control, including its liquidation, sale or transfer of control, the preferred stock is contingently redeemable.
Common Stock Overview and Reserve for Future Issuance
Common stockholders have one vote for each share of common stock held and are entitled to receive any dividends declared by the Companys Board of Directors when legally available for distribution, subject to the dividend rights of the holders of Series A and Series B preferred stock discussed above. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 and for the six months ended June 30, 2020, no dividends were declared.
As of December 31, 2018 and 2019, and June 30, 2020, the Company had 2.7 million common shares issued. At December 31, 2018 and 2019, and June 30, 2020, the Company had 2.1 million, 2.6 million, and 2.7 million common shares outstanding, respectively. The following shares of common stock were reserved for issuance:
December 31, | June 30, | |||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2020 | ||||||||||
Preferred Stock outstanding |
1,575,030 | 8,249,939 | 8,249,939 | |||||||||
Stock options issued and outstanding under the 2016 Plan |
267,041 | 297,142 | 1,230,701 | |||||||||
Stock options available for future grant under the 2016 Plan |
75,869 | 2,150,867 | 1,148,915 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total shares of common stock reserved |
1,917,940 | 10,697,948 | 10,629,555 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-18
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
Adoption of ASU 2017-11
In July 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-11, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260); Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480); Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): (Part I) Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Down Round Features, (Part II) Replacement of the Indefinite Deferral for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests with a Scope Exception. This ASU simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with down round features, a provision in an equity-linked financial instrument (or embedded feature) that provides a downward adjustment of the current exercise price based on the price of future equity offerings. This update requires companies to disregard the down round feature when assessing whether the instrument is indexed to its own stock for purposes of determining liability or equity classification. For public business entities, this ASU became effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted ASU 2017-11 effective January 1, 2019 and applied this guidance in presenting Series A and Series B Preferred Stock on the accompanying Balance Sheets.
5. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
2016 Stock Plan
The Company has one active stockholder-approved stock-based compensation plan (the 2016 Plan), adopted in December 2016, which permits the grant of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock awards and certain other awards to its employees, members of its Board of Directors, and consultants.
The stated maximum availability of common stock under the 2016 Plan is 2.7 million shares. As of December 31, 2019 and June 30, 2020, the Company had 2.2 million and 1.1 million shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2016 Plan, respectively.
Stock-based awards are governed by agreements between the Company and the recipients. Incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options may be granted under the 2016 Plan at an exercise price of not less than 100% of the fair market value of common stock on the respective date of grant. For ten-percent stockholders, the exercise price may not be less than 110% of its fair market value at grant. The grant date is the date the terms of the award are formally approved by the Companys Board of Directors. It is the Companys policy that before stock is issued through the exercise of stock options, it must first receive all required cash proceeds for such shares.
Through December 31, 2019 and June 30, 2020, all awards issued under the 2016 Plan were in the form of stock options. These option agreements have service and/or performance conditions for vesting, unless immediately vested on the date of grant. Stock options granted typically have one to four-year service conditions for full vesting. The performance conditions for vesting are explicitly stated in each option agreement and are associated with clinical, business development, or operational milestones.
Stock options must generally be exercised, if at all, no later than 10 years from the date of grant. Upon termination of employment, vested stock options may be exercised within 12 months after the date of termination upon death; six months after the date of termination upon disability; and three months after the date of termination for all other separations.
F-19
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
Adoption of ASU 2018-07
In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This standard is intended to reduce the cost and complexity and to improve financial reporting for nonemployee share-based payments. The ASU expands the scope of Topic 718 to include share-based payments issued to nonemployees for goods or services. Consequently, the accounting for share-based payments to nonemployees and employees is substantially aligned; the Company has issued and outstanding stock options to both employees and non-employee consultants. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than a companys adoption date of Topic 606, Revenue Recognition. The Company early adopted ASU 2018-17 and Topic 606 on January 1, 2018 and there was no material impact on the accompanying financial statements from these adopted standards.
Stock-Based Compensation Summary
Stock-based compensation expense is recorded in the accompanying statements of operations and comprehensive loss based on the assigned department of the award recipient. Stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 was as follows:
Year Ended December 31, |
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2019 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Research and development |
$ | 3 | $ | 6 | $ | 3 | $ | 15 | ||||||||
General and administrative |
6 | 12 | 6 | 162 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total stock-based compensation |
$ | 9 | $ | 18 | $ | 9 | $ | 177 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valuation Assumptions of Stock Options
The fair value of granted stock options was estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, based on the following inputs:
Year Ended December 31, |
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2019 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Exercise price (estimated fair value per common share on grant date) |
$ | 0.45 | $ | 0.45 | $ | 0.45 | $ | 2.01 | ||||||||
Expected term (in years) (a) |
5.68 to 6.25 | 5.94 to 6.25 | 5.94 to 6.25 | 6.25 | ||||||||||||
Risk-free interest rate (b) |
2.9 | % | 2.4% to 2.5 | % | 2.4% to 2.5 | % | 0.4% to 0.5 | % | ||||||||
Expected volatility (c) |
77.8% to 83.2 | % | 82.5% to 89.4 | % | 82.5% to 89.4 | % | 70.9% to 71.2 | % | ||||||||
Expected dividend yield (d) |
| | | | ||||||||||||
Weighted-average grant-date fair value per stock option |
$ | 0.34 | $ | 0.34 | $ | 0.34 | $ | 1.26 |
(a) | Determined using the simplified method under applicable GAAP (SAB 107); the maximum contractual term of issued stock options is 10 years. |
(b) | Based upon the U.S. Treasury yields in effect during the period which the options were granted (for a period equaling the stock options expected term). |
(c) | Measured using the volatility of the stock price for the Companys designated peer group of publicly-traded companies for a period equal to the expected option term. |
(d) | Tarsus does not expect to declare any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. |
F-20
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
Stock Option Activity
Stock option activity during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 and for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was as follows:
Number of Shares |
Weighted- Average Exercise Price/Share |
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) |
Aggregate Intrinsic Value |
|||||||||||||
Outstanding December 31, 2017 |
83,809 | $ | 0.0007 | 9.91 | $ | | ||||||||||
Granted |
183,232 | 0.45 | ||||||||||||||
Exercised |
| |||||||||||||||
Forfeited |
| |||||||||||||||
Expired |
| |||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Outstanding December 31, 2018 |
267,041 | 0.31 | 9.51 | $ | 37 | (1) | ||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Granted |
32,793 | 0.45 | ||||||||||||||
Exercised |
| |||||||||||||||
Forfeited |
(1,907 | ) | 0.45 | |||||||||||||
Expired |
(785 | ) | 0.45 | |||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Outstanding December 31, 2019 |
297,142 | 0.32 | 8.60 | $ | 37 | (1) | ||||||||||
Granted |
1,003,867 | 2.01 | ||||||||||||||
Exercised |
(68,393 | ) | 2.01 | |||||||||||||
Forfeited |
(1,915 | ) | 0.54 | |||||||||||||
Expired |
| |||||||||||||||
Outstanding June 30, 2020 |
1,230,701 | $ | 1.60 | 9.38 | $ | 496 | (1) | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Vested December 31, 2019 |
125,902 | $ | 0.20 | 8.38 | $ | 26 | (1) | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Unvested December 31, 2019 |
171,240 | $ | 0.38 | 8.76 | $ | 11 | (1) | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Vested June 30, 2020 |
246,408 | $ | 0.80 | 8.47 | $ | 298 | (1) | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Unvested June 30, 2020 |
984,293 | $ | 1.80 | 9.61 | $ | 198 | (1) | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) | Represents the total difference between the estimated stock price fair value as of December 31, 2019 and June 30, 2020 and the stock option exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options as of December 31, 2019 and June 30, 2020. The amount of any intrinsic value will change in relation to any increases or decreases in the then-determined fair value of the Companys common stock. |
The total grant-date fair value of options that vested during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 was $33 thousand in each year. The total grant-date fair value of options that vested during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 was $17 thousand and $86 thousand, respectively.
F-21
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
The following table summarizes information with respect to stock option grants as of December 31, 2019:
As of December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding | Exercisable | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise Price |
Granted Stock Options Outstanding |
Aggregate Intrinsic Value |
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) |
Granted Stock Options Exercisable |
Aggregate Intrinsic Value |
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) |
||||||||||||||||||
$0.0007 |
83,809 | $ | 37 | 7.91 | 83,809 | $ | 37 | 7.91 | ||||||||||||||||
$0.45 |
213,333 | | 8.87 | 146,692 | | 8.80 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
297,142 | $ | 37 | 8.60 | 230,501 | $ | 37 | 8.48 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table summarizes information with respect to stock option grants as of June 30, 2020:
As of June 30, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding | Exercisable | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise Price |
Granted Stock Options Outstanding |
Aggregate Intrinsic Value |
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) |
Granted Stock Options Exercisable |
Aggregate Intrinsic Value |
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) |
||||||||||||||||||
$0.0007 |
83,809 | $ | 168 | 7.41 | 83,809 | $ | 168 | 7.41 | ||||||||||||||||
$0.45 |
210,461 | 328 | 8.33 | 162,894 | 254 | 8.28 | ||||||||||||||||||
$2.01 |
936,431 | | 9.79 | 865,906 | | 9.79 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
1,230,701 | $ | 496 | 9.38 | 1,112,609 | $ | 422 | 9.39 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2019, there was unrecognized compensation expense of $46 thousand related to unvested stock options, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted average period of 2.1 years. As of June 30, 2020, there was unrecognized compensation expense of $1.2 million related to unvested stock options, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted average period of 3.1 years.
Early Exercise Feature of Certain Stock Options
The 2016 Plan permits certain option holders to exercise awarded options prior to vesting. Upon early exercise, the options become subject to a restricted stock agreement and remain subject to the same vesting provisions in the corresponding stock option award and unvested options are subject to repurchase by the Company upon termination at the same price exercised. These unvested shares are reported as issued, but not outstanding while subject to repurchase by the Company and are also excluded from the basic and diluted net loss per share calculation until the repurchase right lapses upon vesting.
The Company initially records a liability for these early exercises that is subsequently reclassified into stockholders equity on a pro rata basis as vesting occurs. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company repurchased 26,927 of unvested common stock options from a former consultant in connection with termination of his consulting agreement; there were no such repurchases in 2018 or for the six months ended
F-22
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
June 30, 2020. As of December 31, 2018 and 2019, all stock options with early exercise features were either vested or immaterial if early exercised and the Company reported no corresponding liability in the accompanying Balance Sheets. As of June 30, 2020, the Company has recorded the unvested portion of the exercise proceeds of $0.1 million as a liability from the early exercise in the accompanying Balance Sheets.
Restricted Stock Issued to Founders
In January 2017, the Company issued 2.4 million shares of restricted common stock to founders, all which vest under service conditions. The shares were issued under the terms of the respective Stock Purchase Agreement. Unvested shares are subject to repurchase by the Company at the original purchase price per share upon the holders termination of the relationship with the Company. The restricted shares are not deemed to be outstanding for accounting purposes until vested and are therefore excluded from reported shares outstanding and from the basic and diluted net loss per share calculation until the repurchase right lapses and are no longer subject to the repurchase feature. One-third of the 2.4 million shares of restricted common stock were vested on the issuance date and the remaining 1.6 million shares vest monthly thereafter. During each of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, 0.5 million shares of restricted common stock vested. As of December 31, 2019 and June 30, 2020, no shares of this restricted stock issuance remain unvested.
6. NET LOSS PER SHARE
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders was computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 and the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020:
Year Ended December 31, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2019 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (1,319 | ) | $ | (4,670 | ) | $ | (2,576 | ) | $ | (5,207 | ) | ||||
Weighted-average sharesbasic and diluted |
1,759,495 | 2,362,768 | 2,238,793 | 2,650,843 | ||||||||||||
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholdersbasic and diluted |
$ | (0.75 | ) | $ | (1.98 | ) | $ | (1.15 | ) | $ | (1.96 | ) |
F-23
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
The following outstanding potentially dilutive securities were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders because their impact under the treasury stock method and if-converted method would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented:
Year Ended December 31, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2019 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Stock options, unexercisedvested and unvested |
267,041 | 297,142 | 297,927 | 1,230,701 | ||||||||||||
Series A and Series B Preferred Stock, outstanding |
1,208,242 | 1,922,491 | 1,575,030 | 8,249,939 | ||||||||||||
Shares subject to repurchase from its founders |
493,654 | | 224,388 | | ||||||||||||
Stock options early-exercised and unvested |
105,273 | 4,300 | 54,786 | 67,316 | ||||||||||||
Convertible promissory notes |
| 93,421 | 20,937 | | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
2,074,210 | 2,317,354 | 2,173,068 | 9,547,956 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA NET LOSS PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of unaudited pro forma basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2019 and the six months ended June 30, 2020:
Year Ended December 31, 2019 |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 |
|||||||
Numerator |
||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (4,670 | ) | $ | (5,207 | ) | ||
Denominator |
||||||||
Weighted-average shares of common stock used in computing net loss per share attributable to common stockholders |
2,362,768 | 2,650,843 | ||||||
Pro forma adjustment to reflect assumed conversion of convertible preferred stock (Note 4) |
1,922,494 | 8,249,939 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Weighted-average shares of common stock used in computing pro forma net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted |
4,285,262 | 10,900,782 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Pro forma net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted |
$ | (1.09 | ) | $ | (0.48 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
F-24
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
8. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The table below summarizes certain financial instruments measured at fair value that are included within the accompanying balance sheets, and their designation among the three fair value measurement categories (see Note 2(xi)):
Year Ended December 31, 2018 Fair Value Measurements |
||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Assets: |
||||||||||||||||
Money market funds |
$ | 2,355 | $ | | $ | | $ | 2,355 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total assets measured at fair value |
$ | 2,355 | $ | | $ | | $ | 2,355 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2019 Fair Value Measurements |
||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Assets: |
||||||||||||||||
Money market funds |
$ | 57,952 | $ | | $ | | $ | 57,952 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total assets measured at fair value |
$ | 57,952 | $ | | $ | | $ | 57,952 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 Fair Value Measurements |
||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Assets: |
||||||||||||||||
Money market funds |
$ | 53,135 | $ | | $ | | $ | 53,135 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total assets measured at fair value |
$ | 53,135 | $ | | $ | | $ | 53,135 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Money Market Funds
Money market fund holdings are included in cash and cash equivalents on the accompanying balance sheets and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because of its readily-available market prices in active markets that are publicly accessible at the measurement date. These money market funds are invested in U.S. Treasury, bills, notes, and other obligations issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government or its agencies.
F-25
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
Convertible Promissory Notes Derivative Liabilities
The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in fair value of the bifurcated derivative liability associated with the convertible promissory notes issued and settled during 2019 to certain related parties (see Note 9). The measurement of the derivative liabilities represents a Level 3 financial instrument:
Derivative Liabilities |
||||
Fair value as of December 31, 2018 |
$ | | ||
Initial fair value of derivative liability upon issuance of May 2019 Notes |
28 | |||
Initial fair value of derivative liability upon issuance of August 2019 Notes |
50 | |||
Initial fair value of derivative liability upon issuance of October 2019 Notes |
209 | |||
Revaluation of derivative liabilities included in other income (expense), net within the Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 |
76 | |||
Settlement of derivative liabilities through conversion of all Notes |
(363 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Fair value as of December 31, 2019 |
$ | | ||
|
|
|||
Fair value as of June 30, 2020 |
$ | | ||
|
|
The fair values of the derivative liabilities presented above were estimated at the date of issuance and at subsequent balance sheet dates using a two-step approach to valuation. Management utilized a probability-weighted valuation method and then compared the instruments value with-and-without the derivative features in order to estimate their combined fair value, using unobservable inputs, which are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. The significant inputs not included in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement in the valuation approach included the probability of achieving a settlement that provides the note holders the rights or the obligations to receive cash or a variable number of shares upon the completion of a then-future capital transaction. The convertible notes were issued and settled in full during the year ended December 31, 2019 (see Note 9).
9. CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTES PAYABLE
Overview of Notes and Conversion in December 2019
In May 2019, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the May 2019 Purchase Agreement) with its co-founders and certain other related parties (the Note Holders). Under the terms of the May 2019 Purchase Agreement, the Company received cash proceeds of $0.5 million and issued $0.5 million of convertible promissory notes (the May 2019 Notes) with a stated maturity of December 2020. These notes bore interest at a rate of 8.0% per annum, compounded annually, and payable at maturity. In the event of a qualified equity financing, the outstanding principal of the May 2019 Notes plus all accrued and previously unpaid interest would, at the option of the holder, either (i) automatically convert into shares of stock issued in the qualified
F-26
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
equity financing based on a conversion price equal to 90% of the issuance price paid by these new investors, or (ii) be repaid in full.
In August 2019, the Company amended and restated the May 2019 Purchase Agreement with the Note Holders and received an additional $0.5 million of proceeds and issued new $0.5 million convertible promissory notes to the same parties (the August 2019 Notes) with identical terms.
In October 2019, the Company entered into a new Note Purchase Agreement (the October 2019 Purchase Agreement) with the Note Holders. Under the terms of the October 2019 Purchase Agreement, the Company received proceeds of $1.0 million and issued $1.0 million of convertible promissory notes (the October 2019 Notes, collectively with the May 2019 Notes and the August 2019 Notes, the Notes) with a conversion price equal to 80% of the issuance price in a qualified equity financing.
In December 2019, the Company completed an issuance of Series B Preferred Stock (see Note 5). Upon this issuance, the $2.0 million of Note principal value, along with accrued interest, were converted into 0.3 million shares of Series B Preferred Stock under its contractual terms. The Company recorded loss on extinguishment of convertible notes (non-cash) of $0.3 million within other income (expense) in the accompanying Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Embedded Derivative and its Accounting
The Notes allowed for redemption upon a qualified equity financing that was determined to be a contingent redemption feature that was not closely related to the Notes and was thus was required to be bifurcated as a derivative liability on the balance sheet. Based on the features of this derivative, the Company accounted for it as an implied discount in presenting the carrying value of these Notes. This discount was accreted over the term to maturity of the Notes using the effective interest method, resulting in aggregate interest expense recognition (non-cash) of $6 thousand and $0.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and year ended December 31, 2019. As the Notes were converted in December 2019, no interest expense was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2020.
Changes in the embedded derivatives fair value at each reporting period were recognized in the accompanying statements of operations and comprehensive loss within changes in fair value of derivative liabilities, resulting in incremental other expense recognition (non-cash) of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. We did not recognize any changes in fair value of derivative liabilities during the six months ended June 30, 2019. As the Notes were converted in December 2019, no other expense related to changes in fair value of derivative liabilities was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2020.
10. COMMITMENTS & CONTINGENCIES
(a) Facility Leases
Overview
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters lease agreements with unaffiliated parties for the use of office and laboratory facilities and office equipment. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had one
F-27
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
active facility lease in Irvine, California, that commenced on March 1, 2019 and expires April 30, 2022 (see Note 12). This lease has a renewal option at the end of term, for which the Company was not reasonably certain to exercise at the lease commencement. As such, the renewal option was not included in the lease term used to calculate the right-of-use lease asset and lease liability. Prior to March 1, 2019, the Company did not have any material lease arrangements.
The Company entered into two additional facility leases that commenced on June 1, 2020 for adjacent administrative and laboratory suites in Irvine, California. These leases expire on January 31, 2024. One of these leases included a renewal option at the end of its term, for which the Company was not reasonably certain to exercise at the lease commencement. As such, the renewal option was not included in the lease term used to calculate the right-of-use lease asset and lease liability. In connection with these two leases the Company capitalized right-of-use assets along with an accompanying lease liability of $0.7 million.
All of the Companys facility leases have minimum annual rent, payable monthly, and carry fixed annual rent increases. Under the arrangements, real estate taxes, certain operating expenses, and common area maintenance are reimbursable to the lessor. These amounts are expensed as incurred, as they are variable in nature and therefore excluded from the measurement of the reported right-of-use asset and liability discussed below. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 and during the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company had no sublease arrangements with it as lessor.
Adoption of New Lease Standard, Topic 842
Beginning January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). Under this new lease accounting standard, the Company recognized a right-of-use asset and lease liability on the accompanying Balance Sheets for all material leases. Management elected the modified retrospective approach with an effective transition date of January 1, 2018 upon adoption and the available practical expedients. The Company also elected to (1) not separate lease components from non-lease components in the measurement of minimum payments for its leases and (2) not recognize a lease asset and liability for a term of 12 months or less. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected term of the lease. In March 2019, the Company capitalized a right-of-use asset of $0.2 million along with an accompanying $0.2 million lease liability.
As part of applying Topic 842, the Company determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease and the classification of that lease at contract execution. The classification of leases as operating or finance leases along with the initial measurement and recognition of the associated right-of-use assets and lease liabilities is performed at the lease commencement date. The measurement of lease liabilities is based on the present value of future lease payments over the lease term. Since an implicit rate for the operating lease for the Companys Irvine facility was not determinable and was not implicit in the lease, the Company calculated an estimated incremental borrowing rate based upon what it would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized bases over a similar term and amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. The right-of-use lease asset is based on the corresponding lease liability and adjusted for (i) applicable payments made at or before the commencement date, (ii) initial direct costs incurred, and (iii) tenant incentives provided by the lessor.
Components of Lease Expense
The liability associated with each lease is amortized over the respective lease term using the effective interest rate method. The Companys right-of-use asset is amortized over the lease term on a straight-line basis to
F-28
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
lease expense, as reported on an allocated basis within research and development and general and administrative expenses on the accompanying Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, year ended December 31, 2019, and the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company recognized $21 thousand, $0.1 million, and $0.1 million for lease expense, respectively. There were no variable lease payments, including non-lease components such as common area maintenance fees, recognized as lease expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 or for the six months ended June 30, 2020.
Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term and Applied Discount Rate
The Company had one active lease for its Irvine office and laboratory facility, with a remaining lease term of two years and four months as of December 31, 2019 and a remaining lease term of one year and 10 months as of June 30, 2020. The Company had two additional facility leases commence on June 1, 2020, with remaining lease terms of 43 months as of June 30, 2020. The estimated incremental borrowing rate of 10% is utilized to present value future minimum lease payments since an implicit interest rate is not readily determinable each lease. The weighted average remaining lease term for the Companys leases as of June 30, 2020 is 40 months.
Future Contractual Lease Payments as of December 31, 2019 and June 30, 2020
The below table summarizes the (i) minimum lease payments over the next five years and thereafter, (ii) lease arrangement imputed interest, and (iii) present value of future lease payments:
Operating Leases - future payments |
December 31, 2019 |
|||
2020 |
$ | 77 | ||
2021 |
79 | |||
2022 |
27 | |||
2023 |
| |||
2024 |
| |||
|
|
|||
Total future lease payments, undiscounted |
$ | 183 | ||
(Less): Imputed interest |
(19 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Present value of operating lease payments |
$ | 164 | ||
|
|
Operating Leases - future payments |
June 30, 2020 |
|||
2020 (remaining six months) |
$ | 24 | ||
2021 |
349 | |||
2022 |
298 | |||
2023 |
281 | |||
2024 |
86 | |||
|
|
|||
Total future lease payments, undiscounted |
$ | 1,038 | ||
(Less): Imputed interest |
(183 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Present value of operating lease payments |
$ | 855 | ||
|
|
F-29
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
(b) In-License Agreement for Lotilaner
In January 2019, the Company entered into a license agreement with Elanco Tiergesundheit AG (Elanco), granting the Company a worldwide, sublicensable license for the development and marketing of lotilaner for the treatment or cure of any eye or skin disease or condition in humans (see Note 12) (the Field). Under this agreement, the Company has sole responsibility for development, regulatory, and commercialization activities for lotilaner in the Field.
The Company made a $1.0 million upfront payment at contract execution which is reported within research and development expense within the accompanying statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and the year ended December 31, 2019. The Company agreed to make further payments to Elanco upon achievement of various clinical milestones for an aggregate maximum of $6.0 million and various commercial and sales threshold milestones for an aggregate maximum of $79.0 million. In addition, the Company is obligated to pay contractual royalties to Elanco in the single digits of its future net sales. If the Company receives payments from future sublicensees, it is obligated to pay Elanco a variable percentage in the low to mid double-digits of such proceeds, except for territories in which the Company achieved regulatory approval prior to sublicense execution.
(c) Employment Agreements
The Company has entered into employment agreements with four of its named executive officers. These agreements provide for the payment of certain benefits upon separation of employment under specified circumstances, such as in connection with a change in control event or other significant transaction.
(d) Contingencies
From time to time, the Company may be subject to various litigation and related matters arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company is currently not aware of any such matters where there is at least a reasonable probability that a material loss has been or will be incurred for financial statement recognition.
(e) Indemnities and Guarantees
The Company has certain indemnity commitments, under which it may be required to make payments to its officers and directors in relation to certain transactions to the maximum extent permitted under applicable laws. The duration of these indemnities varies, and in certain cases, is indefinite and does not provide for any limitation of maximum payments. The Company has not been obligated to make any such payments to date and no liabilities have been recorded for this contingency in the accompanying balance sheets.
F-30
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
11. INCOME TAXES
A reconciliation of income taxes was computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate in each period to the pretax loss for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, and as adjusted for certain classes of transactions, as summarized below:
Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
2018 | 2019 | |||||||
Expected tax benefit at statutory rate |
$ | (277 | ) | $ | (981 | ) | ||
State income tax, net of federal benefit |
(89 | ) | 1 | |||||
Permanent items |
13 | 4 | ||||||
Research and development credits |
(56 | ) | (31 | ) | ||||
Loss on extinguishment of convertible notes |
| 54 | ||||||
Non-deductible interest |
| 35 | ||||||
Other |
| 4 | ||||||
Change in valuation allowance |
410 | 915 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Income tax provision |
$ | 1 | $ | 1 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2018 and 2019, are presented below:
Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
2018 | 2019 | |||||||
Deferred tax assets: |
||||||||
Net operating loss carry forwards |
$ | 348 | $ | 961 | ||||
Research and development credit carryforwards |
57 | 88 | ||||||
Intangible assets |
16 | 211 | ||||||
Other, net |
3 | 104 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance |
424 | 1,364 | ||||||
Less: valuation allowance |
(424 | ) | (1,338 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total deferred tax assets |
$ | | $ | 26 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Deferred tax liabilities, net: |
||||||||
Operating lease right-of-use asset |
(26 | ) | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net deferred tax asset |
$ | | $ | | ||||
|
|
|
|
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The Company maintains a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty that such assets will be realized and evaluates the recoverability of its deferred tax assets on at least an annual basis. The Company has determined that its deferred tax assets, with the exception of amounts supported by the reversal of taxable temporary differences, are not realizable. Consequently, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets of $0.4 million and $1.3 million at December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively
F-31
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
At December 31, 2019, the Company has federal and California net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $4.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively. As a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the Tax Act), for U.S. income tax purposes, net operating losses generated prior to December 31, 2017 can be carried forward for up to 20 years, while net operating losses generated after December 31, 2017 can be carried forward indefinitely, but are limited to 80% utilization against taxable income. The Companys total federal net operating loss of $4.2 million includes $45 thousand that will begin to expire in 2037 and $4.1 million that will not expire but will only be able to be offset 80% of future taxable income within each year. The California net operating losses will begin to expire in 2037. At December 31, 2019, the Company had federal and California research and development tax credits of $0.1 million each. The federal research and development tax credits begin to expire in 2037 unless previously utilized, and the California credit carryforwards are available indefinitely.
The Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Sections 382 and 383 limit annual use of NOL and research and development credit carryforwards in the event a cumulative change in ownership of more than 50% occurs within a three-year period. The Company has not yet completed an ownership change analysis. If a requisite ownership change occurs, the amount of remaining tax attribute carryforwards available to offset taxable income and income tax expense in future years may be restricted or eliminated. If eliminated, the related asset would be removed from deferred tax assets with a corresponding reduction in the valuation allowance. Due to the existence of the valuation allowance, limitations created by future ownership changes, if any, will not impact the Companys effective tax rate.
Uncertain tax positions are evaluated based upon the facts and circumstances that exist at each reporting period. Subsequent changes in judgement based upon new information may lead to changes in recognition, derecognition, and measurement. Adjustment may result, for example, upon resolution of an issue with the taxing authorities or expiration of a statute of limitations barring an assessment for an issue. The Company recognizes a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position when it is more-likely-than-not that it will be sustained upon examination by tax authorities.
The following table summarizes the changes to the gross unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019:
Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
2018 | 2019 | |||||||
Balance at beginning of year |
$ | | $ | 20 | ||||
Additions related to current year positions |
20 | 13 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Balance at end of year |
$ | 20 | $ | 33 | ||||
|
|
|
|
The Company is subject to taxation in the United States and California. All tax years from inception are subject to examination by federal and state tax authorities. The Companys practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. No interest or penalties related to income tax matters have been incurred at December 31, 2018 and 2019 and the years then ended. Further, the Company is not currently under examination by any federal, state, or local tax authority.
F-32
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent events have been evaluated for recognition and measurement purposes through August 7, 2020, which is the date that the financial statements were available to be issued.
In preparing the interim financial statements as of June 30, 2020 and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020, the Company has evaluated subsequent events through September 25, 2020, which is the date that the financial statements were available to be issued. Except as described below, the Company has concluded that no events or transactions have occurred that require disclosure.
Expansion of the In-license for Lotilaner
On September 3, 2020, the Company executed a new exclusive license agreement with Elanco, granting the Company an exclusive, worldwide, sublicensable license to certain intellectual property for the development, marketing, and commercialization of lotilaner for all applications in humans beyond the treatment, palliation, prevention or cure of any eye or skin disease or condition (see Note 10(b)).
The Company issued Elanco 0.2 million shares of its common stock pursuant to the terms of the agreement. In addition, upon the 18-month anniversary of contract execution, if not terminated by the Company, it is obligated to grant Elanco additional shares that aggregate $3.0 million, valued as of the Companys initial public offering on a per share basis, in accordance with the terms of this agreement.
Clinical Milestone Achievement and Payment Due to Licensor
On September 9, 2020, patient enrollment commenced in the Companys Phase 2b/3 clinical trial for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis. The Company has made its required $1.0 million payment in the third quarter of 2020 relating to the achievement of this clinical milestone under the terms of its in-license agreement for lotilaner (see Note 10(b)).
Series C Preferred Stock Issuance
In September 2020, as part of the Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,857,079 shares of its Series C Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $14.0003 per share for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $40.0 million from certain new and existing investors. Each share of Series C Preferred Stock will automatically convert into one share of the Companys common stock upon the completion of this offering. The rights and preferences of the Series C Preferred Stock are similar to those of the Series B Preferred Stock, except that (i) the Original Issue Price for Series C Preferred Stock is $14.0003 per share and (ii) the holders of a majority of the Series B Preferred Stock and the Series C Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class, are entitled to elect two members to the Companys Board of Directors. Also, the defined qualified public offering within the Companys Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, requiring the conversion of all preferred stock into common stock, was increased to be net proceeds of not less than $75 million. The Company also entered into an Amended and Restated Investors Rights Agreement, Voting Agreement and Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement.
F-33
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information as of June 30, 2020 and thereafter and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 is unaudited; all tabular amounts presented in thousands, except share, per share, per unit, and number of years)
Increase in Authorized Shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock
In September 2020, the Company effected an increase in the number of authorized shares of its common stock from 13,867,198 shares to 17,502,288 shares and an increase in the number of authorized shares of its preferred stock from 8,306,679 shares to 11,107,035 shares, of which 2,857,084 shares were designated as Series C Preferred Stock.
F-34
Through and including , 2020, (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in the Common Stock, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This delivery requirement is in addition to a dealers obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.
5,000,000 Shares
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Common Stock
P R O S P E C T U S
BofA Securities
Jefferies
Raymond James
LifeSci Capital
Ladenburg Thalmann
, 2020
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution
The following table presents the costs and expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, payable in connection with this offering. All amounts are estimates except the SEC registration fee, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., or FINRA, filing fee and the Nasdaq Global Market listing fee. Except as otherwise noted, all the expenses below will be paid by us.
SEC registration fee |
$ | 11,925 | ||
FINRA filing fee |
14,513 | |||
Nasdaq Global Market listing fee |
25,000 | |||
Printing and engraving expenses |
311,000 | |||
Legal fees and expenses |
1,500,000 | |||
Accounting fees and expenses |
400,000 | |||
Transfer agent and registrar fees |
3,500 | |||
Miscellaneous fees and expenses |
23,275 | |||
|
|
|||
Total |
$ | 2,289,213 | ||
|
|
Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law authorizes a court to award, or a corporations board of directors to grant, indemnity to directors and officers under certain circumstances and subject to certain limitations. The terms of Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law are sufficiently broad to permit indemnification under certain circumstances for liabilities, including reimbursement of expenses incurred, arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act.
As permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws contain provisions relating to the limitation of liability and indemnification of directors and officers. The amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that our directors will not be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability:
| for any breach of the directors duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders; |
| for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; |
| in respect of unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions as provided in Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law; or |
| for any transaction from which the director derives any improper personal benefit. |
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation also provides that if Delaware law is amended after the approval by our stockholders of the certificate of incorporation to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of our directors will be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law.
II-1
Our amended and restated bylaws provide that we will indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, as it now exists or may in the future be amended, against all expenses and liabilities reasonably incurred in connection with their service for or on our behalf. Our amended and restated bylaws provide that we shall advance the expenses incurred by a director or officer in advance of the final disposition of an action or proceeding, and permit us to secure insurance on behalf of any director, officer, employee, or other enterprise agent for any liability arising out of his or her action in that capacity, whether or not Delaware law would otherwise permit indemnification.
We intend to enter into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers and certain other key employees, a form of which is attached as Exhibit 10.1. The form of agreement provides that we will indemnify each of our directors, executive officers and such other key employees against any and all expenses incurred by that director, executive officer, or other key employee because of his or her status as one of our directors, executive officers, or other key employees, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, our restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws. In addition, the form agreement provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, we will advance all expenses incurred by our directors, executive officers and other key employees in connection with a legal proceeding.
Reference is made to the underwriting agreement contained in Exhibit 1.1 to this registration statement, indemnifying our directors and officers against limited liabilities. In addition, Section 2.8 of our amended and restated investors rights agreement, or the IRA contained in Exhibit 4.2 to this registration statement provides for indemnification of certain of our stockholders against liabilities described in our IRA.
We currently carry and intend to continue to carry liability insurance for our directors and officers.
Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
The following list sets forth information regarding all unregistered securities sold by us since January 1, 2017. No underwriters were involved in the sales and the certificates representing the securities sold and issued contain legends restricting transfer of the securities without registration under the Securities Act or an applicable exemption from registration.
(a) From January 2017 through March 2018, we issued and sold to our directors, officers, employees, consultants and other service providers an aggregate of 2,677,846 shares of Common Stock at a price per share of $0.0007 for an aggregate purchase price of $1,989.
(b) From January 2017 through April 2020, we granted to our directors, officers, employees, consultants and other service providers stock options to purchase an aggregate of 1,174,989 shares of common stock upon the exercise of options under our 2016 Plan at exercise prices per share ranging from $0.0007 to $2.0055, for an aggregate exercise price of approximately $1.4 million.
(c) In March 2018 and May 2018, we issued and sold an aggregate of 1,575,030 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $2.3174 per share for aggregate proceeds of approximately $3.6 million.
(d) In May 2019, August 2019 and November 2019, we issued and sold convertible promissory notes in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $2.0 million at face value (the Notes).
(e) In December 2019, we issued and sold an aggregate of 6,674,909 shares of our Series B Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $8.9904 per share for aggregate proceeds of approximately $59.6 million (of which approximately $57.6 million was cash and approximately $2.0 million was cancellation of outstanding indebtedness in connection with the conversion of the Notes).
II-2
(f) In July 2020 we granted certain of our employees stock options to purchase an aggregate of 320,829 shares of common stock upon the exercise of options under our 2016 Plan at an exercise price per share of $2.0055, for an aggregate exercise price of approximately $0.6 million.
(g) Pursuant to the terms of that certain License Agreement between the Company and Elanco Tiergesundheit AG, or Elanco, dated September 3, 2020, or the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement, in September 2020 we issued 222,460 shares of our common stock to Elanco as consideration for licenses included in the All Human Uses Elanco Agreement.
(h) In September 2020, we issued and sold to 11 accredited investors an aggregate of 2,857,079 shares of our Series C preferred stock at a purchase price of $14.0003 per share, for aggregate consideration of approximately $40.0 million.
(i) In September 2020 we granted certain of our employees stock options to purchase an aggregate of 416,688 shares of common stock upon the exercise of options under our 2016 Plan at an exercise price per share of $10.99, for an aggregate exercise price of approximately $4.6 million.
The offers, sales and issuances of the securities described in Items (a), (b), (f) and (i) above were exempt from registration under the Securities Act under either (1) Rule 701 in that the transactions were under compensatory benefit plans and contracts relating to compensation as provided under Rule 701 or (2) Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act or Regulation D promulgated thereunder as transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering. The recipients of such securities were the registrants directors, officers, employees, consultants or other service providers and received the securities under our 2016 Plan. The recipients of securities in each of these transactions represented their intention to acquire the securities for investment only and not with view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof and appropriate legends were affixed to the securities issued in these transactions.
The offers, sales and issuances of the securities described in Items (c), (d), (e), (g) and (h) above were exempt from registration under the Securities Act under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act or Regulation D promulgated thereunder as transactions by an issuer not involving a public offering. The recipients of securities in each of these transactions acquired the securities for investment only and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof and appropriate legends were affixed to the securities issued in these transactions. Each of the recipients of securities in these transactions was an accredited person and had adequate access, through employment, business or other relationships, to information about the registrant.
Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Exhibits. The following exhibits are included herein or incorporated herein by reference:
II-3
* | Previously filed. |
^ | Pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K, certain exhibits and schedules have been omitted. The Company hereby undertakes to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted exhibit or schedule upon request by the SEC. |
| Pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K, certain confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted by means of marking such portions with asterisks as the identified confidential portions (i) are not material and (ii) would likely cause competitive harm to the registrant if publicly disclosed. |
(b) Financial Statement Schedules. All schedules have been omitted because the information required to be presented in them is not applicable or is shown in the financial statements or related notes.
Item 17. Undertakings
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
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Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1) | For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective. |
(2) | For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
II-5
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Irvine, State of California, on this 9th day of October, 2020.
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
/s/ Bobak Azamian, M.D., Ph.D. |
Bobak Azamian, M.D., Ph.D. |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature |
Title |
Date | ||
/s/ Bobak Azamian, M.D., Ph.D. Bobak Azamian, M.D., Ph.D. |
Chief Executive Officer, President and Director (Principal Executive Officer) | October 9, 2020 | ||
/s/ Leo M. Greenstein Leo M. Greenstein |
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |
October 9, 2020 | ||
* Michael Ackermann, Ph.D. |
Chairman |
October 9, 2020 | ||
* Bhaskar Chaudhuri, Ph.D. |
Director |
October 9, 2020 | ||
* Andrew Goldberg, M.D. |
Director |
October 9, 2020 | ||
* William J. Link, Ph.D. |
Director |
October 9, 2020 | ||
* Jason Tester |
Director |
October 9, 2020 |
* By: | /s/ Bobak Azamian, M.D., Ph.D. | |
Bobak Azamian, M.D., Ph.D. | ||
Attorney-in-fact |
II-6
Exhibit 1.1
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
(a Delaware corporation)
[●] Shares of Common Stock
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
Dated: [●], 2020
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
(a Delaware corporation)
[●] Shares of Common Stock
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
[●], 2020
BofA Securities, Inc.
Jefferies LLC
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
as Representatives of the several Underwriters
c/o | BofA Securities, Inc. |
One Bryant Park
New York, New York 10036
Jefferies LLC
520 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
880 Carillon Parkway
St. Petersburg, Florida 33716
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), confirms its agreement with BofA Securities, Inc. (BofA), Jefferies LLC (Jefferies), Raymond James & Associates, Inc. (Raymond James) and each of the other underwriters named in Schedule A hereto (collectively, the Underwriters, which term shall also include any underwriter substituted as hereinafter provided in Section 10 hereof), for whom BofA, Jefferies and Raymond James are acting as representatives (in such capacity, the Representatives), with respect to (i) the sale by the Company and the purchase by the Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, of the respective numbers of shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company (Common Stock) set forth in Schedule A hereto and (ii) the grant by the Company to the Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, of the option described in Section 2(b) hereof to purchase all or any part of [●] additional shares of Common Stock. The aforesaid [●] shares of Common Stock (the Initial Securities) to be purchased by the Underwriters and all or any part of the [●] shares of Common Stock subject to the option described in Section 2(b) hereof (the Option Securities) are herein called, collectively, the Securities.
The Company understands that the Underwriters propose to make a public offering of the Securities as soon as the Representatives deem advisable after this underwriting agreement (the Agreement) has been executed and delivered.
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The Company and the Underwriters agree that up to [●] shares of the Initial Securities to be purchased by the Underwriters (the Reserved Securities) shall be reserved for sale by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (an affiliate of BofA, hereinafter referred to as Merrill Lynch) to certain persons designated by the Company (the Invitees), as part of the distribution of the Securities by the Underwriters, subject to the terms of this Agreement, the applicable rules, regulations and interpretations of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA) and all other applicable laws, rules and regulations. The Company solely determined, without any direct or indirect participation by the Underwriters or Merrill Lynch, the Invitees who will purchase Reserved Securities (including the amount to be purchased by such persons) sold by Merrill Lynch. To the extent that such Reserved Securities are not orally confirmed for purchase by Invitees by 11:59 P.M. (New York City time) on the date of this Agreement, such Reserved Securities may be offered to the public as part of the public offering contemplated hereby.
The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) a registration statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-249076), including the related preliminary prospectus or prospectuses, covering the registration of the sale of the Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act). Promptly after execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company will prepare and file a prospectus in accordance with the provisions of Rule 430A (Rule 430A) of the rules and regulations of the Commission under the 1933 Act (the 1933 Act Regulations) and Rule 424(b) (Rule 424(b)) of the 1933 Act Regulations. The information included in such prospectus that was omitted from such registration statement at the time it became effective but that is deemed to be part of such registration statement at the time it became effective pursuant to Rule 430A(b) is herein called the Rule 430A Information. Such registration statement, including the amendments thereto, the exhibits thereto and any schedules thereto, at the time it became effective, and including the Rule 430A Information, is herein called the Registration Statement. Any registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the 1933 Act Regulations is herein called the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement and, after such filing, the term Registration Statement shall include the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement. Each prospectus used prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, and each prospectus that omitted the Rule 430A Information that was used after such effectiveness and prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, is herein called a preliminary prospectus. The final prospectus, in the form first furnished to the Underwriters for use in connection with the offering of the Securities, is herein called the Prospectus. For purposes of this Agreement, all references to the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing shall be deemed to include the copy filed with the Commission pursuant to its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system or any successor system (EDGAR).
As used in this Agreement:
Applicable Time means [●]:00 P.M., New York City time, on [●], 2020 or such other time as agreed by the Company and the Representatives.
General Disclosure Package means any Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectuses issued at or prior to the Applicable Time, the most recent preliminary prospectus that is distributed to investors prior to the Applicable Time and the information included on Schedule B-1 hereto, all considered together.
Issuer Free Writing Prospectus means any issuer free writing prospectus, as defined in Rule 433 of the 1933 Act Regulations (Rule 433), including without limitation any free writing prospectus (as defined in Rule 405 of the 1933 Act Regulations (Rule 405)) relating to the Securities that is (i) required to be filed with the Commission by the Company, (ii) a road show that is a written communication within the meaning of Rule 433(d)(8)(i), whether
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or not required to be filed with the Commission, or (iii) exempt from filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 433(d)(5)(i) because it contains a description of the Securities or of the offering that does not reflect the final terms, in each case in the form filed or required to be filed with the Commission or, if not required to be filed, in the form retained in the Companys records pursuant to Rule 433(g).
Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectus means any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus that is intended for general distribution to prospective investors (other than a bona fide electronic road show, as defined in Rule 433 (the Bona Fide Electronic Road Show), as evidenced by its being specified in Schedule B-2 hereto.
Issuer Limited Use Free Writing Prospectus means any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus that is not an Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectus.
Testing-the-Waters Communication means any oral or written communication with potential investors undertaken in reliance on Section 5(d) of, or Rule 163B under, the 1933 Act.
Written Testing-the-Waters Communication means any Testing-the-Waters Communication that is a written communication within the meaning of Rule 405 under the 1933 Act.
SECTION 1. Representations and Warranties.
(a) Representations and Warranties by the Company. The Company represents and warrants to each Underwriter as of the date hereof, the Applicable Time, the Closing Time (as defined below) and any Date of Delivery (as defined below), and agrees with each Underwriter, as follows:
(i) Registration Statement and Prospectuses. Each of the Registration Statement and any amendment thereto has become effective under the 1933 Act. No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto has been issued under the 1933 Act, no order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus has been issued and no proceedings for any of those purposes have been instituted or are pending or, to the Companys knowledge, contemplated by the Commission. The Company has complied with each request (if any) from the Commission for additional information.
Each of the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, at the time it became effective, the Applicable Time, the Closing Time and any Date of Delivery complied and will comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations. Each preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, at the time each was filed with the Commission, and, in each case, at the Applicable Time, the Closing Time and any Date of Delivery complied and will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations. Each preliminary prospectus delivered to the Underwriters for use in connection with this offering and the Prospectus was or will be identical to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.
(ii) Accurate Disclosure. Neither the Registration Statement nor any amendment thereto, at its effective time, on the date hereof, at the Closing Time or at any Date of Delivery, contained, contains or will contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted, omits or will omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
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therein not misleading. At the Applicable Time and any Date of Delivery, none of (A) the General Disclosure Package, (B) any individual Issuer Limited Use Free Writing Prospectus, when considered together with the General Disclosure Package and (C) any individual Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, when considered together with the General Disclosure Package, included, includes or will include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted, omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Neither the Prospectus nor any amendment or supplement thereto, as of its issue date, at the time of any filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b), at the Closing Time or at any Date of Delivery, included, includes or will include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted, omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
The representations and warranties in this subsection shall not apply to statements in or omissions from the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by any Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein. For purposes of this Agreement, the only information so furnished shall be the information in the first paragraph under the heading UnderwritingCommissions and Discounts, the information in the second, third and fourth paragraphs under the heading UnderwritingPrice Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids and the information under the heading UnderwritingElectronic Distribution in each case contained in the Prospectus (collectively, the Underwriter Information).
(iii) Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses. No Issuer Free Writing Prospectus conflicts or will conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, and any preliminary or other prospectus deemed to be a part thereof that has not been superseded or modified. The representations and warranties in this subsection shall not apply to statements in or omissions from any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus made in reliance upon and in conformity with the Underwriter Information. The Company has made available a Bona Fide Electronic Road Show in compliance with Rule 433(d)(8)(ii) such that no filing of any road show (as defined in Rule 433(h)) is required in connection with the offering of the Securities.
(iv) Testing-the-Waters Materials. The Company (A) has not engaged in any Testing-the-Waters Communication other than Testing-the-Waters Communications with the consent of the Representatives with entities that are qualified institutional buyers within the meaning of Rule 144A under the 1933 Act or institutions that are accredited investors within the meaning of Rule 501 under the 1933 Act or, in the case of Testing-the-Waters Communications made in reliance on Rule 163B, with entities that the Company reasonably believes are qualified institutional buyers or institutions that are accredited investors within the meaning of Rule 163B under the 1933 Act and (B) has not authorized anyone other than the Representatives to engage in Testing-the-Waters Communications. The Company reconfirms that the Representatives have been authorized to act on its behalf in undertaking Testing-the-Waters Communications. The Company has not distributed any Written Testing-the-Waters Communications other than those listed on Schedule B-3 hereto.
(v) Company Not Ineligible Issuer. At the time of filing the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, at the earliest time thereafter that the Company or another offering participant made a bona fide offer (within the meaning of Rule 164(h)(2) of the 1933 Act Regulations) of the Securities and at the date hereof, the Company was not and is not an ineligible issuer, as defined in Rule 405, without taking account of any determination by the Commission pursuant to Rule 405 that it is not necessary that the Company be considered an ineligible issuer.
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(vi) Emerging Growth Company Status. From the time of the initial confidential submission of the Registration Statement to the Commission (or, if earlier, the first date on which the Company engaged directly or through any individual or entity (Person) authorized to act on its behalf in any Testing-the-Waters Communication) through the date hereof, the Company has been and is an emerging growth company, as defined in Section 2(a) of the 1933 Act (an Emerging Growth Company).
(vii) Independent Accountants. The accountants who certified the financial statements and supporting schedules, if any, included in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus are an independent registered public accountanting firm as required by the 1933 Act, the 1933 Act Regulations and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
(viii) Financial Statements. The financial statements included in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, together with the related schedules and notes, present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries at the dates indicated and the statement of operations, stockholders equity and cash flows of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries for the periods specified; said financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved. The supporting schedules, if any, present fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with GAAP the information required to be stated therein. The selected financial data and the summary financial information included in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus present fairly, in all material respects, the information shown therein and have been compiled on a basis consistent with that of the audited financial statements included therein. Except as included therein, no historical or pro forma financial statements or supporting schedules are required to be included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus under the 1933 Act or the 1933 Act Regulations.
(ix) No Material Adverse Change in Business. Except as otherwise stated therein, since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, (A) there has been no material adverse change in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business affairs or business prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business (a Material Adverse Effect), (B) there have been no transactions entered into by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, other than those in the ordinary course of business, which are material with respect to the Company and its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, and (C) there has been no dividend or distribution of any kind declared, paid or made by the Company on any class of its capital stock.
(x) Good Standing of the Company. The Company has been duly organized and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement; and the Company is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to transact business and is in good standing in each other jurisdiction in which such qualification is required, whether by reason of the ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of business, except where the failure so to qualify or to be in good standing would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
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(xi) Good Standing of Subsidiaries. The Company has no subsidiaries.
(xii) Capitalization. The authorized, issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company are as set forth in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus in the column entitled Actual under the caption Capitalization (except for subsequent issuances, if any, pursuant to this Agreement, pursuant to reservations, agreements or employee benefit plans referred to in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or pursuant to the exercise of convertible securities or options referred to in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus). The outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable. None of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company were issued in violation of the preemptive or other similar rights of any securityholder of the Company that have not been complied with or validly waived.
(xiii) Authorization of Agreement. This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company.
(xiv) Authorization and Description of Securities. The Securities to be purchased by the Underwriters from the Company have been duly authorized for issuance and sale to the Underwriters pursuant to this Agreement and, when issued and delivered by the Company pursuant to this Agreement against payment of the consideration set forth herein, will be validly issued and fully paid and non-assessable; and the issuance of the Securities is not subject to the preemptive or other similar rights of any securityholder of the Company. The Common Stock conforms, in all material respects, to all statements relating thereto contained in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and such description conforms, in all material respects, to the rights set forth in the instruments defining the same. No holder of Securities will be subject to personal liability solely by reason of being such a holder.
(xv) Registration Rights. There are no persons with registration rights or other similar rights to have any securities registered for sale pursuant to the Registration Statement or otherwise registered for sale or sold by the Company under the 1933 Act pursuant to this Agreement other than those rights that have been waived.
(xvi) Absence of Violations, Defaults and Conflicts. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is (A) in violation of its charter, by-laws or similar organizational document, (B) in default in the performance or observance of any obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any contract, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan or credit agreement, note, lease or other agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of them may be bound or to which any of the properties or assets of the Company or any subsidiary is subject (collectively, Agreements and Instruments), except for such defaults that would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or (C) in violation of any law, statute, rule, regulation, judgment, order, writ or decree of any arbitrator, court, governmental body, regulatory body, administrative agency or other authority, body or agency having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective properties, assets or operations (each, a Governmental Entity), except for such violations that would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein and in the Registration Statement, the
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General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (including the issuance and sale of the Securities and the use of the proceeds from the sale of the Securities as described therein under the caption Use of Proceeds) and compliance by the Company with its obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and do not and will not, whether with or without the giving of notice or passage of time or both, conflict with or constitute a breach of, or default or Repayment Event (as defined below) under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any properties or assets of the Company or any subsidiary pursuant to, the Agreements and Instruments (except for such conflicts, breaches, defaults or Repayment Events or liens, charges or encumbrances that would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect), nor will such action result in any violation of (x) the provisions of the charter, by-laws or similar organizational document of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or (y) any law, statute, rule, regulation, judgment, order, writ or decree of any Governmental Entity, except, in the case of clause (y), for such violations as would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. As used herein, a Repayment Event means any event or condition which gives the holder of any note, debenture or other evidence of indebtedness (or any person acting on such holders behalf) the right to require the repurchase, redemption or repayment of all or a portion of such indebtedness by the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
(xvii) Absence of Labor Dispute. No labor dispute with the employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries exists or, to the knowledge of the Company, is imminent, and the Company is not aware of any existing or imminent labor disturbance by the employees of any of its or any subsidiarys principal suppliers, manufacturers, customers or contractors, which, in either case, singly or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(xviii) Absence of Proceedings. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation before or brought by any Governmental Entity (including, without limitation, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (the EMA)) now pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, against or affecting the Company or any of its subsidiaries, which, singly or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or which would reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect their respective properties or assets or the consummation of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement or the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder; and the aggregate of all pending legal or governmental actions, suits, inquiries, investigations or proceedings to which the Company or any such subsidiary is a party or of which any of their respective properties or assets is the subject which are not described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, including ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(xix) Accuracy of Exhibits. There are no contracts or documents which are required to be described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement which have not been so described and filed as required.
(xx) Absence of Further Requirements. No filing with, or authorization, approval, consent, license, order, registration, qualification or decree of, any Governmental Entity is necessary or required for the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder, in connection with the offering, issuance or sale of the Securities hereunder or the consummation of
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the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except (A) such as have been already obtained or as may be required under the 1933 Act, the 1933 Act Regulations, the rules of the Nasdaq Global Market, state securities laws or the rules of FINRA and (B) such as have been obtained under the laws and regulations of jurisdictions outside the United States in which the Reserved Securities were offered.
(xxi) Possession of Licenses and Permits. The Company and its subsidiaries possess such permits, licenses, approvals, clearances, certificates, consents and other authorizations issued by the appropriate Governmental Entities necessary to conduct the business as described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus (collectively, Governmental Licenses), except where the failure so to possess would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The Company and its subsidiaries are in compliance with the terms and conditions of all such Governmental Licenses, except where the failure so to comply would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. All such Governmental Licenses are valid and in full force and effect, except where the invalidity of such Governmental Licenses or the failure of such Governmental Licenses to be in full force and effect would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any such Governmental Licenses which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The Company and its subsidiaries (i) are, and at all times have been, in compliance with all statutes, rules and regulations applicable to the ownership, testing, development, manufacture, packaging, processing, use, distribution, storage, import, export or disposal of any product manufactured or distributed by them (Applicable Laws), except where such noncompliance would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; and (ii) have not received any FDA Form 483, written notice of adverse finding, warning letter, untitled letter or other correspondence or written notice from any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority alleging or asserting noncompliance with (x) any Applicable Laws or (y) any Governmental Licenses required by any such Applicable Laws, except where being in contravention of any of the foregoing representations or warranties, singly or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(xxii) Title to Property. The Company and its subsidiaries have good and marketable title to all real property owned by them and good title to all other properties owned by them, in each case, free and clear of all mortgages, pledges, liens, security interests, claims, restrictions or encumbrances of any kind except such as (A) are described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or (B) do not, singly or in the aggregate, materially affect the value of such property and do not materially interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company or any of its subsidiaries; and all of the leases and subleases material to the business of the Company and its subsidiaries, considered as one enterprise, and under which the Company or any of its subsidiaries holds properties described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, are in full force and effect, and neither the Company nor any such subsidiary has received any notice of any material claim of any sort that has been asserted by anyone adverse to the rights of the Company or any subsidiary under any of the leases or subleases mentioned above, or affecting or questioning the rights of the Company or such subsidiary to the continued possession of the leased or subleased premises under any such lease or sublease.
(xxiii) Possession of Intellectual Property. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, the Company and its subsidiaries own or possess, have a valid
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license to, or can acquire on reasonable terms, all patents, patent applications, statutory invention rights, community designs, invention disclosures, rights in utility models and industrial designs, inventions, registered and unregistered copyrights (including copyrights in software), trademarks, service marks, business names, trade names, logos, slogans, trade dress, design rights, Internet domain names, social media accounts, any other designations of source or origin, intellectual property rights in technology, software, data and know how (including trade secrets and other unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, systems or procedures), and any applications (including provisional applications), registrations, or renewals for any of the foregoing, together with the goodwill associated with any of the foregoing, rights to publicity and privacy and/or other intellectual property (collectively, Intellectual Property) necessary to carry on the business now operated by them and as proposed to be operated as described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has received any notice of nor has engaged in any infringement, misappropriation or other violation of or conflict regarding any Intellectual Property of any third party, (ii) there is no pending or threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim regarding the subject matter of the foregoing clause (i), and (iii) the Company and its subsidiaries are unaware of any facts or circumstances which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim. (a) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, all Intellectual Property owned by or exclusively licensed to the Company or any of its subsidiaries (such Intellectual Property, the Company Intellectual Property) is subsisting, and to the Companys knowledge, valid and enforceable, (b) there is no pending or threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by any third party challenging the Companys or any of its subsidiaries rights in, or the validity, ownership, registrability, enforceability or scope of, any such Company Intellectual Property (with the exception of ordinary course office actions in connection with applications for the registration or issuance of such Intellectual Property) and (c) the Company and its subsidiaries are unaware of any facts or circumstances which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim. No third party is infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating any of the Company Intellectual Property and there is no pending or threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by the Company or any of its subsidiaries against a third party regarding the foregoing. (1) The Company and its subsidiaries have complied in all material respects with the terms of each agreement pursuant to which Intellectual Property has been licensed to the Company or its subsidiaries, (2) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has received any written notice alleging any such noncompliance and are unaware of any facts or circumstances which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim, and (3) all such agreements are in full force and effect. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, no Intellectual Property has been obtained or is being used by the Company or its subsidiaries in violation of any material contractual obligations binding on the Company or such subsidiaries or in violation of any contractual rights of any person. All filing actions and registration, maintenance, annuity and renewal fees needed to be taken, met or paid in order to prosecute or maintain the Company Intellectual Property have been timely taken, met or paid, and there are no material defects with respect to any such filings, payments or actions. Each person who is or was an employee or contractor of the Company or any of its subsidiaries and who is, was or is expected to be involved in the creation or development of any Intellectual Property for or on behalf of the Company or such subsidiaries has executed a valid written agreement effectively assigning to the Company or any of its subsidiaries all of such persons rights in and to such Intellectual Property and no employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is in or has ever been in violation of any term of any agreement with or covenant to a former employer where the basis of such violation relates to such employees employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or actions undertaken by the employee while employed with the Company or any of its subsidiaries. The Company and its subsidiaries have taken all reasonable steps necessary to maintain and protect
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the confidentiality of the material trade secrets and other material confidential Company Intellectual Property and non-exclusively-licensed Intellectual Property used in connection with the business of the Company and its subsidiaries and, to the Companys knowledge, the confidentiality of such material trade secrets and material confidential Intellectual Property has not been compromised or disclosed to or accessed by any third party except pursuant to appropriate nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements. No university, military, educational institution, research center, Governmental Authority or other organization has funded, contributed to or sponsored research and development conducted in connection with the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries that (i) has any claim of right to, ownership of or other lien on any Company Intellectual Property or (ii) would affect the proprietary nature of any Company Intellectual Property or restrict the ability of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to enforce, license or exclude others from using any Company Intellectual Property.
(xxiv) Environmental Laws. Except as would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (A) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is in violation of any applicable federal, state, local or foreign statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, code, policy or rule of common law or any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, including any judicial or administrative order, consent decree or judgment, relating to pollution or protection of human health and safety (including occupational health and safety), sustainability, the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water, groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata), natural resources or wildlife, including, without limitation, laws and regulations relating to the release or threatened release of, or exposure to, chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, wastes, toxic substances, hazardous substances, radioactive substances, petroleum, petroleum products, asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, greenhouse gases or mold (collectively, Hazardous Materials) or to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport, discharge, emission or handling of Hazardous Materials (collectively, Environmental Laws), (B) the Company and its subsidiaries have all permits, authorizations, registrations and approvals required under any applicable Environmental Laws and are each in compliance with their requirements, (C) there are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened administrative, regulatory or judicial actions, suits, demands, demand letters, claims, liens, notices of noncompliance or violation, investigations or proceedings relating to any Environmental Law or Hazardous Materials against the Company or any of its subsidiaries and (D) to the knowledge of the Company, there are no events or circumstances that would reasonably be expected to form the basis of an order for clean-up or remediation, or an action, suit or proceeding by any private party or Governmental Entity, against or affecting the Company or any of its subsidiaries relating to Hazardous Materials or any Environmental Laws.
(xxv) Accounting Controls. The Company and each of its subsidiaries maintain effective internal control over financial reporting (as defined under Rules 13-a15 and 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act)) and a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that (A) transactions are executed in accordance with managements general or specific authorization; (B) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain accountability for assets; (C) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with managements general or specific authorization; and (D) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, since the end of the Companys most recent audited fiscal year, there has been (1) no material weakness in the Companys internal control over financial reporting (whether or not remediated) and (2) no change in the Companys internal control over financial reporting that has materially and adversely affected, or is reasonably likely to materially and adversely affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
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(xxvi) Compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Company has taken all necessary actions to ensure that, upon the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, it will be in compliance in all material respects with all provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or implementing the provisions thereof (the Sarbanes-Oxley Act) that are then in effect and with which the Company is required to comply as of the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, and is taking steps to ensure that it will be in compliance with other provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act not currently in effect, upon the effectiveness of such provisions, or which will become applicable to the Company at all times after the effectiveness of the Registration Statement.
(xxvii) Payment of Taxes. All United States federal, state, local and non-U.S. income tax returns of the Company and its subsidiaries required by law to be filed have been filed as of the date hereof (after giving effect to any extensions provided by law that have been requested) and all taxes shown by such returns or otherwise assessed, which are due and payable, have been paid, except assessments against which appeals have been or will be promptly taken in good faith by the Company and as to which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP by the Company except insofar as the failure to pay such taxes would not reasonably be expected, singly or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The United States federal, state, local and non-U.S. income tax returns of the Company and its subsidiaries through the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 have been settled and no assessment in connection therewith has been made against the Company or its subsidiaries, as applicable. The Company and its subsidiaries have filed all other tax returns that are required to have been filed by them pursuant to applicable foreign, federal, state, local or other law except insofar as the failure to file such returns would not, singly or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect, and has paid all taxes due pursuant to such returns or pursuant to any assessment received by the Company and its subsidiaries, except for such taxes, if any, as are being contested in good faith and as to which adequate reserves have been established by the Company and except insofar as the failure to pay such taxes would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The charges, accruals and reserves on the books of the Company in respect of any income and corporation tax liability for any years not finally determined are adequate to meet any assessments or re-assessments for additional income tax for any years not finally determined, except to the extent of any inadequacy that would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(xxviii) Insurance. The Company and its subsidiaries carry or are entitled to the benefits of insurance, with financially sound and reputable insurers, in such amounts and covering such risks as is generally maintained by companies of established repute engaged in the same or similar business and at the same or similar stage of development, and all such insurance is in full force and effect. The Company has no reason to believe that it or any of its subsidiaries will not be able (A) to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such policies expire or (B) to obtain comparable coverage from similar institutions as may be necessary or appropriate to conduct its business as now conducted and at a cost that would not, singly or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has been denied any insurance coverage which it has sought or for which it has applied.
(xxix) Investment Company Act. The Company is not required, and upon the issuance and sale of the Securities as herein contemplated and the application of the net proceeds therefrom as described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus will not be required, to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act).
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(xxx) Absence of Manipulation. Neither the Company nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any affiliate of the Company has taken, nor will the Company or any affiliate take, directly or indirectly, any action which is designed, or would reasonably be expected, to cause or result in, or which constitutes, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities or to result in a violation of Regulation M under the 1934 Act.
(xxxi) Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. None of the Company, any of its subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Company, any director or officer of the Company or its subsidiaries, as applicable, agent, employee, affiliate or other person acting on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is aware of or has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that would result in a violation by such persons of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the FCPA), including, without limitation, making use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce corruptly in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay or authorization of the payment of any money, or other property, gift, promise to give, or authorization of the giving of anything of value to any foreign official (as such term is defined in the FCPA) or any foreign political party or official thereof or any candidate for foreign political office, in contravention of the FCPA and the Company and, to the knowledge of the Company, its affiliates have conducted their businesses in compliance with the FCPA and have instituted and maintain policies and procedures designed to ensure, and which are reasonably expected to continue to ensure, continued compliance therewith.
(xxxii) Money Laundering Laws. The operations of the Company and its subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the money laundering statutes of all applicable jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any Governmental Entity (collectively, the Money Laundering Laws); and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any Governmental Entity involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the best knowledge of the Company, threatened.
(xxxiii) OFAC. None of the Company, any of its subsidiaries, director or officer or, to the knowledge of the Company, any director or officer of the Company or its subsidiaries, as applicable, agent, employee, affiliate or representative of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a Person currently the subject or target of any sanctions administered or enforced by the United States Government, including, without limitation, the U.S. Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, Her Majestys Treasury, or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, Sanctions), nor is the Company located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject of Sanctions; and the Company will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the sale of the Securities, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiaries, joint venture partners or other Person, to fund any activities of or business with any Person, or in any country or territory, that, at the time of such funding, is the subject of Sanctions or in any other manner that will result in a violation by any Person (including any Person participating in the transaction, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise) of Sanctions.
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(xxxiv) Sales of Reserved Securities. In connection with any offer and sale of Reserved Securities outside the United States, each preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, at the time it was filed, complied and will comply in all material respects with any applicable laws or regulations of foreign jurisdictions in which the same is distributed. The Company has not offered, or caused the Representatives or Merrill Lynch to offer, Reserved Securities to any person with the specific intent to unlawfully influence (i) a customer or supplier of the Company or any of its affiliates to alter the customers or suppliers level or type of business with any such entity or (ii) a trade journalist or publication to write or publish favorable information about the Company or any of its affiliates, or their respective businesses or products.
(xxxv) Lending Relationship. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company (i) does not have any material lending or other relationship with any bank or lending affiliate of any Underwriter and (ii) does not intend to use any of the proceeds from the sale of the Securities to repay any outstanding debt owed to any affiliate of any Underwriter.
(xxxvi) Statistical and Market-Related Data. Any statistical and market-related data included in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus are based on or derived from sources that the Company believes, after reasonable inquiry, to be reliable and accurate in all material respects and, to the extent required, the Company has obtained the written consent to the use of such data from such sources.
(xxxvii) Information Technology, Cybersecurity and Data Protection. (A) There has been no security breach or incident, unauthorized access or disclosure, or other compromise of or relating to the Companys or its subsidiaries information technology and computer systems, networks, hardware, software, data and databases (including personally identifiable information or protected health information as required by any Healthcare Laws and the data and information of their respective patients, customers, employees, suppliers, vendors and any third party data maintained, processed or stored by the Company or its subsidiaries, and any such data processed or stored by third parties on behalf of the Company or its subsidiaries), equipment or technology (collectively, IT Systems and Data); (B) neither the Company nor its subsidiaries have been notified of, nor have any knowledge of any event or condition that would reasonably be expected to result in, any security breach or incident, unauthorized access or disclosure of or other compromise to their IT Systems and Data and, to the Companys knowledge, no Person has claimed or threatened to claim compensation from the Company or any of its subsidiaries for breaches of IT Systems and Data; and (C) the Company and its subsidiaries have implemented appropriate controls, policies, procedures, and technological safeguards designed to maintain and protect the integrity, continuous operation, redundancy, disaster recovery and security of their IT Systems and Data reasonably consistent with industry standards and practices, or as required by applicable Data Protection Laws, Healthcare Laws and regulatory standards, except with respect to clauses (A) and (B), for any such security breach or incident, unauthorized access or disclosure or other compromise, as would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The IT Systems and Data are adequate and operational for, in accordance with their documentation and functional specifications, the business of the Company and its subsidiaries as now operated and as currently proposed to be operated as described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. The Company and its subsidiaries are presently in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws or statutes and all judgments, orders, rules and regulations of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, internal policies and contractual obligations relating to the privacy and security of IT Systems and Data, including the collection, use, transfer, processing, disposal,
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disclosure, handling, storage and analysis of personally identifiable information, protected health information, consumer information and other confidential information of the Company, its subsidiaries and any third parties in their possession (Sensitive Company Data), and to the protection of such IT Systems and Data and Sensitive Company Data from unauthorized use, access, misappropriation or modification. The Company and its subsidiaries have not received any written notice, claim, complaint, demand or letter from any Person or Governmental Authority in respect of their businesses under applicable Data Protection Laws (as defined below) and regulations and industry standards regarding misuse, loss, unauthorized destruction or unauthorized disclosure of any Sensitive Company Data. To the Companys knowledge, there has been no unauthorized or illegal use of or access to any Sensitive Company Data by any third party. The Company and its subsidiaries have not been required to notify any individual or data protection authority of any information security breach, compromise or incident involving Sensitive Company Data and, to the Companys knowledge, are not the subject of any inquiry or investigation by any Governmental Authority or data protection authority regarding any of the foregoing.
Data Protection Laws means (a) all applicable laws related to data privacy, data protection or data security (including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, Regulation (EU) 2016/79 of the European Parliament and of the Council (General Data Protection Regulation) and any implementation acts related thereto and the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018), and the requirements and guidance set forth in regulations, guidelines and agreements containing consent orders published by regulatory authorities such as the Federal Trade Commission, Federal Communications Commission, the FDA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and applicable European Union data protection authorities, in each case of the foregoing, as amended, replaced or updated from time to time; (b) all privacy policies of the Company and its subsidiaries; and (c) all third party privacy policies that the Company or any of its subsidiaries has been or is contractually obligated to comply with.
(xxxviii) No Rated Securities. Neither the Company nor its subsidiaries have any debt securities or preferred stock that are rated by any nationally recognized statistical rating organization (as defined in Section 3(a)(62) of the 1934 Act).
(xxxix) ERISA Compliance. Except as would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (A) the Company and its subsidiaries and any Employee Benefit Plan (as defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the regulations and published interpretations promulgated thereunder (collectively, ERISA)) for which the Company, its subsidiaries or its or their ERISA Affiliates (as defined below) would have any liability (each, a Plan) are in compliance in all respects with ERISA and each Plan has been established and maintained in compliance with its terms and the requirements of any applicable statutes, orders, rules and regulations, including but not limited to, ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder (the Code), (B) no reportable event (as defined under ERISA) has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur with respect to any Plan, (C) no Plan, if such Plan were terminated, would have any amount of unfunded benefit liabilities (as defined under ERISA), as the fair market value of the assets under each Plan (excluding for these purposes accrued but unpaid contributions) exceeds the present value of all benefits accrued under such Plan (determined based on those assumptions used to fund such Plan), (D) neither the Company, its subsidiaries nor any of its or their ERISA Affiliates has incurred or reasonably expects to incur any obligation or liability under (i) Title IV of ERISA with respect to termination of, or withdrawal from, any Plan, (ii) Sections 412 and 430, 4971, 4975 or 4980B of the Code or (iii) Sections 302 and 303, 406, 4063 and 4064 of ERISA, (E) each Plan that is intended to be
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qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code is so qualified and nothing has occurred, whether by action or failure to act, which would cause the loss of such qualification, (F) there is no pending audit or investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of Labor, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any other governmental or foreign regulatory entity or agency with respect to any Plan that would reasonably be expected to result in liability to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, and (G) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries have any accumulated post-retirement benefit obligations (within the meaning of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 106). ERISA Affiliate means, with respect to the Company, any member of any group of organizations described in Sections 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code of which the Company or such subsidiary is a member.
(xl) Regulatory Matters. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus: (i) neither the Company nor its subsidiaries has received any written notice of adverse finding, warning letter, untitled letter or other correspondence or notice from the FDA, the EMA or other relevant regulatory authorities, or any other court or arbitrator or federal, state, local or foreign governmental or regulatory authority, alleging or asserting material noncompliance with the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. § 301 et seq.), as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder (the FFDCA), the Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. Section 1320a-7b(b)), the Civil Monetary Penalties Law (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7a), the Physician Payment Sunshine Act (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7h), the Civil False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. Section 3729 et seq.), the criminal False Claims Law (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b(a)), all criminal laws relating to health care fraud and abuse, including but not limited to 18 U.S.C. Sections 286 and 287, and the health care fraud criminal provisions under the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) (42 U.S.C. Section 1320d et seq.), the exclusion laws (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7), HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (42 U.S.C. Section 17921 et seq.), Medicare (Title XVIII of the Social Security Act), Medicaid (Title XIX of the Social Security Act), and any and all other similar state, federal or foreign law or regulations promulgated pursuant to such laws, including all laws and regulations applicable to ownership, testing, development, manufacture, packaging, processing, use, distribution, storage, import, export or disposal of the Companys product candidates, each as amended from time to time (collectively, Health Care Laws); (ii) the Company and its subsidiaries are and have been in compliance with applicable Health Care Laws, except where instances of non-compliance would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; (iii) neither the Company nor its subsidiaries received written notice of any claim, action, suit, proceeding, hearing, enforcement, investigation, arbitration or other action from any U.S. or non-U.S. federal, national, state, local or other governmental or regulatory authority, governmental or regulatory agency or body, court, arbitrator or self-regulatory organization (each, a Governmental Authority) or third party alleging that any product operation or activity is in violation of any Health Care Laws and, to the Companys knowledge, no such claim, action, suit, proceeding, hearing, enforcement, investigation, arbitration or other action is threatened; (iv) the Company and its subsidiaries have filed, obtained, maintained or submitted all reports, documents, forms, notices, applications, records, claims, submissions and supplements or amendments as required by applicable Health Care Laws, and all such reports, documents, forms, notices, applications, records, claims, submissions and supplements or amendments were complete, correct and not misleading on the date filed (or were corrected or supplemented by a subsequent submission); (v) neither the Company nor its subsidiaries or any of their respective directors, officers, employees or agents is or has been debarred, suspended or excluded, or has been convicted of any crime or engaged in any conduct that would result in a debarment, suspension or exclusion from any federal or state government health care program or, to the knowledge of the Company, is subject to a governmental inquiry, investigation, proceeding, or other similar action that would
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reasonably be expected to result in debarment, suspension, or exclusion; and (vi) the Company is not a party to and the Company does not have any ongoing reporting obligations pursuant to, any corporate integrity agreements, deferred prosecution agreements, monitoring agreements, consent decrees, settlement orders, plans of correction or similar agreements with or imposed by an Governmental Authority.
(xli) Preclinical Studies and Clinical Trials. The preclinical studies and clinical trials conducted by, on behalf of or sponsored by the Company or its subsidiaries, or in which the Company or its subsidiaries has participated, that are described in, or the results of which are referred to in, the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, as applicable, were, and if still pending are, being conducted in accordance with the experimental protocols established for each study or trial, as well as any conditions of approval and policies imposed by any institutional review board, ethics review board or committee responsible for the oversight of such preclinical studies and clinical trials, and all applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations of the FDA, the EMA and comparable drug regulatory agencies outside of the United States to which they are subject (such institutional review boards, ethics review boards, committees, the FDA, the EMA or any comparable regulatory agencies, collectively, the Regulatory Authorities) and all other applicable Health Care Laws, except as would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; the descriptions in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus of the results of such studies and trials are accurate and not misleading in all material respects with respect to the portions of such studies and trials being described and fairly present the data derived from such studies or trials in all material respects; the Company has no knowledge of any other preclinical studies or clinical trials not described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the results of which would reasonably call into question in any material respect the results of the preclinical studies and clinical trials described in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus when viewed in the context in which such results are described and the current state of development; neither the Company nor its subsidiaries have received any written notice, correspondence or other communications from the Regulatory Authorities requiring or threatening (i) the termination or suspension or clinical hold of any preclinical studies or clinical trials that are described in, or the results of which are referred to in, the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, or (ii) the material modification of any preclinical studies or clinical trials that would cause them to materially differ from their descriptions in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, other than ordinary course communications with respect to modifications in connection with the design and implementation of such preclinical studies or clinical trials, and, to the Companys knowledge, there are no reasonable grounds for the same.
(xlii) Health Care Products Manufacturing. The manufacture of the Companys and its subsidiaries product candidates by or on behalf of the Company and its subsidiaries is being conducted in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Health Care Laws, including, without limitation, the FDAs current good manufacturing practice regulations at 21 CFR Part 820, and, to the extent applicable, the respective counterparts thereof promulgated by governmental authorities in countries outside the United States. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has had any manufacturing site (whether Company-owned, subsidiary-owned or that of a third party manufacturer for the Companys or its subsidiaries product candidates) subject to a Governmental Authority (including FDA or EMA) shutdown or import or export prohibition, nor received any FDA, EMA or other Governmental Authority warning letters, or untitled letters alleging or asserting material noncompliance with any applicable Health Care Laws, requests to make material changes to the Companys or its subsidiaries product
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candidates, processes or operations, or similar correspondence or notice from the FDA, EMA or other Governmental Authority alleging or asserting material noncompliance with any applicable Health Care Laws, other than those that have been satisfactorily addressed and/or closed with the FDA, EMA or other Governmental Authority. To the knowledge of the Company, neither the FDA, EMA or any other Governmental Authority is considering such action.
(xliii) No Safety Notices. (i) There have been no recalls, field notifications, field corrections, market withdrawals or replacements, warnings, dear doctor letters, investigator notices, safety alerts or other notice of action relating to an alleged lack of safety, efficacy, or regulatory compliance of the Companys or its subsidiaries product candidates (Safety Notices) and (ii) there are no facts that would be reasonably likely to result in (x) a Safety Notice with respect to the Companys or its subsidiaries product candidates, or (y) a material change in labeling of any of the Companys or its subsidiaries product candidates or (z) a termination or suspension of marketing or testing of any of the Companys or its subsidiaries product candidates.
(b) Officers Certificates. Any certificate signed by any officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries delivered to the Representatives or to counsel for the Underwriters shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company to each Underwriter as to the matters covered thereby.
SECTION 2. Sale and Delivery to Underwriters; Closing.
(a) Initial Securities. On the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained and subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company agrees to sell to each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, and each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, agrees to purchase from the Company, at the price per share set forth in Schedule A, that number of Initial Securities set forth in Schedule A opposite the name of such Underwriter, plus any additional number of Initial Securities which such Underwriter may become obligated to purchase pursuant to the provisions of Section 10 hereof, subject, in each case, to such adjustments among the Underwriters as the Representatives in their sole discretion shall make to eliminate any sales or purchases of fractional shares.
(b) Option Securities. In addition, on the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained and subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company hereby grants an option to the Underwriters, severally and not jointly, to purchase up to an additional [●] shares of Common Stock, at the price per share set forth in Schedule A, less an amount per share equal to any dividends or distributions declared by the Company and payable on the Initial Securities but not payable on the Option Securities to cover over-allotments. The option hereby granted may be exercised for 30 days after the date hereof and may be exercised in whole or in part at any time and from time to time upon notice by the Representatives to the Company setting forth the number of Option Securities as to which the several Underwriters are then exercising the option and the time and date of payment and delivery for such Option Securities. Any such time and date of delivery (a Date of Delivery) shall be determined by the Representatives, but shall not be later than seven full business days after the exercise of said option, nor in any event prior to the Closing Time. If the option is exercised as to all or any portion of the Option Securities, each of the Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, will purchase that proportion of the total number of Option Securities then being purchased which the number of Initial Securities set forth in Schedule A opposite the name of such Underwriter bears to the total number of Initial Securities, subject, in each case, to such adjustments as the Representatives in their sole discretion shall make to eliminate any sales or purchases of fractional shares.
(c) Payment. Payment of the purchase price for, and delivery of certificates or security entitlements for, the Initial Securities shall be made at the offices of Shearman & Sterling LLP, 599
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Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022, or at such other place as shall be agreed upon by the Representatives and the Company, at 9:00 A.M. (New York City time) on the second (third, if the pricing occurs after 4:30 P.M. (New York City time) on any given day) business day after the date hereof (unless postponed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10), or such other time not later than ten business days after such date as shall be agreed upon by the Representatives and the Company (such time and date of payment and delivery being herein called the Closing Time).
In addition, in the event that any or all of the Option Securities are purchased by the Underwriters, payment of the purchase price for, and delivery of certificates or security entitlements for, such Option Securities shall be made at the above-mentioned offices, or at such other place as shall be agreed upon by the Representatives and the Company, on each Date of Delivery as specified in the notice from the Representatives to the Company.
Payment shall be made to the Company by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a bank account designated by the Company against delivery to the Representatives for the respective accounts of the Underwriters of certificates or security entitlements for the Securities to be purchased by them. It is understood that each Underwriter has authorized the Representatives, for its account, to accept delivery of, receipt for, and make payment of the purchase price for, the Initial Securities and the Option Securities, if any, which it has agreed to purchase. Each of the Representatives, individually and not as a representative of the Underwriters, may (but shall not be obligated to) make payment of the purchase price for the Initial Securities or the Option Securities, if any, to be purchased by any Underwriter whose funds have not been received by the Closing Time or the relevant Date of Delivery, as the case may be, but such payment shall not relieve such Underwriter from its obligations hereunder.
SECTION 3. Covenants of the Company. The Company covenants with each Underwriter as follows:
(a) Compliance with Securities Regulations and Commission Requests. The Company, subject to Section 3(b), will comply with the requirements of Rule 430A, and will promptly notify the Representatives, and confirm the notice in writing (which may be by email), (i) when any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement shall become effective or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus shall have been filed, (ii) of the receipt of any comments from the Commission, (iii) of any request by the Commission for any amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or for additional information, (iv) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus, or of the suspension of the qualification of the Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or of the initiation or threatening of any proceedings for any of such purposes or of any examination pursuant to Section 8(d) or 8(e) of the 1933 Act concerning the Registration Statement and (v) if the Company becomes the subject of a proceeding under Section 8A of the 1933 Act in connection with the offering of the Securities. The Company will effect all filings required under Rule 424(b), in the manner and within the time period required by Rule 424(b) (without reliance on Rule 424(b)(8)), and will take such steps as it deems necessary to ascertain promptly whether the form of prospectus transmitted for filing under Rule 424(b) was received for filing by the Commission and, in the event that it was not, it will promptly file such prospectus. The Company will make every reasonable effort to prevent the issuance of any stop order, prevention or suspension and, if any such order is issued, to obtain the lifting thereof as soon as practicable.
(b) Continued Compliance with Securities Laws. The Company will comply with the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations so as to permit the completion of the distribution of the Securities as contemplated in this Agreement and in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and
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the Prospectus. If at any time when a prospectus relating to the Securities is (or, but for the exception afforded by Rule 172 of the 1933 Act Regulations (Rule 172), would be) required by the 1933 Act to be delivered in connection with sales of the Securities, any event shall occur or condition shall exist as a result of which it is necessary, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters or for the Company, to (i) amend the Registration Statement in order that the Registration Statement will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, (ii) amend or supplement the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus in order that the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, as the case may be, will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances existing at the time it is delivered to a purchaser or (iii) amend the Registration Statement or amend or supplement the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, as the case may be, in order to comply with the requirements of the 1933 Act or the 1933 Act Regulations, the Company will promptly (A) give the Representatives notice of such event, (B) prepare any amendment or supplement as may be necessary to correct such statement or omission or to make the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus comply with such requirements and, a reasonable amount of time prior to any proposed filing or use, furnish the Representatives with copies of any such amendment or supplement and (C) file with the Commission any such amendment or supplement; provided that the Company shall not file or use any such amendment or supplement to which the Representatives or counsel for the Underwriters shall object. The Company will furnish to the Underwriters such number of copies of such amendment or supplement as the Underwriters may reasonably request. The Company has given the Representatives notice of any filings made pursuant to the 1934 Act or 1934 Act Regulations within 24 hours prior to the Applicable Time; the Company will give the Representatives notice of its intention to make any such filing from the Applicable Time to the Closing Time and will furnish the Representatives with copies of any such documents a reasonable amount of time prior to such proposed filing, as the case may be, and will not file or use any such document to which the Representatives or counsel for the Underwriters shall reasonably object.
(c) Delivery of Registration Statements. The Company has furnished or will deliver to the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters, if requested, without charge, signed copies of the Registration Statement as originally filed and each amendment thereto (including exhibits filed therewith) and signed copies of all consents and certificates of experts, and will also deliver to the Representatives, if requested, without charge, a conformed copy of the Registration Statement as originally filed and each amendment thereto (without exhibits) for each of the Underwriters. The copies of the Registration Statement and each amendment thereto furnished to the Underwriters will be identical to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.
(d) Delivery of Prospectuses. The Company has delivered to each Underwriter, without charge, as many copies of each preliminary prospectus as such Underwriter reasonably requested, and the Company hereby consents to the use of such copies for purposes permitted by the 1933 Act. The Company will furnish to each Underwriter, without charge, during the period when a prospectus relating to the Securities is (or, but for the exception afforded by Rule 172, would be) required to be delivered under the 1933 Act, such number of copies of the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented) as such Underwriter may reasonably request. The Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto furnished to the Underwriters will be identical to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.
(e) Blue Sky Qualifications. The Company will use its reasonable best efforts, in cooperation with the Underwriters, to qualify the Securities for offering and sale under the applicable securities laws of such states and other jurisdictions (domestic or foreign) as the Representatives may designate and to
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maintain such qualifications in effect so long as required to complete the distribution of the Securities; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to file any general consent to service of process or to qualify as a foreign corporation or as a dealer in securities in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or to subject itself to taxation in respect of doing business in any jurisdiction in which it is not otherwise so subject.
(f) Rule 158. The Company will timely file such reports pursuant to the 1934 Act as are necessary in order to make generally available to its securityholders as soon as practicable an earnings statement for the purposes of, and to provide to the Underwriters the benefits contemplated by, the last paragraph of Section 11(a) of the 1933 Act.
(g) Use of Proceeds. The Company will use the net proceeds received by it from the sale of the Securities in the manner specified in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus under Use of Proceeds.
(h) Listing. The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to effect and maintain the listing of the Common Stock (including the Securities) on the Nasdaq Global Market.
(i) Restriction on Sale of Securities. During a period of 180 days from the date of the Prospectus, the Company will not, without the prior written consent of BofA and Jefferies, (i) directly or indirectly, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of any shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock or file or confidentially submit any registration statement under the 1933 Act with respect to any of the foregoing , (ii) enter into any swap or any other agreement or any transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, the economic consequence of ownership of the Common Stock, whether any such swap or transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise or (iii) publicly disclose the intention to do any of the foregoing described in clauses (i) and (ii). The foregoing sentence shall not apply to (A) the Securities to be sold hereunder, (B) any shares of Common Stock issued by the Company upon the exercise of an option or warrant or the conversion of a security, in each case, outstanding on the date hereof and referred to in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, (C) the reacquisition or withholding of all or a portion of shares of Common Stock subject to a stock award to satisfy a tax withholding obligation of the Company in connection with the vesting or exercise of such stock award or to satisfy the purchase price or exercise price of such stock award, (D) the grant of compensatory equity-based awards, and/or the issuance of shares of Common Stock with respect thereto, made pursuant to compensatory equity-based plans referred to in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, (E) any shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to any non-employee director compensation plan or program or dividend reinvestment plan referred to in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, (F) the filing of a registration statement on Form S-8 or any successor form thereto with respect to the registration of securities to be offered under any employee benefit or equity incentive plans of the Company referred to in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or (G) the issuance of shares of Common Stock, restricted stock awards or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock in connection with (i) the acquisition of the securities, business, property or other assets of another Person or pursuant to any employee benefit plan assumed in connection with any such acquisition, (ii) joint ventures, (iii) commercial relationships or (iv) other strategic transactions, provided that the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock, restricted stock awards and shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion, exercise or exchange of securities (on an as converted or as exercised basis, as the case may be) issued pursuant to this clause (G) shall not exceed 5% of the total number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately following the
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issuance and sale of the Securities at the Closing Time pursuant hereto; and provided, further, that each recipient of shares of Common Stock, restricted stock awards or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock pursuant to this clause agrees to be bound by the terms of the lock-up or shall execute a lock-up agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Company shall cause an option holder who is not a holder of any shares of Common Stock to execute a lock-up agreement in the form of Exhibit A hereto at the time such holder exercises his or her option during a period of 180 days from the date of the Prospectus.
(j) If BofA and Jefferies, in their sole discretion, agree to release or waive the restrictions set forth in a lock-up agreement described in Section 5(i) hereof for an officer or director of the Company and provide the Company with notice of the impending release or waiver at least three business days before the effective date of the release or waiver, the Company agrees to announce the impending release or waiver by a press release substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto through a major news service at least two business days before the effective date of the release or waiver.
(k) Reporting Requirements. The Company, during the period when a Prospectus relating to the Securities is (or, but for the exception afforded by Rule 172, would be) required to be delivered under the 1933 Act, will file all documents required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to the 1934 Act within the time periods required by the 1934 Act and 1934 Act Regulations. Additionally, the Company shall report the use of proceeds from the issuance of the Securities as may be required under Rule 463 under the 1933 Act.
(l) Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses. The Company agrees that, unless it obtains the prior written consent of the Representatives, it will not make any offer relating to the Securities that would constitute an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or that would otherwise constitute a free writing prospectus, or a portion thereof, required to be filed by the Company with the Commission or retained by the Company under Rule 433; provided that the Representatives will be deemed to have consented to the Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses listed on Schedule B-2 hereto and any road show that is a written communication within the meaning of Rule 433(d)(8)(i) that has been reviewed by the Representatives. The Company represents that it has treated or agrees that it will treat each such free writing prospectus consented to, or deemed consented to, by the Representatives as an issuer free writing prospectus, as defined in Rule 433, and that it has complied and will comply with the applicable requirements of Rule 433 with respect thereto, including timely filing with the Commission where required, legending and record keeping. If at any time following issuance of an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus there occurred or occurs an event or development as a result of which such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus conflicted or would conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement, which has not been superseded or modified, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus or included or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Company will promptly notify the Representatives and will promptly amend or supplement, at its own expense, such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus to eliminate or correct such conflict, untrue statement or omission; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to notify the Representatives of any statements or omissions in the Issuer Free Writing Prospectus prepared or authorized by the Company made in reliance upon and in conformity with the Underwriter Information .
(m) Certification Regarding Beneficial Owners. The Company will deliver to the Representatives, on the date of execution of this Agreement, a properly completed and executed Certification Regarding Beneficial Owners of Legal Entity Customers, together with copies of identifying documentation, and the Company undertakes to provide such additional supporting documentation as the Representatives may reasonably request in connection with the verification of the foregoing certification.
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(n) Compliance with FINRA Rules. The Company hereby agrees that it will ensure that the Reserved Securities will be restricted as required by FINRA or the FINRA rules from sale, transfer, assignment, pledge or hypothecation for a period of three months following the date of this Agreement. Merrill Lynch will notify the Company as to which persons will need to be so restricted. At the request of the Underwriters or Merrill Lynch, the Company will direct the transfer agent to place a stop transfer restriction upon such securities for such period of time. Should the Company release, or seek to release, from such restrictions any of the Reserved Securities, the Company agrees to reimburse the Underwriters and Merrill Lynch for any reasonable expenses (including, without limitation, legal expenses) they incur in connection with such release.
(o) Testing-the-Waters Materials. If at any time following the distribution of any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication there occurred or occurs an event or development as a result of which such Written Testing-the-Waters Communication included or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Company will promptly notify the Representatives and, if so determined by the Company and the Representatives in their reasonable judgment, will promptly amend or supplement, at its own expense, such Written Testing-the-Waters Communication to eliminate or correct such untrue statement or omission; provided, however, that this covenant shall not apply to any statements or omissions in a Written Testing-the-Waters Communication prepared or authorized by the Company made in reliance upon and in conformity with the Underwriter Information.
(p) Emerging Growth Company Status. The Company will promptly notify the Representatives if the Company ceases to be an Emerging Growth Company at any time prior to the later of (i) completion of the distribution of the Securities within the meaning of the 1933 Act and (ii) completion of the 180-day restricted period referred to in Section 3(i).
SECTION 4. Payment of Expenses.
(a) Expenses. The Company will pay or cause to be paid all expenses incident to the performance of its obligations under this Agreement, including (i) the preparation, printing and filing of the Registration Statement (including financial statements and exhibits) as originally filed and each amendment thereto, (ii) the preparation, printing and delivery to the Underwriters of copies of each preliminary prospectus, each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto and any reasonable costs associated with electronic delivery of any of the foregoing by the Underwriters to investors, (iii) the preparation, issuance and delivery of the certificates or security entitlements for the Securities to the Underwriters, including any stock or other transfer taxes and any stamp or other duties payable upon the sale, issuance or delivery of the Securities to the Underwriters, (iv) the fees and disbursements of the Companys counsel, accountants and other advisors, (v) subject to the limitation set forth in clause (viii) below, the qualification of the Securities under securities laws in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(e) hereof, including filing fees and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection therewith and in connection with the preparation of the Blue Sky Survey and any supplement thereto, (vi) the fees and expenses of any transfer agent or registrar for the Securities, (vii) the costs and expenses of the Company relating to investor presentations on any road show undertaken in connection with the marketing of the Securities, including without limitation, (x) expenses associated with the production of road show slides and graphics, fees and expenses of any consultants engaged by the Company in connection with the road show presentations, travel and lodging expenses of the representatives and officers of the Company and any such consultants and 50% of the cost of aircraft and other transportation chartered in connection with
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the road show, if any (it being understood that the Underwriters will pay or cause to be paid the travel and lodging expenses of their representatives) and (y) Netroadshow expenses in connection with the NDR, (viii) the filing fees incident to, and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel to the Underwriters in connection with, the review by FINRA of the terms of the sale of the Securities; provided that the amount payable by the Company pursuant to this clause (viii) and clause (v) above shall not exceed $40,000 in the aggregate, (ix) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Securities on the Nasdaq Global Market, (x) the costs and expenses (including, without limitation, any damages or other amounts payable in connection with legal or contractual liability) associated with the reforming of any contracts for sale of the Securities made by the Underwriters caused by a breach of the representation contained in the third sentence of Section 1(a)(ii) and (xi) all reasonable costs and expenses of the Underwriters and Merrill Lynch, including the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters and counsel for Merrill Lynch, in connection with matters related to the Reserved Securities which are designated by the Company for sale to Invitees; provided that the amount payable by the Company pursuant to this clause (xi) shall not exceed $[●] in the aggregate.
(b) Termination of Agreement. If this Agreement is terminated by the Representatives in accordance with the provisions of Section 5, Section 9(a)(i) or (iii) or Section 10 hereof, the Company shall reimburse the Underwriters for their reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses, including the reasonable and documented fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters; provided that, if this Agreement is terminated by the Representatives pursuant to Section 10 hereof, the Company will have no obligation to reimburse any defaulting Underwriter.
SECTION 5. Conditions of Underwriters Obligations. The obligations of the several Underwriters hereunder are subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company contained herein or in certificates of any officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries delivered pursuant to the provisions hereof, to the performance by the Company of its covenants and other obligations hereunder, and to the following further conditions:
(a) Effectiveness of Registration Statement; Rule 430A Information. The Registration Statement, including any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, has become effective and, at the Closing Time, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto has been issued under the 1933 Act, no order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus has been issued and no proceedings for any of those purposes have been instituted or are pending or, to the Companys knowledge, contemplated by the Commission; and the Company has complied with each request (if any) from the Commission for additional information. A prospectus containing the Rule 430A Information shall have been filed with the Commission in the manner and within the time frame required by Rule 424(b) without reliance on Rule 424(b)(8) or a post-effective amendment providing such information shall have been filed with, and declared effective by, the Commission in accordance with the requirements of Rule 430A.
(b) Opinions of Counsel for Company. At the Closing Time, the Representatives shall have received:
(i) the opinion and negative assurance letter, each dated the Closing Time, of Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian, LLP, counsel for the Company, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, together with signed or reproduced copies of such letter for each of the other Underwriters;
(ii) the opinions, dated the Closing Time, of (i) Hogan Lovells US LLP and (ii) Hogan Lovells International LLP, each, regulatory counsel for the Company, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, together with signed or reproduced copies of such letters for each of the other Underwriters; and
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(iii) the opinion, dated the Closing Time, of Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP, intellectual property counsel for the Company, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, together with signed or reproduced copies of such letter for each of the other Underwriters.
(c) Opinion of Counsel for Underwriters. At the Closing Time, the Representatives shall have received the opinion and negative assurance letter, dated the Closing Time, of Shearman & Sterling LLP, counsel for the Underwriters, together with signed or reproduced copies of such letter for each of the other Underwriters, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Underwriters.
(d) Officers Certificate. At the Closing Time, there shall not have been, since the date hereof or since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, any material adverse change in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business affairs or business prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, and the Representatives shall have received a certificate of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and of the chief financial or chief accounting officer of the Company, dated the Closing Time, to the effect that (i) there has been no such material adverse change, (ii) the representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement are true and correct with the same force and effect as though expressly made at and as of the Closing Time, (iii) the Company has complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to the Closing Time, and (iv) no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement under the 1933 Act has been issued, no order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus has been issued and no proceedings for any of those purposes have been instituted or are pending or, to their knowledge, contemplated by the Commission.
(e) Accountants Comfort Letter. At the time of the execution of this Agreement, the Representatives shall have received from Ernst & Young, LLP a letter, dated such date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives, together with signed or reproduced copies of such letter for each of the other Underwriters containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountants comfort letters to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
(f) Bring-down Comfort Letter. At the Closing Time, the Representatives shall have received from Ernst & Young, LLP a letter, dated as of the Closing Time, to the effect that they reaffirm the statements made in the letter furnished pursuant to subsection (e) of this Section, except that the specified date referred to shall be a date not more than three business days prior to the Closing Time.
(g) Approval of Listing. At the Closing Time, the Securities shall have been approved for listing on the Nasdaq Global Market, subject only to official notice of issuance.
(h) No Objection. FINRA shall have confirmed that it has not raised any objection with respect to the fairness and reasonableness of the underwriting terms and arrangements relating to the offering of the Securities.
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(i) Lock-up Agreements. At the date of this Agreement, the Representatives shall have received an agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto signed by the persons listed on Schedule C hereto.
(j) Chief Financial Officers Certificate. On the date of this Agreement and at Closing Time, the Representatives shall have received from the Company a certificate of its chief financial officer with respect to certain financial data contained in the General Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, which certificate shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C.
(k) Maintenance of Rating. Neither the Company nor its subsidiaries have any debt securities or preferred stock that are rated by any nationally recognized statistical rating agency (as defined in Section 3(a)(62) of the 1934 Act).
(l) Conditions to Purchase of Option Securities. In the event that the Underwriters exercise their option provided in Section 2(b) hereof to purchase all or any portion of the Option Securities, the representations and warranties of the Company contained herein and the statements in any certificates furnished by the Company and any of its subsidiaries hereunder shall be true and correct as of each Date of Delivery and, at the relevant Date of Delivery, the Representatives shall have received:
(i) Officers Certificate. A certificate, dated such Date of Delivery, of the Chief Executive Officer or a Vice President of the Company and of the chief financial or chief accounting officer of the Company confirming that the certificate delivered at the Closing Time pursuant to Section 5(d) hereof remains true and correct as of such Date of Delivery.
(ii) Opinions of Counsel for Company. If requested by the Representatives, (A) the opinion and negative assurance letter of Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian, LLP, counsel for the Company, (B) the opinion of Hogan Lovells US LLP, regulatory counsel for the Company and (C) the opinion of Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP, intellectual property counsel for the Company, each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, dated such Date of Delivery, relating to the Option Securities to be purchased on such Date of Delivery and otherwise to the same effect as the opinion of such firm required by Section 5(b) hereof.
(iii) Opinion of Counsel for Underwriters. If requested by the Representatives, the opinion of Shearman & Sterling LLP, counsel for the Underwriters, dated such Date of Delivery, relating to the Option Securities to be purchased on such Date of Delivery and otherwise to the same effect as the opinion required by Section 5(c) hereof.
(v) Bring-down Comfort Letter. If requested by the Representatives, a letter from Ernst & Young, LLP, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives and dated such Date of Delivery, substantially in the same form and substance as the letter furnished to the Representatives pursuant to Section 5(e) hereof, except that the specified date in the letter furnished pursuant to this paragraph shall be a date not more than three business days prior to such Date of Delivery.
(vi) Chief Financial Officers Certificate. If requested by the Representatives, a certificate, dated such Date of Delivery, of the chief financial or chief accounting officer of the Company confirming that the certificate delivered at the Closing Time pursuant to Section 5(j) hereof remains true and correct as of such Date of Delivery.
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(m) Additional Documents. At the Closing Time and at each Date of Delivery (if any) counsel for the Underwriters shall have been furnished with such documents and certificates as they may reasonably require for the purpose of enabling them to pass upon the issuance and sale of the Securities as herein contemplated, or in order to evidence the accuracy of any of the representations or warranties, or the fulfillment of any of the conditions, herein contained; and all proceedings taken by the Company in connection with the issuance and sale of the Securities as herein contemplated shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters.
(n) Termination of Agreement. If any condition specified in this Section shall not have been fulfilled when and as required to be fulfilled, this Agreement, or, in the case of any condition to the purchase of Option Securities on a Date of Delivery which is after the Closing Time, the obligations of the several Underwriters to purchase the relevant Option Securities, may be terminated by the Representatives by notice to the Company at any time at or prior to Closing Time or such Date of Delivery, as the case may be, and such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party except as provided in Section 4 and except that Sections 1, 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16 and 17 shall survive any such termination and remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 6. Indemnification.
(a) Indemnification of Underwriters. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, its affiliates (as such term is defined in Rule 501(b) under the 1933 Act (each, an Affiliate)), its selling agents and each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act as follows:
(i) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever, as incurred, arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), including the Rule 430A Information, or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact included (A) in any preliminary prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), or (B) in any materials or information provided to investors by, or with the approval of, the Company in connection with the marketing of the offering of the Securities (Marketing Materials), including any roadshow or investor presentations made to investors by the Company (whether in person or electronically) or (C) in the NDR, or the omission or alleged omission in any preliminary prospectus, Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, Prospectus, any Marketing Materials or the NDR of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;
(ii) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever, as incurred, to the extent of the aggregate amount paid in settlement of any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or of any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or omission, or any such alleged untrue statement or omission; provided that (subject to Section 6(d) below) any such settlement is effected with the written consent of the Company; and
(iii) against any and all expense whatsoever, as incurred (including the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel chosen by the Representatives), reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by
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any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or omission, or any such alleged untrue statement or omission, to the extent that any such expense is not paid under (i) or (ii) above;
provided, however, that this indemnity agreement shall not apply to any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense to the extent arising out of any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), including the Rule 430A Information, the General Disclosure Package, any preliminary prospectus, Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, Written Testing-the-Waters Communication or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) in reliance upon and in conformity with the Underwriter Information.
(b) Indemnification of Company, Directors and Officers. Each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its directors, each of its officers who signed the Registration Statement, and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act, against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense described in the indemnity contained in subsection (a) of this Section, as incurred, but only with respect to untrue statements or omissions, or alleged untrue statements or omissions, made in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), including the Rule 430A Information, the General Disclosure Package, any preliminary prospectus, Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, Written Testing-the-Waters Communication or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) in reliance upon and in conformity with the Underwriter Information.
(c) Actions against Parties; Notification. Each indemnified party shall give notice as promptly as reasonably practicable to each indemnifying party of any action commenced against it in respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder, but failure to so notify an indemnifying party shall not relieve such indemnifying party from any liability hereunder to the extent it is not materially prejudiced as a result thereof and in any event shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have otherwise than on account of this indemnity agreement. In the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 6(a) above, counsel to the indemnified parties shall be selected by the Representatives, and, in the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 6(b) above, counsel to the indemnified parties shall be selected by the Company. An indemnifying party may participate at its own expense in the defense of any such action; provided, however, that counsel to the indemnifying party shall not (except with the consent of the indemnified party) also be counsel to the indemnified party. In no event shall the indemnifying parties be liable for fees and expenses of more than one counsel (in addition to any local counsel) separate from their own counsel for all indemnified parties in connection with any one action or separate but similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified parties, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever in respect of which indemnification or contribution could be sought under this Section 6 or Section 7 hereof (whether or not the indemnified parties are actual or potential parties thereto), unless such settlement, compromise or consent (i) includes an unconditional release of each indemnified party from all liability arising out of such litigation, investigation, proceeding or claim and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party.
(d) Settlement without Consent if Failure to Reimburse. If at any time an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party for fees and expenses of counsel, such indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of the nature contemplated by Section 6(a)(ii) or settlement of any claim in connection with any violation referred to in Section 6(e) effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 60 days
27
after receipt by such indemnifying party of the aforesaid request, (ii) such indemnifying party shall have received notice of the terms of such settlement at least 30 days prior to such settlement being entered into and (iii) such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed such indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement.
(e) Indemnification for Reserved Securities. In connection with the offer and sale of the Reserved Securities, the Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Underwriters, their Affiliates (including Merrill Lynch) and selling agents and each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter or Merrill Lynch within the meaning of either Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act, from and against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense (including, without limitation, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with defending, investigating or settling any such action or claim), , (i) arising out of the violation of any applicable laws or regulations of foreign jurisdictions where Reserved Securities have been offered, (ii) arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any other material prepared by or with the consent of the Company for distribution to Invitees in connection with the offering of the Reserved Securities or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, provided, however, that no indemnification shall be available under this clause (ii) for any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission in any material prepared by or with the consent of the Company for distribution to Invitees in connection with the offering of the Reserved Securities in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished by the Underwriters or their Affiliates expressly for use therein (iii) caused by the failure of any Invitee to pay for and accept delivery of Reserved Securities which have been orally confirmed for purchase by any Invitee by 11:59 P.M. (New York City time) on the date of the Agreement or (iv) related to, or arising out of or in connection with, the offering of the Reserved Securities; provided that no indemnification shall be available under this section for any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense which shall have been finally judicially determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have been caused primarily by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Underwriters or their Affiliates.
SECTION 7. Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in Section 6 hereof is for any reason unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the aggregate amount of such losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses incurred by such indemnified party, as incurred, (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, from the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and of the Underwriters, on the other hand, in connection with the statements or omissions, or in connection with any violation of the nature referred to in Section 6(e) hereof, which resulted in such losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.
The relative benefits received by the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, in connection with the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the total net proceeds from the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement (before deducting expenses) received by the Company, on the one hand, and the total underwriting discount received by the Underwriters, on the other hand, in each case as set forth on the cover of the Prospectus, bear to the aggregate initial public offering price of the Securities as set forth on the cover of the Prospectus.
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The relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any such untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or by the Underwriters and the parties relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission or any violation of the nature referred to in Section 6(e) hereof.
The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 7 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above in this Section 7. The aggregate amount of losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses incurred by an indemnified party and referred to above in this Section 7 shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7, no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the underwriting commissions received by such Underwriter in connection with the Securities underwritten by it and distributed to the public.
No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the 1933 Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
For purposes of this Section 7, each person, if any, who controls an Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act and each Underwriters Affiliates and selling agents shall have the same rights to contribution as such Underwriter, and each director of the Company, each officer of the Company who signed the Registration Statement, and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act shall have the same rights to contribution as the Company. The Underwriters respective obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 7 are several in proportion to the number of Initial Securities set forth opposite their respective names in Schedule A hereto and not joint.
SECTION 8. Representations, Warranties and Agreements to Survive. All representations, warranties and agreements contained in this Agreement or in certificates of officers of the Company or any of its subsidiaries submitted pursuant hereto, shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or its Affiliates or selling agents, any person controlling any Underwriter, its officers or directors or any person controlling the Company and (ii) delivery of and payment for the Securities.
SECTION 9. Termination of Agreement.
(a) Termination. The Representatives may terminate this Agreement, by notice to the Company, at any time at or prior to the Closing Time (i) if there has been, in the judgment of the Representatives, since the time of execution of this Agreement or since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, any material adverse change in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business affairs or business prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, or (ii) if there has occurred any material adverse change in the financial markets in the United States or the international financial markets, any outbreak of hostilities or
29
escalation thereof or other calamity or crisis or any change or development involving a prospective change in national or international political, financial or economic conditions, in each case the effect of which is such as to make it, in the judgment of the Representatives, impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the completion of the offering or to enforce contracts for the sale of the Securities, or (iii) if trading in any securities of the Company has been suspended or materially limited by the Commission or the Nasdaq Global Market, or (iv) if trading generally on the NYSE MKT or the New York Stock Exchange or in the Nasdaq Global Market has been suspended or materially limited, or minimum or maximum prices for trading have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices have been required, by any of said exchanges or by order of the Commission, FINRA or any other governmental authority, or (v) a material disruption has occurred in commercial banking or securities settlement or clearance services in the United States or with respect to Clearstream or Euroclear systems in Europe, or (vi) if a banking moratorium has been declared by either Federal or New York authorities.
(b) Liabilities. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this Section, such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party except as provided in Section 4 hereof, and provided further that Sections 1, 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16 and 17 shall survive such termination and remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 10. Default by One or More of the Underwriters. If one or more of the Underwriters shall fail at the Closing Time or a Date of Delivery to purchase the Securities which it or they are obligated to purchase under this Agreement (the Defaulted Securities), the Representatives shall have the right, within 24 hours thereafter, to make arrangements for one or more of the non-defaulting Underwriters, or any other underwriters reasonably satisfactory to the Company, to purchase all, but not less than all, of the Defaulted Securities in such amounts as may be agreed upon and upon the terms herein set forth; if, however, the Representatives shall not have completed such arrangements within such 24-hour period, then:
(i) if the number of Defaulted Securities does not exceed 10% of the number of Securities to be purchased on such date, each of the non-defaulting Underwriters shall be obligated, severally and not jointly, to purchase the full amount thereof in the proportions that their respective underwriting obligations hereunder bear to the underwriting obligations of all non-defaulting Underwriters, or
(ii) if the number of Defaulted Securities exceeds 10% of the number of Securities to be purchased on such date, this Agreement or, with respect to any Date of Delivery which occurs after the Closing Time, the obligation of the Underwriters to purchase, and the Company to sell, the Option Securities to be purchased and sold on such Date of Delivery shall terminate without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter.
No action taken pursuant to this Section shall relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability in respect of its default.
In the event of any such default which does not result in a termination of this Agreement or, in the case of a Date of Delivery which is after the Closing Time, which does not result in a termination of the obligation of the Underwriters to purchase and the Company to sell the relevant Option Securities, as the case may be, either the (i) Representatives or (ii) the Company shall have the right to postpone the Closing Time or the relevant Date of Delivery, as the case may be, for a period not exceeding seven days in order to effect any required changes in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package or the Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements. As used herein, the term Underwriter includes any person substituted for an Underwriter under this Section 10.
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SECTION 11. Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if mailed or transmitted by any standard form of telecommunication. Notices to the Underwriters shall be directed to BofA at One Bryant Park, New York, New York 10036, Attention: Syndicate Department (facsimile: (646) 855-3073), with a copy to ECM Legal (facsimile: (212) 230-8730); Jefferies at 520 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022, Attention: Global Head of Syndicate; Raymond James at 880 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716, Attention: General Counsel; and with a copy to Shearman & Sterling LLP at 599 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022, Attention: Ilir Mujalovic. Notices to the Company shall be directed to it at 15440 Laguna Canyon Road, Irvine, California 92618, Attention: Bobak Azamian; with a copy to Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian, LLP at 3570 Carmel Mountain Road, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92130, Attention: Ilan Lovinsky.
SECTION 12. No Advisory or Fiduciary Relationship. The Company acknowledges and agrees that (a) the purchase and sale of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement, including the determination of the initial public offering price of the Securities and any related discounts and commissions, is an arms-length commercial transaction between the Company, on the one hand, and the several Underwriters, on the other hand, and does not constitute a recommendation, investment advice, or solicitation of any action by the Underwriters, (b) in connection with the offering of the Securities and the process leading thereto, each Underwriter is and has been acting solely as a principal and is not the agent or fiduciary of the Company, any of its subsidiaries or their respective stockholders, creditors, employees or any other party, (c) no Underwriter has assumed or will assume an advisory or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Company with respect to the offering of the Securities or the process leading thereto (irrespective of whether such Underwriter has advised or is currently advising the Company or any of its subsidiaries on other matters) and no Underwriter has any obligation to the Company with respect to the offering of the Securities except the obligations expressly set forth in this Agreement, (d) the Underwriters and their respective affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Company, and (e) the Underwriters have not provided any legal, accounting, regulatory, investment or tax advice with respect to the offering of the Securities and the Company has consulted its own respective legal, accounting, financial, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it deemed appropriate, and (f) none of the activities of the Underwriters in connection with the transactions contemplated herein constitutes a recommendation, investment advice or solicitation of any action by the Underwriters with respect to any entity or natural person.
SECTION 13. Recognition of the U.S. Special Resolution Regimes.
(a) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity (as defined below) becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime (as defined below), the transfer from such Underwriter of this Agreement, and any interest and obligation in or under this Agreement, will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement, and any such interest and obligation, were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.
(b) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity or a BHC Act Affiliate (as defined below) of such Underwriter becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights (as defined below) under this Agreement that may be exercised against such Underwriter are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.
For purposes of this Section 13, a BHC Act Affiliate has the meaning assigned to the term affiliate in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. § 1841(k). Covered Entity means any of the
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following: (i) a covered entity as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b); (ii) a covered bank as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or (iii) a covered FSI as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b). Default Right has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable. U.S. Special Resolution Regime means each of (i) the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder and (ii) Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
SECTION 14. Parties. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Underwriters and the Company and their respective successors. Nothing expressed or mentioned in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any person, firm or corporation, other than the Underwriters and the Company and their respective successors and the controlling persons and officers and directors referred to in Sections 6 and 7 and their heirs and legal representatives, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision herein contained. This Agreement and all conditions and provisions hereof are intended to be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Underwriters and the Company and their respective successors, and said controlling persons and officers and directors and their heirs and legal representatives, and for the benefit of no other person, firm or corporation. No purchaser of Securities from any Underwriter shall be deemed to be a successor by reason merely of such purchase.
SECTION 15. Trial by Jury. The Company (on its behalf and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, on behalf of its stockholders and affiliates) and each of the Underwriters hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
SECTION 16. GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY OR DISPUTE ARISING UNDER OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF, THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CHOICE OF LAW PROVISIONS.
SECTION 17. Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Immunity. Any legal suit, action or proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be instituted in (i) the federal courts of the United States of America located in the City and County of New York, Borough of Manhattan or (ii) the courts of the State of New York located in the City and County of New York, Borough of Manhattan (collectively, the Specified Courts), and each party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction (except for proceedings instituted in regard to the enforcement of a judgment of any such court, as to which such jurisdiction is non-exclusive) of such courts in any such suit, action or proceeding. Service of any process, summons, notice or document by mail to such partys address set forth above shall be effective service of process for any suit, action or other proceeding brought in any such court. The parties irrevocably and unconditionally waive any objection to the laying of venue of any suit, action or other proceeding in the Specified Courts and irrevocably and unconditionally waive and agree not to plead or claim in any such court that any such suit, action or other proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
SECTION 18. TIME. TIME SHALL BE OF THE ESSENCE OF THIS AGREEMENT. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE SET FORTH HEREIN, SPECIFIED TIMES OF DAY REFER TO NEW YORK CITY TIME.
SECTION 19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one
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and the same Agreement. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
SECTION 20. Effect of Headings. The Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
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If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, please sign and return to the Company a counterpart hereof, whereupon this instrument, along with all counterparts, will become a binding agreement among the Underwriters and the Company in accordance with its terms.
Very truly yours, | ||
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. |
By |
| |
Title: |
[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]
CONFIRMED AND ACCEPTED, | ||
as of the date first above written: | ||
BOFA SECURITIES, INC. | ||
By |
| |
Authorized Signatory | ||
JEFFERIES LLC | ||
By |
| |
Authorized Signatory | ||
RAYMOND JAMES & ASSOCIATES, INC. | ||
By |
| |
Authorized Signatory |
For themselves and as Representatives of the other Underwriters named in Schedule A hereto.
[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]
SCHEDULE A
The initial public offering price per share for the Securities shall be $[●].
The purchase price per share for the Securities to be paid by the several Underwriters shall be $[●], being an amount equal to the initial public offering price set forth above less $[●] per share, subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 2(b) for dividends or distributions declared by the Company and payable on the Initial Securities but not payable on the Option Securities.
Name of Underwriter | Number of Initial Securities |
|||
BofA Securities, Inc. |
[●] | |||
Jefferies LLC |
[●] | |||
Raymond James & Associates, Inc. |
[●] | |||
LifeSci Capital LLC Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. |
|
[●] [●] |
| |
|
|
|||
Total |
[●] | |||
|
|
Sch A-1
SCHEDULE B-1
Pricing Terms
1. The Company is selling [●] shares of Common Stock.
2. The Company has granted an option to the Underwriters, severally and not jointly, to purchase up to an additional [●] shares of Common Stock.
3. The initial public offering price per share for the Securities shall be $[●].
Sch B - 1
SCHEDULE B-2
Free Writing Prospectuses
Sch B - 2
SCHEDULE B-3
Written Testing-the-Waters Communications
Sch B - 3
SCHEDULE C
List of Persons and Entities Subject to Lock-Up
Sch C-1
Exhibit A
FORM OF LOCK-UP FROM DIRECTORS, OFFICERS OR OTHER STOCKHOLDERS PURSUANT TO SECTION 5(i)
, 2020
BofA Securities, Inc.
Jefferies LLC
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
as Representatives of the several
Underwriters to be named in the
within-mentioned Underwriting Agreement
c/o | BofA Securities, Inc. |
One Bryant Park
New York, New York 10036
Jefferies LLC
520 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
880 Carillon Parkway
St. Petersburg, Florida 33716
Re: | Proposed Public Offering by Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned, a stockholder and/or a stock option holder and/or an officer and/or a director, as applicable, of Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), understands that BofA Securities, Inc. (BofA), Jefferies LLC (Jefferies) and Raymond James & Associates, Inc. propose to enter into an Underwriting Agreement (the Underwriting Agreement) with the Company and the other Underwriters party thereto providing for the public offering (the Public Offering) of shares of the Companys common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the Common Stock). In recognition of the benefit that the Public Offering will confer upon the undersigned as a stockholder and/or a stock option holder and/or an officer and/or a director, as applicable, of the Company, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the undersigned agrees with each Underwriter to be named in the Underwriting Agreement that, during the period beginning on the date hereof and ending on the date that is 180 days from the date of the Underwriting Agreement (the Lock-Up Period), the undersigned will not, without the prior written consent of BofA and Jefferies (the Lock-up Representatives; it being understood that to the extent that prior to the consummation of the Public Offering, any such Underwriter ceases to participate in the Public Offering, such Underwriter shall cease to be a Lock-up Representative hereunder), (i) directly or indirectly, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of any shares of the Companys Common Stock or
A-1-1
any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock, whether now owned or hereafter acquired by the undersigned or with respect to which the undersigned has or hereafter acquires the power of disposition (collectively, the Lock-Up Securities), or exercise any right with respect to the registration of any of the Lock-Up Securities, or file, cause to be filed or cause to be confidentially submitted any registration statement in connection therewith, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (ii) enter into any swap or any other agreement or any transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, the economic consequence of ownership of the Lock-Up Securities, whether any such swap or transaction is to be settled by delivery of shares of Common Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise or (iii) publicly disclose the intention to do any of the foregoing described in clauses (i) and (ii) above. If the undersigned is an officer or director of the Company, the undersigned further agrees that the foregoing provisions shall be equally applicable to any issuer-directed shares of Common Stock the undersigned may purchase in the Public Offering.
If the undersigned is an officer or director of the Company, (1) the Lock-up Representatives agree that, at least three business days before the effective date of any release or waiver of the foregoing restrictions in connection with a transfer of shares of Common Stock, the Lock-up Representatives will notify the Company of the impending release or waiver, and (2) the Company has agreed in the Underwriting Agreement to announce the impending release or waiver by press release through a major news service at least two business days before the effective date of the release or waiver. Any release or waiver granted by the Lock-up Representatives hereunder to any such officer or director shall only be effective two business days after the publication date of such press release. The provisions of this paragraph will not apply if (i) the release or waiver is effected solely to permit a transfer not for consideration and (ii) the transferee has agreed in writing to be bound by the same terms described in this lock-up agreement to the extent and for the duration that such terms remain in effect at the time of the transfer.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, and subject to the conditions below, the undersigned may transfer the Lock-Up Securities without the prior written consent of the Lock-up Representatives, provided that (1) in the case of clause (i) through (vi), (ix) and (x) below, the Lock-up Representatives receive a signed lock-up agreement for the balance of the Lock-Up Period from each donee, trustee, distributee, or transferee, as the case may be, (2) (A) in the clauses (i) through (v) below, any such transfer shall not involve a disposition for value, (B) in the cases of clause (i) through (iv) below, such transfers are not required to be reported during the Lock-Up Period with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) on Form 4 in accordance with Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) and (C) in the cases of clauses (v) through (ix) below, any filing under Section 16 of the Exchange Act made during the Lock-Up Period shall clearly indicate in the footnotes the circumstances of the transfer and (4) the undersigned does not otherwise voluntarily effect any public filing or report regarding such transfers during the Lock-Up Period:
(i) | as a bona fide gift or gifts; or |
(ii) | to any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of the undersigned or the immediate family of the undersigned (for purposes of this lock-up agreement, immediate family shall mean any relationship by blood, marriage or adoption, not more remote than first cousin); or |
(iii) | as a distribution to general or limited partners, members, stockholders or other equity holders of the undersigned; |
(iv) | to the undersigneds affiliates or to any investment fund or other entity that, directly or indirectly, controls or manages, is controlled or managed by, or is under common control or management with, the undersigned; |
A-1-2
(v) | by will or intestate succession upon the death of the undersigned; |
(vi) | pursuant to a court of regulatory agency order, a qualified domestic order or in connection with a divorce settlement; |
(vii) | to the Company in connection with the exercise of options, warrants or other rights to acquire shares of Common Stock or any security convertible into or exercisable for shares of Common Stock of the Company by way of net exercise and/or to cover withholding tax obligations in connection with such exercise pursuant to an employee benefit plan, option, warrant or other right disclosed in the prospectus for the Public Offering, provided that any such shares of the Common Stock issued upon exercise of such option, warrant or other right shall be subject to the restrictions set forth herein; |
(viii) | to the Company pursuant to agreements under which the Company has exercised its option to repurchase such shares or has exercised a right of first refusal with respect to transfers of such shares upon termination of service of the undersigned, so long as such agreement or right of first refusal is disclosed in the prospectus for the Public Offering; |
(ix) | pursuant to the automatic conversion of outstanding shares of preferred stock of the Company into shares of the Common Stock of the Company in connection with the Public Offering disclosed in the prospectus for the Public Offering, provided that the shares of the Common Stock received upon such conversion shall be subject to the restrictions set forth herein; or |
(x) | to a bona fide third party pursuant to a merger, consolidation, tender offer or other similar transaction made to all holders of shares of the Common Stock and involving a Change of Control (as defined below) of the Company and approved by the Companys board of directors; provided that, in the event that such Change of Control is not completed, the undersigneds Lock-Up Securities shall remain subject to the restrictions contained herein, provided further that any shares of the Common Stock not transferred in such merger, consolidation, tender offer or other transaction shall remain subject to the restrictions contained herein. Change of Control shall mean the transfer (whether by tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction), in one transaction or a series of related transactions, to a person or group of affiliated persons (other than an underwriter pursuant to the Public Offering), of the Companys voting securities if, after such transfer, such person or group of affiliated persons would hold more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Company (or the surviving entity). |
Furthermore, the undersigned may sell shares of Common Stock of the Company purchased by the undersigned from the underwriters in the Public Offering (other than any issuer-directed shares of Common Stock purchased in the Public Offering by an officer or director of the Company) or on the open market following the Public Offering if and only if (i) such sales are not required to be reported in any public report or filing with the SEC, or otherwise, and (ii) the undersigned does not otherwise voluntarily effect any public filing or report regarding such sales during the Lock-Up Period.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the undersigned may establish a trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, provided that (i) the undersigned is not required to and does not otherwise effect any public filing or report regarding the establishment of such plan during the Lock-Up Period and (ii) no sales are made during the Lock-Up Period pursuant to such plan.
A-1-3
[If any record or beneficial owner of any securities of the Company is granted an early release from any restriction described herein during the Lock-Up Period with respect to an aggregate amount of securities of the Company in excess of 1% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company on an as-converted to Common Stock basis (whether in one or multiple releases), then each Major Holder (as defined below) shall also be granted an early release from its obligations hereunder on a pro rata basis with all other record or beneficial holders of similarly restricted securities of the Company based on the maximum percentage of shares held by any such record or beneficial holder being released from such holders lock-up agreement; provided, however, that in the case of an early release from the restrictions described herein during the Lock-Up Period in connection with an underwritten public offering, whether or not such offering or sale is wholly or partially a secondary offering of the Companys Common Stock (an Underwritten Sale), such early release shall only apply with respect to such Major Holders participation in such Underwritten Sale. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this lock-up agreement, if the Lock-up Representatives in their sole judgment determine that a record or beneficial owner of any securities should be granted an early release from a lock-up agreement due to circumstances of an emergency or hardship, then the Major Holders shall not have any right to be granted an early release pursuant to the terms of this paragraph. For purposes of this lock-up agreement, each of the following persons is a Major Holder: each record or beneficial owner, as of the date hereof, of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of securities of the Company on an as-converted to Common Stock basis (for purposes of determining record or beneficial ownership of a stockholder, all shares of securities held by investment funds affiliated with such stockholder shall be aggregated)]1.
The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that the underwriters have not provided any recommendation or investment advice nor have the underwriters solicited any action from the undersigned with respect to the offering of the securities and the undersigned has consulted their own legal, accounting, financial, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent deemed appropriate.
The undersigned also agrees and consents to the entry of stop transfer instructions with the Companys transfer agent and registrar against the transfer of the Lock-Up Securities except in compliance with the foregoing restrictions.
This agreement, the Lock-Up Period described herein and related restrictions shall automatically terminate upon the earliest to occur, if any, of (i) either the Company, on the one hand, or the Lock-up Representatives, on the other hand, advising the other in writing prior to the execution of the Underwriting Agreement that it has determined not to proceed with the Public Offering, (ii) the termination of the Underwriting Agreement before payment for and delivery of the Common Stock to be sold thereunder, (iii) the registration statement filed under the Securities Act with respect to the Public Offering contemplated by the Underwriting Agreement is withdrawn or (iv) December 31, 2020, in the event the closing of the Public Offering shall not have occurred on or before such date.
This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
[Signature page follows]
1 | To be included for major holders only. |
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Very truly yours, | ||
[If signatory is an individual] | ||
Signature: |
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Name: |
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[If signatory is an entity] | ||
Entity: |
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Signature: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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A-1-5
Exhibit B
FORM OF PRESS RELEASE
TO BE ISSUED PURSUANT TO SECTION 3(j)
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
, 20
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the Company) announced today that BofA and Jefferies, lead book-running managers in the Companys recent public sale of [●] shares of common stock, are [waiving] [releasing] a lock-up restriction with respect to shares of the Companys common stock held by [certain officers or directors] [an officer or director] of the Company. The [waiver] [release] will take effect on , 20 , and the shares may be sold on or after such date.
This press release is not an offer for sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction where such offer is prohibited, and such securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
B-1
Exhibit C
FORM OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERS CERTIFICATE TO BE ISSUED PURSUANT TO SECTION 5(j)
C-1
Exhibit 3.1
AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
(Pursuant to Sections 242 and 245 of the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware)
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the General Corporation Law),
DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:
FIRST: That the name of this corporation is Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and that this corporation was originally incorporated pursuant to the General Corporation Law on November 17, 2016 under the name Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
SECOND: That the Board of Directors of this corporation duly adopted resolutions proposing to amend and restate the Certificate of Incorporation of this corporation, declaring said amendment and restatement to be advisable and in the best interests of this corporation and its stockholders, and authorizing the appropriate officers of this corporation to solicit the consent of the stockholders therefor, which resolution setting forth the proposed amendment and restatement is as follows:
RESOLVED, that the Certificate of Incorporation of this corporation be amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLE I
The name of this corporation is Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
ARTICLE II
The address of the registered office of this corporation in the State of Delaware is 3500 South DuPont Highway, in the City of Dover, County of Kent, 19901. The name of its registered agent at such address is Incorporating Services, Ltd.
ARTICLE III
The nature of the business or purposes to be conducted or promoted is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law.
ARTICLE IV
A. Authorization of Stock. This corporation is authorized to issue two classes of stock to be designated, respectively, common stock and preferred stock. The total number of shares that this corporation is authorized to issue is 212,498,619. The total number of shares of common stock authorized to be issued is 130,000,000, par value $0.0001 per share (the Common Stock). The total number of shares of preferred stock authorized to be issued is 82,498,619, par value $0.0001 per share (the Preferred Stock), of which 11,698,716 shares are designated as Series A Preferred Stock, 49,578,623 shares are designated as Series B Preferred Stock, and 21,221,280 shares are designated as Series C Preferred Stock.
B. Rights, Preferences and Restrictions of Preferred Stock. The rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to and imposed on the Preferred Stock are as set forth below in this Article IVB.
1. Dividend Provisions.
(a) The holders of shares of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive dividends, out of any assets legally available therefor, prior and in preference to any declaration or payment of any dividend (payable other than in Common Stock or other securities and rights convertible into or entitling the holder thereof to receive, directly or indirectly, additional shares of Common Stock of this corporation) on the Common Stock of this corporation, at the applicable Dividend Rate (as defined below), payable when, as and if declared by this corporations board of directors (the Board of Directors). For purposes of this subsection 1(a), Dividend Rate shall mean $0.0250 per annum for each share of Series A Preferred Stock (as adjusted for any stock splits, stock dividends, combinations, subdivisions, recapitalizations or the like), $0.096832 per annum for each share of Series B Preferred Stock (each, as adjusted for any stock splits, stock dividends, combinations, subdivisions, recapitalizations or the like), and $0.150792 per annum for each share of Series C Preferred Stock (each, as adjusted for any stock splits, stock dividends, combinations, subdivisions, recapitalizations or the like). The corporation shall not declare, pay or set aside any dividends on shares of any class or series of capital stock (other than dividends on shares of Common Stock payable in shares of Common Stock) unless (in addition to the obtaining of any consents required elsewhere in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation) the holders of the Preferred Stock then outstanding shall first receive, or simultaneously receive, a dividend on each outstanding share of Preferred Stock in an amount at least equal to the greater of (i) the applicable Dividend Rate or (ii) the dividend payable to such other class or series of capital stock of the corporation.
(b) After payment of such dividends, any additional dividends or distributions shall be distributed among all holders of Common Stock and Preferred Stock in proportion to the number of shares of Common Stock that would be held by each such holder if all shares of Preferred Stock were converted to Common Stock at the then effective Conversion Rate (as defined below).
2. Liquidation Preference.
(a) In the event of any Liquidation Event (as defined below), either voluntary or involuntary, the holders of each series of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive out of the proceeds or assets of this corporation available for distribution to its stockholders (the Proceeds), prior and in preference to any distribution of the Proceeds of such Liquidation Event to the holders of Common Stock by reason of their ownership thereof, an amount per share equal to the sum of the applicable Original Issue Price (as defined below) for such series of Preferred Stock, plus declared but unpaid dividends on such share. If, upon the occurrence of such event, the Proceeds thus distributed among the holders of the Preferred Stock shall be insufficient to permit the payment to such holders of the full aforesaid preferential amounts, then the entire Proceeds legally available for distribution shall be distributed ratably among the holders of the Preferred Stock in proportion to the full preferential amount that each such holder is otherwise entitled to receive under this subsection (a). For purposes of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Original Issue Price shall mean $0.312 per share for each share of the Series A Preferred Stock, $1.2104 per share for each share of the Series B Preferred Stock, and $1.8849 per share for each share of the Series C Preferred Stock (each, as adjusted for any stock splits, stock dividends, combinations, subdivisions, recapitalizations or the like with respect to such series of Preferred Stock).
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(b) Upon completion of the distribution required by subsection (a) of this Section 2, all of the remaining Proceeds available for distribution to stockholders shall be distributed among the holders of Common Stock pro rata based on the number of shares of Common Stock held by each.
(c) Notwithstanding the above, for purposes of determining the amount each holder of shares of Preferred Stock is entitled to receive with respect to a Liquidation Event, each such holder of shares of a series of Preferred Stock shall be deemed to have converted (regardless of whether such holder actually converted) such holders shares of such series into shares of Common Stock immediately prior to the Liquidation Event if, as a result of an actual conversion, such holder would receive, in the aggregate, an amount greater than the amount that would be distributed to such holder if such holder did not convert such series of Preferred Stock into shares of Common Stock. If any such holder shall be deemed to have converted shares of Preferred Stock into Common Stock pursuant to this paragraph, then such holder shall not be entitled to receive any distribution that would otherwise be made to holders of Preferred Stock that have not converted (or have not been deemed to have converted) into shares of Common Stock.
(d) (i) For purposes of this Section 2, a Liquidation Event shall include (A) the closing of the sale, lease, transfer, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of this corporations assets and/or intellectual property, (B) the consummation of the merger or consolidation of this corporation with or into another entity (except a merger or consolidation in which the holders of capital stock of this corporation immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continue to hold at least fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the capital stock of this corporation or the surviving or acquiring entity immediately following such merger or consolidation in substantially the same proportions, and with substantially the same terms, as held immediately prior to such merger or consolidation), (C) the closing of the transfer (whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise), in one transaction or a series of related transactions, to a person or group of affiliated persons (other than an underwriter of this corporations securities), of this corporations securities if, after such closing, such person or group of affiliated persons would hold fifty percent (50%) or more of the then outstanding voting stock of this corporation (or the surviving or acquiring entity) or (D) a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of this corporation; provided, however, that a transaction shall not constitute a Liquidation Event if its sole purpose is to change the state of this corporations incorporation or to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held this corporations securities immediately prior to such transaction. Notwithstanding the prior sentence, the sale by this corporation of its equity securities in a bona fide financing transaction conducted in accordance with Section 6 of this Article IVB shall not be deemed a Liquidation Event. The treatment of any particular transaction or series of related transactions as a Liquidation Event may be waived by the vote or written consent of the holders of a majority of the then outstanding Preferred Stock (voting together as a single class and not as separate series, and on an as-converted basis).
(ii) In any Liquidation Event, if Proceeds received by this corporation or its stockholders is other than cash, its value will be deemed its fair market value as reasonably determined in good faith by the Board of Directors; provided, however, that any securities shall be valued as follows:
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(A) Securities not subject to investment letter or other similar restrictions on free marketability covered by (B) below:
(1) If traded on a securities exchange, the value shall be deemed to be the average of the closing prices of the securities on such exchange over the twenty (20) trading-day period ending three (3) trading days prior to the closing of the Liquidation Event;
(2) If actively traded over-the-counter, the value shall be deemed to be the average of the closing bid or sale prices (whichever is applicable) over the twenty (20) trading-day period ending three (3) trading days prior to the closing of the Liquidation Event; and
(3) If there is no active public market, the value shall be the fair market value thereof, as mutually determined by the Board of Directors and the holders of a majority of the then outstanding shares of Preferred Stock (voting together as a single class and not as separate series, and on an as-converted basis); provided that if a holder of Preferred Stock or an affiliate thereof is an acquiring entity in such Liquidation Event, the shares of Preferred Stock held by such holder shall not be included for purposes of such approval calculation.
(B) The method of valuation of securities subject to investment letter or other restrictions on free marketability (other than restrictions arising solely by virtue of a stockholders status as an affiliate or former affiliate) shall be to make an appropriate discount from the market value determined as above in (A) (1), (2) or (3) to reflect the approximate fair market value thereof, as mutually determined by the Board of Directors and the holders of a majority of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of such Preferred Stock (voting together as a single class and not as separate series, and on an as-converted basis); provided that if a holder of Preferred Stock or an affiliate thereof is an acquiring entity in such Liquidation Event, the shares of Preferred Stock held by such holder shall not be included for purposes of such approval calculation.
(C) The foregoing methods for valuing non-cash consideration to be distributed in connection with a Liquidation Event shall, with the appropriate approval of the definitive agreements governing such Liquidation Event by the stockholders under the General Corporation Law and Section 6 of this Article IVB, be superseded by the determination of such value set forth in the definitive agreements governing such Liquidation Event.
(iii) In the event that a contemplated Liquidation Event would not comply with the requirements of this Section 2, this corporation shall forthwith either:
(A) cause the closing of such Liquidation Event to be postponed until such time as the requirements of this Section 2 have been complied with; or
(B) cancel such transaction, in which event the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of the Preferred Stock shall revert to and be the same as such rights, preferences and privileges existing immediately prior to the date of the first notice referred to in subsection 2(d)(iv) hereof.
(iv) This corporation shall give each holder of record of Preferred Stock written notice of such impending Liquidation Event not later than twenty (20) days prior to the stockholders meeting called to approve such transaction, or twenty (20) days prior to the closing of such transaction, whichever is earlier, and shall also notify such holders in writing of the final approval of such transaction. The first of such notices shall describe the material terms and conditions of the impending transaction and the provisions of this Section 2, and this corporation shall thereafter give such holders prompt notice of any material changes. The transaction shall in no event take place sooner than twenty (20) days after this corporation has given the first notice provided for herein or sooner than ten (10) days
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after this corporation has given notice of any material changes provided for herein; provided, however, that subject to compliance with the General Corporation Law such periods may be shortened or waived upon the written consent of the holders of Preferred Stock that represent a majority of the then outstanding shares of such Preferred Stock (voting together as a single class and not as separate series, and on an as-converted basis).
(e) Allocation of Escrow and Contingent Consideration. In the event of a Liquidation Event, if any portion of the Proceeds is placed into escrow and/or is payable to the stockholders of the corporation subject to contingencies, notwithstanding the operation of this Section 2 the definitive agreement with respect to such transaction shall provide that the portion of such Proceeds that is placed in escrow and/or is subject to contingencies shall be allocated among the holders of capital stock of the corporation pro rata based on the amount of such consideration otherwise payable to each stockholder pursuant to this Section 2 assuming there is no escrow and that none of the Proceeds are otherwise are subject to contingencies (such that each stockholder has the same percentage of the Proceeds payable to it placed into escrow and/or subject to contingencies, as applicable). For purposes of clarification only, (i) the portion of such Proceeds that is not subject to achievement of any milestones or other contingencies (the Initial Consideration) shall be allocated among the stockholders of this corporation in accordance with Sections 2(a) and 2(b) as if the Initial Consideration were the only consideration payable in connection with such Liquidation Event and (ii) any additional consideration which becomes payable to the stockholders of this corporation upon achievement of any milestones or satisfaction of contingencies shall be allocated among the stockholders of this corporation in accordance with Sections 2(a) and 2(b) after taking into account the previous payment of the Initial Consideration as part of the same transaction.
3. Redemption. The Preferred Stock is not redeemable at the option of the holder thereof.
4. Conversion. The holders of the Preferred Stock shall have conversion rights as follows (the Conversion Rights):
(a) Right to Convert. Each share of Preferred Stock shall be convertible, at the option of the holder thereof, at any time after the date of issuance of such share, and without the payment of additional consideration by the holder thereof, at the office of this corporation or any transfer agent for such stock, into such number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock as is determined by dividing the applicable Original Issue Price for such series by the applicable Conversion Price (as defined below) for such series (the conversion rate for a series of Preferred Stock into Common Stock is referred to herein as the Conversion Rate for such series), determined as hereafter provided, in effect on the date the certificate is surrendered for conversion. The initial Conversion Price per share for each series of Preferred Stock shall be the Original Issue Price applicable to such series; provided, however, that the Conversion Price for the Preferred Stock shall be subject to adjustment as set forth in subsection 4(d).
(b) Automatic Conversion. Each share of Preferred Stock shall automatically be converted into shares of Common Stock at the Conversion Rate at the time in effect for such series of Preferred Stock immediately upon the earlier of (i) the closing of this corporations sale of its Common Stock in a firm commitment underwritten public offering on an internationally recognized securities exchange (i.e., NASDAQ, New York Stock Exchange, the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong) pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or on any comparable form in connection with registration in a jurisdiction other than the United States, with a pre-money valuation of at least $260,000,000 that results in at least $75,000,000 of proceeds to this corporation (a Qualified Public Offering) or (ii) the date, or the occurrence of an event, specified by vote or written consent or agreement of the holders of a majority of the then outstanding shares of Preferred Stock (voting together as a single class and not as separate series, and on an as-converted basis).
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(c) Mechanics of Conversion. Before any holder of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to voluntarily convert the same into shares of Common Stock, such holder shall surrender the certificate or certificates therefor, duly endorsed, at the office of this corporation or of any transfer agent for the Preferred Stock, and shall give written notice to this corporation at its principal corporate office, of the election to convert the same and shall state therein the name or names in which the certificate or certificates for shares of Common Stock are to be issued. This corporation shall, as soon as practicable thereafter, (i) issue and deliver at such office to such holder of Preferred Stock, or to the nominee or nominees of such holder, a certificate or certificates for the number of shares of Common Stock to which such holder shall be entitled as aforesaid and (ii) pay in cash or, to the extent sufficient funds are not then legally available therefor, in Common Stock (at the Common Stocks fair market value determined by the Board of Directors as of the date of such conversion), any declared and unpaid dividends on the shares of Preferred Stock being converted. Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made immediately prior to the close of business on the date set forth for conversion in the written notice of the election to convert irrespective of the surrender of the shares of Preferred Stock to be converted, and the person or persons entitled to receive the shares of Common Stock issuable upon such conversion shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such shares of Common Stock as of such date. If the conversion is in connection with an underwritten offering of securities registered pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the conversion may, at the option of any holder tendering Preferred Stock for conversion, be conditioned upon the closing with the underwriters of the sale of securities pursuant to such offering, in which event the persons entitled to receive the Common Stock upon conversion of the Preferred Stock shall not be deemed to have converted such Preferred Stock until immediately prior to the closing of such sale of securities. If the conversion is in connection with Automatic Conversion provisions of subsection 4(b)(ii) above, such conversion shall be deemed to have been made on the conversion date described in the stockholder consent approving such conversion, and the persons entitled to receive shares of Common Stock issuable upon such conversion shall be treated for all purposes as the record holders of such shares of Common Stock as of such date.
(d) Conversion Price Adjustments of Preferred Stock for Certain Dilutive Issuances, Splits and Combinations. The Conversion Price of each series of Preferred Stock shall be subject to adjustment from time to time as follows:
(i) (A) If this corporation shall issue, on or after the date upon which this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation is accepted for filing by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the Filing Date), any Additional Stock (as defined below) without consideration or for a consideration per share that is less than the Conversion Price applicable to a series of Preferred Stock in effect immediately prior to the issuance of such Additional Stock, the Conversion Price for such series in effect immediately prior to each such issuance shall forthwith (except as otherwise provided in this clause (i)) be adjusted to a price (calculated to the nearest one-thousandth of a cent) determined by multiplying such Conversion Price by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of shares of Common Stock Outstanding (as defined below) immediately prior to such issuance plus the number of shares of Common Stock that the aggregate consideration received by this corporation for such issuance would purchase at such Conversion Price; and the denominator of which shall be the number of shares of Common Stock Outstanding immediately prior to such issuance plus the number of shares of such Additional Stock. For purposes of this Section 4(d)(i)(A), the term Common Stock Outstanding shall mean and include the following: (1) outstanding Common Stock, (2) Common Stock issuable upon conversion of outstanding Preferred Stock, (3) Common Stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options and (4) Common Stock issuable upon exercise (and, in the case of warrants to purchase Preferred Stock, conversion) of outstanding warrants. Shares described in (1) through (4) above
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shall be included whether vested or unvested, whether contingent or non-contingent and whether exercisable or not yet exercisable. In the event that this corporation issues or sells, or is deemed to have issued or sold, shares of Additional Stock that results in an adjustment to a Conversion Price pursuant to the provisions of this Section 4(d) (the First Dilutive Issuance), and this corporation then issues or sells, or is deemed to have issued or sold, shares of Additional Stock in one or more subsequent issuances other than the First Dilutive Issuance that would result in further adjustment to a Conversion Price (each, a Subsequent Dilutive Issuance) pursuant to the same instruments as the First Dilutive Issuance, then and in each such case upon a Subsequent Dilutive Issuance the applicable Conversion Price for each series of Preferred Stock shall be reduced to the applicable Conversion Price that would have been in effect had the First Dilutive Issuance and each Subsequent Dilutive Issuance all occurred on the closing date of the First Dilutive Issuance.
(B) No adjustment of the Conversion Price for the Preferred Stock shall be made in an amount less than one-tenth (1/10th) of one cent per share ($0.001). Except to the limited extent provided for in subsections (E)(3) and (E)(4), no adjustment of such Conversion Price pursuant to this subsection 4(d)(i) shall have the effect of increasing the Conversion Price above the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such adjustment.
(C) In the case of the issuance of Additional Stock for cash, the consideration shall be deemed to be the amount of cash paid therefor before deducting any reasonable discounts, commissions or other expenses allowed, paid or incurred by this corporation for any underwriting or otherwise in connection with the issuance and sale thereof.
(D) In the case of the issuance of the Additional Stock for a consideration in whole or in part other than cash, the consideration other than cash shall be deemed to be the fair market value thereof as determined by the Board of Directors irrespective of any accounting treatment.
(E) In the case of the issuance of options to purchase or rights to subscribe for Common Stock, securities by their terms convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock or options to purchase or rights to subscribe for such convertible or exchangeable securities, the following provisions shall apply for purposes of determining the number of shares of Additional Stock issued and the consideration paid therefor:
(1) The aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock deliverable upon exercise (assuming the satisfaction of any conditions to exercisability, including without limitation, the passage of time, but without taking into account potential antidilution adjustments) of such options to purchase or rights to subscribe for Common Stock shall be deemed to have been issued at the time such options or rights were issued and for a consideration equal to the consideration (determined in the manner provided in subsections 4(d)(i)(C) and (d)(i)(D)), if any, received by this corporation upon the issuance of such options or rights plus the minimum exercise price provided for in such options or rights (without taking into account potential antidilution adjustments) for the Common Stock covered thereby.
(2) The aggregate maximum number of shares of Common Stock deliverable upon conversion of, or in exchange (assuming the satisfaction of any conditions to convertibility or exchangeability, including, without limitation, the passage of time, but without taking into account potential antidilution adjustments) for, any such convertible or exchangeable securities or upon the exercise of options to purchase or rights to subscribe for such convertible or exchangeable securities and subsequent conversion or exchange thereof shall be deemed to have been issued at the time such securities were issued or such options or rights were issued and for a consideration
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equal to the consideration, if any, received by this corporation for any such securities and related options or rights (excluding any cash received on account of accrued interest or accrued dividends), plus the minimum additional consideration, if any, to be received by this corporation (without taking into account potential antidilution adjustments) upon the conversion or exchange of such securities or the exercise of any related options or rights (the consideration in each case to be determined in the manner provided in subsections 4(d)(i)(C) and (d)(i)(D)).
(3) In the event of any change in the number of shares of Common Stock deliverable or in the consideration payable to this corporation upon exercise of such options or rights or upon conversion of or in exchange for such convertible or exchangeable securities, the Conversion Price of each applicable series of Preferred Stock, to the extent in any way affected by or computed using such options, rights or securities, shall be recomputed to reflect such change, but no further adjustment shall be made for the actual issuance of Common Stock or any payment of such consideration upon the exercise of any such options or rights or the conversion or exchange of such securities.
(4) Upon the expiration of any such options or rights, the termination of any such rights to convert or exchange or the expiration of any options or rights related to such convertible or exchangeable securities, the Conversion Price of each applicable series of Preferred Stock, to the extent in any way affected by or computed using such options, rights or securities or options or rights related to such securities, shall be recomputed to reflect the issuance of only the number of shares of Common Stock (and convertible or exchangeable securities that remain in effect) actually issued upon the exercise of such options or rights, upon the conversion or exchange of such securities or upon the exercise of the options or rights related to such securities.
(5) The number of shares of Additional Stock deemed issued and the consideration deemed paid therefor pursuant to subsections 4(d)(i)(E)(1) and (2) shall be appropriately adjusted to reflect any change, termination or expiration of the type described in either subsection 4(d)(i)(E)(3) or (4).
(ii) Additional Stock shall mean any shares of Common Stock issued (or deemed to have been issued pursuant to subsection 4(d)(i)(E)) by this corporation on or after the Filing Date other than:
(A) Common Stock issued pursuant to a transaction described in subsection 4(d)(iii) hereof;
(B) Common Stock issued to employees, directors, consultants and other service providers for the primary purpose of soliciting or retaining their services pursuant to the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan or such other equity incentive plan approved and adopted by the Board, including at least two of the Preferred Directors;
(C) Common Stock issued pursuant to a Qualified Public Offering;
(D) Common Stock issued pursuant to the conversion or exercise of convertible or exercisable securities outstanding on the Filing Date;
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(E) Common Stock issued in connection with a bona fide business acquisition by this corporation, whether by merger, consolidation, sale of assets, sale or exchange of stock or otherwise; provided that such issuances are approved by the Board of Directors, including the approval of at least two of the Preferred Directors (as defined below);
(F) Common Stock issued or deemed issued pursuant to subsection 4(d)(i)(E) as a result of a decrease in the Conversion Price of any series of Preferred Stock resulting from the operation of Section 4(d);
(G) Common Stock issued upon conversion of the Preferred Stock;
(H) Common Stock issued pursuant to any equipment leasing arrangement or debt financing arrangement, which arrangement is approved by the Board of Directors, including the approval of at least two of the Preferred Directors (as defined below), and is primarily for non-equity financing purposes;
(I) Common Stock issued to persons or entities pursuant to a strategic transaction, provided such issuances are approved by the Board of Directors, including the approval of at least two of the Preferred Directors (as defined below), and are primarily for non-equity financing purposes;
(J) Common Stock that is issued with (a) the unanimous approval of the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors specifically states in such approval that it shall not be Additional Stock and (b) approval of the holders of a majority of the then outstanding shares of Preferred Stock (voting together as a single class and not as separate series, and on an as-converted basis).
(iii) In the event this corporation should at any time or from time to time after the Filing Date fix a record date for the effectuation of a split or subdivision of the outstanding shares of Common Stock or the determination of holders of Common Stock entitled to receive a dividend or other distribution payable in additional shares of Common Stock or other securities or rights convertible into, or entitling the holder thereof to receive directly or indirectly, additional shares of Common Stock (hereinafter referred to as Common Stock Equivalents) without payment of any consideration by such holder for the additional shares of Common Stock or the Common Stock Equivalents (including the additional shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion or exercise thereof), then, as of such record date (or the date of such dividend distribution, split or subdivision if no record date is fixed), the Conversion Price of the Preferred Stock shall be appropriately decreased so that the number of shares of Common Stock issuable on conversion of each share of such series shall be increased in proportion to such increase of the aggregate of shares of Common Stock outstanding and those issuable with respect to such Common Stock Equivalents with the number of shares issuable with respect to Common Stock Equivalents determined from time to time in the manner provided for deemed issuances in subsection 4(d)(i)(E).
(iv) If the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at any time after the Filing Date is decreased by a combination of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, then, following the record date of such combination, the Conversion Price for the Preferred Stock shall be appropriately increased so that the number of shares of Common Stock issuable on conversion of each share of such series shall be decreased in proportion to such decrease in outstanding shares.
(e) Other Distributions. In the event this corporation shall declare a distribution payable in securities of other persons, evidences of indebtedness issued by this corporation or other persons, assets (excluding cash dividends) or options or rights not referred to in subsection 4(d)(iii),
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then, in each such case for the purpose of this subsection 4(e), the holders of the Preferred Stock shall be entitled to a proportionate share of any such distribution as though they were the holders of the number of shares of Common Stock of this corporation into which their shares of Preferred Stock are convertible as of the record date fixed for the determination of the holders of Common Stock of this corporation entitled to receive such distribution.
(f) Recapitalizations. If at any time or from time to time there shall be a recapitalization of the Common Stock (other than a subdivision, combination or merger or sale of assets transaction provided for elsewhere in this Section 4 or in Section 2) provision shall be made so that the holders of the Preferred Stock shall thereafter be entitled to receive, upon conversion of the Preferred Stock, the number of shares of stock or other securities or property of this corporation or otherwise, to which a holder of Common Stock deliverable upon conversion would have been entitled on such recapitalization. In any such case, appropriate adjustment shall be made in the application of the provisions of this Section 4 with respect to the rights of the holders of the Preferred Stock after the recapitalization to the end that the provisions of this Section 4 (including adjustment of the Conversion Price then in effect and the number of shares purchasable upon conversion of the Preferred Stock) shall be applicable after that event as nearly equivalently as may be practicable.
(g) No Fractional Shares and Certificate as to Adjustments.
(i) No fractional shares shall be issued upon the conversion of any share or shares of the Preferred Stock and the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock to be issued to particular stockholders, shall be rounded down to the nearest whole share and this corporation shall pay in cash the fair market value of any fractional shares as of the time when entitlement to receive such fractional shares is determined. Whether or not fractional shares would be issuable upon such conversion shall be determined on the basis of the total number of shares of Preferred Stock the holder is at the time converting into Common Stock and the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon such conversion.
(ii) Upon the occurrence of each adjustment or readjustment of the Conversion Price of Preferred Stock pursuant to this Section 4, this corporation, at its expense, shall promptly compute such adjustment or readjustment in accordance with the terms hereof and prepare and furnish to each holder of Preferred Stock a certificate setting forth such adjustment or readjustment and showing in detail the facts upon which such adjustment or readjustment is based. This corporation shall, upon the written request at any time of any holder of Preferred Stock, furnish or cause to be furnished to such holder a like certificate setting forth (A) such adjustment and readjustment, (B) the Conversion Price for such series of Preferred Stock at the time in effect, and (C) the number of shares of Common Stock and the amount, if any, of other property that at the time would be received upon the conversion of a share of Preferred Stock.
(h) Notices of Record Date. In the event of any taking by this corporation of a record of the holders of any class of securities for the purpose of determining the holders thereof who are entitled to receive any dividend (other than a cash dividend) or other distribution, this corporation shall mail to each holder of Preferred Stock, at least ten (10) days prior to the date specified therein, a notice specifying the date on which any such record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend or distribution, and the amount and character of such dividend or distribution; provided, however, that subject to compliance with the General Corporation Law such notice period may be shortened or waived upon the written consent of the holders of Preferred Stock that represent a majority of the then outstanding shares of such Preferred Stock (voting together as a single class and not as separate series, and on an as-converted basis).
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(i) Reservation of Stock Issuable Upon Conversion. This corporation shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock, solely for the purpose of effecting the conversion of the shares of the Preferred Stock, such number of its shares of Common Stock as shall from time to time be sufficient to effect the conversion of all outstanding shares of the Preferred Stock; and if at any time the number of authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock shall not be sufficient to effect the conversion of all then outstanding shares of the Preferred Stock, in addition to such other remedies as shall be available to the holder of such Preferred Stock, this corporation will take such corporate action as may, in the opinion of its counsel, be necessary to increase its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock to such number of shares as shall be sufficient for such purposes, including, without limitation, engaging in best efforts to obtain the requisite stockholder approval of any necessary amendment to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
(j) Waiver of Adjustment to Conversion Price. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any downward adjustment of the Conversion Price of any series of Preferred Stock may be waived, either prospectively or retroactively and either generally or in a particular instance, by the consent or vote of the holders of a majority of then outstanding shares of such series of Preferred Stock. Any such waiver shall bind all future holders of shares of such series of Preferred Stock.
5. Voting Rights.
(a) General Voting Rights. The holder of each share of Preferred Stock shall have the right to one vote for each share of Common Stock into which such Preferred Stock could then be converted, and with respect to such vote, such holder shall have full voting rights and powers equal to the voting rights and powers of the holders of Common Stock, and shall be entitled, notwithstanding any provision hereof, to notice of any stockholders meeting in accordance with the Bylaws of this corporation, and except as provided by law or in subsection 5(b) below with respect to the election of directors by the separate class vote of the holders of Common Stock, shall be entitled to vote, together with holders of Common Stock, with respect to any question upon which holders of Common Stock have the right to vote. Fractional votes shall not, however, be permitted and any fractional voting rights available on an as-converted basis (after aggregating all shares into which shares of such series of Preferred Stock held by each holder could be converted) shall be rounded to the nearest whole number (with one-half (1/2) being rounded upward).
(b) Voting for the Election of Directors. As long as a majority of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock originally issued remain outstanding, the holders of such shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to elect one (1) director of this corporation at any election of directors (the Series A Director). As long as at least 10,000,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock or Series C Preferred Stock remain outstanding (as adjusted for any stock splits, stock dividends, combinations, subdivisions, recapitalizations or the like), the holders of the majority of such shares of Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock (voting together as a single class) shall be entitled to elect two (2) directors of this corporation at any election of directors (each a Series B/C Director and together with the Series A Director, the Preferred Directors). The holders of outstanding Common Stock shall be entitled to elect three (3) directors of this corporation at any election of directors. The holders of Preferred Stock and Common Stock (voting together as a single class and not as separate series, and on an as-converted basis) shall be entitled to elect any remaining directors of this corporation.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 223(a)(1) and 223(a)(2) of the General Corporation Law, any vacancy, including newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or amendment of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, and vacancies created by removal or resignation of a director, may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and the directors so chosen shall
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hold office until the next annual election and until their successors are duly elected and shall qualify, unless sooner displaced; provided, however, that where such vacancy occurs among the directors elected by the holders of a class or series of stock, the holders of shares of such class or series may override the Board of Directors action to fill such vacancy by (i) voting for their own designee to fill such vacancy at a meeting of this corporations stockholders or (ii) written consent, if the consenting stockholders hold a sufficient number of shares to elect their designee at a meeting of the stockholders. Any director may be removed during his or her term of office, either with or without cause, by, and only by, the affirmative vote of the holders of the shares of the class or series of stock entitled to elect such director or directors, given either at a special meeting of such stockholders duly called for that purpose or pursuant to a written consent of stockholders, and any vacancy thereby created may be filled by the holders of that class or series of stock represented at the meeting or pursuant to written consent.
6. Protective Provisions. So long as at least 15,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock remain outstanding (as adjusted for any stock splits, stock dividends, combinations, subdivisions, recapitalizations or the like), this corporation shall not (by amendment, merger, consolidation or otherwise) without (in addition to any other vote required by law or the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation) first obtaining the approval by vote or written consent, as provided by law, of the holders of a majority of the then outstanding shares of Preferred Stock (voting together as a single class and not as separate series, and on an as-converted basis):
(a) consummate a Liquidation Event or effect any other merger or consolidation;
(b) adversely alter or change the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of the shares of Preferred Stock, or amend, alter or repeal any provision of this corporations Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws;
(c) increase or decrease (other than by redemption or conversion) the total number of authorized shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock or designated shares of any series of Preferred Stock;
(d) authorize, create or issue any equity security (including, without limitation, (i) any other security convertible into or exercisable for any such equity security or (ii) any unit of debt and equity securities) having a preference over, or being on a parity with, any series of Preferred Stock;
(e) (i) reclassify, alter or amend any existing security of this corporation that is pari passu with the Series C Preferred Stock with respect to dividends, liquidation or redemption, if such reclassification, alteration or amendment would render such other security senior to the Series C Preferred Stock in respect of any such right, preference or privilege or (ii) reclassify, alter or amend any existing security of this corporation that is junior to the Series C Preferred Stock with respect to dividends, liquidation or redemption, if such reclassification, alteration or amendment would render such other security senior to or pari passu with the Series C Preferred Stock in respect of any such right, preference or privilege;
(f) redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire (or pay into or set aside for a sinking fund for such purpose) any share or shares of Preferred Stock or Common Stock; provided, however, that this restriction shall not apply to the repurchase of shares of Common Stock from employees, officers, directors, consultants or other persons performing services for this corporation or any subsidiary pursuant to agreements under which this corporation has the option to repurchase such shares upon the occurrence of certain events, such as the termination of employment or service, or pursuant to a right of first refusal;
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(g) change the authorized number of, or method of electing the, directors of this corporation;
(h) pay or declare any dividend on any shares of capital stock of this corporation;
(i) adopt or amend any stock option plan or similar stock incentive arrangement providing for the issuance of this corporations capital stock to employees, officers, directors, consultants or other persons, including any increase to the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance pursuant to such plan or arrangement or any other plan or arrangement existing on the Filing Date;
(j) grant an exclusive license to a substantial portion of this corporations material intellectual property rights;
(k) change this corporations financial auditors;
(l) make any material change to this corporations accounting practices; provided, however, no such approval shall be required for any such change made to comport with the then current generally accepted accounting principles in effect in the United States as set forth in pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (and its predecessors) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants;
(m) authorize, create or issue any debt security, or permit any subsidiary to take any such action with respect to any debt security, if the aggregate indebtedness of this corporation and its subsidiaries for borrowed money following such action would exceed $2,500,000 (other than equipment leases, bank lines of credit, or trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business) unless such debt security has been approved by the Board of Directors, including the approval of at least two (2) of the Preferred Directors; or
(n) any amendment to this Section 6.
7. Status of Converted Stock. In the event any shares of Preferred Stock shall be converted pursuant to Section 4 hereof, the shares so converted shall be cancelled and shall not be issuable by this corporation. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of this corporation shall be appropriately amended to effect the corresponding reduction in this corporations authorized capital stock.
8. Notices. Any notice required by the provisions of this Article IVB to be given to the holders of shares of Preferred Stock shall be deemed given (a) five (5) days following its deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid, and addressed to each holder of record at his, her or its address appearing on the books of this corporation, (b) upon such notice being provided by electronic transmission in a manner permitted by the General Corporation Law or (c) five (5) days following such notice being provided in another manner then permitted by the General Corporation Law.
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C. Common Stock. The rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to and imposed on the Common Stock are as set forth below in this Article IVC.
1. Dividend Rights. Subject to the prior rights of holders of all classes of stock at the time outstanding having prior rights as to dividends, the holders of the Common Stock shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, out of any assets of this corporation legally available therefor, any dividends as may be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors.
2. Liquidation Rights. Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of this corporation, the assets of this corporation shall be distributed as provided in Section 2 of Article IVB hereof.
3. Redemption. The Common Stock is not redeemable at the option of the holder.
4. Voting Rights. The holder of each share of Common Stock shall have the right to one vote for each such share, and shall be entitled to notice of any stockholders meeting in accordance with the Bylaws of this corporation, and shall be entitled to vote upon such matters and in such manner as may be provided by law; provided, however, that, except as otherwise required by law, holders of Common Stock, as such, shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or pursuant to the General Corporation Law. The number of authorized shares of Common Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock of this corporation entitled to vote, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the General Corporation Law.
ARTICLE V
Except as otherwise provided in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, in furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to make, repeal, alter, amend and rescind any or all of the Bylaws of this corporation.
ARTICLE VI
Subject to the requirements of Section 6 of Article IVB hereof, the number of directors of this corporation shall be determined in the manner set forth in the Bylaws of this corporation.
ARTICLE VII
Elections of directors need not be by written ballot unless the Bylaws of this corporation shall so provide.
ARTICLE VIII
Meetings of stockholders may be held within or without the State of Delaware, as the Bylaws of this corporation may provide. The books of this corporation may be kept (subject to any provision contained in the statutes) outside the State of Delaware at such place or places as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors or in the Bylaws of this corporation.
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ARTICLE IX
To the fullest extent permitted by law, a director of this corporation shall not be personally liable to this corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. If the General Corporation Law is amended after approval by the stockholders of this Article IX to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of this corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law as so amended.
Any amendment, repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this Article IX by the stockholders of this corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of this corporation existing at the time of, or increase the liability of any director of this corporation with respect to any acts or omissions of such director occurring prior to, such amendment, repeal or modification.
ARTICLE X
This corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, and, subject to the requirements of Section 6 of Article IVB hereof, all rights conferred upon stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation.
ARTICLE XI
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this corporation is authorized to provide indemnification of (and advancement of expenses to) directors, officers, employees and agents of this corporation (and any other persons to which General Corporation Law permits this corporation to provide indemnification) through Bylaw provisions, agreements with such persons, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, in excess of the indemnification and advancement otherwise permitted by Section 145 of the General Corporation Law.
Any amendment, repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this Article XI shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director, officer, employee, agent or other person existing at the time of, or increase the liability of any such person with respect to any acts or omissions of such person occurring prior to, such amendment, repeal or modification.
ARTICLE XII
This corporation renounces any interest or expectancy of this corporation in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, any Excluded Opportunity. An Excluded Opportunity is any matter, transaction or interest that is presented to, or acquired, created or developed by, or which otherwise comes into the possession of, (i) any director of this corporation who is not an employee of this corporation or any of its subsidiaries, or (ii) any holder of Preferred Stock or any partner, member, director, stockholder, employee or agent of any such holder, other than someone who is an employee of this corporation or any of its subsidiaries (collectively, Covered Persons), unless such matter, transaction or interest is presented to, or acquired, created or developed by, or otherwise comes into the possession of, a Covered Person expressly and solely in such Covered Persons capacity as a director of this corporation.
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ARTICLE XIII
In connection with repurchases by this corporation of its Common Stock from employees, officers, directors, advisors, consultants or other persons performing services for this corporation or any subsidiary pursuant to agreements under which this corporation has the option to repurchase such shares at cost upon the occurrence of certain events, such as the termination of employment, Section 500 of the California Corporations Code shall not apply in all or in part with respect to such repurchases. In the case of any such repurchases, distributions by the corporation may be made without regard to the preferential dividends arrears amount or any preferential rights amount, as such terms are defined in Section 500(b) of the California Corporations Code.
ARTICLE XIV
A. Forum Selection. Unless this corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware) shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of this corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of this corporation to this corporation or this corporations stockholders, (iii) any action arising pursuant to any provision of the General Corporation Law or this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws (as either may be amended from time to time), or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine, except for, as to each of (i) through (iv) above, any claim as to which the Court of Chancery determines that there is an indispensable party not subject to the jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery (and the indispensable party does not consent to the personal jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery within ten (10) days following such determination), which is vested in the exclusive jurisdiction of a court or forum other than the Court of Chancery, or for which the Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of capital stock of this corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article XIV.
B. Personal Jurisdiction. If any action the subject matter of which is within the scope of Article XIVA is filed in a court other than a court located within the State of Delaware (a Foreign Action) in the name of any stockholder, such stockholder shall be deemed to have consented to (i) the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located within the State of Delaware in connection with any action brought in any such court to enforce Article XIVA (an FSC Enforcement Action) and (ii) having service of process made upon such stockholder in any such FSC Enforcement Action by service upon such stockholders counsel in the Foreign Action as agent for such stockholder.
C. Savings. If any provision or provisions of this Article XIV shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any person or entity or circumstance for any reason whatsoever, then, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Article XIV (including, without limitation, each portion of any sentence of this Article XIV containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) and the application of such provision to other persons or entities and circumstances shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
* * *
THIRD: The foregoing amendment and restatement was approved by the holders of the requisite number of shares of said corporation in accordance with Section 228 of the General Corporation Law.
FOURTH: That said Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which restates and integrates and further amends the provisions of this corporations Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, has been duly adopted in accordance with Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation has been executed by a duly authorized officer of this corporation on this 23rd day of September, 2020.
THE COMPANY: | ||
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Bobak Azamian | |
Name: | Bobak Azamian | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF
INCORPORATION FOR TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
OF THE
AMENDED AND RESTATED
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the Corporation),
DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:
FIRST: That the name of this corporation is Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and that this corporation was originally incorporated pursuant to the General Corporation Law on November 17, 2016 under the name Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
SECOND: That the Board of Directors of the Corporation duly adopted a resolution setting forth a proposed amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, declaring said amendment to be advisable and in the best interests of the Corporation and its stockholders and authorizing the appropriate officers of the Corporation to solicit the consent of the stockholders therefor, which resolution setting forth the proposed amendment is as follows:
RESOLVED FURTHER, that Article IV(A), of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation be amended to read in its entirety as follows:
A. Reverse Stock Split; Authorization of Stock. Effective upon the filing of this Certificate of Amendment of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the Effective Time), each 7.4276 issued shares of each series of Preferred Stock (as defined below) and Common Stock (as defined below) shall be combined and changed into one (1) share of such series of Preferred Stock or Common Stock, as applicable (the Reverse Stock Split), which shares shall be fully paid and nonassessable. No fractional shares of Preferred Stock or Common Stock shall be issued as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. Each holder of a certificate evidencing such holders ownership of Preferred Stock or Common Stock at the Effective Time who would otherwise have been entitled to a fraction of a share as a result of the combination of the Preferred Stock or Common Stock represented by such certificate, shall, in lieu thereof, be entitled to receive a cash payment in an amount equal to the fraction to which the stockholder would otherwise be entitled in respect of such certificate multiplied by the fair market value per share as determined by the corporations Board of Directors (as defined below). Such Reverse Stock Split shall occur whether or not certificates representing any stockholders shares held prior to the Reverse Stock Split are surrendered for cancellation. Following the Effective Time, this corporation is authorized to issue two classes of stock to be designated, respectively, common stock and preferred stock. The total number of shares that this corporation is authorized to issue is 28,607,035. The total number of shares of common stock authorized to be issued is 17,500,000, par value $0.0001 per share (the Common Stock). The total number of shares of preferred stock authorized to be issued is 11,107,035, par value $0.0001 per share (the Preferred Stock), of which 1,575,033 shares are designated as Series A Preferred Stock, 6,674,918 shares are designated as Series B Preferred Stock, and 2,857,084 shares are designated as Series C Preferred Stock.
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THIRD: That thereafter said amendment was duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the General Corporation Law by written consent of the stockholders holding the requisite number of shares required by statute given in accordance with and pursuant to Section 228 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
* * * * *
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has caused this Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be executed by a duly authorized officer on this 9th day of October, 2020.
THE COMPANY: | ||
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Bobak Azamian | |
Name: | Bobak Azamian | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
SIGNATURE PAGE TO CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF
INCORPORATION OF TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
Exhibit 3.2
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, hereby certifies as follows:
1. The name of the corporation is Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which was the name under which the corporation was originally incorporated. The date of the filing of its original certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware was November 17, 2016.
2. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which restates, integrates and further amends the certificate of incorporation of the corporation, has been duly adopted by the corporation in accordance with Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and has been adopted by the requisite vote of the stockholders of the corporation, acting by written consent in lieu of a meeting in accordance with Section 228 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
3. The certificate of incorporation of the corporation is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
FIRST: The name of the corporation is Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (hereinafter called the Corporation).
SECOND: The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is 3500 South Dupont Highway, in the City of Dover, County of Kent, Delaware 19901. The name of the registered agent of the Corporation in the State of Delaware at such address is Incorporating Services, Ltd.
THIRD: The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized and incorporated under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or any applicable successor act thereto, as the same may be amended from time to time (the DGCL).
FOURTH: The total number of shares of all classes of capital stock that the Corporation is authorized to issue is 210,000,000 shares, consisting of (i) 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the Common Stock), and (ii) 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share (Preferred Stock). Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, the number of authorized shares of any of the Common Stock or Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL, and no vote of the holders of any of the Common Stock or Preferred Stock voting separately as a class shall be required therefor.
A. Common Stock. The powers, preferences and relative participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the Common Stock are as follows:
1. Ranking. The voting, dividend and liquidation rights of the holders of the Common Stock are subject to and qualified by the rights of the holders of the Preferred Stock of any series as may be designated by the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the Board) upon any issuance of the Preferred Stock of any series.
2. Voting. Except as otherwise provided by law or by this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (as amended from time to time, including the terms of any Preferred Stock Designation (as defined below), this Certificate of Incorporation), the holders of outstanding shares of Common Stock shall have the exclusive right to vote for the election and removal of directors and for all other purposes. Each outstanding share of Common Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote on each matter properly submitted to the stockholders of the Corporation for their vote. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation to the contrary, the holders of Common Stock shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together as a class with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation or the DGCL.
3. Dividends. Subject to the rights of the holders of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock, holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive such dividends and distributions and other distributions in cash, stock or property of the Corporation when, as and if declared thereon by the Board from time to time out of assets or funds of the Corporation legally available therefor.
4. Liquidation. Subject to the rights of the holders of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock, shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive the assets and funds of the Corporation available for distribution in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary. A liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, as such terms are used in this Section A(4), shall not be deemed to be occasioned by or to include any consolidation or merger of the Corporation with or into any other person or a sale, lease, exchange, exclusive license, conveyance or other disposition of all or any part of its assets.
B. Preferred Stock
Shares of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series. The Board is hereby authorized to provide by resolution or resolutions from time to time for the issuance, out of the authorized but unissued shares of Preferred Stock, of one or more series of Preferred Stock, without stockholder approval (except as otherwise expressly required by this Certificate of Incorporation), by filing a certificate of designation pursuant to the applicable law of the State of Delaware (any such certificate, a Preferred Stock Designation), setting forth such resolution and, with respect to each such series, establishing the number of shares to be included in such series, and fixing the voting powers, full or limited, or no voting power of the shares of such series, and the designation, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of the shares of each such series. The powers, designation, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, of each series of Preferred Stock may differ from those of any and all other series at any time outstanding. The authority of the Board with respect to each series of Preferred Stock shall include, but not be limited to, the determination of the following:
(a) the designation of the series, which may be by distinguishing number, letter or title;
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(b) the number of shares of the series, which number the Board may thereafter increase or decrease (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) without any vote of stockholders (except as otherwise expressly required by this Certificate of Incorporation);
(c) the amounts or rates at which dividends will be payable on, and the preferences, if any, of shares of the series in respect of dividends, and whether such dividends, if any, shall be cumulative or noncumulative;
(d) the dates on which dividends, if any, shall be payable;
(e) the redemption rights and price or prices, if any, for shares of the series;
(f) the terms and amount of any sinking fund, if any, provided for the purchase or redemption of shares of the series;
(g) the amounts payable on, and the preferences, if any, of shares of the series in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation;
(h) whether the shares of the series shall be convertible into or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or series, or any other security, of the Corporation or any other corporation, and, if so, the specification of such other class or series or such other security, the conversion or exchange price or prices or rate or rates, any adjustments thereof, the date or dates at which such shares shall be convertible or exchangeable and all other terms and conditions upon which such conversion or exchange may be made;
(i) restrictions on the issuance or reissuance of shares of the same series or any other class or series;
(j) the voting rights, if any, of the holders of shares of the series generally or upon specified events; and
(k) any other powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of each series of Preferred Stock,
all as may be determined from time to time by the Board and stated in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of such Preferred Stock.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, subject to the rights of one or more series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, the resolutions providing for issuance of any series of Preferred Stock may provide that such series shall be superior or rank equally or be junior to any other series of Preferred Stock to the extent permitted by law.
FIFTH: This Article FIFTH is inserted for the management of the business and for the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation.
A. General Powers. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board, except as otherwise provided by this Certificate of Incorporation or the DGCL.
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B. Number of Directors; Election of Directors. Subject to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect directors, the number of directors of the Corporation shall be fixed from time to time by resolution of the majority of the Whole Board. For purposes of this Certificate of Incorporation, the term Whole Board will mean the total number of authorized directors, whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.
C. Classes of Directors. Subject to the special rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect directors, the Board shall be and is divided into three classes, designated Class I, Class II and Class III, and each class shall consist, as nearly as may be possible, of one third of the total number of directors so divided into classes. The Board is authorized to assign members of the Board already in office to Class I, Class II or Class III at the time such classification becomes effective.
D. Terms of Office. Subject to the special rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect directors, each director shall serve for a term ending on the date of the third annual meeting of stockholders following the annual meeting of stockholders at which such director was elected; provided that each director initially assigned to Class I shall serve for a term expiring at the Corporations first annual meeting of stockholders held after the effectiveness of this Certificate of Incorporation; each director initially assigned to Class II shall serve for a term expiring at the Corporations second annual meeting of stockholders held after the effectiveness of this Certificate of Incorporation; and each director initially assigned to Class III shall serve for a term expiring at the Corporations third annual meeting of stockholders held after the effectiveness of this Certificate of Incorporation; provided further, each director shall continue to serve as a director until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, subject to his or her earlier death, disqualification, resignation or removal.
E. Newly Created Directorships and Vacancies. Subject to the special rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock, any newly created directorship that results from an increase in the number of directors or any vacancy on the Board that results from the death, disability, resignation, disqualification or removal of any director or from any other cause shall be filled solely by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and shall not be filled by the stockholders. Any director elected to fill a vacancy or newly created directorship shall hold office until the next election of the class to which such director shall have been appointed, and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, subject to his or her earlier death, disqualification, resignation or removal.
F. Preferred Directors. During any period when the holders of any series of Preferred Stock have the special right to elect additional directors, upon commencement and for the duration of such period during which such right continues: (i) the then otherwise total authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall automatically be increased by such specified number of additional directors, and the holders of such series of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to elect the additional directors so provided for or fixed pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation; and (ii) each such additional director shall serve until such directors successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, or until such directors right to hold such office terminates pursuant to the Preferred Stock Designation establishing such series of Preferred Stock, whichever occurs earlier, subject to his or her earlier death, resignation, disqualification or removal. Except as otherwise provided by this Certificate of Incorporation, whenever the holders of any series of Preferred Stock having the special right to elect additional directors are divested of such right pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation, the terms of office of all such additional directors elected by the holders of such series, or elected to fill any vacancies resulting from the death, resignation, disqualification or removal of such additional directors, shall forthwith terminate and the total authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall be reduced accordingly.
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G. Removal. Subject to any special rights of the holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock to elect directors, any director or the entire Board may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% in voting power of the outstanding stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting as a single class.
H. Committees. Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Corporation (the Bylaws), the Board may establish one or more committees to which may be delegated any or all of the powers and duties of the Board to the full extent permitted by law.
I. Stockholder Nominations and Introduction of Business. Advance notice of stockholder nominations for election of directors and other business to be brought by stockholders before a meeting of stockholders shall be given in the manner provided by the Bylaws.
SIXTH: Unless and except to the extent that the Bylaws shall so require, the election of directors of the Corporation need not be by written ballot.
SEVENTH: To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as it now exists and as it may hereafter be amended, no director of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or any of its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. If the DGCL is hereafter amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as so amended. No amendment, modification or repeal of this Article SEVENTH shall apply to or have any adverse effect on any right or protection of, or any limitation of the liability of, a director of the Corporation with respect to actions or omissions occurring prior to the time of such amendment, modification or repeal.
EIGHTH: Subject to the terms of any series of Preferred Stock, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders called in accordance with the Bylaws and may not be effected by written consent in lieu of a meeting.
NINTH: Except as otherwise required by law and subject to the terms of any series of Preferred Stock, special meetings of stockholders for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time by the majority of the Whole Board, the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, and may not be called by stockholders or any other person or persons. Business transacted at any special meeting of stockholders shall be limited to matters relating to the purpose or purposes stated in the notice for such meeting.
TENTH: If any provision or provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any circumstance for any reason whatsoever: (i) the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of this Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and (ii) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each such portion of any paragraph of this Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to permit the Corporation to protect its directors, officers, employees and agents from personal liability in respect of their good faith service or for the benefit of the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by law.
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The Corporation reserves the right at any time from time to time to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation, and any other provisions authorized by the DGCL may be added or inserted, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by law; and all rights, preferences and privileges of whatsoever nature conferred upon stockholders, directors or any other persons whomsoever by and pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation in its present form or as hereafter amended are granted subject to the right reserved in this Article TENTH. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation or any provision of law that might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, but in addition to any affirmative vote of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock required by law or by this Certificate of Incorporation, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% in voting power of the outstanding stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, shall be required to amend, alter, change or repeal, or adopt any provision inconsistent with, any of Parts A. and B. of ARTICLE FOURTH, Article FIFTH, Article SEVENTH, Article EIGHTH, Article NINTH, Article ELEVENTH, Article TWELFTH, and this Article TENTH, and in each case, the definition of any capitalized terms used therein or any successor provision (including, without limitation, any such article or section as renumbered as a result of any amendment, alteration, change, repeal or adoption of any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation). Any amendment, repeal or modification of any of Article SEVENTH, and this sentence shall not adversely affect any right or protection of any person existing thereunder with respect to any act or omission occurring prior to such repeal or modification.
ELEVENTH: In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred upon it by law, the Board is expressly authorized and empowered to adopt, amend and repeal the Bylaws by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Whole Board. The stockholders shall also have power to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws; provided, however, that, notwithstanding any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation or any provision of law that might otherwise permit a lesser or no vote, but in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by applicable law or by this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% in voting power of the outstanding shares of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, shall be required for the stockholders to adopt, amend or repeal any provision of the Bylaws.
TWELFTH:
A. Forum Selection.
(a) Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction, the state or federal courts in the State of Delaware) shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (1) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (2) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director, officer, stockholder or other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporations stockholders, (3) any action arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws (as the foregoing may be amended, modified, supplemented and/or restated from time to time), or (4) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine.
(b) Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
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(c) Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article TWELFTH.
B. Personal Jurisdiction. If any action the subject matter of which is within the scope of Section A immediately above is filed in a court other than a court located within the State of Delaware (a Foreign Action) in the name of any stockholder, such stockholder shall be deemed to have consented to (i) the personal jurisdiction of the applicable state and federal courts located within the State of Delaware in connection with any action brought in any such court to enforce Section A immediately above (an FSC Enforcement Action) and (ii) having service of process made upon such stockholder in any such FSC Enforcement Action by service upon such stockholders counsel in the Foreign Action as agent for such stockholder.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation as of this day of , 2020
By: | ||
Name: | Bobak Azamian, M.D., Ph.D. | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
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Exhibit 3.3
BYLAWS OF
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
(A DELAWARE CORPORATION)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I OFFICES |
1 | |||||
1.1 |
Registered Office |
1 | ||||
1.2 |
Offices |
1 | ||||
ARTICLE II MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS |
1 | |||||
2.1 |
Location |
1 | ||||
2.2 |
Timing |
1 | ||||
2.3 |
Notice of Meeting |
1 | ||||
2.4 |
Stockholders Records |
1 | ||||
2.5 |
Special Meetings |
2 | ||||
2.6 |
Notice of Meeting |
2 | ||||
2.7 |
Business Transacted at Special Meeting |
2 | ||||
2.8 |
Quorum; Meeting Adjournment; Presence by Remote Means |
2 | ||||
2.9 |
Voting Thresholds |
3 | ||||
2.10 |
Number of Votes Per Share |
3 | ||||
2.11 |
Action by Written Consent of Stockholders; Electronic Consent; Notice of Action |
3 | ||||
ARTICLE III DIRECTORS |
4 | |||||
3.1 |
Authorized Directors |
4 | ||||
3.2 |
Vacancies |
4 | ||||
3.3 |
Board Authority |
4 | ||||
3.4 |
Location of Meetings |
4 | ||||
3.5 |
First Meeting |
4 | ||||
3.6 |
Regular Meetings |
4 | ||||
3.7 |
Special Meetings |
5 | ||||
3.8 |
Quorum |
5 | ||||
3.9 |
Action Without a Meeting |
5 | ||||
3.10 |
Telephonic Meetings |
5 | ||||
3.11 |
Committees |
5 | ||||
3.12 |
Minutes of Meetings |
6 | ||||
3.13 |
Compensation of Directors |
6 | ||||
3.14 |
Removal of Directors |
6 | ||||
ARTICLE IV NOTICES |
6 | |||||
4.1 |
Notice |
6 | ||||
4.2 |
Waiver of Notice |
6 | ||||
4.3 |
Electronic Notice |
6 | ||||
ARTICLE V OFFICERS |
7 | |||||
5.1 |
Required and Permitted Officers |
7 | ||||
5.2 |
Appointment of Required Officers |
7 | ||||
5.3 |
Appointment of Permitted Officers |
7 | ||||
5.4 |
Officer Compensation |
7 | ||||
5.5 |
Term of Office; Vacancies |
7 | ||||
5.6 |
Chairman Presides |
8 | ||||
5.7 |
Absence of Chairman |
8 |
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5.8 |
Powers of Chief Executive Officer |
8 | ||||
5.9 |
Chief Executive Officers Signature Authority |
8 | ||||
5.10 |
Absence of Chief Executive Officer |
8 | ||||
5.11 |
Powers of President |
8 | ||||
5.12 |
Absence of President |
8 | ||||
5.13 |
Duties of Secretary |
8 | ||||
5.14 |
Duties of Assistant Secretary |
9 | ||||
5.15 |
Duties of Treasurer |
9 | ||||
5.16 |
Disbursements and Financial Reports |
9 | ||||
5.17 |
Treasurers Bond |
9 | ||||
5.18 |
Duties of Assistant Treasurer |
9 | ||||
ARTICLE VI CERTIFICATE OF STOCK |
9 | |||||
6.1 |
Stock Certificates |
9 | ||||
6.2 |
Facsimile Signatures |
10 | ||||
6.3 |
Lost Certificates |
10 | ||||
6.4 |
Transfer of Stock |
10 | ||||
6.5 |
Fixing a Record Date |
10 | ||||
6.6 |
Registered Stockholders |
10 | ||||
ARTICLE VII GENERAL PROVISIONS |
11 | |||||
7.1 |
Dividends |
11 | ||||
7.2 |
Reserve for Dividends |
11 | ||||
7.3 |
Checks |
11 | ||||
7.4 |
Fiscal Year |
11 | ||||
7.5 |
Corporate Seal |
11 | ||||
7.6 |
Indemnification |
11 | ||||
7.7 |
Conflicts with Certificate of Incorporation |
12 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII AMENDMENTS |
12 | |||||
ARTICLE IX LOANS TO OFFICERS |
13 | |||||
ARTICLE X RECORDS AND REPORTS |
13 |
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BYLAWS OF
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
ARTICLE I
OFFICES
1.1 Registered Office. The registered office shall be in the City of Dover, County of Kent, State of Delaware.
1.2 Offices. The corporation may also have offices at such other places both within and without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or the business of the corporation may require.
ARTICLE II
MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
2.1 Location. All meetings of the stockholders for the election of directors shall be held in Newport Beach, California, at such place as may be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors, or at such other place either within or without the State of Delaware as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, determine that the meeting shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication as authorized by Section 211 of the Delaware General Corporations Law (DGCL). Meetings of stockholders for any other purpose may be held at such time and place, if any, within or without the State of Delaware, as shall be stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice thereof, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the person entitled to notice.
2.2 Timing. Annual meetings of stockholders, commencing with the year following the adoption of these bylaws, shall be held at such date and time as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting, at which they shall elect by a plurality vote a Board of Directors, and transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.
2.3 Notice of Meeting. Written notice of any stockholder meeting stating the place, if any, date and hour of the meeting, the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting not fewer than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting.
2.4 Stockholders Records. The officer who has charge of the stock ledger of the corporation shall prepare and make, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address (but not the electronic address or other electronic contact information) of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting for a period of at least 10 days prior to the meeting: (i) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting, or (ii) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the corporation. In the event that the corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the corporation may take reasonable steps
to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the corporation. If the meeting is to be held at a place, then the list shall be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present. If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, then the list shall also be open to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time of the meeting on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to access such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting.
2.5 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders, for any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute or by the certificate of incorporation, may be called by the Chief Executive Officer and shall be called by the Chief Executive Officer or secretary at the request in writing of a majority of the Board of Directors, or at the request in writing of stockholders owning at least fifty percent (50%) in amount of the entire capital stock of the corporation issued and outstanding and entitled to vote. Such request shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting.
2.6 Notice of Meeting. Written notice of a special meeting stating the place, date and hour of the meeting and the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be given not fewer than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting, to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting. The means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting shall also be provided in the notice.
2.7 Business Transacted at Special Meeting. Business transacted at any special meeting of stockholders shall be limited to the purposes stated in the notice.
2.8 Quorum; Meeting Adjournment; Presence by Remote Means.
(a) Quorum; Meeting Adjournment. The holders of a majority of the stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business except as otherwise provided by statute or by the certificate of incorporation. If, however, such quorum shall not be present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present or represented. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified. If the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.
(b) Presence by Remote Means. If authorized by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion, and subject to such guidelines and procedures as the Board of Directors may adopt, stockholders and proxyholders not physically present at a meeting of stockholders may, by means of remote communication:
(1) participate in a meeting of stockholders; and
(2) be deemed present in person and vote at a meeting of stockholders whether such meeting is to be held at a designated place or solely by means of remote communication, provided that (i) the corporation shall implement reasonable measures to verify that each person deemed present and permitted to vote at the meeting by means of remote communication is a stockholder or proxyholder, (ii) the corporation shall implement reasonable measures to provide such stockholders and proxyholders a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on
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matters submitted to the stockholders, including an opportunity to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting substantially concurrently with such proceedings, and (iii) if any stockholder or proxyholder votes or takes other action at the meeting by means of remote communication, a record of such vote or other action shall be maintained by the corporation.
2.9 Voting Thresholds. When a quorum is present at any meeting, the vote of the holders of a majority of the stock having voting power present in person or represented by proxy shall decide any question brought before such meeting, unless the question is one upon which by express provision of the statutes or of the certificate of incorporation, a different vote is required, in which case such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question.
2.10 Number of Votes Per Share. Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation, each stockholder shall at every meeting of the stockholders be entitled to one vote by such stockholder or by proxy for each share of the capital stock having voting power held by such stockholder, but no proxy shall be voted on after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period.
2.11 Action by Written Consent of Stockholders; Electronic Consent; Notice of Action.
(a) Action by Written Consent of Stockholders. Unless otherwise provided by the certificate of incorporation, any action required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent in writing setting forth the action so taken, is signed in a manner permitted by law by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted. Written stockholder consents shall bear the date of signature of each stockholder who signs the consent in the manner permitted by law and shall be delivered to the corporation as provided in subsection (b) below. No written consent shall be effective to take the action set forth therein unless, within sixty (60) days of the earliest dated consent delivered to the corporation in the manner provided above, written consents signed by a sufficient number of stockholders to take the action set forth therein are delivered to the corporation in the manner provided above.
(b) Electronic Consent. A telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission consenting to an action to be taken and transmitted by a stockholder or proxyholder, or a person or persons authorized to act for a stockholder or proxyholder, shall be deemed to be written, signed and dated for the purposes of this section, provided that any such telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission sets forth or is delivered with information from which the corporation can determine (1) that the telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission was transmitted by the stockholder or proxyholder or by a person or persons authorized to act for the stockholder or proxyholder and (2) the date on which such stockholder or proxyholder or authorized person or persons transmitted such telegram, cablegram or electronic transmission. The date on which such telegram, cablegram or electronic transmission is transmitted shall be deemed to be the date on which such consent was signed. No consent given by telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission shall be deemed to have been delivered until such consent is reproduced in paper form and until such paper form is delivered to the corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business or an officer or agent of the corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to a corporations registered office shall be made by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. Notwithstanding the foregoing limitations on delivery, consents given by telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission may be otherwise delivered to the principal place of business of the corporation or to an officer or agent of the corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded if, to the extent and in the manner provided by resolution of the Board of Directors of the corporation.
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(c) Notice of Action. Prompt notice of any action taken pursuant to this Section 2.11 shall be provided to the stockholders in accordance with Section 228(e) of the DGCL.
ARTICLE III
DIRECTORS
3.1 Authorized Directors. The number of directors that shall constitute the whole Board of Directors shall be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors or by the stockholders at the annual meeting of the stockholders, except as provided in Section 3.2 of this Article, and each director elected shall hold office until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Directors need not be stockholders.
3.2 Vacancies. Unless otherwise provided in the corporations certificate of incorporation, as it may be amended, vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and the directors so chosen shall hold office until the next annual election and until their successors are duly elected and shall qualify, unless sooner displaced. If there are no directors in office, then an election of directors may be held in the manner provided by statute. If, at the time of filling any vacancy or any newly created directorship, the directors then in office shall constitute less than a majority of the whole Board of Directors (as constituted immediately prior to any such increase), the Court of Chancery may, upon application of any stockholder or stockholders holding at least ten percent (10%) of the total number of the shares at the time outstanding having the right to vote for such directors, summarily order an election to be held to fill any such vacancies or newly created directorships, or to replace the directors chosen by the directors then in office.
3.3 Board Authority. The business of the corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of its Board of Directors, which may exercise all such powers of the corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or by the certificate of incorporation or by these bylaws directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.
3.4 Location of Meetings. The Board of Directors of the corporation may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or without the State of Delaware.
3.5 First Meeting. The first meeting of each newly elected Board of Directors shall be held at such time and place as shall be fixed by the vote of the stockholders at the annual meeting and no notice of such meeting shall be necessary to the newly elected directors in order to legally constitute the meeting, provided a quorum shall be present. In the event of the failure of the stockholders to fix the time or place of such first meeting of the newly elected Board of Directors, or in the event such meeting is not held at the time and place so fixed by the stockholders, the meeting may be held at such time and place as shall be specified in a notice given as hereinafter provided for special meetings of the Board of Directors, or as shall be specified in a written waiver signed by all of the directors.
3.6 Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice at such time and at such place as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors.
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3.7 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chief Executive Officer upon notice to each director; special meetings shall be called by the Chief Executive Officer or secretary in like manner and on like notice on the written request of two (2) directors unless the Board of Directors consists of only one director, in which case special meetings shall be called by the Chief Executive Officer or secretary in like manner and on like notice on the written request of the sole director. Notice of any special meeting shall be given to each director at his or her business or residence in writing, or by telegram, facsimile transmission, telephone communication or electronic transmission (provided, with respect to electronic transmission, that the director has consented to receive the form of transmission at the address to which it is directed). If mailed, such notice shall be deemed adequately delivered when deposited in the United States mails so addressed, with postage thereon prepaid, at least five (5) days before such meeting. If by telegram, such notice shall be deemed adequately delivered when the telegram is delivered to the telegraph company at least twenty-four (24) hours before such meeting. If by facsimile transmission or other electronic transmission, such notice shall be transmitted at least twenty-four (24) hours before such meeting. If by telephone, the notice shall be given at least twelve (12) hours prior to the time set for the meeting. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors need be specified in the notice of such meeting, except for amendments to these bylaws as provided under Section 8.1 of Article VIII hereof. A meeting may be held at any time without notice if all the directors are present (except as otherwise provided by law) or if those not present waive notice of the meeting in writing, either before or after such meeting.
3.8 Quorum. At all meetings of the Board of Directors, the greater of (a) a majority of the directors at any time in office, and (b) one-third of the number of directors fixed by the Board of Directors or by the stockholders pursuant to Section 3.1 of Article III hereof shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and any act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be an act of the Board of Directors, except as may be otherwise specifically provided by statute or by the certificate of incorporation. If a quorum is not present at any meeting of the Board of Directors, the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.
3.9 Action Without a Meeting. Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and the writing, writings, electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee.
3.10 Telephonic Meetings. Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, members of the Board of Directors or any committee designated by the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee, by means of conference telephone or other means of communication by which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and such participation shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.
3.11 Committees. The Board of Directors may designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the corporation. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee.
In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or she or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member.
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Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board of Directors, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the corporation, and may authorize the seal of the corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it, but no such committee shall have the power or authority in reference to the following matters: (i) approving or adopting, or recommending to the stockholders, any action or matter expressly required by the DGCL to be submitted to stockholders for approval or (ii) adopting, amending or repealing any provision of these bylaws.
3.12 Minutes of Meetings. Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and report the same to the Board of Directors when required.
3.13 Compensation of Directors. Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, the Board of Directors shall have the authority to fix the compensation of directors. The directors may be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors and may be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors or a stated salary as director. No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor. Members of special or standing committees may be allowed like compensation for attending committee meetings.
3.14 Removal of Directors. Unless otherwise provided by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed, with or without cause, by the holders of a majority of shares entitled to vote at an election of directors.
ARTICLE IV
NOTICES
4.1 Notice. Unless otherwise provided in these bylaws, whenever, under the provisions of the statutes or of the certificate of incorporation or of these bylaws, notice is required to be given to any director or stockholder, it shall not be construed to mean personal notice, but such notice may be given in writing, by mail, addressed to such director or stockholder, at his or her address as it appears on the records of the corporation, with postage thereon prepaid, and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail. Notice to directors may also be given by telegram.
4.2 Waiver of Notice. Whenever any notice is required to be given under the provisions of the statutes or of the certificate of incorporation or of these bylaws, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to said notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent thereto.
4.3 Electronic Notice.
(a) Electronic Transmission. Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders and directors, any notice to stockholders or directors given by the corporation under any provision of the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws shall be effective if given by a form of electronic transmission consented to by the stockholder or director to whom the notice is given. Any such consent shall be revocable by the stockholder or director by written notice to the corporation. Any such consent shall be deemed revoked if (1) the corporation is unable to deliver by electronic transmission two consecutive notices given by the corporation in accordance with such consent and (2) such inability becomes known to the secretary or an assistant secretary of the corporation or to the transfer agent, or other person responsible for the giving of notice; provided, however, the inadvertent failure to treat such inability as a revocation shall not invalidate any meeting or other action.
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(b) Effective Date of Notice. Notice given pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall be deemed given: (1) if by facsimile telecommunication, when directed to a number at which the stockholder or director has consented to receive notice; (2) if by electronic mail, when directed to an electronic mail address at which the stockholder or director has consented to receive notice; (3) if by a posting on an electronic network together with separate notice to the stockholder or director of such specific posting, upon the later of (i) such posting and (ii) the giving of such separate notice; and (4) if by any other form of electronic transmission, when directed to the stockholder or director. An affidavit of the secretary or an assistant secretary or of the transfer agent or other agent of the corporation that the notice has been given by a form of electronic transmission shall, in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.
(c) Form of Electronic Transmission. For purposes of these bylaws, electronic transmission means any form of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, that creates a record that may be retained, retrieved, and reviewed by a recipient thereof, and that may be directly reproduced in paper form by such a recipient through an automated process.
ARTICLE V
OFFICERS
5.1 Required and Permitted Officers-. The officers of the corporation shall be chosen by the Board of Directors and shall be a Chief Executive Officer and/or a president, a treasurer and a secretary. The Board of Directors may elect from among its members a Chairman of the Board and a Vice-Chairman of the Board. The Board of Directors may also choose one or more vice presidents, assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers. Any number of offices may be held by the same person, unless the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws otherwise provide.
5.2 Appointment of Required Officers-. The Board of Directors at its first meeting after each annual meeting of stockholders shall choose a Chief Executive Officer and/or a president, a treasurer, and a secretary and may choose vice presidents.
5.3 Appointment of Permitted Officers. The Board of Directors may appoint such other officers and agents as it shall deem necessary who shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors.
5.4 Officer Compensation. The salaries of all officers and agents of the corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.
5.5 Term of Office; Vacancies. The officers of the corporation shall hold office until their successors are chosen and qualify. Any officer elected or appointed by the Board of Directors may be removed at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the corporation shall be filled by the Board of Directors.
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THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
5.6 Chairman Presides. Unless the Board of Directors appoints a Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer shall be the Chairman of the Board, so long as the Chief Executive Officer is a director of the corporation. The Chairman of the Board shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and of the stockholders at which he or she shall be present. He or she shall have and may exercise such powers as are, from time to time, assigned to him or her by the Board of Directors and as may be provided by law.
5.7 Absence of Chairman. In the absence of the Chairman of the Board, the Vice-Chairman of the Board, if any, shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and of the stockholders at which he or she shall be present. He or she shall have and may exercise such powers as are, from time to time, assigned to him or her by the Board of Directors and as may be provided by law.
THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
5.8 Powers of Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall have general and active management of the business of the corporation and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect.
5.9 Chief Executive Officers Signature Authority. The Chief Executive Officer shall execute bonds, mortgages and other contracts requiring a seal, under the seal of the corporation, except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise signed and executed and except where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors to some other officer or agent of the corporation. The Chief Executive Officer may sign certificates for shares of stock of the corporation.
5.10 Absence of Chief Executive Officer. In the absence of the Chief Executive Officer or in the event of his or her inability or refusal to act, the president shall perform the duties of the Chief Executive Officer, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chief Executive Officer.
-THE PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENTS
5.11 Powers of President. Unless the Board of Directors appoints a president of the corporation, the Chief Executive Officer shall be the president of the corporation. The president of the corporation shall have such powers as required by law and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe.
5.12 Absence of President-. In the absence of the president or in the event of his or her inability or refusal to act, the vice president, if any, (or in the event there be more than one vice president, the vice presidents in the order designated by the directors, or in the absence of any designation, then in the order of their election) shall perform the duties of the president, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the president. The vice-presidents shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe.
THE SECRETARY AND ASSISTANT SECRETARY
5.13 Duties of Secretary. The secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and all meetings of the stockholders and record all the proceedings of the meetings of the corporation and of the Board of Directors in a book to be kept for that purpose and shall perform like duties for the standing committees when required. He or she shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer, under whose
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supervision he or she shall be. He or she shall have custody of the corporate seal of the corporation and he or she, or an assistant secretary, shall have authority to affix the same to any instrument requiring it and when so affixed, it may be attested by his or her signature or by the signature of such assistant secretary. The Board of Directors may give general authority to any other officer to affix the seal of the corporation and to attest the affixing by his or her signature.
5.14 Duties of Assistant Secretary. The assistant secretary, or if there be more than one, the assistant secretaries in the order determined by the Board of Directors (or if there be no such determination, then in the order of their election) shall, in the absence of the secretary or in the event of his or her inability or refusal to act, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the secretary and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe.
THE TREASURER AND ASSISTANT TREASURERS
5.15 Duties of Treasurer. The treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors.
5.16 Disbursements and Financial Reports. He or she shall disburse the funds of the corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors, at its regular meetings or when the Board of Directors so requires, an account of all his or her transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of the corporation.
5.17 Treasurers Bond. If required by the Board of Directors, the treasurer shall give the corporation a bond (which shall be renewed every six years) in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors for the faithful performance of the duties of his or her office and for the restoration to the corporation, in case of his or her death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in his or her possession or under his or her control belonging to the corporation.
5.18 Duties of Assistant Treasurer. The assistant treasurer, or if there shall be more than one, the assistant treasurers in the order determined by the Board of Directors (or if there be no such determination, then in the order of their election) shall, in the absence of the treasurer or in the event of the treasurers inability or refusal to act, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the treasurer and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe.
ARTICLE VI
CERTIFICATE OF STOCK
6.1 Stock Certificates. Every holder of stock in the corporation shall be entitled to have a certificate, signed by or in the name of the corporation by, the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors, or the president or a vice president and the treasurer or an assistant treasurer, or the secretary or an assistant secretary of the corporation, certifying the number of shares owned by him or her in the corporation.
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Certificates may be issued for partly paid shares and in such case upon the face or back of the certificates issued to represent any such partly paid shares, the total amount of the consideration to be paid therefor, and the amount paid thereon shall be specified.
If the corporation shall be authorized to issue more than one class of stock or more than one series of any class, the powers, designations, preferences and relative participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualification, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights shall be set forth in full or summarized on the face or back of the certificate which the corporation shall issue to represent such class or series of stock, provided that, except as otherwise provided in Section 202 of the DGCL, in lieu of the foregoing requirements, there may be set forth on the face or back of the certificate which the corporation shall issue to represent such class or series of stock, a statement that the corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights.
6.2 Facsimile Signatures. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be facsimile. In the event that any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, the certificate may be issued by the corporation with the same effect as if such officer, transfer agent or registrar were still acting as such at the date of issue.
6.3 Lost Certificates. The Board of Directors may direct a new certificate or certificates to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed. When authorizing such issuance of a new certificate or certificates, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate or certificates, or his or her legal representative, to advertise the same in such manner as it shall require and/or to give the corporation a bond in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed.
6.4 Transfer of Stock. Upon surrender to the corporation or the transfer agent of the corporation of a certificate for shares duly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignation or authority to transfer, it shall be the duty of the corporation to issue a new certificate to the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the transaction upon its books.
6.5 Fixing a Record Date. In order that the corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date which shall not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting, nor more than sixty (60) days prior to any other action. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.
6.6 Registered Stockholders. The corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, to vote as such owner, to hold liable for calls and assessments a person registered on its books as the owner of shares and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of Delaware.
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ARTICLE VII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
7.1 Dividends. Dividends upon the capital stock of the corporation, if any, subject to the provisions of the certificate of incorporation, may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting, pursuant to law. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property or in shares of the capital stock, subject to the provisions of the certificate of incorporation.
7.2 Reserve for Dividends. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the directors from time to time, in their sole discretion, think proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the corporation, or for such other purposes as the directors think conducive to the interests of the corporation, and the directors may modify or abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.
7.3 Checks. All checks or demands for money and notes of the corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.
7.4 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors.
7.5 Corporate Seal. The Board of Directors may adopt a corporate seal having inscribed thereon the name of the corporation, the year of its organization and the words Corporate Seal, Delaware. The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or otherwise reproduced.
7.6 Indemnification. The corporation shall, to the fullest extent authorized under the laws of the State of Delaware, as those laws may be amended and supplemented from time to time, indemnify any director made, or threatened to be made, a party to an action or proceeding, whether criminal, civil, administrative or investigative, by reason of being a director of the corporation or a predecessor corporation or a director or officer of another corporation, if such person served in such position at the request of the corporation; provided, however, that the corporation shall indemnify any such director or officer in connection with a proceeding initiated by such director or officer only if such proceeding was authorized by the Board of Directors of the corporation. The indemnification provided for in this Section 7.6 shall: (i) not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled under these bylaws, agreement or vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in their official capacities and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, (ii) continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, and (iii) inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of a person who has ceased to be a director. The corporations obligation to provide indemnification under this Section 7.6 shall be offset to the extent of any other source of indemnification or any otherwise applicable insurance coverage under a policy maintained by the corporation or any other person.
Expenses incurred by a director of the corporation in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director of the corporation (or was serving at the corporations request as a director or officer of another corporation) shall be paid by the
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corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation as authorized by relevant sections of the DGCL. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the corporation shall not be required to advance such expenses to an agent who is a party to an action, suit or proceeding brought by the corporation and approved by a majority of the Board of Directors of the corporation that alleges willful misappropriation of corporate assets by such agent, disclosure of confidential information in violation of such agents fiduciary or contractual obligations to the corporation or any other willful and deliberate breach in bad faith of such agents duty to the corporation or its stockholders.
The foregoing provisions of this Section 7.6 shall be deemed to be a contract between the corporation and each director who serves in such capacity at any time while this bylaw is in effect, and any repeal or modification thereof shall not affect any rights or obligations then existing with respect to any state of facts then or theretofore existing or any action, suit or proceeding theretofore or thereafter brought based in whole or in part upon any such state of facts.
The Board of Directors in its sole discretion shall have power on behalf of the corporation to indemnify any person, other than a director, made a party to any action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she, his or her testator or intestate, is or was an officer or employee of the corporation.
To assure indemnification under this Section 7.6 of all directors, officers and employees who are determined by the corporation or otherwise to be or to have been fiduciaries of any employee benefit plan of the corporation that may exist from time to time, Section 145 of the DGCL shall, for the purposes of this Section 7.6, be interpreted as follows: an other enterprise shall be deemed to include such an employee benefit plan, including without limitation, any plan of the corporation that is governed by the Act of Congress entitled Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time; the corporation shall be deemed to have requested a person to serve the corporation for purposes of Section 145 of the DGCL, as administrator of an employee benefit plan where the performance by such person of his or her duties to the corporation also imposes duties on, or otherwise involves services by, such person to the plan or participants or beneficiaries of the plan; excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan pursuant to such Act of Congress shall be deemed fines.
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION GOVERNS
7.7 Conflicts with Certificate of Incorporation. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of the corporations certificate of incorporation and these bylaws, the provisions of the certificate of incorporation shall govern.
ARTICLE VIII
AMENDMENTS
8.1 These bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed, or new bylaws may be adopted by the stockholders or by the Board of Directors, when such power is conferred upon the Board of Directors by the certificate of incorporation at any regular meeting of the stockholders or of the Board of Directors or at any special meeting of the stockholders or of the Board of Directors if notice of such alteration, amendment, repeal or adoption of new bylaws be contained in the notice of such special meeting. If the power to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws is conferred upon the Board of Directors by the certificate of incorporation, it shall not divest or limit the power of the stockholders to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws.
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ARTICLE IX
LOANS TO OFFICERS
9.1 The corporation may lend money to, or guarantee any obligation of or otherwise assist any officer or other employee of the corporation or of its subsidiaries, including any officer or employee who is a director of the corporation or its subsidiaries, whenever, in the judgment of the Board of Directors, such loan, guarantee or assistance may reasonably be expected to benefit the corporation. The loan, guarantee or other assistance may be with or without interest and may be unsecured or secured in such manner as the Board of Directors shall approve, including, without limitation, a pledge of shares of stock of the corporation. Nothing in these bylaws shall be deemed to deny, limit or restrict the powers of guaranty or warranty of the corporation at common law or under any statute.
ARTICLE X
RECORDS AND REPORTS
10.1 The application and requirements of Section 1501 of the California General Corporation Law are hereby expressly waived to the fullest extent permitted thereunder.
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CERTIFICATE OF SECRETARY OF
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
The undersigned, Ilan Lovinsky, hereby certifies that he or she is the duly elected and acting Secretary of Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Corporation), and that the bylaws attached hereto constitute the bylaws of said Corporation as duly adopted by Action by Written Consent in Lieu of Organizational Meeting by the Directors on December 14, 2016.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto subscribed his name this December 14, 2016.
/s/ Ilan Lovinsky |
Ilan Lovinsky, Secretary |
Exhibit 3.4
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Amended and Restated Bylaws
(amended and restated on October 8, 2020 and effective as of the
closing of this corporations initial public offering)
Table of Contents
Page | ||||||
Article I Stockholders |
1 | |||||
1.1 |
Place of Meetings |
1 | ||||
1.2 |
Annual Meeting |
1 | ||||
1.3 |
Special Meetings |
1 | ||||
1.4 |
Notice of Meetings |
1 | ||||
1.5 |
Voting List |
2 | ||||
1.6 |
Quorum |
2 | ||||
1.7 |
Adjournments |
2 | ||||
1.8 |
Voting and Proxies |
3 | ||||
1.9 |
Action at Meeting |
3 | ||||
1.10 |
Nomination of Directors |
3 | ||||
1.11 |
Notice of Business at Annual Meetings |
7 | ||||
1.12 |
Conduct of Meetings |
9 | ||||
1.13 |
Delivery to the Corporation |
10 | ||||
Article II Directors |
10 | |||||
2.1 |
General Powers |
10 | ||||
2.2 |
Number, Election and Qualification |
10 | ||||
2.3 |
Chairman of the Board; Vice Chairman of the Board |
10 | ||||
2.4 |
Classes of Directors |
10 | ||||
2.5 |
Terms of Office |
11 | ||||
2.6 |
Quorum |
11 | ||||
2.7 |
Action at Meeting |
11 | ||||
2.8 |
Removal |
11 | ||||
2.9 |
Vacancies |
11 | ||||
2.10 |
Resignation |
11 | ||||
2.11 |
Regular Meetings |
11 | ||||
2.12 |
Special Meetings |
12 | ||||
2.13 |
Notice of Special Meetings |
12 | ||||
2.14 |
Meetings by Conference Communications Equipment |
12 | ||||
2.15 |
Action by Consent |
12 | ||||
2.16 |
Committees |
12 | ||||
2.17 |
Compensation of Directors |
13 | ||||
Article III Officers |
13 | |||||
3.1 |
Titles |
13 | ||||
3.2 |
Appointment |
13 | ||||
3.3 |
Qualification |
13 | ||||
3.4 |
Tenure |
13 | ||||
3.5 |
Removal; Resignation |
13 | ||||
3.6 |
Vacancies |
13 | ||||
3.7 |
President; Chief Executive Officer |
13 | ||||
3.8 |
Chief Financial Officer |
14 | ||||
3.9 |
Vice Presidents |
14 | ||||
3.10 |
Secretary and Assistant Secretaries |
14 | ||||
3.11 |
Salaries |
14 | ||||
3.12 |
Delegation of Authority |
14 | ||||
3.13 |
Execution of Contracts |
14 |
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Article IV Capital Stock |
15 | |||||
4.1 |
Issuance of Stock |
15 | ||||
4.2 |
Stock Certificates; Uncertificated Shares |
15 | ||||
4.3 |
Transfers |
15 | ||||
4.4 |
Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates |
15 | ||||
4.5 |
Record Date |
15 | ||||
4.6 |
Regulations |
16 | ||||
4.7 |
Dividends |
16 | ||||
Article V General Provisions |
16 | |||||
5.1 |
Fiscal Year |
16 | ||||
5.2 |
Corporate Seal |
16 | ||||
5.3 |
Waiver of Notice |
16 | ||||
5.4 |
Voting of Securities |
16 | ||||
5.5 |
Evidence of Authority |
17 | ||||
5.6 |
Certificate of Incorporation |
17 | ||||
5.7 |
Severability |
17 | ||||
5.8 |
Pronouns |
17 | ||||
5.9 |
Electronic Transmission |
17 | ||||
Article VI Amendments |
17 | |||||
Article VII Indemnification and Advancement |
17 | |||||
7.1 |
Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings other than Those by or in the Right of the Corporation |
17 | ||||
7.2 |
Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings by or in the Right of the Corporation |
18 | ||||
7.3 |
Authorization of Indemnification |
18 | ||||
7.4 |
Good Faith Defined |
18 | ||||
7.5 |
Right of Claimant to Bring Suit |
19 | ||||
7.6 |
Expenses Payable in Advance |
19 | ||||
7.7 |
Nonexclusivity of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses |
19 | ||||
7.8 |
Insurance |
19 | ||||
7.9 |
Certain Definitions |
19 | ||||
7.10 |
Survival of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses |
20 | ||||
7.11 |
Limitation on Indemnification |
20 | ||||
7.12 |
Contract Rights |
21 |
ii
Article I
Stockholders
1.1 Place of Meetings. All meetings of stockholders shall be held at such place, if any, as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors (the Board) of Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the Corporation), the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President or, if not so designated, at the principal executive office of the Corporation. The Board may, in its sole discretion, determine that a meeting shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication in accordance with Section 211(a) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or any applicable successor act thereto, as the same may be amended from time to time (the DGCL).
1.2 Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting shall be held on a date and at a time designated by the Board, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President (which date shall not be a legal holiday in the place, if any, where the meeting is to be held) and stated in the notice of the meeting. The Board acting pursuant to a resolution adopted by the majority of the Whole Board may postpone, reschedule or cancel any previously scheduled annual meeting of stockholders, before or after the notice for such meeting has been sent to the stockholders. For purposes of these Amended and Restated Bylaws (the Bylaws), the term Whole Board will mean the total number of authorized directors whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships.
1.3 Special Meetings. Special meetings of stockholders for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time by a resolution adopted by the majority of the Whole Board, the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer, and may not be called by any other person or persons. The Board acting pursuant to a resolution adopted by the majority of the Whole Board may postpone, reschedule or cancel any previously scheduled special meeting of stockholders, before or after the notice for such meeting has been sent to the stockholders. Business transacted at any special meeting of stockholders shall be limited to matters relating to the purpose or purposes stated in the notice of meeting.
1.4 Notice of Meetings. Except as otherwise provided by law, notice of each meeting of stockholders, whether annual or special, shall be given not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting as of the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting. Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given to stockholders, any notice shall be effective if given by a form of electronic transmission consented to (in a manner consistent with the DGCL) by the stockholder to whom the notice is given. The notices of all meetings shall state the place, if any, date and time of the meeting, the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, and the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (if such date is different from the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting). The notice of a special meeting shall state, in addition to the foregoing, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called. If notice is given by mail, such notice shall be deemed given when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at such stockholders address as it appears on the records of the Corporation. If notice is given by overnight courier or by electronic transmission, such notice shall be deemed given at the time specified in Section 232 of the DGCL.
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1.5 Voting List. The Corporation shall prepare, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (provided, however, if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote is less than ten (10) days before the date of the meeting, the list shall reflect the stockholders entitled to vote as of the tenth day before the meeting date), arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting: (a) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting, or (b) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the Corporation. The Corporation shall not be required to include electronic mail addresses or other electronic contact information on such list. If the meeting is to be held at a place, then the list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present. If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, then the list shall also be open to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time of the meeting on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to access such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting. Except as otherwise provided by law, the stock ledger shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the list of stockholders required by this Section 1.5 or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.
1.6 Quorum. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the holders of a majority in voting power of the shares of the capital stock of the Corporation issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business; provided, however, that where a separate vote by a class or classes or series of capital stock is required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of a majority in voting power of the shares of such class or classes or series of the capital stock of the Corporation issued and outstanding and entitled to vote on such matter, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to the vote on such matter. A quorum, once established at a meeting, shall not be broken by the withdrawal of enough votes to leave less than a quorum.
If, however, such quorum is not present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, then either (i) the chairperson of the meeting, or (ii) the stockholders so present may, by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the shares of the corporation which are present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote thereat, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time in the manner provided in Section 1.7 of these Bylaws, until a quorum shall attend. At any such adjourned meeting at which there is a quorum, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting originally called.
1.7 Adjournments. The chairman of any meeting of stockholders, annual or special, shall have the power to recess and/or adjourn any such meeting from time to time to any other time and to any other place (or to means of remote communication). Notice of an adjourned meeting need not be given if the time, date and place (or means of remote communication) are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken; provided, however, that . if the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days or if a new record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given. If after the adjournment a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote is fixed for the adjourned meeting, the Board shall fix as the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and shall give notice of the adjourned meeting to each stockholder of record as of the record date so fixed for notice of such adjourned meeting. At the adjourned meeting, the Corporation may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting.
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1.8 Voting and Proxies. Except as otherwise provided by applicable law or pursuant to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, each stockholder entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders shall be entitled to one vote for each share of stock held by such stockholder that has voting power upon the matter in question. Each stockholder of record entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders may vote in person (including by means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting) or may authorize another person or persons to vote for such stockholder by a proxy executed or transmitted in a manner permitted by applicable law. The authorization of a person to act as proxy may be documented, signed and delivered in accordance with Section 116 of the DGCL, provided that such authorization shall set forth, or be delivered with, information enabling the corporation to determine the identity of the stockholder granting such authorization. No such proxy shall be voted upon after three years from the date of its execution, unless the proxy expressly provides for a longer period. A proxy shall be irrevocable if it states that it is irrevocable and if, and only as long as, it is coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power. A stockholder may revoke any proxy which is not irrevocable by attending the meeting and voting in person or by delivering to the Secretary of the corporation a revocation of the proxy or a new proxy bearing a later date.
1.9 Action at Meeting. When a quorum is present at any meeting, any matter other than the election of directors to be voted upon by the stockholders at such meeting shall be decided by the vote of the holders of shares of stock having a majority in voting power of the votes cast by the holders of all of the shares of stock present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and voting affirmatively or negatively on such matter, except when a different vote is required by applicable law, regulation applicable to the Corporation or its securities, the rules or regulations of any stock exchange applicable to the Corporation, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws. For the avoidance of doubt, neither abstentions nor broker non-votes will be counted as votes cast for or against such matter. Subject to any special rights of the holders of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock to elect directors, each director shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast. Voting at meetings of stockholders need not be by written ballot.
1.10 Nomination of Directors.
(a) Except for (1) any director entitled to be elected pursuant to the special rights of the holders of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock, (2) any directors elected in accordance with Section 2.9 hereof by the Board to fill a vacancy or newly-created directorship or (3) as otherwise required by applicable law or stock exchange regulation, at any meeting of stockholders, only persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures in this Section 1.10 shall be eligible for election or re-election as directors. Nomination for election to the Board at a meeting of stockholders may be made (i) by or at the direction of the Board (or any committee thereof) or (ii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who (x) timely complies with the notice procedures in Section 1.10(b), (y) is a stockholder of record on the date the stockholder gives notice provided for in Section 1.10(b) and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting and (z) is entitled to vote at such meeting.
(b) To be timely, a stockholders notice must be received in writing by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation as follows: (i) in the case of an election of directors at an annual meeting of stockholders, not less than ninety (90) days nor more than one hundred and twenty (120) days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding years annual meeting (except in the case of the
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Corporations first annual meeting following its initial public offering, for which such notice shall be timely if delivered in the same time period as if such meeting were for the election of directors at a special meeting governed by this Section 1.10(b)); provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting in any other year is advanced by more than thirty (30) days, or delayed by more than sixty (60) days, from the first anniversary of the preceding years annual meeting, a stockholders notice must be so received not earlier than the one hundred and twentieth (120th) day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of (A) the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such annual meeting and (B) the tenth (10th) day following the day on which notice of the date of such annual meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the date of such annual meeting was made, whichever first occurs; or (ii) in the case of an election of directors at a special meeting of stockholders, provided that the majority of the Whole Board, the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer has determined, in accordance with Section 1.3, that directors shall be elected at such special meeting and provided further that the nomination made by the stockholder is for one of the director positions that the Board, the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer, as the case may be, has determined will be filled at such special meeting, not earlier than the one hundred and twentieth (120th) day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of (x) the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such special meeting and (y) the tenth (10th) day following the day on which notice of the date of such special meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the date of such special meeting was made, whichever first occurs. In no event shall the adjournment or postponement of a meeting (or the public disclosure thereof) commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholders notice under this Section 1.10.
The stockholders notice to the Secretary shall set forth:
(A) as to each proposed nominee (1) such persons name, age, business address and, if known, residence address, (2) such persons principal occupation or employment, (3) the class and series and number of shares of stock of the Corporation that are, directly or indirectly, owned, beneficially or of record, by such person, (4) a description of all direct and indirect compensation and other material monetary agreements, arrangements and understandings during the past three years, and any other material relationships, between or among (x) the stockholder, the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is being made and the respective affiliates and associates of, or others acting in concert with, such stockholder and such beneficial owner, on the one hand, and (y) each proposed nominee, and his or her respective affiliates and associates, or others acting in concert with such nominee(s), on the other hand, including all information that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K if the stockholder making the nomination and any beneficial owner on whose behalf the nomination is made or any affiliate or associate thereof or person acting in concert therewith were the registrant for purposes of such Item and the proposed nominee were a director or executive officer of such registrant, (5) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any derivative or short positions, swaps, profit interests, options, warrants, convertible securities, stock appreciation or similar rights, hedging transactions, and borrowed or loaned shares) that has been entered into by, or on behalf of, such proposed nominee, the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to, manage risk or benefit of share price changes for, or increase or decrease the voting power of, such proposed nominee with respect to shares of stock of the Corporation, and (6) any other information concerning such person that must be disclosed as to nominees in proxy solicitations pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act); and
(B) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is being made (1) the name and address of such stockholder as they appear on the Corporations books, the name and address of such beneficial owner, and the name and address of any
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Stockholder Associated Person (as defined below), (2) the class and series and number of shares of stock of the Corporation that are directly or indirectly owned, beneficially or of record, by such stockholder, such beneficial owner and any Stockholder Associated Person, (3) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding between or among such stockholder, such beneficial owner and/or any Stockholder Associated Person and each proposed nominee and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which the nomination(s) are being made or who may participate in the solicitation of proxies in favor of electing such nominee(s), (4) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any derivative or short positions, swaps, profit interests, options, warrants, convertible securities, stock appreciation or similar rights, hedging transactions, and borrowed or loaned shares) that has been entered into by, or on behalf of, such stockholder, such beneficial owner or any Stockholder Associated Person, the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to, manage risk or benefit of share price changes for, or increase or decrease the voting power of, such stockholder, such beneficial owner or any Stockholder Associated Person with respect to shares of stock of the Corporation, (5) any other information relating to such stockholder, such beneficial owner and any Stockholder Associated Person that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for the election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, (6) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the person(s) named in its notice and (7) a representation whether such stockholder, such beneficial owner and/or such Stockholder Associated Person intends or is part of a group which intends (x) to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporations outstanding capital stock reasonably believed by such stockholder, such beneficial owner or such Stockholder Associated Person to be sufficient to elect the nominee and/or (y) otherwise to solicit proxies or votes from stockholders in support of such nomination.
Such information provided and statements made as required by clauses (A) and (B) above or otherwise by this Section 1.10 are hereinafter referred to as a Nominee Solicitation Statement. Not later than ten (10) days after the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting, the information required by Items (A)(1)-(5) and (B)(1)-(5) of the prior sentence shall be supplemented by the stockholder giving the notice to provide updated information as of such record date. In addition, to be effective, the stockholders notice must be accompanied by a written questionnaire with respect to the background and qualification of such proposed nominee (which questionnaire shall be provided by the Secretary upon written request) and the written consent of the proposed nominee to be named in the Corporations proxy statement as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected and a written statement executed by the proposed nominee acknowledging that as a director of the Corporation, the nominee will owe fiduciary duties under Delaware law to the Corporation and its stockholders. The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as the Corporation may reasonably require to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation or that could be material to a reasonable stockholders understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of such nominee, or whether such nominee would be independent under applicable Securities and Exchange Commission and stock exchange rules and the Corporations publicly disclosed corporate governance guidelines. A stockholder shall not have complied with this Section 1.10(b) if the stockholder (or beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made) solicits or does not solicit, as the case may be, proxies or votes in support of such stockholders nominee in contravention of the representations with respect thereto required by this Section 1.10. For purposes of these Bylaws, a Stockholder Associated Person of any stockholder shall mean (i) any person controlling, directly or indirectly, or acting in concert with, such stockholder, (ii) any beneficial owner of shares of stock of the corporation owned of record or beneficially by such stockholder and on whose behalf the proposal or nomination, as the case may be, is being made, or (iii) any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with such person referred to in the preceding clauses (i) and (ii).
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(c) Without exception, no person shall be eligible for election or re-election as a director of the Corporation at a meeting of stockholders unless nominated in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Section 1.10. In addition, a nominee shall not be eligible for election or re-election if a stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person, as applicable, takes action contrary to the representations made in the Nominee Solicitation Statement applicable to such nominee or if the Nominee Solicitation Statement applicable to such nominee contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. The chairman of any meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination was made in accordance with the provisions of this Section 1.10 (including the previous sentence of this Section 1.10(c)), and if the chairman should determine that a nomination was not made in accordance with the provisions of this Section 1.10, the chairman shall so declare to the meeting and such nomination shall not be brought before the meeting.
(d) Except as otherwise required by law, nothing in this Section 1.10 shall obligate the Corporation or the Board to include in any proxy statement or other stockholder communication distributed on behalf of the Corporation or the Board information with respect to any nominee for director submitted by a stockholder.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.10, unless otherwise required by law, if the stockholder (or a qualified representative of the stockholder) does not appear at the meeting to present a nomination, such nomination shall not be brought before the meeting, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such nominee may have been received by the Corporation. For purposes of this Section 1.10, to be considered a qualified representative of the stockholder, a person must be authorized by a written instrument executed by such stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered by such stockholder to act for such stockholder as proxy at the meeting of stockholders and such person must produce such written instrument or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the written instrument or electronic transmission, at the meeting of stockholders.
(f) For purposes of this Section 1.10, public disclosure shall include disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
(g) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.10, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 1.10; provided, however, that any references in these Bylaws to the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder are not intended to and shall not limit any requirements applicable to nominations to be considered pursuant to this Section 1.10 (including paragraph (a)(ii) hereof), and compliance with paragraph (a)(ii) of this Section 1.10 shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations. Nothing in this Section 1.10 shall be deemed to affect any rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect directors pursuant to any applicable provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation.
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1.11 Notice of Business at Annual Meetings.
(a) At any annual meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been properly brought before the meeting. To be properly brought before an annual meeting, business must be (1) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board, (2) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board (or any committee thereof), or (3) properly brought before the annual meeting by a stockholder. For business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, (i) if such business relates to the nomination of a person for election as a director of the Corporation, the procedures in Section 1.10 must be complied with and (ii) if such business relates to any other matter, the business must constitute a proper matter under Delaware law for stockholder action and the stockholder must (x) have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary in accordance with the procedures in Section 1.11(b), (y) be a stockholder of record on the date the stockholder gives notice provided for in Section 1.11(b) and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such annual meeting and (z) be entitled to vote at such annual meeting.
(b) To be timely, a stockholders notice must be received in writing by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than ninety (90) days nor more than one hundred and twenty (120) days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding years annual meeting ((except in the case of the Corporations first annual meeting following its initial public offering, for which such notice shall be timely if delivered in the same time period as if such meeting were for the election of directors at a special meeting governed by Section 1.10(b))); provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting in any other year is advanced by more than thirty (30) days, or delayed by more than sixty (60) days, from the first anniversary of the preceding years annual meeting, a stockholders notice must be so received not earlier than the one hundred and twentieth (120th) day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of (A) the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such annual meeting and (B) the tenth (10th) day following the day on which notice of the date of such annual meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the date of such annual meeting was made, whichever first occurs. In no event shall the adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting (or the public disclosure thereof) commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholders notice under this Section 1.11.
The stockholders notice to the Secretary shall set forth:
(A) as to each matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting (1) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting, (2) the text of the proposal (including the exact text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and, in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend the Bylaws, the exact text of the proposed amendment), and (3) the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting, and
(B) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is being made (1) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporations books, of such beneficial owner and of any Stockholder Associated Person, (2) the class and series and number of shares of stock of the Corporation that are, directly or indirectly, owned, beneficially or of record, by such stockholder, such beneficial owner and any Stockholder Associated Person, (3) a description of any material interest of such stockholder, such beneficial owner or any Stockholder Associated Person and the respective affiliates and associates of, or others acting in concert with, such stockholder, such beneficial owner or any Stockholder Associated Person in such business, (4) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding between or among such stockholder, such beneficial owner and/or any Stockholder Associated Person and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business or who may participate in the solicitation of proxies in favor of such proposal, (5) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any derivative or short positions, swaps, profit interests, options, warrants, convertible securities, stock appreciation or similar rights, hedging transactions, and borrowed or loaned shares) that
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has been entered into by, or on behalf of, such stockholder, such beneficial owner or any Stockholder Associated Person, the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to, manage risk or benefit of share price changes for, or increase or decrease the voting power of, such stockholder, such beneficial owner or any Stockholder Associated Person with respect to shares of stock of the Corporation, (6) any other information relating to such stockholder, such beneficial owner and any Stockholder Associated Person that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for the business proposed pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, (7) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the annual meeting to bring such business before the meeting and (8) a representation whether such stockholder, such beneficial owner and/or any Stockholder Associated Person intends or is part of a group which intends (x) to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporations outstanding capital stock required to approve or adopt the proposal and/or (y) otherwise to solicit proxies or votes from stockholders in support of such proposal. Such information provided and statements made as required by clauses (A) and (B) above or otherwise by this Section 1.11 are hereinafter referred to as a Business Solicitation Statement. Not later than ten (10) days after the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting, the information required by Items (A)(3) and (B)(1)-(6) of the prior sentence shall be supplemented by the stockholder giving the notice to provide updated information as of such record date. Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be conducted at any annual meeting of stockholders except in accordance with the procedures in this Section 1.11; provided that any stockholder proposal which complies with Rule 14a-8 of the proxy rules (or any successor provision) promulgated under the Exchange Act and is to be included in the Corporations proxy statement for an annual meeting of stockholders shall be deemed to comply with the notice requirements of this Section 1.11. A stockholder shall not have complied with this Section 1.11(b) if the stockholder (or beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made) solicits or does not solicit, as the case may be, proxies or votes in support of such stockholders proposal in contravention of the representations with respect thereto required by this Section 1.11.
(c) Without exception, no business shall be conducted at any annual meeting except in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Section 1.11. In addition, business proposed to be brought by a stockholder may not be brought before the annual meeting if such stockholder or a Stockholder Associated Person, as applicable, takes action contrary to the representations made in the Business Solicitation Statement applicable to such business or if the Business Solicitation Statement applicable to such business contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. The chairman of any annual meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether business was properly brought before the annual meeting in accordance with the provisions of this Section 1.11 (including the previous sentence of this Section 1.11(c)), and if the chairman should determine that business was not properly brought before the annual meeting in accordance with the provisions of this Section 1.11, the chairman shall so declare to the meeting and such business shall not be brought before the annual meeting.
(d) Except as otherwise required by law, nothing in this Section 1.11 shall obligate the Corporation or the Board to include in any proxy statement or other stockholder communication distributed on behalf of the Corporation or the Board information with respect to any proposal submitted by a stockholder.
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(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.11, unless otherwise required by law, if the stockholder (or a qualified representative of the stockholder) does not appear at the annual meeting to present business, such business shall not be considered, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such business may have been received by the Corporation.
(f) For purposes of this Section 1.11, the terms qualified representative of the stockholder and public disclosure shall have the same meaning as in Section 1.10.
(g) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.11, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 1.11; provided, however, that any references in these Bylaws to the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder are not intended to and shall not limit any requirements applicable to proposals as to any business to be considered pursuant to this Section 1.11 (including paragraph (a)(3) hereof), and compliance with paragraph (a)(3) of this Section 1.11 shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to submit business (other than, as provided in the penultimate sentence of (b), business other than nominations brought properly under and in compliance with Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act, as may be amended from time to time). Nothing in this Section 1.11 shall be deemed to affect any rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporations proxy statement pursuant to applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act.
1.12 Conduct of Meetings.
(a) Meetings of stockholders shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board, if any, or in the Chairmans absence by the Vice Chairman of the Board, if any, or in the Vice Chairmans absence by the Chief Executive Officer, or in the Chief Executive Officers absence, by the President, or in the Presidents absence by a Vice President, or in the absence of all of the foregoing persons by a chairman designated by the Board. The Secretary shall act as secretary of the meeting, but in the Secretarys absence the chairman of the meeting may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting.
(b) The Board may adopt by resolution such rules, regulations and procedures for the conduct of any meeting of stockholders of the Corporation as it shall deem appropriate including, without limitation, such guidelines and procedures as it may deem appropriate regarding the participation by means of remote communication of stockholders and proxyholders not physically present at a meeting. Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules, regulations and procedures as adopted by the Board, the chairman of any meeting of stockholders shall have the right and authority to convene and (for any or no reason) to recess and/or adjourn the meeting, to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chairman, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting. Such rules, regulations or procedures, whether adopted by the Board or prescribed by the chairman of the meeting, may include, without limitation, the following: (i) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (ii) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present; (iii) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation, their duly authorized and constituted proxies or such other persons as shall be determined; (iv) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; and (v) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants. Unless and to the extent determined by the Board or the chairman of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure.
(c) The chairman of the meeting shall announce at the meeting when the polls for each matter to be voted upon at the meeting are opened and closed. After the polls close, no ballots, proxies or votes or any revocations thereof or changes thereto may be accepted.
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(d) In advance of any meeting of stockholders, the Board, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President shall appoint one or more inspectors of election to act at the meeting and make a written report thereof. One or more other persons may be designated as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. If no inspector or alternate is present, ready and willing to act at a meeting of stockholders, the chairman of the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Unless otherwise required by law, inspectors may be officers, employees or agents of the Corporation. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of such inspectors duties, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of such inspectors ability. The inspector shall have the duties prescribed by law and, when the vote is completed, shall make a certificate of the result of the vote taken and of such other facts as may be required by law. Every vote taken by ballots shall be counted by a duly appointed inspector or duly appointed inspectors.
1.13 Delivery to the Corporation. Whenever this Article I requires one or more persons (including a record or beneficial owner of stock) to deliver a document or information to the Corporation or any officer, employee or agent thereof (including any notice, request, questionnaire, revocation, representation or other document or agreement), unless the Corporation elects otherwise and except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article I, such document or information shall be in writing exclusively (and not in an electronic transmission) and shall be delivered exclusively by hand (including, without limitation, overnight courier service) or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, and the Corporation shall not be required to accept delivery of any document not in such written form or so delivered.
Article II
Directors
2.1 General Powers. Except as otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or the DGCL, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board.
2.2 Number, Election and Qualification. Subject to the special rights of the holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock to elect directors, the total number of directors constituting the Board shall be fixed from time to time by resolution of the majority of the Whole Board. Election of directors need not be by written ballot. Directors need not be stockholders of the Corporation.
2.3 Chairman of the Board; Vice Chairman of the Board. The Board may appoint from its members a Chairman of the Board and a Vice Chairman of the Board, neither of whom need be an employee or officer of the Corporation. If the Board appoints a Chairman of the Board, such Chairman shall perform such duties and possess such powers as are assigned by the Board and, if the Chairman of the Board is also designated as the Corporations Chief Executive Officer, shall have the powers and duties of the Chief Executive Officer prescribed in Section 3.7 of these Bylaws. If the Board appoints a Vice Chairman of the Board, such Vice Chairman shall perform such duties and possess such powers as are assigned by the Board. Unless otherwise provided by the Board, the Chairman of the Board or, in the Chairmans absence, the Vice Chairman of the Board, if any, shall preside at all meetings of the Board.
2.4 Classes of Directors. Subject to the special rights of the holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock to elect directors, the Board shall be divided into three classes, designated: Class I, Class II and Class III. Each class shall consist, as nearly as may be possible, of one-third of the total number of directors constituting the entire Board. The Board is authorized to assign members of the Board already in office to Class I, Class II or Class III at the time such classification becomes effective. If the number
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of such directors is changed, any increase or decrease shall be apportioned among the classes so as to maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly equal as possible, and any such additional director of any class elected to fill a newly created directorship resulting from an increase in such class shall hold office for a term that shall coincide with the remaining term of that class, but in no case shall a decrease in the number of directors shorten the term of any incumbent director or result in the removal of any such director.
2.5 Terms of Office. Subject to the special rights of the holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock to elect directors, and except as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation, each director shall serve for a term ending on the date of the third annual meeting of stockholders following the annual meeting of stockholders at which such director was elected; provided that the term of each director shall continue until the election and qualification of his or her successor and be subject to his or her earlier death, disqualification, resignation or removal.
2.6 Quorum. The greater of (a) a majority of the directors at any time in office and (b) one-third of the number of directors fixed by the Board pursuant to Section 2.2 of these Bylaws shall be necessary and sufficient to constitute a quorum of the Board. If at any meeting of the Board there shall be less than a quorum, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.
2.7 Action at Meeting. Every act or decision done or made by a majority of the directors present at a meeting duly held at which a quorum is present shall be regarded as the act of the Board, unless a greater number is required by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws.
2.8 Removal. Subject to the special rights of the holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock, directors of the Corporation may be removed only as expressly provided in the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law.
2.9 Vacancies. Subject to the special rights of the holders of one or more of Preferred Stock, and unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation, any newly created directorship that results from an increase in the number of directors or any vacancy on the Board that results from the death, disability, resignation, disqualification or removal of any director or from any other cause shall be filled solely by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total number of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director and shall not be filled by the stockholders. Any director elected to fill a vacancy not resulting from an increase in the number of directors shall hold office for the remaining term of his or her predecessor.
2.10 Resignation. Any director may resign only by delivering a resignation in writing or by electronic transmission to the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer. Such resignation shall be effective upon delivery unless it is specified to be effective at some later time or upon the happening of some later event.
2.11 Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board may be held without notice at such time and place as shall be determined from time to time by the Board; provided that any director who is absent when such a determination is made shall be given notice of the determination. A regular meeting of the Board may be held without notice immediately after and at the same place as the annual meeting of stockholders.
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2.12 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board may be held at any time and place designated in a call by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, two or more directors, or by one director in the event that there is only a single director in office.
2.13 Notice of Special Meetings. Notice of the date, place and time of any special meeting of the Board shall be given to each director by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Secretary or by the director(s) calling the meeting. Notice shall be duly given to each director (a) in person or by telephone at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the meeting, (b) by sending written notice by reputable overnight courier, telecopy, facsimile or other means of electronic transmission, or delivering written notice by hand, to such directors last known business, home or means of electronic transmission address at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the meeting, or (c) by sending written notice by first-class mail to such directors last known business or home address at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance of the meeting. A notice or waiver of notice of a meeting of the Board need not specify the purposes of the meeting.
2.14 Meetings by Conference Communications Equipment. Directors may participate in meetings of the Board or any committee thereof by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
2.15 Action by Consent. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board or committee, as the case may be, consent to the action in writing or by electronic transmission, and any consent may be documented, signed and delivered in any manner permitted by Section 116 of the DGCL. After an action is taken, the consent or consents relating thereto shall be filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board or committee thereof. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.
2.16 Committees. The Board may designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation with such lawfully delegable powers and duties as the Board thereby confers, to serve at the pleasure of the Board. The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members of the committee present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board and subject to applicable law, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it; but no such committee shall have the power or authority to (i) approve or adopt, or recommend to the stockholders, any action or matter (other than the election or removal of directors) expressly required by the DGCL to be submitted to stockholders for approval, or (ii) adopt, amend or repeal any bylaw of the Corporation. Each such committee shall keep minutes and make such reports as the Board may from time to time request. Except as the Board may otherwise determine, any committee may make rules for the conduct of its business, but unless otherwise provided by the directors or in such rules, its business shall be conducted as nearly as possible in the same manner as is provided in these Bylaws for the Board. Except as otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, or the resolution of the Board designating the committee, a committee may create one or more subcommittees, each subcommittee to consist of one or more members of the committee, and delegate to a subcommittee any or all of the powers and authority of the committee.
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2.17 Compensation of Directors. Directors may be paid such compensation for their services and such reimbursement for expenses of attendance at meetings as the Board may from time to time determine. No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation or any of its parent or subsidiary entities in any other capacity and receiving compensation for such service.
Article III
Officers
3.1 Titles. The Executive Officers of the Corporation shall be such persons as are designated as such by the Board and shall include, but not be limited to, a Chief Executive Officer, a President and a Chief Financial Officer. Additional Executive Officers may be appointed by the Board from time to time. In addition to the Executive Officers of the Corporation described above, there may also be such Non-Executive Officers of the Corporation as may be designated and appointed from time to time by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.2 of these Bylaws. In addition, the Secretary and Assistant Secretaries of the Corporation may be appointed by the Board from time to time.
3.2 Appointment. The Executive Officers of the Corporation shall be chosen by the Board, subject to the rights, if any, of an Executive Officer under any contract of employment. Non-Executive Officers of the Corporation shall be chosen by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation.
3.3 Qualification. No officer need be a stockholder. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person.
3.4 Tenure. Except as otherwise provided by law, by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these Bylaws, each officer shall hold office until such officers successor is duly elected and qualified, unless a different term is specified in the resolution electing or appointing such officer, or until such officers earlier death, resignation, disqualification or removal.
3.5 Removal; Resignation. Subject to the rights, if any, of an Executive Officer under any contract of employment, any Executive Officer may be removed, either with or without cause, at any time by the Board at any regular or special meeting of the Board. Any Non-Executive Officer may be removed, either with or without cause, at any time by the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation or by the Executive Officer to whom such Non-Executive Officer reports. Any officer may resign only by delivering a resignation in writing or by electronic transmission to the Chief Executive Officer. Such resignation shall be effective upon receipt unless it is specified to be effective at some later time or upon the happening of some later event.
3.6 Vacancies. The Board may fill any vacancy occurring in any office for any reason and may, in its discretion, leave unfilled, for such period as it may determine, any offices.
3.7 President; Chief Executive Officer. Unless the Board has designated another person as the Corporations Chief Executive Officer, the President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. The Chief Executive Officer shall have general charge and supervision of the business of the Corporation subject to the direction of the Board, and shall perform all duties and have all powers that are commonly incident to the office of chief executive or that are delegated to such officer by the Board. The President shall perform such other duties and shall have such other powers as the Board or the Chief Executive Officer (if the President is not the Chief Executive Officer) may from time to time prescribe.
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3.8 Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer shall perform such duties and shall have such powers as may from time to time be assigned by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer shall perform such duties and have such powers as are incident to the office, including without limitation the duty and power to keep and be responsible for all funds and securities of the Corporation, to deposit funds of the Corporation in depositories selected in accordance with these Bylaws, to disburse such funds as ordered by the Board, to make proper accounts of such funds, and to render as required by the Board statements of all such transactions and of the financial condition of the Corporation.
3.9 Vice Presidents. Each Vice President shall perform such duties and possess such powers as the Board or the Chief Executive Officer may from time to time prescribe. The Board or the Chief Executive Officer may assign to any Vice President the title of Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President or any other title.
3.10 Secretary and Assistant Secretaries. The Secretary shall perform such duties and shall have such powers as the Board or the Chief Executive Officer may from time to time prescribe. In addition, the Secretary shall perform such duties and have such powers as are incident to the office of the secretary, including without limitation the duty and power to give notices of all meetings of stockholders and special meetings of the Board, to attend all meetings of stockholders and the Board and keep a record of the proceedings, to maintain a stock ledger and prepare lists of stockholders and their addresses as required, to be custodian of corporate records and the corporate seal and to affix and attest to the same on documents.
Any Assistant Secretary shall perform such duties and possess such powers as the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary may from time to time prescribe.
In the absence of the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary at any meeting of stockholders or directors, the chairman of the meeting shall designate a temporary secretary to keep a record of the meeting.
3.11 Salaries. Executive Officers of the Corporation shall be entitled to such salaries, compensation or reimbursement as shall be fixed or allowed from time to time by the Board or a committee thereof.
3.12 Delegation of Authority. The Board may from time to time delegate the powers or duties of any officer to any other officer or agent, notwithstanding any provision hereof.
3.13 Execution of Contracts. Each Executive Officer and Non-Executive Officer of the Corporation may execute, affix the corporate seal and/or deliver, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, deeds, mortgages, notes, bonds, contracts, agreements, powers of attorney, guarantees, settlements, releases, evidences of indebtedness, conveyances or any other document or instrument which (i) is authorized by the Board or (ii) is executed in accordance with policies adopted by the Board from time to time, except in each case where the execution, affixation of the corporate seal and/or delivery thereof shall be expressly and exclusively delegated by the Board to some other officer or agent of the Corporation.
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Article IV
Capital Stock
4.1 Issuance of Stock. Subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law, the whole or any part of any unissued balance of the authorized capital stock of the Corporation or the whole or any part of any shares of the authorized capital stock of the Corporation held in the Corporations treasury may be issued, sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of by vote of the Board in such manner, for such lawful consideration and on such terms as the Board may determine.
4.2 Stock Certificates; Uncertificated Shares. The shares of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates, provided that the Board may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of the Corporations stock shall be uncertificated shares. Any such resolution shall not apply to shares represented by a certificate until such certificate is surrendered to the Corporation. Every holder of stock represented by certificates shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by, or in the name of the Corporation, by any two authorized officers of the Corporation (it being understood that each of the Chairman of the Board, the Vice Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, any Vice President, the Chief Financial Officer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary, and any Assistant Secretary shall be an authorized officer for such purpose), representing the number of shares registered in certificate form. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such person were an officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.
4.3 Transfers. Shares of stock of the Corporation shall be transferable in the manner prescribed by law, the Certificate of Incorporation and in these Bylaws. Transfers of shares of stock of the Corporation shall be made only on the books of the Corporation or by transfer agents designated to transfer shares of stock of the Corporation. Subject to applicable law, shares of stock represented by certificates shall be transferred only on the books of the Corporation by the surrender to the Corporation or its transfer agent of the certificate representing such shares properly endorsed or accompanied by a written assignment or power of attorney properly executed, and with such proof of authority or the authenticity of signature as the Corporation or its transfer agent may reasonably require. Except as may be otherwise required by law, by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these Bylaws, the Corporation shall be entitled to treat the record holder of stock as shown on its books as the owner of such stock for all purposes, including the payment of dividends and the right to vote with respect to such stock, regardless of any transfer, pledge or other disposition of such stock until the shares have been transferred on the books of the Corporation in accordance with the requirements of these Bylaws.
4.4 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. The Corporation may issue a new certificate or uncertificated shares in place of any previously issued certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon such terms and conditions as the Board may prescribe, including the presentation of reasonable evidence of such loss, theft or destruction and the giving of such indemnity and posting of such bond as the Board may require for the protection of the Corporation or any transfer agent or registrar.
4.5 Record Date. In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board, and which record date shall, unless otherwise required by law, not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting. If the Board so fixes a date, such date shall also be the
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record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting unless the Board determines, at the time it fixes such record date, that a later date on or before the date of the meeting shall be the date for making such determination. If no record date is fixed by the Board, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board may fix a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and in such case shall also fix as the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote in accordance herewith at the adjourned meeting.
In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board may fix a record date, which shall not be more than sixty (60) days prior to such action. If no such record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution relating thereto.
4.6 Regulations. The issue and registration of shares of stock of the Corporation shall be governed by such other regulations as the Board may establish.
4.7 Dividends. Dividends on the capital stock of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, if any, may be declared by the Board at any regular or special meeting, pursuant to law, and may be paid in cash, in property or in shares of capital stock.
Article V
General Provisions
5.1 Fiscal Year. Except as from time to time otherwise designated by the Board, the fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin on the first day of January of each year and end on the last day of December in each year.
5.2 Corporate Seal. The corporate seal shall be in such form as shall be approved by the Board.
5.3 Waiver of Notice. Whenever notice is required to be given by law, by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these Bylaws, a written waiver signed by the person entitled to notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the person entitled to notice, whether before, at or after the time of the event for which notice is to be given, shall be deemed equivalent to notice required to be given to such person. Neither the business nor the purpose of any meeting need be specified in any such waiver. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
5.4 Voting of Securities. Except as the Board may otherwise designate, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Treasurer may waive notice, vote, consent, or appoint any person or persons to waive notice, vote or consent, on behalf of the Corporation, and act as, or appoint any person or persons to act as, proxy or attorney-in-fact for this Corporation (with or without power of substitution) with respect to, the securities of any other entity which may be held by this Corporation.
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5.5 Evidence of Authority. A certificate by the Secretary, or an Assistant Secretary, or a temporary Secretary, as to any action taken by the stockholders, directors, a committee or any officer or representative of the Corporation shall as to all persons who rely on the certificate in good faith be conclusive evidence of such action.
5.6 Certificate of Incorporation. All references in these Bylaws to the Certificate of Incorporation shall be deemed to refer to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended and/or restated and in effect from time to time.
5.7 Severability. Any determination that any provision of these Bylaws is for any reason inapplicable, illegal or ineffective shall not affect or invalidate any other provision of these Bylaws.
5.8 Pronouns. All pronouns used in these Bylaws shall be deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine or neuter, singular or plural, as the identity of the person or persons may require.
5.9 Electronic Transmission. For purposes of these Bylaws, electronic transmission means any form of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, that creates a record that may be retained, retrieved, and reviewed by a recipient thereof, and that may be directly reproduced in paper form by such a recipient through an automated process.
Article VI
Amendments
These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed, in whole or in part, or new Bylaws may be adopted by the Whole Board or by the stockholders as expressly provided in the Certificate of Incorporation.
Article VII
Indemnification and Advancement
7.1 Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings other than Those by or in the Right of the Corporation. Subject to Section 7.3, the Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a Proceeding) (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or Executive Officer of the Corporation, or, while a director or Executive Officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another Corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such Proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such persons conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea or nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such persons conduct was unlawful.
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7.2 Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings by or in the Right of the Corporation. Subject to Section 7.3, the Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or Executive Officer of the Corporation, or, while a director or Executive Officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another Corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation; except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.
7.3 Authorization of Indemnification. Any indemnification under this Article VII (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the director or Executive Officer is proper in the circumstances because such person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 7.1 or Section 7.2, as the case may be. Such determination shall be made, with respect to a person who is a director or Executive Officer at the time of such determination, (i) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (ii) by a committee of such directors designated by a majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (iii) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion or (iv) by the stockholders. Such determination shall be made, with respect to former directors and Executive Officers, by any person or persons having the authority to act on the matter on behalf of the Corporation. To the extent, however, that a present or former director or Executive Officer of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding set forth in Section 7.1 or Section 7.2 or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith, without the necessity of authorization in the specific case.
7.4 Good Faith Defined. For purposes of any determination under Section 7.3, a person shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, or, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, to have had no reasonable cause to believe such persons conduct was unlawful, if such persons action is based on good faith reliance on the records or books of account of the Corporation or another enterprise, or on information supplied to such person by the officers of the Corporation or another enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Corporation or another enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Corporation or another enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Corporation or another enterprise. The term another enterprise as used in this Section 7.4 shall mean any other corporation or any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which such person is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent. The provisions of this Section 7.4 shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the circumstances in which a person may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 7.1 or 7.2, as the case may be.
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7.5 Right of Claimant to Bring Suit. Notwithstanding any contrary determination in the specific case under Section 7.3, and notwithstanding the absence of any determination thereunder, if a claim under Sections 7.1 or 7.2 of the Article VII is not paid in full by the Corporation within (i) ninety (90) days after a written claim for indemnification has been received by the Corporation, or (ii) thirty (30) days after a written claim for an advancement of expenses has been received by the Corporation, the claimant may at any time thereafter (but not before) bring suit against the Corporation in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware to recover the unpaid amount of the claim, together with interest thereon, or to obtain advancement of expenses, as applicable. It shall be a defense to any such action brought to enforce a right to indemnification (but not in an action brought to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses) that the claimant has not met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under the DGCL (or other applicable law) for the Corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the Corporation. Neither a contrary determination in the specific case under Section 7.3 nor the absence of any determination thereunder shall be a defense to such application or create a presumption that the claimant has not met any applicable standard of conduct. If successful, in whole or in part, the claimant shall also be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim, including reasonable attorneys fees incurred in connection therewith, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
7.6 Expenses Payable in Advance. Expenses, including without limitation attorneys fees, incurred by a current or former director or Executive Officer in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such current or former director or Executive Officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article VII.
7.7 Nonexclusivity of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses. The rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by or granted pursuant to this Article VII shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under the Certificate of Incorporation, any agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such persons official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, it being the policy of the Corporation that, subject to Section 7.11, indemnification of the persons specified in Sections 7.1 and 7.2 shall be made to the fullest extent permitted by law. The provisions of this Article VII shall not be deemed to preclude the indemnification of any person who is not specified in Section 7.1 or 7.2 but whom the Corporation has the power or obligation to indemnify under the provisions of the DGCL, or otherwise.
7.8 Insurance. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, Executive Officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, Executive Officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such persons status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power or the obligation to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Article VII.
7.9 Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Article VII, references to the Corporation shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, employees or agents so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or
19
is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Article VII with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as such person would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued. For purposes of this Article VII, references to fines shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect of any employee benefit plan; and references to serving at the request of the Corporation shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation as referred to in this Article VII. Any reference to an officer of the Corporation in this Article VII shall be deemed to refer exclusively to the Executive Officers, Non-Executive Officers, the Secretary and any Assistant Secretary, and any other officer appointed as such pursuant to and in accordance with Article III of these Bylaws, and any reference to an officer of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise shall be deemed to refer exclusively to an officer appointed by the board of directors or equivalent governing body of such other entity pursuant to the certificate of incorporation and bylaws or equivalent organizational documents of such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise. The fact that any person who is or was an employee of the Corporation or an employee of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, but not an officer thereof as described in the preceding sentence, has been given or has used the title of Vice President or any other title that could be construed to suggest or imply that such person is or may be such an officer of the Corporation or of such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise shall not result in such person being constituted as, or being deemed to be, such an officer of the Corporation or of such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise for purposes of this Article VII.
7.10 Survival of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses. The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Article VII shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or Executive Officer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.
7.11 Limitation on Indemnification. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article VII to the contrary, except for proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification (which shall be governed by Section 7.5), the Corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify any director, officer, employee or agent in connection with an action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof):
(a) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of such person under any statute, insurance policy, indemnity provision, vote or otherwise, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid;
(b) for an accounting or disgorgement of profits pursuant to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, or similar provisions of federal, state or local statutory law or common law, if such person is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements);
(c) for any reimbursement of the Corporation by such person of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by such person from the sale of securities of the corporation, as required in each case under the Exchange Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Corporation pursuant to Section 304 of
20
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), or the payment to the Corporation of profits arising from the purchase and sale by such person of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), if such person is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements);
(d) initiated by such person, including any action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person against the Corporation or its directors, officers, employees, agents or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized the action, suit or proceeding (or relevant part thereof) prior to its initiation, (ii) the Corporation provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Corporation under applicable law, (iii) otherwise required to be made under Section 7.5 or (iv) otherwise required by applicable law; or
(e) if prohibited by applicable law.
7.12 Contract Rights. The obligations of the Corporation under this Article VII to indemnify, and advance expenses to, a person who is or was a director or Executive Officer of the Corporation shall be considered a contract between the Corporation and such person, and no modification or repeal of any provision of this Article VII shall affect, to the detriment of such person, such obligations of the Corporation in connection with a claim based on any act or failure to act occurring before such modification or repeal.
21
Exhibit 4.1
ZQ|CERT#|COY|CLS|RGSTRY|ACCT#|TRANSTYPE|RUN#|TRANS#
COMMON STOCK PAR VALUE $0.0001 COMMON STOCK
tarsus
Certificate Number ZQ00000000
Shares
* * 000000* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * 000000* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * 000000* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * 000000* * * * * * * *
* * * * * * *
* * * * * * 000000* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
TARSUS
PHARMACEUTICALS, INC INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
THIS CERTIFIES THAT
MR. SAMPLE & MRS. SAMPLE & MR. SAMPLE & MRS. SAMPLE
** Mr. Alexander David Sample
**** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample
**** Mr. Alexander David Sample
**** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David
Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample
**** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander
David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample
**** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr.
Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample
**** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample ****
Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample
**** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample
**** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample
**** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David
Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample
**** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander
David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample
**** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr.
Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample
**** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample ****
Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample
**** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Sample **** Mr. Sample
SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
CUSIP 87650L 10 3
is the owner of
***ZERO HUNDRED THOUSAND ZERO HUNDRED ZERO***
**000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares***
*000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****
000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****0
00000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****00
0000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000
000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****0000
00**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****00000
0**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000
**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000*
*Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**
Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**S
THIS CERTIFICATE IS TRANSFERABLE IN CITIES DESIGNATED BY THE TRANSFER AGENT, AVAILABLE ONLINE AT www.computershare.com
FULLY-PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OF
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc (hereinafter called the Company), transferable on the books of the Company in person or by duly authorized attorney, upon
surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed. This Certificate and the shares represented hereby, are issued and shall be held subject to all of the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and the By-Laws, as amended, of the Company (copies of which are on file with the Company and with the Transfer Agent), to all of which each holder, by acceptance hereof, assents. This Certificate is not valid unless
countersigned and registered by the Transfer Agent and Registrar.
Witness the facsimile seal of the Company and the facsimile signatures of its duly authorized
officers.
FACSIMILE SIGNATURE TO COME
President
FACSIMILE SIGNATURE TO COME
Secretary
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC DELAWAR E CORPORATE SEAL 11/17/2016
DATED DD-MMM-YYYY
COUNTERSIGNED AND REGISTERED:
COMPUTERSHARE TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR,
By
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE
SECURITY INSTRUCTIONS ON REVERSE
1234567
tarsus
PO BOX 505006, Louisville, KY 40233-5006
MR A SAMPLE DESIGNATION (IF ANY) ADD 1
ADD 2
ADD 3
ADD 4
CUSIP/IDENTIFIER XXXXXX XX X
Holder ID XXXXXXXXXX
Insurance Value 1,000,000.00
Number of Shares 123456
DTC 12345678 123456789012345
Certificate Numbers Num/No. Denom. Total
1234567890/1234567890 1 1 1
1234567890/1234567890 2 2 2
1234567890/1234567890 3 3 3
1234567890/1234567890 4 4 4
1234567890/1234567890 5 5 5
1234567890/1234567890 6 6 6
Total Transaction 7
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC
THE COMPANY WILL FURNISH WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH SHAREHOLDER WHO SO REQUESTS, A SUMMARY OF THE POWERS, DESIGNATIONS, PREFERENCES AND RELATIVE, PARTICIPATING, OPTIONAL OR OTHER SPECIAL RIGHTS OF EACH CLASS OF STOCK OF THE COMPANY AND THE QUALIFICATIONS, LIMITATIONS OR RESTRICTIONS OF SUCH PREFERENCES AND RIGHTS, AND THE VARIATIONS IN RIGHTS, PREFERENCES AND LIMITATIONS DETERMINED FOR EACH SERIES, WHICH ARE FIXED BY THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF THE COMPANY, AS AMENDED, AND THE RESOLUTIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY, AND THE AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO DETERMINE VARIATIONS FOR FUTURE SERIES. SUCH REQUEST MAY BE MADE TO THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY OR TO THE TRANSFER AGENT. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MAY REQUIRE THE OWNER OF A LOST OR DESTROYED STOCK CERTIFICATE, OR HIS LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES, TO GIVE THE COMPANY A BOND TO INDEMNIFY IT AND ITS TRANSFER AGENTS AND REGISTRARS AGAINST ANY CLAIM THAT MAY BE MADE AGAINST THEM ON ACCOUNT OF THE ALLEGED LOSS OR DESTRUCTION OF ANY SUCH CERTIFICATE.
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:
| ||||||||||||||
TEN COM | - as tenants in common | UNIF GIFT MIN ACT - |
|
Custodian |
|
|||||||||
(Cust) | (Minor) | |||||||||||||
TEN ENT | - as tenants by the entireties | under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act |
|
|||||||||||
(State) |
JT TEN | - as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common |
UNIF TRF MIN ACT - |
|
Custodian (until age |
|
) | ||||||||
(Cust) |
|
under Uniform Transfers to Minors Act |
|
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(Minor) | (State) | |||||||||||||||
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list. |
PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE | ||
For value received, hereby sell, assign and transfer unto |
|
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE, OF ASSIGNEE) |
|
Shares | |
of the common stock represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint |
||
|
Attorney | |
to transfer the said stock on the books of the within-named Company with full power of substitution in the premises. |
Dated: |
|
20 |
Signature(s) Guaranteed: Medallion Guarantee Stamp THE SIGNATURE(S) SHOULD BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (Banks, Stockbrokers, Savings and Loan Associations and Credit Unions) WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM, PURSUANT TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15. | |||||
Signature: |
|
|||||||
Signature: |
|
|||||||
Notice: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the certificate, in every particular, without alteration or enlargement, or any change whatever. |
||||||||
SECURITY INSTRUCTIONS
THIS IS WATERMARKED PAPER, DO NOT ACCEPT WITHOUT NOTING WATERMARK. HOLD TO LIGHT TO VERIFY WATERMARK. |
|
The IRS requires that the named transfer agent (we) report the cost basis of certain shares or units acquired after January 1, 2011. If your shares or units are covered by the legislation, and you requested to sell or transfer the shares or units using a specific cost basis calculation method, then we have processed as you requested. If you did not specify a cost basis calculation method, then we have defaulted to the first in, first out (FIFO) method. Please consult your tax advisor if you need additional information about cost basis.
If you do not keep in contact with the issuer or do not have any activity in your account for the time period specified by state law, your property may become subject to state unclaimed property laws and transferred to the appropriate state. |
Exhibit 4.2
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED
INVESTORS RIGHTS AGREEMENT
September 24, 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||||
1. |
Definitions |
1 | ||||||
2. |
Registration Rights |
3 | ||||||
2.1 | Request for Registration | 3 | ||||||
2.2 | Company Registration | 4 | ||||||
2.3 | Form S-3 Registration | 5 | ||||||
2.4 | Obligations of the Company | 7 | ||||||
2.5 | Information from Holder | 8 | ||||||
2.6 | Expenses of Registration | 8 | ||||||
2.7 | Delay of Registration | 9 | ||||||
2.8 | Indemnification | 9 | ||||||
2.9 | Reports Under the 1934 Act | 11 | ||||||
2.10 | Assignment of Registration Rights | 11 | ||||||
2.11 | Limitations on Subsequent Registration Rights | 11 | ||||||
2.12 | Market Stand-Off Agreement | 12 | ||||||
2.13 | Restrictions on Transfer | 13 | ||||||
2.14 | Termination of Registration Rights | 14 | ||||||
3. |
Covenants of the Company |
14 | ||||||
3.1 | Delivery of Financial Statements | 14 | ||||||
3.2 | Inspection | 15 | ||||||
3.3 | Observer Rights | 15 | ||||||
3.4 | Termination of Information and Inspection Covenants and Observer Rights | 16 | ||||||
3.5 | Right of First Offer | 16 | ||||||
3.6 | Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreements | 17 | ||||||
3.7 | Employee Agreements | 17 | ||||||
3.8 | Indemnification Matters | 18 | ||||||
3.9 | Qualified Small Business Stock | 18 | ||||||
3.10 | Confidentiality | 18 | ||||||
3.11 | Matters Requiring Director Approval | 19 | ||||||
3.12 | Insurance | 20 | ||||||
3.13 | FCPA | 20 | ||||||
3.15 | Termination of Certain Covenants | 21 | ||||||
4. |
Miscellaneous |
21 | ||||||
4.1 | Successors and Assigns | 21 | ||||||
4.2 | Governing Law | 21 | ||||||
4.3 | Counterparts | 21 | ||||||
4.4 | Titles and Subtitles | 21 | ||||||
4.5 | Notices | 21 | ||||||
4.6 | Expenses | 21 | ||||||
4.7 | Entire Agreement; Amendments | 21 | ||||||
4.8 | Severability | 22 | ||||||
4.9 | Aggregation of Stock | 22 | ||||||
4.10 | Additional Investors | 22 | ||||||
4.11 | Dispute Resolution | 22 | ||||||
4.12 | Effect on Prior Agreement | 23 |
i
SCHEDULE A Schedule of Investors
ii
AMENDED AND RESTATED
INVESTORS RIGHTS AGREEMENT
This AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS RIGHTS AGREEMENT (the Agreement) is made as of the 24th day of September, 2020, by and among TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the Company), and the investors listed on Schedule A hereto, each of which is herein referred to as an Investor and collectively as the Investors.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, certain of the Investors (the Existing Investors) hold shares of the Companys Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001, par value $0.0001 per share (the Series A Preferred Stock), Series B Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the Series B Preferred Stock), and/or shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof and possess registration rights, information rights, rights of first offer and other rights pursuant to that certain Amended and Restated Investors Rights Agreement dated as of December 13, 2019 by and among the Company, certain holders of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the Common Stock), and such Existing Investors (the Prior Agreement);
WHEREAS, the Prior Agreement may be amended, and any provision therein waived, with the consent of the Company, and the holders of a majority of the outstanding Registrable Securities (as such term is defined in the Prior Agreement);
WHEREAS, the Existing Investors as holders of a majority of the outstanding Registrable Securities (as such term is defined in the Prior Agreement) of the Company desire to amend and restate the Prior Agreement and to accept the rights created pursuant hereto in lieu of the rights granted to them under the Prior Agreement; and
WHEREAS, certain Investors are parties to that certain Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement of even date herewith by and among the Company and certain of the Investors (as the same may be amended and/or restated from time to time, the Series C Agreement), which provides that as a condition to the closing of the sale of the Series C Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the Series C Preferred Stock and collectively with the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock, the Preferred Stock), this Agreement must be executed and delivered by such Investors, Existing Investors holding a majority of the outstanding Registrable Securities (as such term is defined in the Prior Agreement) of the Company and the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE AS FOLLOWS:
1. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Agreement:
(a) The term Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(b) The term Affiliate means, with respect to any Person, (i) any other Person who or which, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such specified Person, including, without limitation, any general partner, officer, director or manager of such Person and (ii) any other Person, venture capital fund, investment fund or registered investment company now or hereafter existing that is controlled by one or more general partners, managing members or investment adviser of, or shares the same management company or investment adviser with, such specified Person.
(c) The term Board means the Companys Board of Directors, as constituted from time to time.
(d) The term Excluded Registration means (i) a registration relating solely to the sale of securities of participants in a Company stock plan, (ii) a registration relating to a corporate reorganization or transaction under Rule 145 of the Act, (iii) a registration on any form that does not include substantially the same information as would be required to be included in a registration statement covering the sale of the Registrable Securities, or (iv) a registration in which the only Common Stock being registered is Common Stock issuable upon conversion of debt securities that are also being registered.
(e) The term Family Member means a spouse, child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law, including, adoptive relationships, of a natural person referred to herein.
(f) The term Form S-3 means such form under the Act as in effect on the date hereof or any registration form under the Act subsequently adopted by the SEC that permits inclusion or incorporation of substantial information by reference to other documents filed by the Company with the SEC.
(g) The term Free Writing Prospectus means a free-writing prospectus, as defined in Rule 405.
(h) The term Holder means any Person owning or having the right to acquire Registrable Securities or any assignee thereof in accordance with Section 2.10 of this Agreement.
(i) The term Initial Offering means the Companys first underwritten public offering of its Common Stock under the Act.
(j) The term 1934 Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(k) The term Person shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company, association or other entity.
(l) The terms register, registered, and registration refer to a registration effected by preparing and filing a registration statement or similar document in compliance with the Act, and the declaration or ordering of effectiveness of such registration statement or document.
(m) The term Registrable Securities means (i) the Common Stock issuable or issued upon conversion of the Preferred Stock; and (ii) any Common Stock of the Company issued as (or issuable upon the conversion and/or exercise of any warrant, right or other security that is issued as) a dividend or other distribution with respect to, or in exchange for, or in replacement of, the shares referenced in (i) above, excluding in all cases, however, any Registrable Securities sold by a Person in a transaction in which his rights under Section 2 of this Agreement are not assigned. In addition, the number of shares of Registrable Securities outstanding shall equal the aggregate of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding that are, and the number of shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to then exercisable or convertible securities that are, Registrable Securities.
2
(n) The term Restated Certificate shall mean the Companys Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended and/or restated from time to time.
(o) The term Restricted Securities shall mean the securities of the Company required to be notated with the legend set forth in Subsection 2.13(b) hereof.
(p) The term Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement shall mean that certain Amended and Restated Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement by and among the Company, Common Holders listed therein and the Investors of even date herewith, as the same may be amended and/or restated from time to time.
(q) The term RTW means RTW Investments, LP and its affiliated funds.
(r) The term Rule 144 shall mean Rule 144 under the Act.
(s) The term Rule 144(b)(1)(i) shall mean subsection (b)(1)(i) of Rule 144 under the Act as it applies to Persons who have held shares for more than one (1) year.
(t) The term Rule 405 shall mean Rule 405 under the Act.
(u) The term SEC shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(v) The term Preferred Directors shall have the meaning ascribed to such term as set forth in the Restated Certificate.
(w) The term Voting Agreement shall mean that certain Amended and Restated Voting Agreement by and among the Company, Common Holders listed therein and the Investors of even date herewith, as the same may be amended and/or restated from time to time.
2. REGISTRATION RIGHTS. The Company covenants and agrees as follows:
2.1 Request for Registration.
(a) Subject to the conditions of this Section 2.1, if the Company shall receive at any time after six (6) months after the effective date of the Initial Offering, a written request from the Holders of at least thirty percent (30%) of the Registrable Securities then outstanding (for purposes of this Section 2.1, the Initiating Holders) that the Company file a registration statement under the Act covering the registration of Registrable Securities with an anticipated aggregate offering price of at least $20,000,000, then the Company shall, within twenty (20) days of the receipt thereof, give written notice of such request to all Holders, and subject to the limitations of this Section 2.1, use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect, as soon as practicable, the registration under the Act of all Registrable Securities that the Holders request to be registered in a written request received by the Company within twenty (20) days of the mailing of the Companys notice pursuant to this Section 2.1(a).
(b) If the Initiating Holders intend to distribute the Registrable Securities covered by their request by means of an underwriting, they shall so advise the Company as a part of their request made pursuant to this Section 2.1, and the Company shall include such information in the written notice referred to in Section 2.1(a). In such event the right of any Holder to include its Registrable
3
Securities in such registration shall be conditioned upon such Holders participation in such underwriting and the inclusion of such Holders Registrable Securities in the underwriting (unless otherwise mutually agreed by a majority in interest of the Initiating Holders and such Holder) to the extent provided herein. All Holders proposing to distribute their securities through such underwriting shall enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the underwriter or underwriters selected for such underwriting by the Company (which underwriter or underwriters shall be reasonably acceptable to those Initiating Holders holding a majority of the Registrable Securities then held by all Initiating Holders). Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 2.1, if the underwriter advises the Company that marketing factors require a limitation on the number of securities underwritten (including Registrable Securities), then the Company shall so advise all Holders of Registrable Securities that would otherwise be underwritten pursuant hereto, and the number of shares that may be included in the underwriting shall be allocated to the Holders of such Registrable Securities pro rata based on the number of Registrable Securities held by all such Holders (including the Initiating Holders). In no event shall any Registrable Securities be excluded from such underwriting unless all other securities are first excluded. Any Registrable Securities excluded or withdrawn from such underwriting shall be withdrawn from the registration. To facilitate the allocation of shares in accordance with the above provisions, the Company or the underwriters may round the number of shares allocated to any Holder to the nearest one hundred (100) shares.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be required to effect a registration pursuant to this Section 2.1:
(i) in any particular jurisdiction in which the Company would be required to execute a general consent to service of process in effecting such registration, unless the Company is already subject to service in such jurisdiction and except as may be required under the Act; or
(ii) after the Company has effected two (2) registrations pursuant to this Section 2.1, and such registrations have been declared or ordered effective; or
(iii) during the period starting with the date sixty (60) days prior to the Companys good faith estimate of the date of the filing of and ending on a date one hundred eighty (180) days following the effective date of a Company-initiated registration subject to Section 2.2 below, provided that the Company is actively employing in good faith its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective; or
(iv) if the Initiating Holders propose to dispose of Registrable Securities that may be registered on Form S-3 pursuant to Section 2.3 hereof; or
(v) if the Company shall furnish to Holders requesting a registration statement pursuant to this Section 2.1 a certificate signed by the Companys Chief Executive Officer or Chairman of the Board stating that in the good faith judgment of the Board, it would be seriously detrimental to the Company and its stockholders for such registration statement to be effected or remain effective at such time, in which event the Company shall have the right to defer such filing for a period of not more than ninety (90) days after receipt of the request of the Initiating Holders; provided that such right shall be exercised by the Company not more than once in any twelve (12) month period.
2.2 Company Registration.
(a) If (but without any obligation to do so) the Company proposes to register (including for this purpose a registration effected by the Company for stockholders other than the Holders) any of its stock or other securities under the Act in connection with the public offering of such
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securities solely for cash (other than (i) a registration relating to a demand pursuant to Section 2.1 of this Agreement or (ii) an Excluded Registration), the Company shall, at such time, promptly give each Holder written notice of such registration. Upon the written request of each Holder given within twenty (20) days after mailing of such notice by the Company in accordance with Section 4.5 of this Agreement, the Company shall, subject to the provisions of Section 2.2(c) of this Agreement, use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be registered under the Act all of the Registrable Securities that each such Holder requests to be registered.
(b) Right to Terminate Registration. The Company shall have the right to terminate or withdraw any registration initiated by it under this Section 2.2 prior to the effectiveness of such registration whether or not any Holder has elected to include securities in such registration. The expenses of such withdrawn registration shall be borne by the Company in accordance with Section 2.6 hereof.
(c) Underwriting Requirements. In connection with any offering involving an underwriting of shares of the Companys capital stock, the Company shall not be required under this Section 2.2 to include any of the Holders securities in such underwriting unless they accept the terms of the underwriting as agreed upon between the Company and the underwriters selected by the Company (or by other Persons entitled to select the underwriters) and enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with such underwriters, and then only in such quantity as the underwriters determine in their sole discretion will not jeopardize the success of the offering by the Company. If the total amount of securities, including Registrable Securities, requested by stockholders to be included in such offering exceeds the amount of securities sold other than by the Company that the underwriters determine in their sole discretion is compatible with the success of the offering, then the Company shall be required to include in the offering only that number of such securities, including Registrable Securities, that the underwriters determine in their sole discretion will not jeopardize the success of the offering. In the event that the underwriters determine that less than all of the Registrable Securities requested to be registered can be included in such offering, then the Registrable Securities that are included in such offering shall be apportioned pro rata among the selling Holders based on the number of Registrable Securities held by all selling Holders or in such other proportions as shall mutually be agreed to by all such selling Holders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall (i) any Registrable Securities be excluded from such offering unless all other stockholders securities have been first excluded from the offering and (ii) the amount of securities of the selling Holders included in the offering be reduced below twenty percent (20%) of the total amount of securities included in such offering, unless such offering is the Initial Offering, in which case the selling Holders may be excluded if the underwriters make the determination described above and no other stockholders securities are included in such offering. For purposes of the preceding sentence concerning apportionment, for any selling stockholder that is a Holder of Registrable Securities and that is a venture capital fund, partnership or corporation, the affiliated venture capital funds, partners, members, retired partners and stockholders of such Holder, or the estates and Family Members of any such partners, members and retired partners and any trusts for the benefit of any of the foregoing Persons shall be deemed to be a single selling Holder, and any pro rata reduction with respect to such selling Holder shall be based upon the aggregate amount of Registrable Securities owned by all such related entities and individuals. To facilitate the allocation of shares in accordance with the above provisions, the Company or the underwriters may round the number of shares allocated to any Holder to the nearest one hundred (100) shares.
2.3 Form S-3 Registration. In case the Company shall receive from the Holders of at least twenty five percent (25%) of the Registrable Securities (for purposes of this Section 2.3, the S-3 Initiating Holders) a written request or requests that the Company effect a registration on Form S-3 and any related qualification or compliance with respect to all or a part of the Registrable Securities owned by such Holder or Holders, the Company shall:
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(a) promptly give written notice of the proposed registration, and any related qualification or compliance, to all other Holders; and
(b) use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect, as soon as practicable, such registration and all such qualifications and compliances as may be so requested and as would permit or facilitate the sale and distribution of all or such portion of such Holders Registrable Securities as are specified in such request, together with all or such portion of the Registrable Securities of any other Holders joining in such request as are specified in a written request given within fifteen (15) days after receipt of such written notice from the Company; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to effect any such registration, qualification or compliance, pursuant to this Section 2.3:
(i) if Form S-3 is not available for such offering by the Holders;
(ii) if the Holders, together with the holders of any other securities of the Company entitled to inclusion in such registration, propose to sell Registrable Securities and such other securities (if any) at an aggregate price to the public (net of any underwriters discounts or commissions) of less than $10,000,000;
(iii) if the Company shall furnish to all Holders requesting a registration statement pursuant to this Section 2.3 a certificate signed by the Companys Chief Executive Officer or Chairman of the Board stating that in the good faith judgment of the Board, it would be seriously detrimental to the Company and its stockholders for such registration statement to be effected at such time, in which event the Company shall have the right to defer such filing for a period of not more than ninety (90) days after receipt of the request of the S-3 Initiating Holders; provided that such right shall be exercised by the Company not more than once in any twelve (12) month period;
(iv) if the Company has, within the twelve (12) month period preceding the date of such request, already effected two (2) registrations on Form S-3 pursuant to this Section 2.3;
(v) in any particular jurisdiction in which the Company would be required to qualify to do business or to execute a general consent to service of process in effecting such registration, qualification or compliance;
(vi) if the Company, within thirty (30) days of receipt of the request of such S-3 Initiating Holders, gives notice of its bona fide intention to effect the filing of a registration statement with the SEC within one hundred twenty (120) days of receipt of such request (other than a registration specified in clause (i), (ii) or (iv) of the definition of Excluded Registration), provided that the Company is actively employing in good faith its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective; or
(vii) during the period starting with the date thirty (30) days prior to the Companys good faith estimate of the date of the filing of and ending on a date ninety (90) days following the effective date of a Company-initiated registration subject to Section 2.2 of this Agreement, provided that the Company is actively employing in good faith its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective.
(c) If the S-3 Initiating Holders intend to distribute the Registrable Securities covered by their request by means of an underwriting, they shall so advise the Company as a part of their request made pursuant to this Section 2.3 and the Company shall include such information in the written notice referred to in Section 2.3(a). The provisions of Section 2.1(b) of this Agreement shall be applicable to such request (with the substitution of Section 2.3 for references to Section 2.1).
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(d) Subject to the foregoing, the Company shall file a registration statement covering the Registrable Securities and other securities so requested to be registered as soon as practicable after receipt of the request or requests of the S-3 Initiating Holders. Registrations effected pursuant to this Section 2.3 shall not be counted as requests for registration effected pursuant to Section 2.1 of this Agreement.
2.4 Obligations of the Company. Whenever required under this Section 2 to effect the registration of any Registrable Securities, the Company shall, as expeditiously as reasonably possible:
(a) prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement with respect to such Registrable Securities and use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective, and, upon the request of the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities registered thereunder, keep such registration statement effective for a period of up to one hundred twenty (120) days or, if earlier, until the distribution contemplated in the applicable registration statement has been completed;
(b) prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to such registration statement and the prospectus used in connection with such registration statement as may be necessary to comply with the provisions of the Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such registration statement;
(c) furnish to the Holders such number of copies of a prospectus, including a preliminary prospectus and any Free Writing Prospectus, in conformity with the requirements of the Act, and such other documents as they may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of Registrable Securities owned by them;
(d) use its commercially reasonable efforts to register and qualify the securities covered by such registration statement under such other securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as shall be reasonably requested by the Holders, provided that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to qualify to do business or to file a general consent to service of process in any such states or jurisdictions;
(e) in the event of any underwritten public offering, enter into and perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement, in usual and customary form, with the managing underwriter of such offering;
(f) notify each Holder of Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement at any time when a prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus (to the extent prepared by or on behalf of the Company) relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Act of the happening of any event as a result of which the prospectus included in such registration statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances then existing, and, at the request of any such Holder, the Company will, as soon as reasonably practicable, file and furnish to all such Holders a supplement or amendment to such prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus (to the extent prepared by or on behalf of the Company) so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such Registrable Securities, such prospectus will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances under which they were made;
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(g) cause all such Registrable Securities registered pursuant to this Section 2 to be listed on a national exchange or trading system and on each securities exchange and trading system on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed; and
(h) provide a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Securities registered pursuant to this Agreement and a CUSIP number for all such Registrable Securities, in each case not later than the effective date of such registration.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 2, the Company shall be entitled to postpone or suspend, for a reasonable period of time, the filing, effectiveness or use of, or trading under, any registration statement if the Company shall determine that any such filing or the sale of any securities pursuant to such registration statement would in the good faith judgment of the Board:
(i) materially impede, delay or interfere with any material pending or proposed financing, acquisition, corporate reorganization or other similar transaction involving the Company for which the Board has authorized negotiations;
(ii) materially and adversely impair the consummation of any pending or proposed material offering or sale of any class of securities by the Company; or
(iii) require disclosure of material nonpublic information that, if disclosed at such time, would be materially harmful to the interests of the Company and its stockholders; provided, however, that during any such period all executive officers and directors of the Company are also prohibited from selling securities of the Company (or any security of any of the Companys subsidiaries or affiliates).
In the event of the suspension of effectiveness of any registration statement pursuant to this Section 2.4, the applicable time period during which such registration statement is to remain effective shall be extended by that number of days equal to the number of days the effectiveness of such registration statement was suspended.
2.5 Information from Holder. It shall be a condition precedent to the obligations of the Company to take any action pursuant to this Section 2 with respect to the Registrable Securities of any selling Holder that such Holder shall furnish to the Company such information regarding itself, the Registrable Securities held by it, and the intended method of disposition of such securities as shall be reasonably required to effect the registration of such Holders Registrable Securities.
2.6 Expenses of Registration. All expenses other than underwriting discounts and commissions incurred in connection with registrations, filings or qualifications pursuant to Sections 2.1, and 2.2 of this Agreement, including, without limitation, all registration, filing and qualification fees, printers and accounting fees, fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and the reasonable fees and disbursements of one counsel for the selling Holders (not to exceed $50,000) shall be borne by the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be required to pay for any expenses of any registration proceeding begun pursuant to Section 2.1 of this Agreement if the registration request is subsequently withdrawn at the request of the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities to be registered (in which case all participating Holders shall bear such expenses pro rata based upon the number of Registrable Securities that were to be included in the withdrawn registration) unless, in the case of a registration requested under Section 2.1 of this Agreement, the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities agree to forfeit their right to one demand registration pursuant to Section 2.1 of this Agreement and; provided, however, that if at the time of such withdrawal, the Holders have learned of a material adverse change in the condition, business or prospects of the Company from that known to the
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Holders at the time of their request and have withdrawn the request with reasonable promptness following disclosure by the Company of such material adverse change, then the Holders shall not be required to pay any of such expenses and shall retain their rights pursuant to Section 2.1 of this Agreement. All expenses incurred in connection with a registration requested pursuant to Section 2.3 of this Agreement, including, without limitation, all registration, filing, qualification, printers and accounting fees and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the selling Holder or Holders and counsel for the Company, shall be borne pro rata by the Holder or Holders participating in such registration effected pursuant to Section 2.3 of this Agreement.
2.7 Delay of Registration. No Holder shall have any right to obtain or seek an injunction restraining or otherwise delaying any such registration as the result of any controversy that might arise with respect to the interpretation or implementation of this Section 2.
2.8 Indemnification. In the event any Registrable Securities are included in a registration statement under this Section 2:
(a) To the extent permitted by law, the Company will indemnify and hold harmless each Holder, the partners, members, officers, directors and stockholders of each Holder, legal counsel and accountants for each Holder, any underwriter (as defined in the Act) for such Holder and each Person, if any, who controls such Holder or underwriter within the meaning of the Act or the 1934 Act, against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (joint or several) to which they may become subject under the Act, the 1934 Act, any state securities laws or any rule or regulation promulgated under the Act, the 1934 Act or any state securities laws, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, or liabilities (or actions or proceedings, whether commenced or threatened, in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any of the following statements, omissions or violations (collectively, a Violation): (i) any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in such registration statement, including any preliminary prospectus, final prospectus, or Free Writing Prospectus contained therein or any amendments or supplements thereto, any issuer information (as defined in Rule 433 of the Act) filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Act or any other document incident to such registration prepared by or on behalf of the Company or used or referred to by the Company, (ii) the omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated in such registration statement, or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or (iii) any violation or alleged violation by the Company of the Act, the 1934 Act, any state securities laws or any rule or regulation promulgated under the Act, the 1934 Act or any state securities laws, and the Company will reimburse each such Holder, underwriter, controlling Person or other aforementioned Person for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability, action or proceeding as such expenses are incurred; provided, however, that the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 2.8(a) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such loss, claim, damage, liability, action or proceeding if such settlement is effected without the consent of the Company (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), nor shall the Company be liable in any such case for any such loss, claim, damage, liability, action or proceeding to the extent that it arises out of or is based upon a Violation that occurs in reliance upon, and in conformity with, written information furnished expressly for use in connection with such registration by any such Holder, underwriter, controlling Person or other aforementioned Person.
(b) To the extent permitted by law, each selling Holder, severally and not jointly, will indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who has signed the registration statement, each Person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Act, legal counsel and accountants for the Company, any underwriter, any other Holder selling securities in such registration statement and any controlling Person of any such underwriter or other Holder, against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (joint or several) to which any of the foregoing
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Persons may become subject, under the Act, the 1934 Act, any state securities laws or any rule or regulation promulgated under the Act, the 1934 Act or any state securities laws, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions or proceedings, whether commenced or threatened, in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any Violation, in each case to the extent (and only to the extent) that such Violation occurs in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished by such Holder expressly for use in connection with such registration; and each such Holder will reimburse any Person intended to be indemnified pursuant to this Section 2.8(b) for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such Person in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability, action or proceeding as such expenses are incurred; provided, however, that the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 2.8(b) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such loss, claim, damage, liability, action or proceeding if such settlement is effected without the consent of the Holder (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), and provided that in no event shall any indemnity under this Section 2.8(b) exceed the net proceeds from the offering received by such Holder, except in the case of fraud or willful misconduct by such Holder.
(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 2.8 of notice of the commencement of any action or proceeding (including any governmental action or proceeding) for which a party may be entitled to indemnification, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying party under this Section 2.8, deliver to the indemnifying party a written notice of the commencement thereof and the indemnifying party shall have the right to participate in and, to the extent the indemnifying party so desires, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly noticed, to assume the defense thereof with counsel mutually satisfactory to the parties; provided, however, that an indemnified party (together with all other indemnified parties that may be represented without conflict by one counsel) shall have the right to retain one (1) separate counsel, with the fees and expenses to be paid by the indemnifying party, if representation of such indemnified party by the counsel retained by the indemnifying party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such indemnified party and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. The failure to deliver written notice to the indemnifying party within a reasonable time of the commencement of any such action or proceeding, if prejudicial to its ability to defend such action or proceeding, shall relieve such indemnifying party of any liability to the indemnified party under this Section 2.8 to the extent of such prejudice, but the omission to so deliver written notice to the indemnifying party will not relieve such indemnifying party of any liability that it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under this Section 2.8.
(d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 2.8 is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unavailable to an indemnified party with respect to any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense referred to herein, then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party hereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such loss, liability, claim, damage or expense in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party on the one hand and the indemnified party on the other hand in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such loss, liability, claim, damage or expense, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations; provided, however, that (i) no contribution by any Holder, when combined with any amounts paid by such Holder pursuant to Section 2.8(b), shall exceed the net proceeds from the offering received by such Holder and (ii) no Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) will be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation; and provided further that in no event shall a Holders liability pursuant to this Section 2.8(d), when combined with the amounts paid or payable by such Holder pursuant to Section 2.8(b), exceed the net proceeds from the offering received by such Holder (net of any expenses paid by such Holder). The relative fault of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the indemnifying party or by the indemnified party and the parties relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.
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(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that the provisions on indemnification and contribution contained in the underwriting agreement entered into in connection with the underwritten public offering are in conflict with the foregoing provisions, the provisions in the underwriting agreement shall control.
(f) The obligations of the Company and Holders under this Section 2.8 shall survive the completion of any offering of Registrable Securities in a registration statement under this Section 2 and otherwise.
2.9 Reports Under the 1934 Act. With a view to making available to the Holders the benefits of Rule 144 and any other rule or regulation of the SEC that may at any time permit a Holder to sell securities of the Company to the public without registration or pursuant to a registration on Form S-3, the Company agrees to:
(a) make and keep public information available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144, at all times after the effective date of the Initial Offering;
(b) file with the SEC in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Act and the 1934 Act; and
(c) furnish to any Holder, so long as the Holder owns any Registrable Securities, forthwith upon request (i) a written statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting requirements of Rule 144 (at any time after ninety (90) days after the effective date of the first registration statement filed by the Company), the Act and the 1934 Act (at any time after it has become subject to such reporting requirements), or that it qualifies as a registrant whose securities may be resold pursuant to Form S-3 (at any time after it so qualifies), (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company and such other reports and documents so filed by the Company and (iii) such other information as may be reasonably requested to avail any Holder of any rule or regulation of the SEC that permits the selling of any such securities without registration or pursuant to such form.
2.10 Assignment of Registration Rights. The rights to cause the Company to register Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 2 may be assigned (but only with all related obligations) by a Holder to a transferee or assignee of such securities that (a) is an Affiliate, subsidiary, parent, partner, limited partner, retired partner, member or stockholder of a Holder, (b) is a Holders Family Member or trust for the benefit of an individual Holder or any of such Holders Family Members, or (c) after such assignment or transfer, holds at least 160,000 shares of Registrable Securities (appropriately adjusted for any stock split, dividend, combination or other recapitalization), provided: (i) the Company is, within a reasonable time after such transfer, furnished with written notice of the name and address of such transferee or assignee and the securities with respect to which such registration rights are being assigned; (ii) such transferee or assignee agrees in writing to be bound by and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the provisions of Section 2.12 of this Agreement; and (iii) such assignment shall be effective only if immediately following such transfer the further disposition of such securities by the transferee or assignee is restricted under the Act.
2.11 Limitations on Subsequent Registration Rights. From and after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall not, without the prior written consent of the Holders holding a majority of the Registrable Securities then held by all Holders, enter into any agreement with any holder or
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prospective holder of any securities of the Company that would allow such holder or prospective holder (a) to include any of such securities in any registration filed under Section 2.1, Section 2.2 or Section 2.3 of this Agreement, unless under the terms of such agreement, such holder or prospective holder may include such securities in any such registration only to the extent that the inclusion of such securities will not reduce the amount of the Registrable Securities of the Holders that are included or (b) to demand registration of their securities; provided that this limitation shall not apply to any additional Investor who becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with Subsection 4.10.
2.12 Market Stand-Off Agreement.
(a) Each Holder hereby agrees that it will not, without the prior written consent of the managing underwriter, during the period commencing on the date of the final prospectus relating to the Initial Offering and ending on the date specified by the Company and the managing underwriter, such period not to exceed one hundred eighty (180): (i) lend, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock held immediately prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement for such Initial Offering, or (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Common Stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise. The foregoing provisions of this Section 2.12 (i) shall apply only to the Initial Offering, (ii) shall not apply to (A) the sale of any shares to an underwriter pursuant to an underwriting agreement, or (B) the transfer of any shares to any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of a Holder or any Family Member of such Holder, provided that the trustee of the trust agrees to be bound in writing by the restrictions set forth herein, and provided, further, that any such transfer shall not involve a disposition for value, and (iii) shall only be applicable to the Holders if all officers, directors and greater than one percent (1%) stockholders of the Company enter into similar agreements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and the managing underwriter may extend the market stand-off period specified above solely to the extent necessary to accommodate regulatory restrictions on (1) the publication or other distribution of research reports, and (2) analyst recommendations and opinions, including, without limitation, the restrictions, if any, contained in FINRA Rule 2241 or any successor provisions or amendments thereto. Any discretionary waiver or termination of the restrictions of any or all of such agreements by the Company or the underwriters shall apply to all Holders subject to such agreements pro rata based on the number of shares subject to such agreements, after giving effect to relative rights of priority in regards to cut-backs as set forth in this Agreement.
(b) The underwriters in connection with the Initial Offering are intended third-party beneficiaries of this Section 2.12 and shall have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto. Each Holder further agrees to execute such agreements as may be reasonably requested by the underwriters in the Initial Offering that are consistent with this Section 2.12 or that are necessary to give further effect thereto. In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the Registrable Securities of each Holder (and the shares or securities of every other Person subject to the foregoing restriction) until the end of such period.
(c) The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause (i) all officers and directors that hold shares of the Companys capital stock and (ii) all greater than one percent (1%) stockholders of the Company, in each case ((i) and (ii)) to enter into agreements containing a one hundred and eighty (180)-day lockup period in connection with the Initial Offering, plus an additional period as specified in Section 2.12(a).
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2.13 Restrictions on Transfer.
(a) The Preferred Stock and the Registrable Securities shall not be sold, pledged or otherwise transferred, and the Company shall not recognize and shall issue stop-transfer instructions to its transfer agent with respect to any such sale, pledge or transfer, except pursuant to the conditions specified in this Agreement, which conditions are intended to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Act. A transferring Holder will cause any proposed purchaser, pledgee or transferee of the Preferred Stock and the Registrable Securities held by such Holder to agree to take and hold such securities subject to the provisions, and upon the conditions specified in, this Agreement.
(b) Each certificate, instrument or book entry representing (i) the Preferred Stock, (ii) the Registrable Securities, and (iii) any other securities issued in respect of the securities referenced in clauses (i) and (ii) upon any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or similar event, shall (unless otherwise permitted by the provisions of Subsection 2.13(c)) be notated with legends substantially in the following form:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED. SUCH SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF A REGISTRATION STATEMENT IN EFFECT WITH RESPECT TO THE SECURITIES UNDER SUCH ACT OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED PURSUANT TO A VALID EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION AND PROSPECTUS DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS OF SUCH ACT.
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY MAY BE TRANSFERRED ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF AN INVESTORS RIGHTS AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE STOCKHOLDER, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY.
(c) The holder of such Restricted Securities, by acceptance of ownership thereof, agrees to comply in all respects with the provisions of this Section 2.13. Before any proposed sale, pledge or transfer of any Restricted Securities, unless there is in effect a registration statement under the Act covering the proposed transaction, the Holder thereof shall give notice to the Company of such Holders intention to effect such sale, pledge or transfer. Each such notice shall describe the manner and circumstances of the proposed sale, pledge or transfer in sufficient detail and, if reasonably requested by the Company, shall be accompanied at such Holders expense by either (i) a written opinion of legal counsel who shall, and whose legal opinion shall, be reasonably satisfactory to the Company, addressed to the Company, to the effect that the proposed transaction may be effected without registration under the Act; (ii) a no action letter from the SEC to the effect that the proposed sale, pledge or transfer of such Restricted Securities without registration will not result in a recommendation by the staff of the SEC that action be taken with respect thereto; or (iii) any other evidence reasonably satisfactory to counsel to the Company to the effect that the proposed sale, pledge or transfer of the Restricted Securities may be effected without registration under the Act, whereupon the Holder of such Restricted Securities shall be entitled to sell, pledge or transfer such Restricted Securities in accordance with the terms of the notice given by the Holder to the Company. The Company will not require such a legal opinion or no action letter (x) in any transaction in compliance with SEC Rule 144; or (y) in any transaction in which such Holder distributes Restricted Securities to an Affiliate of such Holder for no consideration. Each certificate, instrument or book entry representing the Restricted Securities transferred as above provided shall be notated with, except if such transfer is made pursuant to SEC Rule 144, the appropriate restrictive
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legend set forth in Subsection 2.13(b), except that such certificate, instrument or book entry shall not be notated with such restrictive legend if, in the opinion of counsel for such Holder and the Company, such legend is not required in order to establish compliance with any provisions of the Act.
2.14 Termination of Registration Rights. No Holder shall be entitled to exercise any right provided for in this Section 2: (a) after five (5) years following the consummation of the Initial Offering, (b) as to any Holder, such earlier time after the Initial Offering at which such Holder (i) can sell all shares held by it in compliance with Rule 144(b)(1)(i) or (ii) holds one percent (1%) or less of the Companys outstanding Common Stock and, in each case of clause (i) and (ii) above, all Registrable Securities held by such Holder (together with any Affiliate of the Holder with whom such Holder must aggregate its sales under Rule 144) can be sold without limitation during any three (3)-month period without registration in compliance with Rule 144 or (c) after the consummation of a Liquidation Event, as that term is defined in the Restated Certificate.
3. COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY.
3.1 Delivery of Financial Statements.
(a) The Company shall, upon request, deliver to each Investor (or transferee of an Investor) that holds at least (i) 9,615,384 shares of Series A Preferred Stock (ii) 2,065,433 shares of Series B Preferred Stock or (iii) 5,305,322 shares of Series C Preferred Stock (each, as appropriately adjusted for any stock split, dividend, combination or other recapitalization) (a Major Investor):
(i) as soon as practicable, but in any event within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, an unaudited income statement for such fiscal year, an unaudited balance sheet of the Company and statement of stockholders equity as of the end of such year, and an unaudited statement of cash flows for such year, such year-end financial reports to be in reasonable detail, prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) (except that such financial statements may be subject to normal year-end audit adjustments);
(ii) as soon as practicable, but in any event within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, starting at the end of the Companys 2020 fiscal year, an income statement for such fiscal year, a balance sheet of the Company and statement of stockholders equity as of the end of such year, and a statement of cash flows for such year, such year-end financial reports to be in reasonable detail, prepared in accordance with GAAP, in form and substance approved by the Board, all such financial statements audited and certified by independent registered public accountants approved by the Board, along with, upon the request of any Major Investor, an explanation of any material difference between the amounts reported in the unaudited financial statements for such fiscal year delivered to such Major Investor pursuant to Section 3.1(a)(i) and the audited financial statements for such fiscal year delivered to such Major Investor pursuant to this Section 3.1(a)(ii);
(iii) as soon as practicable, but in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three (3) quarters of each fiscal year of the Company, an unaudited income statement and statement of cash flows for such fiscal quarter and an unaudited balance sheet as of the end of such fiscal quarter, all prepared in accordance with GAAP (except that such financial statements may (A) be subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and (B) not contain all notes thereto that may be required in accordance with GAAP);
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(iv) within thirty (30) days of the end of each month, an unaudited income statement for such month, and an unaudited balance sheet as of the end of such month, all prepared in accordance with GAAP (except that such financial statements may (A) be subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and (B) not contain all notes thereto that may be required in accordance with GAAP); and
(v) such other information relating to the financial condition, business or corporate affairs of the Company as the Major Investor may from time to time reasonably request; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated under this subsection (iv) or any other subsection of Section 3.1 to provide information that (A) it deems in good faith to be a trade secret or similar confidential information or (B) the disclosure of which would adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel.
(b) If, for any period, the Company has any subsidiary whose accounts are consolidated with those of the Company, then in respect of such period the financial statements delivered pursuant to the foregoing sections shall be the consolidated and consolidating financial statements of the Company and all such consolidated subsidiaries. Notwithstanding anything else in this Section 3.1 to the contrary, the Company may cease providing the information set forth in this Section 3.1 during the period starting with the date thirty (30) days before the Companys good-faith estimate of the date of filing of a registration statement if it reasonably concludes it must do so to comply with the SEC rules applicable to such registration statement and related offering; provided that the Companys covenants under this Section 3.1 shall be reinstated at such time as the Company is no longer actively employing its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective.
3.2 Inspection. The Company shall permit each Major Investor, at such Major Investors expense, to visit and inspect the Companys properties, to examine its books of account and records and to discuss the Companys affairs, finances and accounts with its officers, all at such reasonable times as may be requested by the Major Investor; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated pursuant to this Section 3.2 to provide access to any information that (a) it deems in good faith to be a trade secret or similar confidential information or (b) the disclosure of which would adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel.
3.3 Observer Rights.
(a) As long as Vivo Capital Fund IX, L.P. or its Affiliates (Vivo Capital) hold any shares of Series B Preferred Stock or Series C Preferred Stock, the Company shall invite a representative of Vivo Capital to attend all non-executive session meetings of the Board in a nonvoting observer capacity and, in this respect, shall give such representative copies of all notices, minutes, consents, and other materials that it provides to its directors at the same time and in the same manner as provided to such directors; provided, however, that such representative shall agree to hold in confidence and trust and to act in a fiduciary manner with respect to all information so provided; and provided further, that the Company reserves the right to withhold any information and to exclude such representative from any meeting or portion thereof if access to such information or attendance at such meeting could adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel.
(b) As long as Frazier Life Sciences IX, L.P. or its Affiliates (Frazier) hold any shares of Series B Preferred Stock or Series C Preferred Stock, the Company shall invite a representative of Frazier to attend all non-executive session meetings of the Board in a nonvoting observer capacity and, in this respect, shall give such representative copies of all notices, minutes, consents, and other materials that it provides to its directors at the same time and in the same manner as provided to such directors; provided, however, that such representative shall agree to hold in confidence and trust and to act in a fiduciary manner with respect to all information so provided; and provided further, that the Company reserves the right to withhold any information and to exclude such representative from any meeting or portion thereof if access to such information or attendance at such meeting could adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel.
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(c) As long as RTW holds any shares of Series C Preferred Stock, the Company shall invite a representative of RTW to attend all non-executive session meetings of the Board in a nonvoting observer capacity and, in this respect, shall give such representative copies of all notices, minutes, consents, and other materials that it provides to its directors at the same time and in the same manner as provided to such directors; provided, however, that such representative shall agree to hold in confidence and trust and to act in a fiduciary manner with respect to all information so provided; and provided further, that the Company reserves the right to withhold any information and to exclude such representative from any meeting or portion thereof if access to such information or attendance at such meeting could adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel.
3.4 Termination of Information and Inspection Covenants and Observer Rights. The covenants set forth in Sections 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 shall terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the earlier to occur of (a) the consummation of the sale of securities pursuant to a registration statement under the Act in connection with the firm commitment underwritten offering of its securities to the general public, (b) when the Company first becomes subject to the periodic reporting requirements of Sections 12(g) or 15(d) of the 1934 Act, whichever event shall first occur and (c) the consummation of a Liquidation Event, as that term is defined in the Restated Certificate.
3.5 Right of First Offer. Subject to the terms and conditions specified in this Section 3.5 and applicable securities laws, the Company hereby grants to each Major Investor a right of first offer with respect to future sales by the Company of its Shares (as hereinafter defined). For purposes of this Section 3.5, the term Major Investor includes any Affiliates of a Major Investor. A Major Investor shall be entitled to apportion the right of first offer hereby granted it among itself and its partners and Affiliates in such proportions as it deems appropriate; provided that each such party and Affiliate agrees to enter into this Agreement and each of the Voting Agreement and Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement, as an investor under each such agreement.
Each time the Company proposes to offer any shares of, or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of, its capital stock (Shares), the Company shall first make an offering of such Shares to each Major Investor in accordance with the following provisions:
(a) The Company shall deliver a notice in accordance with Section 4.5 (Notice) to the Major Investors stating (i) its bona fide intention to offer such Shares, (ii) the number of such Shares to be offered and (iii) the price and terms upon which it proposes to offer such Shares.
(b) By written notification received by the Company within twenty (20) calendar days after the giving of Notice, each Major Investor may elect to purchase, at the price and on the terms specified in the Notice, up to that portion of such Shares that equals the proportion that the number of shares of Registrable Securities issued and held by such Major Investor (assuming full conversion, exercise and/or exchange of all convertible, exercisable and/or exchangeable securities then outstanding) bears to the total number of shares of Common Stock of the Company then outstanding (assuming full conversion, exercise and/or exchange of all convertible, exercisable and/or exchangeable securities then outstanding). At the expiration of such twenty (20) calendar day period, the Company shall promptly, in writing, notify each Major Investor that elects to purchase all the shares available to it (a Fully-Exercising Investor) of any other Major Investors failure to do likewise. During the ten (10) calendar day period commencing after the Company has given such notice to the Fully-Exercising Investors, each Fully-Exercising Investor may elect to purchase that portion of the Shares for which Major Investors were entitled to subscribe, but which were not subscribed for by the Major Investors, that
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is equal to the proportion that the number of shares of Registrable Securities issued and held by such Fully-Exercising Investor bears to the total number of shares of Common Stock issued and held, or issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Stock then held, by all Fully-Exercising Investors who wish to purchase some of the unsubscribed shares.
(c) If all Shares that Major Investors are entitled to obtain pursuant to Section 3.5(b) of this Agreement are not elected to be obtained as provided in Section 3.5(b) of this Agreement, the Company may, during the ninety (90) day period following the expiration of the period provided in Section 3.5(b) of this Agreement, offer the remaining unsubscribed portion of such Shares to any Person or Persons at a price not less than that, and upon terms no more favorable to the offeree than those, specified in the Notice. If the Company does not enter into an agreement for the sale of the Shares within such period, or if such agreement is not consummated within ninety (90) days of the execution thereof, the right provided hereunder shall be deemed to be revived and such Shares shall not be offered unless first reoffered to the Major Investors in accordance herewith.
(d) The right of first offer in this Section 3.5 shall not be applicable to (i) the issuance of any securities that are excluded from the definition of Additional Stock, as such term is defined in the Restated Certificate (ii) the issuance and sale of Series C Preferred Stock pursuant to the Series C Agreement or (iii) the issuance of securities that are specifically deemed not to be subject to the right of first offer in this Section 3.5 by the written consent or affirmative vote of the Major Investors holding a majority of the Registrable Securities then held by all Major Investors. In addition to the foregoing, the right of first offer in this Section 3.5 shall not be applicable with respect to any Major Investor in any subsequent offering of Shares if (i) at the time of such offering, the Major Investor is not an accredited investor, as that term is then defined in Rule 501(a) of the Act and (ii) such offering of Shares is otherwise being offered only to accredited investors.
(e) The rights provided in this Section 3.5 may not be assigned or transferred by any Major Investor; provided, however, that a Major Investor that is a venture capital fund may assign or transfer such rights to its Affiliates.
(f) The covenants set forth in this Section 3.5 shall terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the consummation of (i) the Initial Offering (other than a registration statement relating either to the sale of securities to employees of the Company pursuant to its stock option, stock purchase or similar plan or a SEC Rule 145 transaction) or (ii) a Liquidation Event, as that term is defined in the Restated Certificate.
3.6 Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreements. The Company shall require all employees and consultants with access to confidential information to execute and deliver a Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement in substantially the form approved by the Board or a consulting agreement containing substantially similar proprietary rights assignment and confidentiality provisions.
3.7 Employee Agreements.
(a) Unless approved by the Board, all future employees of the Company who shall purchase, or receive options to purchase, shares of Common Stock following the date hereof shall be required to execute stock purchase or option agreements providing for (a) vesting of shares over a four (4) year period with the first twenty five percent (25%) of such shares vesting following twelve (12) months of continued employment or services, and the remaining shares vesting in equal monthly installments over the following thirty six (36) months thereafter and (b) a one hundred and eighty (180)-day lockup period in connection with the Initial Offering, plus an additional period as specified in Section 2.12(a). The Company shall retain a right of first refusal on transfers until the Initial Offering and the right to repurchase unvested shares at cost.
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3.8 Indemnification Matters. The Company hereby acknowledges that one (1) or more of the directors nominated to serve on the Board by the Investors (each a Fund Director) may have certain rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance provided by one or more of the Investors and certain of their affiliates (collectively, the Fund Indemnitors). The Company hereby agrees (a) that it is the indemnitor of first resort (i.e., its obligations to any such Fund Director are primary and any obligation of the Fund Indemnitors to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for the same expenses or liabilities incurred by such Fund Director are secondary), (b) that it shall be required to advance the full amount of expenses incurred by such Fund Director and shall be liable for the full amount of all expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement by or on behalf of any such Fund Director to the extent legally permitted and as required by the Restated Certificate or Bylaws of the Company (or any agreement between the Company and such Fund Director), without regard to any rights such Fund Director may have against the Fund Indemnitors, and, (c) that it irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Fund Indemnitors from any and all claims against the Fund Indemnitors for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect thereof. The Company further agrees that no advancement or payment by the Fund Indemnitors on behalf of any such Fund Director with respect to any claim for which such Fund Director has sought indemnification from the Company shall affect the foregoing and the Fund Indemnitors shall have a right of contribution and/or be subrogated to the extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of such Fund Director against the Company.
3.9 Qualified Small Business Stock. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the shares of Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock, as well as any shares into which such shares are converted, within the meaning of Section 1202(f) of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code), to constitute qualified small business stock as defined in Section 1202(c) of the Code; provided, however, that such requirement shall not be applicable if the Board determines, in its good-faith business judgment, that such qualification is inconsistent with the best interests of the Company. The Company shall submit to its stockholders (including the Investors) and to the Internal Revenue Service any reports that may be required under Section 1202(d)(1)(C) of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder. In addition, within twenty (20) business days after any Investors written request therefor, the Company shall, at its option, either (i) deliver to such Investor a written statement indicating whether (and what portion of) such Investors interest in the Company constitutes qualified small business stock as defined in Section 1202(c) of the Code or (ii) deliver to such Investor such factual information in the Companys possession as is reasonably necessary to enable such Investor to determine whether (and what portion of) such Investors interest in the Company constitutes qualified small business stock as defined in Section 1202(c) of the Code.
3.10 Confidentiality. Each Investor agrees, severally and not jointly, that such Investor (a) will keep confidential, (b) will not disclose, divulge or use for any purpose (other than to monitor its investment in the Company) and (c) will protect to the same degree as it protects its own confidential information any confidential information obtained from the Company pursuant to the terms of this Agreement (including, without limitation, notice of the Companys intention to file a registration statement), unless such confidential information (i) is known or becomes known to the public in general (other than as a result of a breach of this Subsection 3.10 by such Investor), (ii) is or has been independently developed or conceived by the Investor without use of the Companys confidential information, or (iii) is or has been made known or disclosed to the Investor by a third party without a breach of any obligation of confidentiality such third party may have to the Company; provided, however, that an Investor may disclose confidential information (A) to its attorneys, accountants, consultants and other professionals to the extent necessary to obtain their services in connection with monitoring its
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investment in the Company, provided that such Persons are under a contractual or legal obligation to preserve the confidentiality of such information; (B) to any prospective purchaser of any Registrable Securities from such Investor, if such prospective purchaser agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Subsection 3.10; (C) to any Affiliate, partner, member, stockholder or wholly owned subsidiary of such Investor in the ordinary course of business, provided that such Investor informs such Person that such information is confidential and directs such Person to maintain the confidentiality of such information; or (D) as may otherwise be required by law, provided that the Investor promptly notifies the Company of such disclosure and takes reasonable steps to minimize the extent of any such required disclosure.
3.11 Matters Requiring Director Approval. So long as the holders of Preferred Stock are entitled to elect the Preferred Directors, the Company hereby covenants and agrees with each of the Investors that it shall not, without approval of the Board, which approval must include the affirmative vote of at least two of the Preferred Directors:
(a) make any loan or advance to, or own any stock or other securities of, any subsidiary or other corporation, partnership, or other entity unless it is wholly-owned (either directly or through one or more other subsidiaries) by the Company;
(b) make any loan or advance to any person, including, any employee or director, except advances and similar expenditures in the ordinary course of business or under the terms of an employee stock or option plan approved by the Board;
(c) guarantee, any indebtedness except for trade accounts of the Company or any subsidiary arising in the ordinary course of business;
(d) make any investment inconsistent with any investment policy approved by the Board;
(e) incur any aggregate indebtedness for borrowed money in excess of $250,000 that is not already included in a budget approved by the Board, other than trade credit incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(f) hire, terminate, or change the compensation of the executive officers, including approving any option grants or stock awards to executive officers;
(g) change the principal business of the Company, enter new lines of business, or exit the current line of business;
(h) sell, assign, license, pledge, or encumber material technology or intellectual property, other than licenses granted in the ordinary course of business;
(i) enter into any corporate strategic relationship involving the payment, contribution, or assignment by the Company or to the Company of money or assets greater than $250,000; or
(j) otherwise enter into or be a party to any transaction with Bobak Azamian, Douglas Michael Ackermann, Jr., Bill Link, any affiliate or any associate (as defined in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of any such person, except for transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Series C Agreement, and the Voting Agreement (including, without limitation, any transaction approved in accordance with the drag-along provision set forth in Section 4 thereof).
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3.12 Insurance. As of the date hereof the Company has obtained from financially sound and reputable insurers Directors and Officers liability insurance in an amount and on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Board, and will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such insurance policy to be maintained until such time as the Board determines that such insurance should be discontinued. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 3.12 to the contrary, for so long as a Preferred Director is serving on the Board, the Company shall not cease to maintain a Directors and Officers liability insurance policy in an amount of at least three (3) million dollars unless approved by at least two of the Preferred Directors, and the Company shall annually, within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, deliver to the Major Investors a certification that such a Directors and Officers liability insurance policy remains in effect.
3.13 FCPA. The Company represents that it shall not (and shall not permit any of its subsidiaries or Affiliates or any of its or their respective directors, officers, managers, employees, independent contractors, representatives or agents to) promise, authorize or make any payment to, or otherwise contribute any item of value to, directly or indirectly, to any third party, including any Non-U.S. Official (as such term is defined in the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended (the FCPA)), in each case, in violation of the FCPA, the U.K. Bribery Act, or any other applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption law. The Company further represents that it shall (and shall cause each of its subsidiaries and Affiliates to) cease all of its or their respective activities, as well as remediate any actions taken by the Company, its subsidiaries or Affiliates, or any of their respective directors, officers, managers, employees, independent contractors, representatives or agents in violation of the FCPA, the U.K. Bribery Act, or any other applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption law. The Company further represents that it shall (and shall cause each of its subsidiaries and Affiliates to) maintain systems of internal controls (including, but not limited to, accounting systems, purchasing systems and billing systems) to ensure compliance with the FCPA, the U.K. Bribery Act, or any other applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption law. Upon request, the Company agrees to provide responsive information and/or certifications concerning its compliance with applicable anti-corruption laws. The Company shall promptly notify each Investor if the Company becomes aware of any Enforcement Action (as defined in the Purchase Agreement). The Company shall, and shall cause any direct or indirect subsidiary or entity controlled by it, whether now in existence or formed in the future, to comply with the FCPA. The Company shall use its best efforts to cause any direct or indirect subsidiary, whether now in existence or formed in the future, to comply in all material respects with all applicable laws.
3.14 Right to Conduct Activities. The Company hereby agrees and acknowledges that Vivo Capital, Frazier, RTW, Aperture Venture Partners V, L.P. (collectively with its Affiliates Aperture), Flying L Partners LLC (collectively with its Affiliates Flying L), Visionary Ventures Management, LLC (collectively with its Affiliates Visionary) are professional investment organizations, and as such review the business plans and related proprietary information of many enterprises, some of which may compete directly or indirectly with the Companys business (as currently conducted or as currently propose to be conducted). The Company hereby agrees that, to the extent permitted under applicable law, Vivo Capital, Frazier, RTW, Aperture, Flying L, and Visionary shall not be liable to the Company for any claim arising out of, or based upon, (i) the investment by Vivo Capital, Frazier, RTW, Aperture, Flying L, or Visionary in any entity competitive with the Company, or (ii) actions taken by any partner, officer, employee or other representative of Vivo Capital, Frazier, RTW, Aperture, Flying L, or Visionary to assist any such competitive company, whether or not such action was taken as a member of the board of directors of such competitive company or otherwise, and whether or not such action has a detrimental effect on the Company; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not relieve (x) any of the Investors from liability associated with the unauthorized disclosure of the Companys confidential information obtained pursuant to this Agreement, or (y) any director or officer of the Company from any liability associated with his or her fiduciary duties to the Company.
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3.15 Termination of Certain Covenants. The covenants set forth in Sections 3.5, 3.7, 3.11, and 3.12 shall terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the consummation of (a) the Initial Offering or (b) a Liquidation Event, as that term is defined in the Restated Certificate.
4. MISCELLANEOUS.
4.1 Successors and Assigns. Except as otherwise provided herein, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective successors and assigns of the parties (including, without limitation, permitted transferees of any shares of Registrable Securities). Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto or their respective successors and assigns any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.
4.2 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Delaware as applied to agreements among Delaware residents entered into and to be performed entirely within Delaware.
4.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by electronic signature and in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one (1) and the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered by facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf) or other transmission method, and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
4.4 Titles and Subtitles. The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.
4.5 Notices. All notices and other communications given or made pursuant hereto shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given: (a) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified, (b) when sent by confirmed electronic mail or facsimile if sent during normal business hours of the recipient; if not, then on the next business day, (c) five (5) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or (d) one (1) day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the respective parties at the addresses set forth on the signature pages attached hereto (or at such other addresses as shall be specified by notice given in accordance with this Section 4.5).
4.6 Expenses. If any action at law or in equity is necessary to enforce or interpret the terms of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys fees, costs and necessary disbursements in addition to any other relief to which such party may be entitled.
4.7 Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement (including the Exhibits hereto, if any) constitutes the full and entire understanding and agreement among the parties with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof. Any term of this Agreement (other than Section 3.1, Section 3.2, Section 3.3, Section 3.4 and Section 3.5) may be amended and the observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) only with the written consent of the Company and the Investors holding a majority of the Registrable Securities. The provisions of Section 3.1, Section 3.2, Section 3.4 and Section 3.5 and this third sentence of this Section 4.7 may be amended or waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) only with the written consent of the Company and the Major Investors holding a majority of the Registrable Securities then held by all of the Major Investors. The provisions of Section 3.3(a) and this fourth sentence of Section 4.7 may be amended or waived (either generally or in a particular instance
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and either retroactively or prospectively) only with the written consent of Vivo Capital. The provisions of Section 3.3(b) and this fifth sentence of Section 4.7 may be amended or waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) only with the written consent of Frazier. The provisions of Section 3.3(c) and this sixth sentence of Section 4.7 may be amended or waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) only with the written consent of RTW. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may not be amended or terminated and the observance of any term hereof may not be waived with respect to any Investor without the written consent of such Investor, unless such amendment, termination, or waiver applies to all Investors in the same fashion (it being agreed that a waiver of the provisions of Section 3.5 with respect to a particular transaction shall be deemed to apply to all Investors in the same fashion if such waiver does so by its terms, notwithstanding the fact that certain Investors may nonetheless, by agreement with the Company, purchase securities in such transaction). Any amendment or waiver effected in accordance with this paragraph shall be binding upon each holder of any Registrable Securities, each future holder of all such Registrable Securities and the Company.
4.8 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Agreement.
4.9 Aggregation of Stock. All shares of Registrable Securities held or acquired by affiliated entities (including, without limitation, affiliated venture capital funds or venture capital funds under common investment management) or Persons shall be aggregated together for the purpose of determining the availability of any rights under this Agreement.
4.10 Additional Investors. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if the Company issues additional shares of the Companys Series C Preferred Stock after the date hereof, whether pursuant to Section 1.3 of the Purchase Agreement or otherwise, any purchaser of such shares of Series C Preferred Stock may become a party to this Agreement by executing and delivering an additional counterpart signature page to this Agreement, and thereafter shall be deemed an Investor for all purposes hereunder. No action or consent by the Investors shall be required for such joinder to this Agreement by such additional Investor, so long as such additional Investor has agreed in writing to be bound by all of the obligations as an Investor hereunder.
4.11 Dispute Resolution. The parties (a) hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submit to the jurisdiction of the state courts of California and to the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, Southern Division, for the purpose of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement, (b) agree not to commence any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement except in the state courts of California or the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, Southern Division, and (c) hereby waive, and agree not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense, or otherwise, in any such suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of the foregoing courts, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the suit, action or proceeding is improper or that this Agreement or the subject matter hereof may not be enforced in or by such court.
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES ITS RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF. THE SCOPE OF THIS WAIVER IS INTENDED TO BE ALL-
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ENCOMPASSING OF ANY AND ALL DISPUTES THAT MAY BE FILED IN ANY COURT AND THAT RELATE TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW AND STATUTORY CLAIMS. THIS SECTION HAS BEEN FULLY DISCUSSED BY EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AND THESE PROVISIONS WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY EXCEPTIONS. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY FURTHER WARRANTS AND REPRESENTS THAT SUCH PARTY HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH ITS LEGAL COUNSEL, AND THAT SUCH PARTY KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.
4.12 Effect on Prior Agreement. Upon the effectiveness of this Agreement, the Prior Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety by this Agreement and shall be of no further force or effect.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
COMPANY: | ||
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Bobak Azmian | |
Name: | Bobak Azamian | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
Address: | 15440 Laguna Canyon Road, Suite 160 Irvine, CA 92618 |
SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS RIGHTS AGREEMENT
FOR TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
INVESTOR: | ||
RTW MASTER FUND, LTD. | ||
By: | /s/ Roderick Wong | |
Name: | Roderick Wong, M.D. | |
Title: | Director |
Address: | c/o RTW Investments, LP 40 10th Ave., Floor 7 New York, NY 10014 |
RTW INNOVATION MASTER FUND, LTD. | ||
By: | /s/ Roderick Wong | |
Name: | Roderick Wong, M.D. | |
Title: | Director |
Address: | c/o RTW Investments, LP 40 10th Ave., Floor 7 New York, NY 10014 |
RTW VENTURE FUND LIMITED | ||
By: RTW Investments, LP, its Investment Manager | ||
By: | /s/ Roderick Wong | |
Name: | Roderick Wong, M.D. | |
Title: | Managing Partner |
Address: | c/o RTW Investments, LP 40 10th Ave., Floor 7 New York, NY 10014 |
SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS RIGHTS AGREEMENT
FOR TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
INVESTOR: | ||
CORMORANT GLOBAL HEALTHCARE MASTER FUND, LP | ||
By: Cormorant Global Healthcare GP, LLC | ||
By: | /s/ Bibua Chen | |
Name: | Bihua Chen | |
Title: | Managing Member of the GP |
Address: | 200 Clarendon Street, 52nd Floor Boston, MA 02116 |
SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS RIGHTS AGREEMENT
FOR TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
INVESTOR: | ||
CORMORANT PRIVATE HEALTHCARE FUND II, LP | ||
By: Cormorant Private Healthcare GP II, LLC | ||
By: | /s/ Bibua Chen | |
Name: | Bihua Chen | |
Title: | Managing Member of the GP |
Address: | 200 Clarendon Street, 52nd Floor Boston, MA 02116 |
SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS RIGHTS AGREEMENT
FOR TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
INVESTOR: | ||
CORMORANT PRIVATE HEALTHCARE FUND III, LP | ||
By: Cormorant Private Healthcare GP III, LLC | ||
By: | /s/ Bibua Chen | |
Name: | Bihua Chen | |
Title: | Managing Member of the GP |
Address: | 200 Clarendon Street, 52nd Floor Boston, MA 02116 |
SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS RIGHTS AGREEMENT
FOR TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
INVESTOR: | ||
CRMA SPV, L.P. | ||
By: Cormorant Asset Management, LLC Its: Attorney-In-Fact | ||
By: | /s/ Bibua Chen | |
Name: | Bihua Chen | |
Title: | Managing Member |
Address: | PO Box 309, Ugland House Grand Cayman; KY1-1104 Cayman Islands |
SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS RIGHTS AGREEMENT
FOR TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
INVESTOR: | ||
PERCEPTIVE LIFE SCIENCES MASTER FUND, LTD. | ||
By: | /s/ James Mannix | |
Name: | James Mannix | |
Title: | Chief Operating Officer |
Address: | 51 Astor Place, 10th Floor New York, NY 10003 |
SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS RIGHTS AGREEMENT
FOR TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
INVESTOR: | ||
VIVO CAPITAL FUND IX, L.P. | ||
By: | /s/ Frank Kung | |
Name: | Frank Kung | |
Title: | Managing Member |
Address: | Vivo Capital Fund IX, L.P. c/o Vivo Capital, LLC 192 Lytton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 |
SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS RIGHTS AGREEMENT
FOR TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
INVESTOR: | ||
FLYING L INVESTMENTS XI, LLC | ||
By: | /s/ William J. Link | |
Name: | William J. Link, PhD. | |
Title: | Manager |
Address: | 11 Linda Isle
Newport Beach, CA 92660 |
SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS RIGHTS AGREEMENT
FOR TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
INVESTOR: | ||
FRAZIER LIFE SCIENCES IX, L.P. | ||
By: FHMLS IX, L.P. Its general partner | ||
By: FHMLS IX, L.L.C. Its general partner |
By: | /s/ Patrick Heron |
Name: | Patrick Heron | |
Title: | Managing Director | |
Address: | ||
70 Willow Rd, Suite 200 Menlo Park, CA 94025 | ||
With a copy to: Frazier Life Sciences IX, L.P. Attn: Chief Financial Officer Two Union Square 601 Union St., Suite 3200 Seattle, WA 98101 |
SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS RIGHTS AGREEMENT
FOR TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
INVESTOR: | ||
HOROWITZ LIMITED PARTNERSHIP VIII | ||
By: | /s/ Jason Tester | |
Name: | Jason Tester | |
Title: | Chief Financial Officer |
Address: | 27241 La Paz Road, Suite B
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 |
SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS RIGHTS AGREEMENT
FOR TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
INVESTOR: | ||
TESTER LIVING TRUST | ||
By: | /s/ Jason Tester | |
Name: | Jason Tester | |
Title: | Trustee |
Address: | 16 Cape Woodbury
Newport Beach, CA 92660 |
SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS RIGHTS AGREEMENT
FOR TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
INVESTOR: |
/s/ Bobak Azamian |
Bobak Azamian |
Address: | 2 Bellevue, Newport Coast, CA 92657 |
SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS RIGHTS AGREEMENT
FOR TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
INVESTOR: | ||
/s/ Douglas Michael Ackermann, Jr. | ||
Douglas Michael Ackermann, Jr. |
Address: | 13295 W Saddlebow Dr., Reno, NV 89511 |
SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS RIGHTS AGREEMENT
FOR TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
SCHEDULE A | ||||
SCHEDULE OF INVESTORS | ||||
Investor | ||||
Horowitz Limited Partnership VIII | ||||
Bobak Azamian | ||||
Douglas Michael Ackermann, Jr. | ||||
Adam S Horowitz Revocable Trust | ||||
Tester Living Trust | ||||
Vivo Capital Fund IX, L.P. | ||||
G&H Partners | ||||
Frazier Life Sciences IX, L.P. | ||||
Flying L Investments XI, LLC | ||||
Visionary Venture Fund, LP | ||||
Aperture Venture Partners V, L.P. | ||||
RTW Master Fund, Ltd. | ||||
RTW Innovation Master Fund, Ltd. | ||||
RTW Venture Fund Limited | ||||
Cormorant Global Healthcare Master Fund, LP | ||||
Cormorant Private Healthcare Fund II, LP | ||||
Cormorant Private Healthcare Fund III, LP | ||||
CRMA SPV, L.P. | ||||
Perceptive Life Sciences Master Fund LTD |
S-1
Exhibit 5.1
|
SILICON VALLEY ANN ARBOR BEIJING BOSTON LOS ANGELES NEW YORK SAN DIEGO SAN FRANCISCO SINGAPORE |
October 9, 2020
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
15440 Laguna Canyon Road, Suite 160
Irvine, CA 92618
Ladies and Gentlemen:
You have requested our opinion with respect to certain matters in connection with the sale by Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), of up to an aggregate of 5,750,000 shares of the Companys common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the Shares), (including up to 750,000 shares that may be sold pursuant to the exercise of an option granted by the Company to the underwriters), pursuant to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-249076) (the Registration Statement) initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Act), on September 25, 2020, as amended. We understand that the Shares are to be sold to the underwriters for resale to the public as described in the Registration Statement and pursuant to an underwriting agreement, substantially in the form filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, to be entered into by and among the Company and the underwriters (the Underwriting Agreement).
In connection with this opinion, we have examined and relied upon the Registration Statement and the originals or copies certified to our satisfaction of such other documents, records, certificates, memoranda and other instruments as in our judgment are necessary or appropriate to enable us to render the opinion expressed below. With your consent, we have relied upon certificates and other assurances of officers of the Company as to factual matters without having independently verified such factual matters. We have assumed the genuineness and authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, and the conformity to originals of all documents submitted to us as copies thereof and the due execution and delivery of all documents where due execution and delivery are a prerequisite to the effectiveness thereof.
This opinion is being furnished in connection with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Act, and no opinion is expressed herein as to any matter pertaining to the contents of the Registration Statement, other than as expressly stated herein with respect to the issue of the Shares. Our opinion is limited to the matters stated herein and no opinion is implied or may be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated. Our opinion herein is expressed solely with respect to the federal laws of the United States and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the DGCL). Our opinion is based on these laws as in effect on the date hereof, and we disclaim any obligation to advise you of facts, circumstances, events or developments which hereafter may be brought to our attention and which may alter, affect or modify the opinion expressed herein. We are not rendering any opinion as to compliance with any federal or state antifraud law, rule or regulation relating to securities, or to the sale or issuance thereof.
GUNDERSON DETTMER STOUGH VILLENEUVE FRANKLIN & HACHIGIAN, LLP
3570 CARMEL MOUNTAIN ROAD, SUITE 200, SAN DIEGO, CA 92130 / PHONE: 858.436.8000 / FAX: 877.881.9192
Subject to the foregoing and the other matters set forth herein, it is our opinion that when the Shares to be issued and sold by the Company are issued and paid for in accordance with the terms of the Underwriting Agreement, such Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption Legal Matters in the prospectus included in the Registration Statement and to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
Sincerely, |
/s/ Gunderson Dettmer Stough |
Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian, LLP |
GUNDERSON DETTMER STOUGH |
VILLENEUVE FRANKLIN & HACHIGIAN, LLP |
Exhibit 10.1
INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
THIS INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (this Agreement) dated as of ________________, is made by and between Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), and _____________ (Indemnitee).
RECITALS:
A. The Company desires to attract and retain the services of highly qualified individuals as directors, officers, employees and agents.
B. The Companys bylaws (the Bylaws) require that the Company indemnify its directors, and empowers the Company to indemnify its officers, employees and agents, as authorized by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended (the Code), under which the Company is organized and such Bylaws expressly provide that the indemnification provided therein is not exclusive and contemplates that the Company may enter into separate agreements with its directors, officers and other persons to set forth specific indemnification provisions.
C. Indemnitee does not regard the protection currently provided by applicable law, the Companys governing documents and available insurance as adequate under the present circumstances, and the Company has determined that Indemnitee and other directors, officers, employees and agents of the Company may not be willing to serve or continue to serve in such capacities without additional protection.
D. The Company desires and has requested Indemnitee to serve or continue to serve as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, as the case may be, and has proffered this Agreement to Indemnitee as an additional inducement to serve in such capacity.
E. Indemnitee is willing to serve, or to continue to serve, as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, as the case may be, if Indemnitee is furnished the indemnity provided for herein by the Company.
F. Indemnitee has certain rights to indemnification and/or insurance provided by _____________ ([Venture Fund]) which Indemnitee and [Venture Fund] intend to be secondary to the primary obligation of the Company to indemnify Indemnitee as provided herein, with the Companys acknowledgement and agreement to the foregoing being a material condition to Indemnitees willingness to serve on the Companys Board of Directors.
AGREEMENT:
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
1. Definitions.
(a) Agent. For purposes of this Agreement, the term agent of the Company means any person who: (i) is or was a director, officer, employee or other fiduciary of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company; or (ii) is or was serving at the request or for the convenience of, or representing the interests of, the Company or a subsidiary of the Company, as a director, officer, employee or other fiduciary of a foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.
(b) Expenses. For purposes of this Agreement, the term expenses shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, all direct and indirect costs of any type or nature whatsoever (including, without limitation, all attorneys, witness, or other professional fees and related disbursements, and other out-of-pocket costs of whatever nature), actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the investigation, defense or appeal of a proceeding or establishing or enforcing a right to indemnification under this Agreement, the Code or otherwise, and amounts paid in settlement by or on behalf of Indemnitee, but shall not include any judgments, fines or penalties actually levied against Indemnitee for such individuals violations of law. The term expenses shall also include reasonable compensation for time spent by Indemnitee for which he is not compensated by the Company or any subsidiary or third party (i) for any period during which Indemnitee is not an agent, in the employment of, or providing services for compensation to, the Company or any subsidiary; and (ii) if the rate of compensation and estimated time involved is approved by the directors of the Company who are not parties to any action with respect to which expenses are incurred, for Indemnitee while an agent of, employed by, or providing services for compensation to, the Company or any subsidiary.
(c) Proceedings. For purposes of this Agreement, the term proceeding shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, arbitration, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding, whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative nature, and whether formal or informal in any case, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be involved as a party or otherwise by reason of: (i) the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company; (ii) the fact that any action taken by Indemnitee or of any action on Indemnitees part while acting as director, officer, employee or agent of the Company; or (iii) the fact that Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, and in any such case described above, whether or not serving in any such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement of expenses may be provided under this Agreement.
(d) Subsidiary. For purposes of this Agreement, the term subsidiary means any corporation or limited liability company of which more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities or equity interests are owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company and one or more of its subsidiaries, and any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary.
(e) Independent Counsel. For purposes of this Agreement, the term independent counsel means a law firm, or a partner (or, if applicable, member) of such a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five (5) years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party, or (ii) any other party to the proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term independent counsel shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitees rights under this Agreement.
2. Agreement to Serve. Indemnitee will serve, or continue to serve, as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or any subsidiary, as the case may be, faithfully and to the best of his or her ability, at the will of such corporation (or under separate agreement, if such agreement exists), in
2
the capacity Indemnitee currently serves as an agent of such corporation, so long as Indemnitee is duly appointed or elected and qualified in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bylaws or other applicable charter documents of such corporation, or until such time as Indemnitee tenders his or her resignation in writing; provided, however, that nothing contained in this Agreement is intended as an employment agreement between Indemnitee and the Company or any of its subsidiaries or to create any right to continued employment of Indemnitee with the Company or any of its subsidiaries in any capacity.
The Company acknowledges that it has entered into this Agreement and assumes the obligations imposed on it hereby, in addition to and separate from its obligations to Indemnitee under the Bylaws, to induce Indemnitee to serve, or continue to serve, as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company.
3. Indemnification.
(a) Indemnification in Third Party Proceedings. Subject to Section 10 below, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by the Code, as the same may be amended from time to time (but, only to the extent that such amendment permits Indemnitee to broader indemnification rights than the Code permitted prior to adoption of such amendment), if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to or otherwise involved in any proceeding, for any and all expenses, actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of such proceeding.
(b) Indemnification in Derivative Actions and Direct Actions by the Company. Subject to Section 10 below, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by the Code, as the same may be amended from time to time (but, only to the extent that such amendment permits Indemnitee to broader indemnification rights than the Code permitted prior to adoption of such amendment), if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to or otherwise involved in any proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor, against any and all expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the investigation, defense, settlement, or appeal of such proceedings.
4. Indemnification of Expenses of Successful Party. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, including the dismissal of any action without prejudice, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all expenses actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the investigation, defense or appeal of such proceeding.
5. Partial Indemnification. If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for some or a portion of any expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of a proceeding, but is precluded by applicable law or the specific terms of this Agreement to indemnification for the total amount thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for the portion thereof to which Indemnitee is entitled.
6. Advancement of Expenses. To the extent not prohibited by law, the Company shall advance the expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any proceeding, and such advancement shall be made within twenty (20) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances (which shall include invoices received by Indemnitee in connection with such expenses but, in the case of invoices in connection with legal services, any references to legal work performed or to expenditures made that would cause Indemnitee to waive any privilege accorded by
3
applicable law shall not be included with the invoice) and upon request of the Company, an undertaking to repay the advancement of expenses if and to the extent that it is ultimately determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final judgment, not subject to appeal, that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. Advances shall be unsecured, interest free and without regard to Indemnitees ability to repay the expenses. Advances shall include any and all expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee pursuing an action to enforce Indemnitees right to indemnification under this Agreement, or otherwise and this right of advancement, including expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. Indemnitee acknowledges that the execution and delivery of this Agreement shall constitute an undertaking providing that Indemnitee shall, to the fullest extent required by law, repay the advance if and to the extent that it is ultimately determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final judgment, not subject to appeal, that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. The right to advances under this Section shall continue until final disposition of any proceeding, including any appeal therein. This Section 6 shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to Section 10(b).
7. Notice and Other Indemnification Procedures.
(a) Notification of Proceeding. Indemnitee will notify the Company in writing promptly upon being served with any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, information or other document relating to any proceeding or matter which may be subject to indemnification or advancement of expenses covered hereunder. The failure of Indemnitee to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of any obligation which it may have to Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise.
(b) Request for Indemnification and Indemnification Payments. Indemnitee shall notify the Company promptly in writing upon receiving notice of nay demand, judgment or other requirement for payment that Indemnitee reasonably believes to the subject to indemnification under the terms of this Agreement, and shall request payment thereof by the Company. Indemnification payments requested by Indemnitee under Section 3 hereof shall be made by the Company no later than sixty (60) days after receipt of the written request of Indemnitee. Claims for advancement of expenses shall be made under the provisions of Section 6 herein.
(c) Application for Enforcement. In the event the Company fails to make timely payments as set forth in Sections 6 or 7(b) above, Indemnitee shall have the right to apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of enforcing Indemnitees right to indemnification or advancement of expenses pursuant to this Agreement. In such an enforcement hearing or proceeding, the burden of proof shall be on the Company to prove by that indemnification or advancement of expenses to Indemnitee is not required under this Agreement or permitted by applicable law. Any determination by the Company (including its Board of Directors, stockholders or independent counsel) that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification hereunder, shall not be a defense by the Company to the action nor create any presumption that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement of expenses hereunder.
(d) Indemnification of Certain Expenses. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all expenses incurred in connection with any hearing or proceeding under this Section 7 unless the Company prevails in such hearing or proceeding on the merits in all material respects.
8. Assumption of Defense. In the event the Company shall be requested by Indemnitee to pay the expenses of any proceeding, the Company, if appropriate, shall be entitled to assume the defense of such proceeding, or to participate to the extent permissible in such proceeding, with counsel reasonably acceptable to Indemnitee. Upon assumption of the defense by the Company and the retention of such counsel by the Company, the Company shall not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any
4
fees of counsel subsequently incurred by Indemnitee with respect to the same proceeding, provided that Indemnitee shall have the right to employ separate counsel in such proceeding at Indemnitees sole cost and expense. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Indemnitees counsel delivers a written notice to the Company stating that such counsel has reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between the Company and Indemnitee in the conduct of any such defense or the Company shall not, in fact, have employed counsel or otherwise actively pursued the defense of such proceeding within a reasonable time, then in any such event the fees and expenses of Indemnitees counsel to defend such proceeding shall be subject to the indemnification and advancement of expenses provisions of this Agreement.
9. Insurance. To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, officers, employees, or agents of the Company or of any subsidiary (D&O Insurance), Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, employee or agent under such policy or policies. If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a claim pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company has D&O Insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.
10. Exceptions.
(a) Certain Matters. Any provision herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall not be obligated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement to indemnify Indemnitee on account of any proceeding with respect to (i) remuneration paid to Indemnitee if it is determined by final judgment or other final adjudication that such remuneration was in violation of law (and, in this respect, both the Company and Indemnitee have been advised that the Securities and Exchange Commission believes that indemnification for liabilities arising under the federal securities laws is against public policy and is, therefore, unenforceable and that claims for indemnification should be submitted to appropriate courts for adjudication, as indicated in Section 10(d) below); (ii) a final judgment rendered against Indemnitee for an accounting, disgorgement or repayment of profits made from the purchase or sale by Indemnitee of securities of the Company against Indemnitee or in connection with a settlement by or on behalf of Indemnitee to the extent it is acknowledged by Indemnitee and the Company that such amount paid in settlement resulted from Indemnitees conduct from which Indemnitee received monetary personal profit pursuant to the provisions of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or other provisions of any federal, state or local statute or rules and regulations thereunder; (iii) a final judgment or other final adjudication that Indemnitees conduct was in bad faith, knowingly fraudulent or deliberately dishonest or constituted willful misconduct (but only to the extent of such specific determination); or (iv) on account of conduct that is established by a final judgment as constituting a breach of Indemnitees duty of loyalty to the Company or resulting in any personal profit or advantage to which Indemnitee is not legally entitled. For purposes of the foregoing sentence, a final judgment or other adjudication may be reached in either the underlying proceeding or action in connection with which indemnification is sought or a separate proceeding or action to establish rights and liabilities under this Agreement.
(b) Claims Initiated by Indemnitee. Any provision herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall not be obligated to indemnify or advance expenses to Indemnitee with respect to proceedings or claims initiated or brought by Indemnitee against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other agents and not by way of defense, except (i) with respect to proceedings brought to establish or enforce a right to indemnification under this Agreement or under any
5
other agreement, provision in the Bylaws or Certificate of Incorporation or applicable law, or (ii) with respect to any other proceeding initiated by Indemnitee that is either approved by the Board of Directors or Indemnitees participation is required by applicable law. However, indemnification or advancement of expenses may be provided by the Company in specific cases if the Board of Directors determines it to be appropriate.
(c) Unauthorized Settlements. Any provision herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall not be obligated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement to indemnify Indemnitee under this Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of a proceeding effected without the Companys written consent. Neither the Company nor Indemnitee shall unreasonably withhold consent to any proposed settlement; provided, however, that the Company may in any event decline to consent to (or to otherwise admit or agree to any liability for indemnification hereunder in respect of) any proposed settlement if the Company is also a party in such proceeding and determines in good faith that such settlement is not in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.
(d) Securities Act Liabilities. Any provision herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall not be obligated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement to indemnify Indemnitee or otherwise act in violation of any undertaking appearing in and required by the rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Act), or in any registration statement filed with the SEC under the Act. Indemnitee acknowledges that paragraph (h) of Item 512 of Regulation S-K currently generally requires the Company to undertake in connection with any registration statement filed under the Act to submit the issue of the enforceability of Indemnitees rights under this Agreement in connection with any liability under the Act on public policy grounds to a court of appropriate jurisdiction and to be governed by any final adjudication of such issue. Indemnitee specifically agrees that any such undertaking shall supersede the provisions of this Agreement and to be bound by any such undertaking.
11. Nonexclusivity; Priority of Payment and Survival of Rights.
(a) The provisions for indemnification and advancement of expenses set forth in this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under any provision of applicable law, the Companys Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws or other agreements, both as to action in Indemnitees official capacity and Indemnitees action as an agent of the Company, in any court in which a proceeding is brought, and Indemnitees rights hereunder shall continue after Indemnitee has ceased acting as an agent of the Company and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators and assigns of Indemnitee. The obligations and duties of the Company to Indemnitee under this Agreement shall be binding on the Company and its successors and assigns until terminated in accordance with its terms. The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.
(b) The Company hereby acknowledges that Indemnitee has certain rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance provided by [Venture Fund] and certain of its affiliates (collectively, the Fund Indemnitors). The Company hereby agrees (i) that it is the indemnitor of first resort (i.e., its obligations to Indemnitee are primary and any obligation of the Fund Indemnitors to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for the same expenses or liabilities incurred by Indemnitee are secondary), (ii) that it shall be required to advance the full amount of expenses incurred by Indemnitee and shall be liable for the full amount of all Expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement to the extent legally permitted and as required by the terms of this Agreement
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and the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company (or any other agreement between the Company and Indemnitee), without regard to any rights Indemnitee may have against the Fund Indemnitors, and, (iii) that it irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Fund Indemnitors from any and all claims against the Fund Indemnitors for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect thereof. The Company further agrees that no advancement or payment by the Fund Indemnitors on behalf of Indemnitee with respect to any claim for which Indemnitee has sought indemnification from the Company shall affect the foregoing and the Fund Indemnitors shall have a right of contribution and/or be subrogated to the extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee against the Company. The Company and Indemnitee agree that the Fund Indemnitors are express third party beneficiaries of the terms of this Section 11(b).
(c) No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in his or her corporate status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in the Code, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement of expenses than would be afforded currently under the Companys Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, by Indemnitee shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy by Indemnitee.
12. Term. This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the later of: (a) five (5) years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as a director or and/or officer, employee or agent of the Company; or (b) one (1) year after the final termination of any proceeding, including any appeal then pending, in respect to which Indemnitee was granted rights of indemnification or advancement of expenses hereunder.
No legal action shall be brought and no cause of action shall be asserted by or in the right of the Company against an Indemnitee or an Indemnitees estate, spouse, heirs, executors or personal or legal representatives after the expiration of five (5) years from the date of accrual of such cause of action, and any claim or cause of action of the Company shall be extinguished and deemed released unless asserted by the timely filing of a legal action within such five-year period; provided, however, that if any shorter period of limitations is otherwise applicable to such cause of action, such shorter period shall govern.
13. Subrogation. Except as provided in Section 11(b) above, in the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee (other than against the Fund Indemnitor), who, at the request and expense of the Company, shall execute all papers required and shall do everything that may be reasonably necessary to secure such rights, including the execution of such documents necessary to enable the Company effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights.
14. Interpretation of Agreement. It is understood that the parties hereto intend this Agreement to be interpreted and enforced so as to provide indemnification to Indemnitee to the fullest extent now or hereafter permitted by law.
15. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of the Agreement (including without limitation, all portions of any paragraphs of this
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Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that are not themselves invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby; and (b) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, all portions of any paragraph of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that are not themselves invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable and to give effect to Section 14 hereof.
16. Amendment and Waiver. No supplement, modification, amendment, or cancellation of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision hereof (whether or not similar) nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver.
17. Notice. Except as otherwise provided herein, any notice or demand which, by the provisions hereof, is required or which may be given to or served upon the parties hereto shall be in writing and, if by telegram, telecopy or telex, shall be deemed to have been validly served, given or delivered when sent, if by overnight delivery, courier or personal delivery, shall be deemed to have been validly served, given or delivered upon actual delivery and, if mailed, shall be deemed to have been validly served, given or delivered three (3) business days after deposit in the United States mail, as registered or certified mail, with proper postage prepaid and addressed to the party or parties to be notified at the addresses set forth on the signature page of this Agreement (or such other address(es) as a party may designate for itself by like notice). If to the Company, notices and demands shall be delivered to the attention of the Secretary of the Company.
18. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed exclusively by and construed according to the laws of the State of California, as applied to contracts between California residents entered into and to be performed entirely within California.
19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute but one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart need be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement.
20. Headings. The headings of the sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction hereof.
21. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings and negotiations, written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement; provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Companys Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, the Code and any other applicable law, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, and does not diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.
22. Amendment and Restatement of Prior Agreement. Upon the effectiveness of this Agreement, the Prior Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety and be of no further force and effect, and shall be superseded and replaced in its entirety by this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have entered into this Agreement effective as of the date first above written.
COMPANY | ||
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. |
By: |
Title |
INDEMNITEE |
|
[Name] |
Address: |
SIGNATURE PAGE TO
INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
Exhibit 10.3
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
2020 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
(AS ADOPTED ON OCTOBER 8, 2020)
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
2020 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
ARTICLE 1. INTRODUCTION.
The Board adopted the Plan to become effective immediately, although no Awards may be granted prior to the IPO Date. The purpose of the Plan is to promote the long-term success of the Company and the creation of stockholder value by (a) encouraging Service Providers to focus on critical long-range corporate objectives, (b) encouraging the attraction and retention of Service Providers with exceptional qualifications and (c) linking Service Providers directly to stockholder interests through increased stock ownership. The Plan seeks to achieve this purpose by providing for Awards in the form of Options (which may be ISOs or NSOs), SARs, Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units. Capitalized terms used in this Plan are defined in Article 14.
ARTICLE 2. ADMINISTRATION.
2.1 General. The Plan may be administered by the Board or one or more Committees to which the Board (or an authorized Board committee) has delegated authority. If administration is delegated to a Committee, the Committee shall have the powers theretofore possessed by the Board, including, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the power to delegate to a subcommittee any of the administrative powers the Committee is authorized to exercise (and references in this Plan to either the Board or the Administrator shall hereafter also encompass the Committee or subcommittee, as applicable). The Board may abolish the Committees delegation at any time and the Board shall at all times also retain the authority it has delegated to the Committee. The Administrator shall comply with rules and regulations applicable to it, including under the rules of any exchange on which the Common Shares are traded, and shall have the authority and be responsible for such functions as have been assigned to it.
2.2 Section 16. To the extent desirable to qualify transactions hereunder as exempt under Exchange Act Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated hereunder will be approved by the entire Board or a Committee of two or more non-employee directors within the meaning of Exchange Act Rule 16b-3.
2.3 Powers of Administrator. Subject to the terms of the Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated to the Committee, the Administrator shall have the authority to (a) select the Service Providers who are to receive Awards under the Plan, (b) determine the type, number, vesting requirements and other features and conditions of such Awards, (c) interpret the Plan and Awards granted under the Plan, (d) determine whether, when and to what extent an Award has become vested and/or exercisable and whether any performance-based vesting conditions have been satisfied, (e) make, amend and rescind rules relating to the Plan and Awards granted under the Plan, including rules relating to sub-plans established for the purposes of satisfying applicable foreign laws or for qualifying for favorable tax treatment under applicable foreign laws, (f) impose such restrictions, conditions or limitations as it determines appropriate as to the timing and manner of any resales by a Participant of any Common Shares issued pursuant to an Award, including restrictions under an insider trading policy and restrictions as to the use of a specified brokerage firm for such resales, and (g) make all other decisions relating to the operation of the Plan and Awards granted under the Plan. In addition, with regard to the terms and conditions of Awards granted to Service Providers outside of the United States, the Administrator may vary from the provisions of the Plan (other than any requiring stockholder approval pursuant to Section 13.3) to the extent it determines it necessary and appropriate to do so.
2.4 Effect of Administrators Decisions. The Administrators decisions, determinations and interpretations shall be final and binding on all interested parties.
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2.5 Governing Law. The Plan shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware (except its choice-of-law provisions).
ARTICLE 3. SHARES AVAILABLE FOR GRANTS.
3.1 Basic Limitation. Common Shares issued pursuant to the Plan may be authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares. The aggregate number of Common Shares issued under the Plan shall not exceed the sum of (a) 9,000,000 Common Shares, (b) any Common Shares subject to awards granted under the Predecessor Plan that are outstanding on the IPO Date that subsequently are forfeited, expire or lapse unexercised or unsettled and Common Shares issued pursuant to awards granted under the Predecessor Plan that are outstanding on the IPO Date and that are subsequently forfeited to or reacquired by the Company, (c) the number of Common Shares reserved under the Predecessor Plan that are not issued or subject to outstanding awards under the Predecessor Plan on the IPO Date and (d) the additional Common Shares described in Articles 3.2 and 3.3; provided, however, that no more than 18,074,290 Common Shares, in the aggregate, shall be added to the Plan pursuant to clauses (b) and (c). The Company shall reserve and keep available such number of Common Shares as will be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan. The numerical limitations in this Article 3.1 shall be subject to adjustment pursuant to Article 9.
3.2 Annual Increase in Shares. On the first day of each fiscal year of the Company during the term of the Plan, commencing in 2021 and ending in (and including) 2030, the aggregate number of Common Shares that may be issued under the Plan shall automatically increase by a number equal to the lesser of (a) 4% of the total number of Common Shares actually issued and outstanding on the last day of the preceding fiscal year or (b) a number of Common Shares determined by the Board.
3.3 Shares Returned to Reserve. To the extent that Options, SARs, Restricted Stock Units or other Awards are forfeited, cancelled or expire for any reason before being exercised or settled in full, the Common Shares subject to such Awards shall again become available for issuance under the Plan. If SARs are exercised or Restricted Stock Units are settled, then only the number of Common Shares (if any) actually issued to the Participant upon exercise of such SARs or settlement of such Restricted Stock Units, as applicable, shall reduce the number of Common Shares available under Article 3.1 and the balance shall again become available for issuance under the Plan. If Restricted Shares or Common Shares issued upon the exercise of Options are reacquired by the Company pursuant to a forfeiture provision, repurchase right or for any other reason, then such Common Shares shall again become available for issuance under the Plan. Common Shares applied to pay the Exercise Price of Options or to satisfy tax withholding obligations related to any Award shall again become available for issuance under the Plan. To the extent that an Award is settled in cash rather than Common Shares, the cash settlement shall not reduce the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan.
3.4 Awards Not Reducing Share Reserve. To the extent permitted under applicable exchange listing standards, any dividend equivalents paid or credited under the Plan with respect to Restricted Stock Units shall not be applied against the number of Common Shares that may be issued under the Plan, whether or not such dividend equivalents are converted into Restricted Stock Units. In addition, Common Shares subject to Substitute Awards granted by the Company shall not reduce the number of Common Shares that may be issued under Article 3.1, nor shall shares subject to Substitute Awards again be available for Awards under the Plan in the event of any forfeiture, expiration or cash settlement of such Substitute Awards.
3.5 Code Section 422 and Other Limits. Subject to adjustment in accordance with Article 9:
(a) No more than 36,274,290 Common Shares may be issued under the Plan upon the exercise of ISOs.
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(b) The aggregate grant date fair value of Awards granted to an Outside Director during any one fiscal year of the Company, together with the value of any cash compensation paid to the Outside Director during such fiscal year, may not exceed $800,000 (on a per-Director basis); provided however that the limitation that will apply in the fiscal year in which the Outside Director is initially appointed or elected to the Board shall instead be $1,200,000. For purposes of this limitation, the grant date fair value of an Award shall be determined in accordance with the assumptions that the Company uses to estimate the value of share-based payments for financial reporting purposes. For the sake of clarity, neither Awards granted, nor compensation paid, to an individual for his or her service as an Employee or Consultant, but not as an Outside Director, shall count towards this limitation.
ARTICLE 4. ELIGIBILITY.
4.1 Incentive Stock Options. Only Employees who are common-law employees of the Company, a Parent or a Subsidiary shall be eligible for the grant of ISOs. In addition, an Employee who owns more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of outstanding stock of the Company or any of its Parents or Subsidiaries shall not be eligible for the grant of an ISO unless the additional requirements set forth in Code Section 422(c)(5) are satisfied.
4.2 Other Awards. Awards other than ISOs may be granted to both Employees and other Service Providers.
ARTICLE 5. OPTIONS.
5.1 Stock Option Agreement. Each grant of an Option under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Stock Option Agreement between the Optionee and the Company. Such Option shall be subject to all applicable terms of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms that are not inconsistent with the Plan. The Stock Option Agreement shall specify whether the Option is intended to be an ISO or an NSO. The provisions of the various Stock Option Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical.
5.2 Number of Shares. Each Stock Option Agreement shall specify the number of Common Shares subject to the Option, which number shall adjust in accordance with Article 9.
5.3 Exercise Price. Each Stock Option Agreement shall specify the Exercise Price, which shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Common Share on the date of grant. The preceding sentence shall not apply to an Option that is a Substitute Award granted in a manner that would satisfy the requirements of Code Section 409A and, if applicable, Code Section 424(a).
5.4 Exercisability and Term. Each Stock Option Agreement shall specify the date or event when all or any installment of the Option is to become vested and/or exercisable. The vesting and exercisability conditions applicable to the Option may include service-based conditions, performance-based conditions, such other conditions as the Administrator may determine, or any combination of such conditions. The Stock Option Agreement shall also specify the term of the Option; provided that, except to the extent necessary to comply with applicable foreign law, the term of an Option shall in no event exceed 10 years from the date of grant. A Stock Option Agreement may provide for accelerated vesting and/or exercisability upon certain specified events and may provide for expiration prior to the end of its term in the event of the termination of the Optionees service.
5.5 Death of Optionee. After an Optionees death, any vested and exercisable Options held by such Optionee may be exercised by his or her beneficiary or beneficiaries. Each Optionee may designate one or more beneficiaries for this purpose by filing the prescribed form with the Company. A beneficiary designation may be changed by filing the prescribed form with the Company at any time before the Optionees death. If no beneficiary was designated or if no designated beneficiary survives the Optionee, then any vested and exercisable Options held by the Optionee may be exercised by his or her estate.
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5.6 Modification or Assumption of Options. Within the limitations of the Plan, the Administrator may modify, extend or assume outstanding options. The foregoing notwithstanding, no modification of an Option shall, without the consent of the Optionee, materially impair his or her rights or obligations under such Option. Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, and except for the adjustments provided in Article 9, neither the Administrator nor any other person may (a) decrease the exercise price for any outstanding Option after the date of grant, (b) cancel or allow an Optionee to surrender an outstanding Option to the Company in exchange for cash or as consideration for the grant of a new Option with a lower exercise price or the grant of another type of Award the effect of which is to reduce the exercise price of any outstanding Option, or (c) take any other action with respect to an Option that would be treated as a repricing under the rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Stock Market (or such other principal U.S. national securities exchange on which the Common Shares are traded).
5.7 Buyout Provisions. Except to the extent prohibited by Article 5.6, the Administrator may at any time (a) offer to buy out for a payment in cash or cash equivalents an Option previously granted or (b) authorize an Optionee to elect to cash out an Option previously granted, in either case at such time and based upon such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish.
5.8 Payment for Option Shares. The entire Exercise Price of Common Shares issued upon exercise of Options shall be payable in cash or cash equivalents at the time when such Common Shares are purchased. In addition, the Administrator may, in its sole discretion and to the extent permitted by applicable law, accept payment of all or a portion of the Exercise Price through any one or a combination of the following forms or methods:
(a) Subject to any conditions or limitations established by the Administrator, by surrendering, or attesting to the ownership of, Common Shares that are already owned by the Optionee with a value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Common Shares as to which such Option will be exercised;
(b) By delivering (on a form prescribed by the Company) an irrevocable direction to a securities broker approved by the Company to sell all or part of the Common Shares being purchased under the Plan and to deliver all or part of the sales proceeds to the Company;
(c) Subject to such conditions and requirements as the Administrator may impose from time to time, through a net exercise procedure; or
(d) Through any other form or method consistent with applicable laws, regulations and rules.
ARTICLE 6. STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS.
6.1 SAR Agreement. Each grant of a SAR under the Plan shall be evidenced by a SAR Agreement between the Optionee and the Company. Such SAR shall be subject to all applicable terms of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms that are not inconsistent with the Plan. The provisions of the various SAR Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical.
6.2 Number of Shares. Each SAR Agreement shall specify the number of Common Shares to which the SAR pertains, which number shall adjust in accordance with Article 9.
6.3 Exercise Price. Each SAR Agreement shall specify the Exercise Price, which shall in no event be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Common Share on the date of grant. The preceding sentence shall not apply to a SAR that is a Substitute Award granted in a manner that would satisfy the requirements of Code Section 409A.
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6.4 Exercisability and Term. Each SAR Agreement shall specify the date when all or any installment of the SAR is to become vested and exercisable. The vesting and exercisability conditions applicable to the SAR may include service-based conditions, performance-based conditions, such other conditions as the Administrator may determine, or any combination thereof. The SAR Agreement shall also specify the term of the SAR; provided that except to the extent necessary to comply with applicable foreign law, the term of a SAR shall not exceed 10 years from the date of grant. A SAR Agreement may provide for accelerated vesting and exercisability upon certain specified events and may provide for expiration prior to the end of its term in the event of the termination of the Optionees service.
6.5 Exercise of SARs. Upon exercise of a SAR, the Optionee (or any person having the right to exercise the SAR after his or her death) shall receive from the Company (a) Common Shares, (b) cash or (c) a combination of Common Shares and cash, as the Administrator shall determine. The amount of cash and/or the Fair Market Value of Common Shares received upon exercise of SARs shall, in the aggregate, not exceed the amount by which the Fair Market Value (on the date of surrender) of the Common Shares subject to the SARs exceeds the Exercise Price. If, on the date when a SAR expires, the Exercise Price is less than the Fair Market Value on such date but any portion of such SAR has not been exercised or surrendered, then such SAR shall automatically be deemed to be exercised as of such date with respect to such portion. A SAR Agreement may also provide for an automatic exercise of the SAR on an earlier date.
6.6 Death of Optionee. After an Optionees death, any vested and exercisable SARs held by such Optionee may be exercised by his or her beneficiary or beneficiaries. Each Optionee may designate one or more beneficiaries for this purpose by filing the prescribed form with the Company. A beneficiary designation may be changed by filing the prescribed form with the Company at any time before the Optionees death. If no beneficiary was designated or if no designated beneficiary survives the Optionee, then any vested and exercisable SARs held by the Optionee at the time of his or her death may be exercised by his or her estate.
6.7 Modification or Assumption of SARs. Within the limitations of the Plan, the Administrator may modify, extend or assume outstanding SARs. The foregoing notwithstanding, no modification of a SAR shall, without the consent of the Optionee, materially impair his or her rights or obligations under such SAR. Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, and except for the adjustments provided in Article 9, neither the Administrator nor any other person may (a) decrease the exercise price for any outstanding SAR after the date of grant, (b) cancel or allow an Optionee to surrender an outstanding SAR to the Company in exchange for cash or as consideration for the grant of a new SAR with a lower exercise price or the grant of another type of Award the effect of which is to reduce the exercise price of any outstanding SAR, or (c) take any other action with respect to a SAR that would be treated as a repricing under the rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Stock Market (or such other principal U.S. national securities exchange on which the Common Shares are traded).
ARTICLE 7. RESTRICTED SHARES.
7.1 Restricted Stock Agreement. Each grant of Restricted Shares under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Restricted Stock Agreement between the recipient and the Company. Such Restricted Shares shall be subject to all applicable terms of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms that are not inconsistent with the Plan. The provisions of the various Restricted Stock Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical.
7.2 Payment for Awards. Restricted Shares may be sold or awarded under the Plan for such consideration as the Administrator may determine, including (without limitation) cash, cash equivalents, property, cancellation of other equity awards, promissory notes, past services and future services, and such other methods of payment as are permitted by applicable law.
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7.3 Vesting Conditions. Each Award of Restricted Shares may or may not be subject to vesting and/or other conditions as the Administrator may determine. Vesting shall occur, in full or in installments, upon satisfaction of the conditions specified in the Restricted Stock Agreement. A Restricted Stock Agreement may provide for accelerated vesting upon certain specified events.
7.4 Voting and Dividend Rights. The holders of Restricted Shares awarded under the Plan shall have the same voting, dividend and other rights as the Companys other stockholders, unless the Administrator otherwise provides. A Restricted Stock Agreement, however, may require that any cash dividends paid on Restricted Shares (a) be accumulated and paid when such Restricted Shares vest, or (b) be invested in additional Restricted Shares. Such additional Restricted Shares shall be subject to the same conditions and restrictions as the shares subject to the Award with respect to which the dividends were paid. In addition, unless the Administrator provides otherwise, if any dividends or other distributions are paid in Common Shares, such Common Shares shall be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Restricted Shares with respect to which they were paid.
7.5 Modification or Assumption of Restricted Shares. Within the limitations of the Plan, the Administrator may modify or assume outstanding Restricted Shares or may accept the cancellation of outstanding restricted shares (whether granted by the Company or by another issuer) in return for the grant of new Restricted Shares for the same or a different number of shares or in return for the grant of a different type of Award. The foregoing notwithstanding, no modification of Restricted Shares shall, without the consent of the Participant, materially impair his or her rights or obligations under such Restricted Shares.
ARTICLE 8. RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS.
8.1 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement. Each grant of Restricted Stock Units under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Restricted Stock Unit Agreement between the recipient and the Company. Such Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to all applicable terms of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms that are not inconsistent with the Plan. The provisions of the various Restricted Stock Unit Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical.
8.2 Payment for Awards. To the extent that an Award is granted in the form of Restricted Stock Units, no cash consideration shall be required of the Award recipients.
8.3 Vesting Conditions. Each Award of Restricted Stock Units may or may not be subject to vesting, as determined by the Administrator. Vesting shall occur, in full or in installments, upon satisfaction of the conditions specified in the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement. Vesting conditions may include service-based conditions, performance-based conditions, such other conditions as the Administrator may determine, or any combination thereof. A Restricted Stock Unit Agreement may provide for accelerated vesting upon certain specified events.
8.4 Voting and Dividend Rights. The holders of Restricted Stock Units shall have no voting rights. Prior to settlement or forfeiture, Restricted Stock Units awarded under the Plan may, at the Administrators discretion, provide for a right to dividend equivalents. Such right entitles the holder to be credited with an amount equal to all cash dividends paid on one Common Share while the Restricted Stock Unit is outstanding. Dividend equivalents may be converted into additional Restricted Stock Units. Settlement of dividend equivalents may be made in the form of cash, in the form of Common Shares, or in a combination of both. Prior to distribution, any dividend equivalents shall be subject to the same conditions and restrictions as the Restricted Stock Units to which they attach.
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8.5 Form and Time of Settlement of Restricted Stock Units. Settlement of vested Restricted Stock Units may be made in the form of (a) cash, (b) Common Shares or (c) any combination of both, as determined by the Administrator. The actual number of Restricted Stock Units eligible for settlement may be larger or smaller than the number included in the original Award, based on predetermined performance factors. Methods of converting Restricted Stock Units into cash may include (without limitation) a method based on the average value of Common Shares over a series of trading days. Vested Restricted Stock Units shall be settled in such manner and at such time(s) as specified in the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement. Until an Award of Restricted Stock Units is settled, the number of such Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to adjustment pursuant to Article 9.
8.6 Death of Recipient. Any Restricted Stock Units that become payable after the recipients death shall be distributed to the recipients beneficiary or beneficiaries. Each recipient of Restricted Stock Units under the Plan may designate one or more beneficiaries for this purpose by filing the prescribed form with the Company. A beneficiary designation may be changed by filing the prescribed form with the Company at any time before the Award recipients death. If no beneficiary was designated or if no designated beneficiary survives the Award recipient, then any Restricted Stock Units that become payable after the recipients death shall be distributed to the recipients estate.
8.7 Modification or Assumption of Restricted Stock Units. Within the limitations of the Plan, the Administrator may modify or assume outstanding restricted stock units or may accept the cancellation of outstanding restricted stock units (whether granted by the Company or by another issuer) in return for the grant of new Restricted Stock Units for the same or a different number of shares or in return for the grant of a different type of Award. The foregoing notwithstanding, no modification of a Restricted Stock Unit shall, without the consent of the Participant, materially impair his or her rights or obligations under such Restricted Stock Unit.
8.8 Creditors Rights. A holder of Restricted Stock Units shall have no rights other than those of a general creditor of the Company. Restricted Stock Units represent an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable Restricted Stock Unit Agreement.
ARTICLE 9. ADJUSTMENTS; DISSOLUTIONS AND LIQUIDATIONS; CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS.
9.1 Adjustments. In the event of a subdivision of the outstanding Common Shares, a declaration of a dividend payable in Common Shares, a combination or consolidation of the outstanding Common Shares (by reclassification or otherwise) into a lesser number of Common Shares or any other increase or decrease in the number of issued Common Shares effected without receipt of consideration by the Company, proportionate adjustments shall be made to the following:
(a) The number and kind of shares available for issuance under Article 3, including the numerical share limits in Articles 3.1 and 3.5;
(b) The number and kind of shares covered by each outstanding Option, SAR, and Restricted Stock Unit; and/or
(c) The Exercise Price applicable to each outstanding Option and SAR, and the repurchase price, if any, applicable to Restricted Shares.
In the event of a declaration of an extraordinary dividend payable in a form other than Common Shares in an amount that has a material effect on the price of Common Shares, a recapitalization, a spin-off or a similar occurrence, the Administrator may make such adjustments as it, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate to the foregoing. Any adjustment in the number of shares subject to an Award under this
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Article 9.1 shall be rounded down to the nearest whole share, although the Administrator in its sole discretion may make a cash payment in lieu of a fractional share. Except as provided in this Article 9, a Participant shall have no rights by reason of any issuance by the Company of stock of any class or securities convertible into stock of any class, any subdivision or consolidation of shares of stock of any class, the payment of any stock dividend or any other increase or decrease in the number of shares of stock of any class.
9.2 Dissolution or Liquidation. To the extent not previously exercised or settled, Options, SARs and Restricted Stock Units shall terminate immediately prior to the dissolution or liquidation of the Company.
9.3 Corporate Transactions. In the event that the Company is a party to a merger, consolidation, or a Change in Control (other than one described in Article 14.6(d)), all Common Shares acquired under the Plan and all Awards outstanding on the effective date of the transaction shall be treated in the manner described in the definitive transaction agreement (or, in the event the transaction does not entail a definitive agreement to which the Company is party, in the manner determined by the Administrator, with such determination having final and binding effect on all parties), which agreement or determination need not treat all Awards (or portions thereof) in an identical manner. Unless an Award Agreement provides otherwise, the treatment specified in the transaction agreement or by the Administrator may include (without limitation) one or more of the following with respect to each outstanding Award:
(a) The continuation of such outstanding Award by the Company (if the Company is the surviving entity);
(b) The assumption of such outstanding Award by the surviving entity or its parent, provided that the assumption of an Option or a SAR shall comply with applicable tax requirements;
(c) The substitution by the surviving entity or its parent of an equivalent award for such outstanding Award (including, but not limited to, an award to acquire the same consideration paid to the holders of Common Shares in the transaction), provided that the substitution of an Option or a SAR shall comply with applicable tax requirements;
(d) In the case of an Option or SAR, the cancellation of such Award without payment of any consideration. An Optionee shall be able to exercise his or her outstanding Option or SAR, to the extent such Option or SAR is then vested or become vested as of the effective time of the transaction, during a period of not less than five full business days preceding the closing date of the transaction, unless (i) a shorter period is required to permit a timely closing of the transaction and (ii) such shorter period still offers the Optionees a reasonable opportunity to exercise such Option or SAR. Any exercise of such Option or SAR during such period may be contingent on the closing of the transaction;
(e) The cancellation of such Award and a payment to the Participant with respect to each share subject to the portion of the Award that is vested or becomes vested as of the effective time of the transaction equal to the excess of (A) the value, as determined by the Administrator in its absolute discretion, of the property (including cash) received by the holder of a Common Share as a result of the transaction, over (if applicable) (B) the per-share Exercise Price of such Award (such excess, if any, the Spread). Such payment shall be made in the form of cash, cash equivalents, or securities of the surviving entity or its parent having a value equal to the Spread. In
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addition, any escrow, holdback, earn-out or similar provisions in the transaction agreement may apply to such payment to the same extent and in the same manner as such provisions apply to the holders of Common Shares. If the Spread applicable to an Award (whether or not vested) is zero or a negative number, then the Award may be cancelled without making a payment to the Participant. In the event that an Award is subject to Code Section 409A, the payment described in this clause (e) shall be made on the settlement date specified in the applicable Award Agreement, provided that settlement may be accelerated in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(j)(4); or
(f) The assignment of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company in respect of an Award of Restricted Shares to the surviving entity or its parent, with corresponding proportionate adjustments made to the price per share to be paid upon exercise of any such reacquisition or repurchase rights.
Unless an Award Agreement provides otherwise, each outstanding Award held by a Participant who remains a Service Provider as of the effective time of a merger, consolidation or Change in Control (other than one described in Article 14.6(d)) (a Current Participant) shall become fully vested and, if applicable, exercisable immediately prior to the effective time of the transaction and, in the case of an Award subject to performance-based vesting conditions, such performance-based vesting conditions shall be deemed achieved at 100% of target levels. However, the prior sentence shall not apply, and an outstanding Award shall not become vested and, if applicable, exercisable, if and to the extent the Award is continued, assumed or substituted as provided for in clauses (a), (b) or (c) above. In addition, the prior two sentences shall not apply to an Award held by a Participant who is not a Current Participant unless an Award Agreement provides otherwise or unless the Company and the acquirer agree otherwise.
For avoidance of doubt, the Administrator shall have the discretion, exercisable either at the time an Award is granted or at any time while the Award remains outstanding, to provide for the acceleration of vesting upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, whether or not the Award is to be assumed or replaced in the transaction, or in connection with a termination of the Participants service following a transaction.
Any action taken under this Article 9.3 shall either preserve an Awards status as exempt from Code Section 409A or comply with Code Section 409A.
ARTICLE 10. OTHER AWARDS.
Subject in all events to the limitations under Article 3 above as to the number of Common Shares available for issuance under this Plan, the Company may grant other forms of Awards not specifically described herein and may grant awards under other plans or programs, where such awards are settled in the form of Common Shares issued under this Plan. Such Common Shares shall be treated for all purposes under the Plan like Common Shares issued in settlement of Restricted Stock Units and shall, when issued, reduce the number of Common Shares available under Article 3.
ARTICLE 11. LIMITATION ON RIGHTS.
11.1 Retention Rights. Neither the Plan nor any Award granted under the Plan shall be deemed to give any individual a right to remain a Service Provider. The Company and its Parents, Subsidiaries and Affiliates reserve the right to terminate the Service of any Service Provider at any time, with or without cause, subject to applicable laws, the Companys certificate of incorporation and by-laws and a written employment agreement (if any).
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11.2 Stockholders Rights. Except as set forth in Article 7.4 or 8.4 above, a Participant shall have no dividend rights, voting rights or other rights as a stockholder with respect to any Common Shares covered by his or her Award prior to the time when a stock certificate for such Common Shares is issued or, if applicable, the time when he or she becomes entitled to receive such Common Shares by filing any required notice of exercise and paying any required Exercise Price. No adjustment shall be made for cash dividends or other rights for which the record date is prior to such time, except as expressly provided in the Plan.
11.3 Regulatory Requirements. Any other provision of the Plan notwithstanding, the obligation of the Company to issue Common Shares under the Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations and such approval by any regulatory body as may be required. The Company reserves the right to restrict, in whole or in part, the delivery of Common Shares pursuant to any Award prior to the satisfaction of all legal requirements relating to the issuance of such Common Shares, to their registration, qualification or listing or to an exemption from registration, qualification or listing. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed necessary by the Companys counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Common Shares hereunder, will relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Common Shares as to which such requisite authority will not have been obtained.
11.4 Transferability of Awards. The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, permit transfer of an Award in a manner consistent with applicable law. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, Awards shall be transferable by a Participant only by (a) beneficiary designation, (b) a will or (c) the laws of descent and distribution; provided that, in any event, an ISO may only be transferred by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of the Optionee only by the Optionee or by the Optionees guardian or legal representative.
11.5 Recoupment Policy. All Awards granted under the Plan, all amounts paid under the Plan and all Common Shares issued under the Plan shall be subject to recoupment, clawback or recovery by the Company in accordance with applicable law and with Company policy (whenever adopted) regarding same, whether or not such policy is intended to satisfy the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or other applicable law, as well as any implementing regulations and/or listing standards thereunder.
11.6 Other Conditions and Restrictions on Common Shares. Any Common Shares issued under the Plan shall be subject to such forfeiture conditions, rights of repurchase, rights of first refusal, other transfer restrictions and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator may determine. Such conditions and restrictions shall be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement and shall apply in addition to any restrictions that may apply to holders of Common Shares generally. In addition, Common Shares issued under the Plan shall be subject to such conditions and restrictions imposed either by applicable law or by Company policy, as adopted from time to time, designed to ensure compliance with applicable law or laws with which the Company determines in its sole discretion to comply including in order to maintain any statutory, regulatory or tax advantage.
ARTICLE 12. TAXES.
12.1 General. It is a condition to each Award under the Plan that a Participant or his or her successor shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Company for the satisfaction of any federal, state, local or foreign withholding tax obligations that arise in connection with any Award granted under the Plan. The Company shall not be required to issue any Common Shares or make any cash payment under the Plan unless such obligations are satisfied.
12.2 Share Withholding. To the extent that applicable law subjects a Participant to tax withholding obligations, the Administrator may permit such Participant to satisfy all or part of such obligations by having the Company withhold all or a portion of any Common Shares that otherwise would be issued to him or her or by surrendering all or a portion of any Common Shares that he or she previously acquired. Such Common Shares shall be valued on the date when they are withheld or surrendered. Any payment of taxes by assigning Common Shares to the Company may be subject to restrictions including any restrictions required by SEC, accounting or other rules.
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12.3 Section 409A Matters. Except as otherwise expressly set forth in an Award Agreement, it is intended that Awards granted under the Plan either be exempt from, or comply with, the requirements of Code Section 409A. To the extent an Award is subject to Code Section 409A (a 409A Award), the terms of the Plan, the Award and any written agreement governing the Award shall be interpreted to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A so that the Award is not subject to additional tax or interest under Code Section 409A, unless the Administrator expressly provides otherwise. A 409A Award shall be subject to such additional rules and requirements as specified by the Administrator from time to time in order for it to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A. In this regard, if any amount under a 409A Award is payable upon a separation from service to an individual who is considered a specified employee (as each term is defined under Code Section 409A), then no such payment shall be made prior to the date that is the earlier of (i) six months and one day after the Participants separation from service or (ii) the Participants death, but only to the extent such delay is necessary to prevent such payment from being subject to Code Section 409A(a)(1).
12.4 Limitation on Liability. Neither the Company nor any person serving as Administrator shall have any liability to a Participant in the event an Award held by the Participant fails to achieve its intended characterization under applicable tax law.
ARTICLE 13. FUTURE OF THE PLAN.
13.1 Term of the Plan. The Plan, as set forth herein, shall become effective on the date of its adoption by the Board, subject to approval of the Companys stockholders under Article 13.3 below. The Plan shall terminate automatically 10 years after the date when the Board adopted the Plan.
13.2 Amendment or Termination. The Board may, at any time and for any reason, amend or terminate the Plan. No Awards shall be granted under the Plan after the termination thereof. The termination of the Plan, or any amendment thereof, shall not affect any Award previously granted under the Plan.
13.3 Stockholder Approval. To the extent required by applicable law, the Plan will be subject to the approval of the Companys stockholders within 12 months of its adoption date. An amendment of the Plan shall be subject to the approval of the Companys stockholders only to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations or rules.
ARTICLE 14. DEFINITIONS.
14.1 Administrator means the Board or any Committee administering the Plan in accordance with Article 2.
14.2 Affiliate means any entity other than a Subsidiary, if the Company and/or one or more Subsidiaries own not less than 50% of such entity.
14.3 Award means any award granted under the Plan, including as an Option, a SAR, a Restricted Share award, a Restricted Stock Unit award or another form of equity-based compensation award.
14.4 Award Agreement means a Stock Option Agreement, a SAR Agreement, a Restricted Stock Agreement, a Restricted Stock Unit Agreement or such other agreement evidencing an Award granted under the Plan.
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14.5 Board means the Companys Board of Directors, as constituted from time to time and, where the context so requires, reference to the Board may refer to a Committee to whom the Board has delegated authority to administer any aspect of this Plan.
14.6 Change in Control means:
(a) Any person (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the Companys then-outstanding voting securities;
(b) The consummation of the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Companys assets;
(c) The consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into any other entity, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or its parent) more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity or its parent outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; or
(d) Individuals who are members of the Board (the Incumbent Board) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board over a period of 12 months; provided, however, that if the appointment or election (or nomination for election) of any new Board member was approved or recommended by a majority vote of the members of the Incumbent Board then still in office, such new member shall, for purposes of this Plan, be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board.
A transaction shall not constitute a Change in Control if its sole purpose is to change the state of the Companys incorporation or to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Companys securities immediately before such transaction. In addition, if a Change in Control constitutes a payment event with respect to any Award which provides for a deferral of compensation and is subject to Code Section 409A, then notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or applicable Award Agreement the transaction with respect to such Award must also constitute a change in control event as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) to the extent required by Code Section 409A.
14.7 Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
14.8 Committee means a committee of one or more members of the Board, or of other individuals satisfying applicable laws, appointed by the Board to administer the Plan.
14.9 Common Share means one share of the Companys common stock.
14.10 Company means Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
14.11 Consultant means a consultant or adviser who provides bona fide services to the Company, a Parent, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate as an independent contractor and who qualifies as a consultant or advisor under Instruction A.1.(a)(1) of Form S-8 under the Securities Act.
14.12 Employee means a common-law employee of the Company, a Parent, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate.
14.13 Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
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14.14 Exercise Price, in the case of an Option, means the amount for which one Common Share may be purchased upon exercise of such Option, as specified in the applicable Stock Option Agreement. Exercise Price, in the case of a SAR, means an amount, as specified in the applicable SAR Agreement, which is subtracted from the Fair Market Value of one Common Share in determining the amount payable upon exercise of such SAR.
14.15 Fair Market Value means the closing price of a Common Share on any established stock exchange or a national market system on the applicable date or, if the applicable date is not a trading day, on the last trading day prior to the applicable date, as reported in a source that the Administrator deems reliable. If Common Shares are not traded on an established stock exchange or a national market system, the Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Administrator in good faith on such basis as it deems appropriate. The Administrators determination shall be conclusive and binding on all persons. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the determination of the Fair Market Value in all cases shall be in accordance with the requirements set forth under Section 409A of the Code to the extent necessary for an Award to comply with, or be exempt from, Section 409A of the Code.
14.16 IPO Date means the effective date of the registration statement filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission for its initial offering of the Common Shares to the public.
14.17 ISO means an incentive stock option described in Code Section 422(b).
14.18 NSO means a stock option not described in Code Sections 422 or 423.
14.19 Option means an ISO or NSO granted under the Plan and entitling the holder to purchase Common Shares.
14.20 Optionee means an individual or estate holding an Option or SAR.
14.21 Outside Director means a member of the Board who is not an Employee.
14.22 Parent means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company, if each of the corporations other than the Company owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain. A corporation that attains the status of a Parent on a date after the adoption of the Plan shall be considered a Parent commencing as of such date.
14.23 Participant means an individual or estate holding an Award.
14.24 Plan means this Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.
14.25 Predecessor Plan means the Companys 2016 Stock Plan, as amended.
14.26 Restricted Share means a Common Share awarded under the Plan.
14.27 Restricted Stock Agreement means the agreement consistent with the terms of the Plan between the Company and the recipient of a Restricted Share that contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to such Restricted Share.
14.28 Restricted Stock Unit means a bookkeeping entry representing the equivalent of one Common Share, as awarded under the Plan.
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14.29 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement means the agreement consistent with the terms of the Plan between the Company and the recipient of a Restricted Stock Unit that contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to such Restricted Stock Unit.
14.30 SAR means a stock appreciation right granted under the Plan.
14.31 SAR Agreement means the agreement consistent with the terms of the Plan between the Company and an Optionee that contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to his or her SAR.
14.32 Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
14.33 Service Provider means any individual who is an Employee, Outside Director or Consultant, including any prospective Employee, Outside Director or Consultant who has accepted an offer of employment or service and will be an Employee, Outside Director or Consultant after the commencement of their service.
14.34 Stock Option Agreement means the agreement consistent with the terms of the Plan between the Company and an Optionee that contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to his or her Option.
14.35 Subsidiary means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company, if each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain. A corporation that attains the status of a Subsidiary on a date after the adoption of the Plan shall be considered a Subsidiary commencing as of such date
14.36 Substitute Awards means Awards or Common Shares issued by the Company in assumption of, or substitution or exchange for, awards previously granted, or the right or obligation to make future awards, in each case by a corporation acquired by the Company or any Affiliate or with which the Company or any Affiliate combines to the extent permitted by the applicable exchange listing standards.
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TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
2020 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT
You have been granted the following option to purchase shares of the common stock of Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the Company):
Name of Optionee: | «Name» | |||
Total Number of Shares: | «TotalShares» | |||
Type of Option: | «ISO» Incentive Stock Option | |||
«NSO»Nonstatutory Stock Option | ||||
Exercise Price per Share: | $«PricePerShare» | |||
Date of Grant: | «DateGrant» | |||
Vesting Commencement Date: | «VestDay» | |||
Vesting Schedule: | This option shall vest and become exercisable with respect to the first «CliffPercent» of the shares subject to this option when you complete «CliffPeriod» months of continuous service as an [Employee or Consultant][Outside Director] (Service) after the Vesting Commencement Date. This option shall vest and become exercisable with respect to an additional «IncrementalPercent» of the shares subject to this option when you complete each additional month of continuous Service thereafter. | |||
Expiration Date: | «ExpDate». This option expires earlier if your Service terminates earlier, as described in the Stock Option Agreement, and may terminate earlier in connection with certain corporate transactions as described in Article 9 of the Plan. |
You and the Company agree that this option is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Companys 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the Plan) and the Stock Option Agreement, both of which are attached to, and made a part of, this document. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Plan.
The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to options awarded under the Plan, future options that may be awarded under the Plan and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to security holders (including annual reports and proxy statements) by email or other electronic means (including by posting them on a website maintained by the Company or a third party under contract with the Company). You hereby consent to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agree to participate in the Plan through any on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or another third party designated by the Company. You acknowledge that you may incur costs in connection with any such delivery by means of electronic transmission, including the cost of accessing the Internet and printing fees, and that an interruption of Internet access may interfere with your ability to access the documents.
You further agree to comply with the Companys Insider Trading Policy when selling shares of the Companys common stock.
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TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
2020 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
Grant of Option | Subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant (the Grant Notice), this Stock Option Agreement (the Agreement) and the Plan, the Company has granted you an option to purchase up to the total number of shares specified in the Grant Notice at the exercise price indicated in the Grant Notice.
All capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them in this Agreement, the Grant Notice or the Plan. | |
Tax Treatment | This option is intended to be an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Code or a nonstatutory stock option, as provided in the Grant Notice. However, even if this option is designated as an incentive stock option in the Grant Notice, it shall be deemed to be a nonstatutory stock option to the extent it does not qualify as an incentive stock option under federal tax law, including under the $100,000 annual limitation under Section 422(d) of the Code. | |
Vesting | This option vests and becomes exercisable in accordance with the vesting schedule set forth in the Grant Notice. In no event will this option vest or become exercisable for additional shares after your Service has terminated for any reason unless expressly provided in a written agreement between you and the Company. | |
Term of Option | This option expires in any event at the close of business at Company headquarters on the day before the 10th anniversary of the Date of Grant, as shown in the Grant Notice. (This option will expire earlier if your Service terminates earlier, as described below, and this option may be terminated earlier as provided in Article 9 of the Plan.) | |
Termination of Service | If your Service terminates for any reason, this option will expire to the extent it is unvested as of your termination date and does not vest as a result of your termination of Service. The Company determines whether and when your Service terminates for all purposes of this option. | |
Regular Termination | If your Service terminates for any reason except death or total and permanent disability, then this option, to the extent vested as of your termination date, will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date three months after your termination date. | |
Death | If your Service terminates as a result of your death, then this option, to the extent vested as of the date of your death, will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date twelve months after the date of death. |
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Disability | If your Service terminates because of your total and permanent disability, then this option, to the extent vested as of your termination date, will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date six months after your termination date.
For all purposes under this Agreement, total and permanent disability means that you are unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted, or can be expected to last, for a continuous period of not less than one year. | |
Leaves of Absence and Part-Time Work | For purposes of this option, your Service does not terminate when you go on a military leave, a sick leave or another bona fide leave of absence, if the leave was approved by the Company in writing, and if continued crediting of Service is required by applicable law, the Companys leave of absence policy or the terms of your leave. However, your Service terminates when the approved leave ends, unless you immediately return to active work.
If you go on a leave of absence, or if you commence working on a part-time basis, the Company may adjust the vesting schedule in accordance with the Companys leave of absence policy or the terms of your leave or so that the rate of vesting is commensurate with your reduced work schedule, as applicable. | |
Restrictions on Exercise | The Company will not permit you to exercise this option if the issuance of shares at that time would violate any law or regulation. | |
Notice of Exercise | When you wish to exercise this option, you must notify the Company by filing the proper Notice of Exercise form at the address given on the form or, if the Company has designated a third party to administer the Plan, you must notify such third party in the manner such third party requires. Your notice must specify how many shares you wish to purchase. The notice will be effective when the Company receives it.
However, if you wish to exercise this option by executing a same-day sale (as described below), you must follow the instructions of the Company and the broker who will execute the sale.
If someone else wants to exercise this option after your death, that person must prove to the Companys satisfaction that he or she is entitled to do so. You may only exercise your option for whole shares. | |
Form of Payment | When you submit your notice of exercise, you must make arrangements for the payment of the option exercise price for the shares that you are
purchasing. To the extent permitted by applicable law, payment may be made in one (or a combination of two or more) of the following forms:
By delivering to the Company your personal check, a cashiers check or a money order, or arranging for a wire transfer.
By giving to a securities broker approved by the Company irrevocable directions to sell all or part of your option shares and to deliver to the Company, from the sale proceeds, an amount sufficient to pay the option exercise price and any Tax-Related Items (as defined below). (The balance of the sale proceeds, if any, will be delivered to you.) The directions must be given in accordance with the instructions of the Company and the broker. This exercise method is sometimes called a same-day sale.
The Company may permit other forms of payment in its discretion to the extent permitted by the Plan. |
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Withholding Taxes | Regardless of any action the Company (or, if applicable, the Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate employing or retaining you (the Employer)) takes with respect to any or all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, payment on account or other tax-related items related to the participation in the Plan and legally applicable to you (Tax-Related Items), you acknowledge that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items is and remains your responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company and/or the Employer. You further acknowledge that the Company and the Employer (1) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the options, including, but not limited to, the grant, vesting or exercise of the option, the issuance of shares upon exercise of the option, the subsequent sale of shares acquired pursuant to such exercise and the receipt of any dividends and/or any dividend equivalents; and (2) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the option or any aspect of the option to reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if you are subject to tax in more than one jurisdiction, you acknowledge that the Company and/or the Employer may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.
You will not be allowed to exercise this option unless you make arrangements acceptable to the Company and/or the Employer to pay any Tax-Related Items that the Company and/or the Employer determine must be withheld. These arrangements include payment in cash or via the same-day sale procedure described above. With the Companys consent, these arrangements may also include (a) withholding shares of Company stock that otherwise would be issued to you when you exercise this option with a value equal to withholding taxes, (b) surrendering shares that you previously acquired with a value equal to the withholding taxes, or (c) withholding cash from other compensation. The value of withheld or surrendered shares, determined as of the date when taxes otherwise would have been withheld in cash, will be applied to the Tax-Related Items. | |
Restrictions on Resale | You agree not to sell any option shares at a time when applicable laws, Company policies or an agreement between the Company and its underwriters prohibit a sale. This restriction will apply as long as your Service continues and for such period of time after the termination of your Service as the Company may specify. | |
Transfer of Option | Prior to your death, only you may exercise this option. You cannot transfer or assign this option. For instance, you may not sell this option or use it as security for a loan. If you attempt to do any of these things, this option will immediately become invalid. You may, however, dispose of this option in your will or by means of a written beneficiary designation (if authorized by the Company and to the extent such beneficiary designation is valid under applicable law) which must be filed with the Company on the proper form; provided, however, that your beneficiary or a representative of your estate acknowledges and agrees in writing in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company, to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement and the Plan as if such beneficiary or representative of the estate were you.
Regardless of any marital property settlement agreement, the Company is not obligated to honor a notice of exercise from your former spouse, nor is the Company obligated to recognize your former spouses interest in your option in any other way. |
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No Retention Rights | You understand that neither this option nor this Agreement alters the at-will nature of your relationship with the Company. Your option or this Agreement does not give you the right to be retained by the Company, a Parent, Subsidiary, or an Affiliate in any capacity. The Company and its Parents, Subsidiaries, and Affiliates reserve the right to terminate your Service at any time, with or without cause. | |
Stockholder Rights | You, or your estate or heirs, have no rights as a stockholder of the Company until you have exercised this option by giving the required notice to the Company, paying the exercise price, and satisfying any applicable Tax-Related Items. No adjustments are made for dividends or other rights if the applicable record date occurs before you exercise this option, except as described in the Plan. | |
Recoupment Policy | This option, and the shares acquired upon exercise of this option, shall be subject to any Company recoupment or clawback policy in effect from time to time. | |
Adjustments | In the event of a stock split, a stock dividend or a similar change in Company common stock, the number of shares covered by this option and the exercise price per share will be adjusted pursuant to the Plan. | |
Effect of Significant Corporate Transactions | If the Company is a party to a merger, consolidation, or certain change in control transactions, then this option will be subject to the applicable provisions of Article 9 of the Plan. | |
Applicable Law | This Agreement will be interpreted and enforced under the laws of the State of Delaware (without regard to its choice-of-law provisions). | |
The Plan and Other Agreements | The text of the Plan is incorporated in this Agreement by reference.
This Plan, this Agreement and the Grant Notice constitute the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding this option. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning this option are superseded. This Agreement may be amended only by another written agreement between the parties. |
BY ACCEPTING THIS OPTION GRANT, YOU AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND IN THE PLAN.
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TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
2020 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
NOTICE OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD
You have been granted Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), each representing the right to receive one share of common stock of Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the Company) on the following terms:
Name of Recipient: | «Name» | |||
Total Number of RSUs Granted: | «TotalRSUs» | |||
Date of Grant: | «DateGrant» | |||
Vesting Schedule: | The first «CliffPercent»% of the RSUs subject to this award will vest on «InitialVestDate», an additional «IncrementPercent»% of the RSUs subject to this award will vest on «SecondVestDate», and an additional «IncrementPercent»% of the RSUs subject to this award will vest on the final day of each «IncrementPeriod»-month period thereafter, provided that you remain in continuous service as an [Employee or Consultant][Outside Director] (Service) through each such date. |
You and the Company agree that these RSUs are granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Companys 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the Plan) and the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, both of which are attached to, and made a part of, this document. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Plan.
The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to RSUs awarded under the Plan, future RSUs that may be awarded under the Plan and all documents that the Company is required to deliver to security holders (including annual reports and proxy statements) by email or other electronic means (including posting them on a website maintained by the Company or a third party under contract with the Company). You hereby consent to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agree to participate in the Plan through any on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or another third party designated by the Company. You acknowledge that you may incur costs in connection with any such delivery by means of electronic transmission, including the cost of accessing the Internet and printing fees, and that an interruption of Internet access may interfere with your ability to access the documents.
You further agree to comply with the Companys Insider Trading Policy when selling shares of the Companys common stock.
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TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
2020 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
Grant of RSUs | Subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth in the Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award (the Grant Notice), this Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (the Agreement) and the Plan, the Company has granted to you the number of RSUs set forth in the Grant Notice.
All capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them in this Agreement, the Grant Notice or the Plan. | |
Nature of RSUs | Your RSUs are bookkeeping entries. They represent only the Companys unfunded and unsecured promise to issue shares of common stock on a future date. As a holder of RSUs, you have no rights other than the rights of a general creditor of the Company. | |
Payment for RSUs | No payment is required for the RSUs that you are receiving. | |
Vesting | The RSUs vest in accordance with the vesting schedule set forth in the Grant Notice. In no event will any additional RSUs vest after your Service has terminated for any reason unless expressly provided in a written agreement between you and the Company. | |
Termination of Service/Forfeiture | If your Service terminates for any reason, then your RSUs will be forfeited to the extent that they have not vested before the termination date and do not vest as a result of the termination of your Service. This means that any RSUs that have not vested under this Agreement will be cancelled immediately. You will receive no payment for RSUs that are forfeited. The Company determines when your Service terminates for all purposes of your RSUs. | |
Leaves of Absence and Part-Time Work | For purposes of this award, your Service does not terminate when you go on a military leave, a sick leave or another bona fide leave of absence, if the leave was approved by the Company in writing and if continued crediting of Service is required by applicable law, the Companys leave of absence policy or the terms of your leave. However, your Service terminates when the approved leave ends, unless you immediately return to active work.
If you go on a leave of absence, or if you commence working on a part-time basis, the Company may adjust the vesting schedule in accordance with the Companys leave of absence policy or the terms of your leave or so that the rate of vesting is commensurate with your reduced work schedule, as applicable. |
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Settlement of RSUs | Each RSU will be settled as soon as practicable on or following the date when it vests, but in any event within 60 days following the vesting date (unless you and the Company have agreed in writing to a later settlement date pursuant to procedures the Company may prescribe at its discretion). In no event will you be permitted, directly or indirectly, to specify the taxable year of settlement of any RSUs subject to this award.
At the time of settlement, you will receive one share of the Companys common stock for each vested RSU.
No fractional shares will be issued upon settlement. | |
Section 409A | Unless you and the Company have agreed to a deferred settlement date (pursuant to procedures that the Company may prescribe at its discretion), settlement of these restricted stock units is intended to be exempt from the application of Code Section 409A pursuant to Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(4) and shall be administered and interpreted in a manner that complies with such exception.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if it is determined that settlement of these RSUs is not exempt from Code Section 409A and the Company determines that you are a specified employee, as defined in the regulations under Code Section 409A at the time of your separation from service, as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h), then this paragraph will apply. If this paragraph applies, and the event triggering settlement is your separation from service, then any RSUs that otherwise would have been settled during the first six months following your separation from service will instead be settled on the first business day following the earlier of (i) the six-month anniversary of your separation from service or (ii) your death.
Each installment of RSUs that vests is hereby designated as a separate payment for purposes of Code Section 409A. | |
No Voting Rights or Dividends | Your RSUs carry neither voting rights nor rights to cash dividends. You have no rights as a stockholder of the Company unless and until your RSUs are settled by issuing shares of the Companys common stock. | |
RSUs Nontransferable | You may not sell, transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise dispose of any RSUs. For instance, you may not use your RSUs as security for a loan. In addition, regardless of any marital property settlement agreement, the Company is not obligated to recognize your former spouses interest in your RSUs in any way. | |
Beneficiary Designation | You may dispose of your RSUs in a written beneficiary designation if authorized by the Company and to the extent such beneficiary designation is valid under applicable law. Any beneficiary designation must be filed with the Company on the proper form. It will be recognized only if it has been received at the Companys headquarters before your death. If you file no beneficiary designation or if none of your designated beneficiaries survives you, then your estate will receive any vested RSUs that you hold at the time of your death. |
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Withholding Taxes | Regardless of any action the Company (or, if applicable, the Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate employing or retaining you (the Employer)) takes with respect to any or all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, payment on account or other tax-related items related to the participation in the Plan and legally applicable to you (Tax-Related Items), you acknowledge that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items is and remains your responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company and/or the Employer. You further acknowledge that the Company and the Employer (1) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the RSUs, including, but not limited to, the grant or vesting of the RSUs, the issuance of shares upon vesting of the RSUs, the subsequent sale of shares acquired pursuant to such vesting and the receipt of any dividends and/or any dividend equivalents; and (2) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the RSUs or any aspect of the RSUs to reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if you are subject to tax in more than one jurisdiction, you acknowledge that the Company and/or the Employer may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.
No shares will be distributed to you unless you have made arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Employer for the payment of any Tax-Related Items that the Company and/or the Employer determine must be withheld. In this regard, you authorize the Company, at its sole discretion, to satisfy your Tax-Related Items by one or a combination of the following:
☐ Withholding the amount of any Tax-Related Items from your wages or other cash compensation paid to you by the Company and/or the Employer.
☐ Instructing a brokerage firm selected by the Company for this purpose to sell on your behalf a number of whole shares of Company stock to be issued to you when the RSUs are settled that the Company determines are appropriate to generate cash proceeds sufficient to satisfy the Tax-Related Items. You acknowledge that the Company or its designee is under no obligation to arrange for such sale at any particular price. Regardless of whether the Company arranges for such sale, you will be responsible for all fees and other costs of sale, and you agree to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any losses, costs, damages or expenses relating to any such sale.
☐ Withholding shares of Company stock that would otherwise be issued to you when the RSUs are settled equal in value to the Tax-Related Items. The fair market value of the withheld shares, determined as of the date when taxes otherwise would have been withheld in cash, will be applied to the Tax-Related Items.
☐ Any other means approved by the Company.
You agree to pay to the Company in cash any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company does not elect to satisfy by the means described above. To the extent you fail to make satisfactory arrangements for the payment of any required withholding taxes, you will permanently forfeit the applicable RSUs. | |
Restrictions on Issuance | The Company will not issue any shares to you if the issuance of shares at that time would violate any law or regulation. |
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Restrictions on Resale | You agree not to sell any shares at a time when applicable laws, Company policies or an agreement between the Company and its underwriters prohibit a sale. This restriction will apply as long as your Service continues and for such period of time after the termination of your Service as the Company may specify. | |
No Retention Rights | You understand that neither this award nor this Agreement alters the at-will nature of your relationship with the Company. Your award or this Agreement does not give you the right to be retained by the Company, a Parent, Subsidiary, or an Affiliate in any capacity. The Company and its Parents, Subsidiaries, and Affiliates reserve the right to terminate your Service at any time, with or without cause. | |
Adjustments | In the event of a stock split, a stock dividend or a similar change in Company stock, the number of your RSUs will be adjusted pursuant to the Plan. | |
Effect of Significant Corporate Transactions | If the Company is a party to a merger, consolidation, or certain change in control transactions, then your RSUs will be subject to the applicable provisions of Article 9 of the Plan, provided that any action taken must either (a) preserve the exemption of your RSUs from Code Section 409A or (b) comply with Code Section 409A. | |
Recoupment Policy | This award, and the shares acquired upon settlement of this award, shall be subject to any Company recoupment or clawback policy in effect from time to time. | |
Applicable Law | This Agreement will be interpreted and enforced under the laws of the State of Delaware (without regard to its choice-of-law provisions). | |
The Plan and Other Agreements | The text of the Plan is incorporated in this Agreement by reference. The Plan, this Agreement and the Grant Notice constitute the entire understanding between you and the Company regarding this award. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning this award are superseded. This Agreement may be amended only by another written agreement between the parties. |
BY ACCEPTING THIS RSU AWARD, YOU AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND IN THE PLAN.
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Exhibit 10.4
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
2020 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
(AS ADOPTED ON OCTOBER 8, 2020)
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
2020 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
SECTION 1. PURPOSE OF THE PLAN.
The Board adopted the Plan effective as of the IPO Date. The purpose of the Plan is to provide Eligible Employees with an opportunity to increase their proprietary interest in the success of the Company by purchasing Stock from the Company on favorable terms and to pay for such purchases through payroll deductions or other approved contributions.
SECTION 2. ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN.
(a) General. The Plan may be administered by the Board or one or more Committees to which the Board (or an authorized Board committee) has delegated authority. If administration is delegated to a Committee, the Committee shall have the powers theretofore possessed by the Board, including, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the power to delegate to a sub-committee any of the administrative powers the Committee is authorized to exercise (and references in this Plan to either the Board or the Administrator shall hereafter also encompass the Committee or subcommittee, as applicable). The Board may abolish the Committees delegation at any time and the Board shall at all times also retain the authority it has delegated to the Committee. Each Committee shall comply with rules and regulations applicable to it, including under the rules of any exchange on which the Stock is traded, and shall have the authority and be responsible for such functions as have been assigned to it.
(b) Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the terms of the Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated to the Committee, the Administrator shall have the power to establish the terms and conditions of Offering Periods (which need not be identical) under the Plan, to interpret the Plan and make all other policy decisions relating to the operation of the Plan. The Administrator may adopt such rules, guidelines and forms as it deems appropriate to implement the Plan.
(c) Effects of Administrators Decisions. The Administrators decisions, determinations and interpretations shall be final and binding on all interested parties.
(d) Governing Law. The Plan shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware (except its choice of law provisions).
SECTION 3. STOCK OFFERED UNDER THE PLAN.
(a) Authorized Shares. The number of shares of Stock available for purchase under the Plan shall be 2,300,000 shares of the Companys Stock (subject to adjustment pursuant to Subsection (c) below), plus the additional shares described in Subsection (b) below. Shares of Stock issued pursuant to the Plan may be authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares.
(b) Annual Increase in Shares. On the first day of each fiscal year of the Company during the term of the Plan, commencing on January 1, 2021 and ending on (and including) January 1, 2040, the aggregate number of shares of Stock that may be issued under the Plan shall automatically increase by a number equal to the least of (i) one percent (1%) of the total number of shares of Stock actually issued and outstanding on the last day of the preceding fiscal year, (ii) 2,300,000 shares of Stock (subject to adjustment pursuant to Subsection (c) below), or (iii) a number of shares of Stock determined by the Board.
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(c) Anti-Dilution Adjustments. In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, stock or other securities or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, reclassification, repurchase, or exchange of Stock or other securities of the Company, or other similar change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Stock and effected without receipt or payment of consideration by the Company occurs, then in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, there will be a proportionate adjustment of the number and class of Stock that may be delivered under the Plan, the Purchase Price per share and the number of shares and class of Stock covered by each option under the Plan which has not yet been exercised, and the numerical limits of Sections 3(a), 3(b)(ii) and 9(c).
(d) Reorganizations. In the event of a Corporate Reorganization, the outstanding rights to purchase Stock under any Offering Period then in progress may be continued, assumed or substituted by the surviving entity or its parent. If such acquirer refuses to continue, assume or substitute for any such rights, then a new Purchase Date for such Offering Period(s) will be set prior to the effective time of the Corporate Reorganization, the Participants accumulated contributions will be applied to purchase Stock on such date, and any such Offering Periods shall terminate immediately after such purchase. In the event a new Purchase Date is set under this Section 3(d), Participants will be given notice of the new Purchase Date. The Plan shall in no event be construed to restrict in any way the Companys right to undertake a dissolution, liquidation, merger, consolidation or other reorganization.
SECTION 4. ENROLLMENT AND PARTICIPATION.
(a) Offering Periods and Purchase Periods.
(i) | Base Offering Periods. The Administrator may from time to time establish Offering Periods (consisting of one or more Purchase Periods) of such frequency and duration as it may deem appropriate (the Base Offering Periods); provided that a Base Offering Period shall in no event be longer than 27 months (or such other period as may be imposed under applicable tax law). Each Base Offering Period shall contain such terms and conditions (consistent with the Plan) as the Administrator deems appropriate. Within the limits of the Plan, the Administrator may change the frequency, duration and other terms and conditions of the Base Offering Periods as it deems appropriate from time to time. The Base Offering Periods are intended to qualify under Code Section 423. |
(ii) | Additional Offering Periods. At the discretion of the Administrator, additional Offering Periods (the Additional Offering Periods) may be conducted under the Plan including, if necessary or advisable in the sole discretion of the Administrator, under a separate sub-plan or sub-plans, permitting grants to Eligible Employees of certain Participating Companies (each, a Sub-Plan). Such Additional Offering Periods will be designed to achieve desired tax objectives in particular locations outside the United States or to comply with local laws applicable to offerings in such foreign jurisdictions and may, but need not, qualify under Code Section 423. The Administrator shall determine the commencement and duration of each Additional Offering Period, and Additional Offering Periods may be consecutive or overlapping. The other terms and conditions of each Additional Offering Period shall be those set forth in this Plan |
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document or in terms and conditions approved by the Administrator with respect to such Additional Offering Period (whether or not set forth in a written Sub-Plan), with such changes or additional features as the Administrator determines necessary to comply with local law. Each Additional Offering Period (whether or not set forth in a written Sub-Plan) shall be considered a separate plan from the Plan (the Statutory Plan). The total number of Shares authorized to be issued under the Plan as provided in Section 3 above applies in the aggregate to both the Statutory Plan and any Additional Offering Period. Unless otherwise superseded by the terms and conditions approved by the Administrator with respect to an Additional Offering Period, the provisions of this Plan document shall govern the operation of any offering conducted hereunder. |
(iii) | Separate Offerings. Each Base Offering Period and each Additional Offering Period conducted under the Plan is intended to constitute a separate offering for purposes of Code Section 423. |
(iv) | Equal Rights and Privileges. To the extent an Offering Period is intended to qualify under Code Section 423, all participants in such Offering Period shall have the same rights and privileges with respect to their participation in such Offering Period in accordance with Code Section 423 and the regulations thereunder except for differences that may be mandated by local law and are consistent with the requirements of Code Section 423(b)(5). |
(b) Enrollment. In the case of any individual who qualifies as an Eligible Employee on the first day of any Offering Period, he or she may elect to become a Participant on such day by filing the prescribed enrollment form with the Company. The enrollment form shall be filed in the prescribed manner during the applicable Enrollment Period for such Offering Period. The Administrator may establish other procedures for enrollment by Eligible Employees.
(c) Duration of Participation. Once enrolled in the Plan, a Participant shall continue to participate in the Plan until he or she:
(i) | Reaches the end of the Offering Period or Purchase Period, as applicable, in which his or her employee contributions were discontinued under Section 5(c) or 9(b); |
(ii) | Withdraws from the Plan under Section 6(a); or |
(iii) | Ceases to be an Eligible Employee. |
A Participant whose employee contributions were discontinued automatically under Section 9(b) shall automatically resume participation as described therein. In all other cases, a former Participant may again become a Participant, if he or she then is an Eligible Employee, by following the procedure described in Subsection (b) above.
(d) Applicable Offering Period. For purposes of calculating the Purchase Price under Section 8(b), the applicable Offering Period shall be determined as follows:
(i) | Once a Participant is enrolled in the Plan for an Offering Period, such Offering Period shall continue to apply to him or her until the earliest of (A) the end of such Offering Period, (B) the end of his or her participation under Subsection (c) above, or (C) re-enrollment for a subsequent Offering Period under Paragraph (ii) or (iii) below. |
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(ii) | Any other provision of the Plan notwithstanding, the Administrator (at its sole discretion) may determine prior to the commencement of any new Offering Period that all Participants shall be re-enrolled for such new Offering Period. In addition, the Administrator may structure an Offering Period so that in the event that the Fair Market Value of a Share on the first day of the Offering Period for which the Participant is enrolled is higher than on the first day of any subsequent Offering Period, the Participant shall automatically be re-enrolled for such subsequent Offering Period. |
(iii) | When a Participant reaches the end of an Offering Period but his or her participation is to continue, then such Participant shall automatically be re-enrolled for the Offering Period that commences immediately after the end of the prior Offering Period. |
SECTION 5. EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS.
(a) Commencement of Payroll Deductions. A Participant may purchase shares of Stock under the Plan by means of payroll deductions or (if so approved by the Administrator with respect to all Participants in a Base Offering Period) other approved contributions in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrator. Payroll deductions or other approved contributions shall commence as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company has received the prescribed enrollment form. In jurisdictions where payroll deductions are not permitted under local law, Participants may purchase shares of Stock by making contributions in the form that is acceptable and approved by the Administrator.
(b) Amount of Payroll Deductions. An Eligible Employee shall designate on the prescribed enrollment form the portion of his or her Compensation that he or she elects to have withheld for the purchase of Stock. Such portion shall be a whole percentage of the Eligible Employees Compensation, but not less than 1% nor more than 50% (or such lesser percentage established by the Administrator for an Offering Period).
(c) Reducing Withholding Rate or Discontinuing Payroll Deductions. If a Participant wishes to reduce his or her rate of payroll withholding, such Participant may do so by filing a new enrollment form with the Company in the manner prescribed by the Administrator. The new withholding rate shall be effective as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company has received such form. The new withholding rate may be 0% or any whole percentage of the Participants Compensation, but not more than his or her old withholding rate. The Administrator may limit the number of times a Participant may elect to reduce his or her rate of withholding during any Offering Period and/or Purchase Period. Unless a different rule is established for an Offering Period, no Participant shall make more than one election under this Subsection (c) during any Purchase Period. (In addition, employee contributions may be discontinued automatically pursuant to Section 9(b).)
(d) Increasing Withholding Rate. Unless the Administrator establishes a different rule for an Offering Period, a Participant may not increase his or her rate of payroll withholding during a Purchase Period. If a Participant wishes to increase his or her rate of payroll withholding, such Participant may do so by filing a new enrollment form with the Company at least fifteen (15) calendar days prior to commencement of a Purchase Period (or such other period as is specified by the Administrator). The new withholding rate shall be effective on the first day of the next-upcoming Purchase Period in which the Participant participates. The new withholding rate may be any whole percentage of the Participants Compensation, but not less than 1% nor more than the maximum amount established for the Offering Period.
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SECTION 6. WITHDRAWAL FROM THE PLAN.
(a) Withdrawal. A Participant may elect to withdraw from the Plan (and the Offering Period in which he or she is participating) by filing the prescribed form with the Company in the prescribed manner at least fifteen (15) calendar days prior to a Purchase Date (or such other period as is specified by the Administrator). As soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, payroll deductions or other approved contributions shall cease and the entire amount credited to the Participants Plan Account with respect to such Offering Period shall be refunded to him or her in cash, without interest (except as otherwise required by the laws of the local jurisdiction). No partial withdrawals from an Offering Period shall be permitted.
(b) Re-Enrollment After Withdrawal. A former Participant who has withdrawn from the Plan shall not be a Participant until he or she re-enrolls in the Plan under Section 4(b) during an Enrollment Period. Re-enrollment may be effective only at the commencement of an Offering Period.
SECTION 7. CHANGE IN EMPLOYMENT STATUS.
(a) Termination of Employment. Termination of employment as an Eligible Employee for any reason, including death, shall be treated as an automatic withdrawal from the Plan under Section 6(a).
(b) Transfers of Employment. If a Participant transfers employment from a Participating Company that is participating in a Base Offering Period to a Participating Company that is participating in an Additional Offering Period, he or she will immediately cease to participate in the Base Offering Period, as applicable; however, such Participants Plan Account will be transferred to the Additional Offering Period, and such Participant will immediately join such Additional Offering Period on the terms and conditions applicable to such Additional Offering Period, except for any modifications required by applicable law. If a Participant transfers employment from a Participating Company that is participating in an Additional Offering Period to a Participating Company that is participating in the Base Offering Period, he or she will continue to participate in the Additional Offering Period until the earlier of (i) the end of such Additional Offering Period, or (ii) the commencement of the first Base Offering Period in which he or she is eligible. If a Participant transfers employment from a Participating Company to a Related Corporation that is not a Participating Company, he or she shall be deemed to have withdrawn from the Plan pursuant to Section 6(a).
(c) Leave of Absence. For purposes of the Plan, employment shall not be deemed to terminate when the Participant goes on a military leave, a sick leave or another bona fide leave of absence, if the leave was approved by the Company in writing. Employment, however, shall be deemed to terminate on the first day following three months after the Participant goes on a leave, unless a contract or statute guarantees his or her right to return to work. Employment shall be deemed to terminate in any event when the approved leave ends, unless the Participant immediately returns to work.
(d) Death. In the event of the Participants death, the amount credited to his or her Plan Account shall be paid in cash, without interest (unless otherwise required by the laws of the local jurisdiction), to a beneficiary designated by him or her for this purpose on the prescribed form or, if none, to the Participants estate. Such form shall be valid only if it was filed with the Company at the prescribed location before the Participants death.
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SECTION 8. PLAN ACCOUNTS AND PURCHASE OF SHARES.
(a) Plan Accounts. The Company shall maintain a Plan Account on its books in the name of each Participant. Whenever an amount is deducted from the Participants Compensation under the Plan, such amount shall be credited to the Participants Plan Account. Unless otherwise required by the laws of the local jurisdiction, (i) amounts credited to Plan Accounts shall not be trust funds and may be commingled with the Companys general assets and applied to general corporate purposes, and (ii) no interest shall be credited to Plan Accounts.
(b) Purchase Price. The Administrator shall establish the Purchase Price for each Offering Period; provided, however, that the Purchase Price for each share of Stock purchased on a Purchase Date shall not be less than the lower of:
(i) | 85% of the Fair Market Value of such share on the first trading day of such Offering Period; or |
(ii) | 85% of the Fair Market Value of such share on the Purchase Date. |
(c) Number of Shares Purchased. On each Purchase Date, each Participant shall be deemed to have elected to purchase the number of shares of Stock calculated in accordance with this Subsection (c), unless the Participant has previously elected to withdraw from the Offering Period in accordance with Section 6(a). The amount then in the Participants Plan Account shall be divided by the Purchase Price, and the number of shares that results shall be purchased from the Company with the funds in the Participants Plan Account. The foregoing number of shares of Stock that may be purchased by a Participant are subject to the limitations set forth in Subsection (d) below and in Section 9. The Administrator may determine with respect to all Participants in an Offering Period that any fractional share, as calculated under this Subsection (c), shall be (i) rounded down to the next lower whole share or (ii) credited as a fractional share.
(d) Available Shares Insufficient. In the event that the aggregate number of shares that all Participants elect to purchase with respect to a particular Purchase Period exceeds (i) the number of shares of Stock that were available under Section 3 above for sale under the Plan on the first day of the applicable Offering Period, or (ii) the number of shares that were available under Section 3 above for sale under the Plan on the applicable Purchase Date, then the number of shares to which each Participant is entitled shall be determined by multiplying the number of shares available for issuance by a fraction. The numerator of such fraction is the number of shares that such Participant has elected to purchase, and the denominator of such fraction is the number of shares that all Participants have elected to purchase. The Company may make a pro rata allocation of the shares available on the first day of an applicable Offering Period pursuant to the preceding sentence, notwithstanding any authorization of additional shares for issuance under the Plan by the Companys stockholders subsequent to such date. In the event of a pro-rata allocation under this Section (d), the Administrator may determine in its discretion to continue all Offering Periods then in effect or terminate all Offering Periods then in effect pursuant to Section 14.
(e) Issuance of Stock. The shares of Stock purchased by a Participant under the Plan will be registered in the name of such Participant. The Company may permit or require that shares be deposited directly with a broker designated by the Company or to a designated agent of the Company, and the Company may utilize electronic or automated methods of share transfer. The Company may require that shares be retained with such broker or agent for a designated period of time and/or may establish other procedures to permit tracking of disqualifying dispositions of such shares. (The two preceding sentences shall apply whether or not the Participant is required to pay income tax in the United States.)
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(f) Tax Withholding. To the extent required by applicable federal, state, local or foreign law, a Participant shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Company for the satisfaction of any withholding tax obligations that arise in connection with the Plan. The Company shall not be required to issue any shares of Stock under the Plan until such obligations, if any, are satisfied.
(g) Unused Cash Balances. Subject to the final sentence of Section 8(c), any amount remaining in a Participants Plan Account at the end of a Purchase Period solely by reason of the inability to purchase a fractional share will be carried over to the next Offering Period or Purchase Period, as applicable. Any amount remaining in the Participants Plan Account that represents the Purchase Price for whole shares that could not be purchased by reason of Subsections (c) or (d) above or Section 9(b) shall be refunded to the Participant in cash, without interest (except as otherwise required by the laws of the local jurisdiction).
(h) Stockholder Approval. Any other provision of the Plan notwithstanding, no shares of Stock shall be purchased under the Plan unless and until the Companys stockholders have approved the adoption of the Plan.
SECTION 9. PLAN LIMITATIONS.
(a) Five Percent Limit. Any other provision of the Plan notwithstanding, no Participant shall be granted a right to purchase Stock under the Plan if, immediately after such right is granted, such Participant would own stock possessing 5% or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Company or any Related Corporation, applying the stock attribution rules of Code Section 424(d), and including any stock in which the Participant may purchase under outstanding options as stock owned by such Participant.
(b) Dollar Limit. As specified by Code Section 423(b)(8), no Participant shall be entitled to accrue rights to purchase Stock pursuant to any such rights outstanding under the Plan if and to the extent such accrual, when aggregated with (i) rights to purchase Stock accrued under any other right to purchase Stock under the Plan, and (ii) similar rights accrued under other employee stock purchase plans (within the meaning of Code Section 423) of the Company or any Related Corporation, would otherwise permit such Participant to purchase more than $25,000 worth of Stock of the Company or any Related Corporation (determined on the basis of the Fair Market Value per share on the date such rights are granted, and which, with respect to the Plan, will be determined as of the beginning of the respective Offering Period) for each calendar year such rights are at any time outstanding.
If a Participant is precluded by this Subsection (b) from purchasing additional Stock under the Plan, then his or her employee contributions shall automatically be discontinued and shall automatically resume at the beginning of the next Purchase Period with a scheduled Purchase Date in the next calendar year, provided that he or she is an Eligible Employee at the beginning of such Purchase Period.
(c) Purchase Period Share Purchase Limit. The Administrator may establish one or more limits on the number of shares of Stock that may be purchased during any Offering Period and/or Purchase Period, including individual limits and/or aggregate limits. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise with respect to an Offering Period, any other provision of the Plan notwithstanding, no Participant shall purchase more than 3,000 shares of Stock with respect to any Purchase Period.
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SECTION 10. RIGHTS NOT TRANSFERABLE.
The rights of any Participant under the Plan, or any Participants interest in any Stock or moneys to which he or she may be entitled under the Plan, shall not be transferable by voluntary or involuntary assignment or by operation of law, or in any other manner other than by beneficiary designation or the laws of descent and distribution. If a Participant in any manner attempts to transfer, assign or otherwise encumber his or her rights or interest under the Plan, other than by beneficiary designation or the laws of descent and distribution, then such act shall be treated as an election by the Participant to withdraw from the Plan under Section 6(a).
SECTION 11. NO RIGHTS AS AN EMPLOYEE.
Nothing in the Plan or in any right granted under the Plan shall confer upon the Participant any right to continue in the employ of a Participating Company for any period of specific duration or interfere with or otherwise restrict in any way the rights of the Participating Companies or of the Participant, which rights are hereby expressly reserved by each, to terminate his or her employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause.
SECTION 12. NO RIGHTS AS A STOCKHOLDER.
A Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any shares of Stock that he or she may have a right to purchase under the Plan until such shares have been purchased on the applicable Purchase Date.
SECTION 13. SECURITIES LAW REQUIREMENTS.
Shares of Stock shall not be issued, and the Company shall have no liability for failure to issue shares of Stock, under the Plan unless the issuance and delivery of such shares comply with (or are exempt from) all applicable requirements of law, including (without limitation) the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, state securities laws and regulations, and the regulations of any stock exchange or other securities market on which the Companys securities may then be traded.
SECTION 14. AMENDMENT OR DISCONTINUANCE.
(a) General Rule. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may amend, suspend, or terminate the Plan, or any part thereof, at any time and for any reason. If the Plan is terminated, the Administrator, in its discretion, may elect to terminate all outstanding Offering Periods either immediately or upon completion of the purchase of shares of Stock on the next Purchase Date, or may elect to permit Offering Periods to expire in accordance with their terms (and subject to any adjustment pursuant to Section 3(c) or (d)). If the Offering Periods are terminated prior to expiration, all amounts then credited to Participants accounts which have not been used to purchase shares of Stock will be returned to the Participants (without interest thereon, except as otherwise required by the laws of the local jurisdiction) as soon as administratively practicable.
(b) Administrators Discretion. Without stockholder consent and without limiting Subsection (a) above, the Administrator will be entitled to change the Offering Periods, limit the frequency and/or number of changes in the amount withheld during an Offering Period, establish the exchange ratio applicable to amounts withheld in a currency other than U.S. dollars, permit payroll
8
withholding in excess of the amount designated by a Participant in order to adjust for delays or mistakes in the Companys processing of properly completed withholding elections, establish reasonable waiting and adjustment periods and/or accounting and crediting procedures to ensure that amounts applied toward the purchase of Stock for each Participant properly correspond with amounts withheld from the Participants Compensation, amend any outstanding purchase rights or clarify any ambiguities regarding the terms of any Offering Period to enable the purchase rights to qualify under and/or comply with Section 423 of the Code, and establish such other limitations or procedures as it determines in its sole discretion advisable which are consistent with the Plan. The actions of the Administrator pursuant to this paragraph will not be considered to alter or impair the purchase rights granted under an Offering Period as they are to be deemed part of the initial terms of such Offering Period and purchase rights.
(c) Accounting Consideration. In the event the Administrator determines that the ongoing operation of the Plan may result in unfavorable financial accounting consequences, the Administrator may, in its discretion and, to the extent necessary or desirable, modify, amend or terminate the Plan to reduce or eliminate such accounting consequence including, but not limited to:
(i) | Amending the Plan to conform with the safe harbor definition under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (or successor provision), including with respect to an Offering Period underway at the time; |
(ii) | Altering the Purchase Price for any Offering Period including an Offering Period underway at the time of the change in Purchase Price; |
(iii) | Shortening any Offering Period (and any Purchase Periods encompassed by such Offering Period) by setting a new Purchase Date, including with respect to an Offering Period underway at the time of the Administrators action; |
(iv) | Reducing the maximum percentage of Compensation a Participant may elect to set aside as payroll deductions; and |
(v) | Reducing the maximum number of shares of Stock a Participant may purchase during any Purchase Period. |
Such modifications or amendments will not require stockholder approval or the consent of any Plan Participants. The actions of the Administrator pursuant to this paragraph will not be considered to alter or impair the purchase rights granted under an Offering Period as they are to be deemed part of the initial terms of such Offering Period and purchase rights.
(d) Stockholder Approval. Except as provided in Section 3, any increase in the aggregate number of shares of Stock that may be issued under the Plan shall be subject to the approval of the Companys stockholders. In addition, any other amendment of the Plan shall be subject to the approval of the Companys stockholders to the extent required under Section 14(e) or by any applicable law or regulation.
(e) Plan Termination. The Plan shall terminate automatically 20 years after its adoption by the Board, unless (i) the Plan is extended by the Board and (ii) the extension is approved within 12 months by a vote of the stockholders of the Company.
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SECTION 15. DEFINITIONS.
(a) Administrator means the Board or any Committee administering the Plan in accordance with Section 2.
(b) Board means the Board of Directors of the Company, as constituted from time to time.
(c) Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(d) Committee means a committee of one or more members of the Board, or of other individuals satisfying applicable laws, appointed by the Board to administer the Plan.
(e) Company means Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
(f) Compensation means, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator with respect to an Offering Period, those components of a Participants cash compensation (prior to reductions pursuant to Code Sections 125, 132(f) or 401(k)) that are regular and recurring, including cash base salary or base hourly pay but excluding any overtime pay or shift differentials, commissions, annual cash incentive compensation, and annual cash bonuses, and further excluding extraordinary cash items (such as one-time bonuses), as well as all non-cash items, moving or relocation allowances, cost-of-living or tax equalization payments, car allowances, tuition reimbursements, imputed income attributable to cars or life insurance, severance pay, fringe benefits, contributions or benefits received under employee benefit plans, payments for or related to equity compensation, and any similar items. The Administrator shall determine whether a particular item is included in Compensation.
(g) Corporate Reorganization means:
(i) | The consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another entity or any other corporate reorganization; or |
(ii) | The sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Companys assets or the complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company. |
(h) Eligible Employee means a common law employee of a Participating Company, provided, however, that the Administrator may exclude one or more of the following categories of employees (where exclusion of such employees is permitted by applicable law) from any Offering Period: (i) employees who have been employed less than two years (or any shorter period of time established for an Offering Period), (ii) employees who are customarily employed twenty (20) or less hours per week (or any lesser number of hours per week established for an Offering Period), (iii) employees who are customarily employed for five (5) months or less in a calendar year (or any lesser number of months in a calendar year established for an Offering Period), (iv) highly compensated employees (within the meaning of Code Section 414(q)) or (v) highly compensated employees (within the meaning of Code Section 414(q)) with compensation above a certain level and/or who are subject to the disclosure requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act. In addition, an individual shall not be considered an Eligible Employee if his or her participation in the Plan is prohibited by the law of any country that has jurisdiction over him or her or if complying with the laws of the applicable foreign jurisdiction would cause the Plan or an Offering Period to violate the requirements of Code Section 423. With respect to a Base Offering Period, any criteria used to determine Eligible Employees shall be determined in a manner consistent with Code Section 423. In the case of an Offering Period that is not intended to qualify under Code Section 423, the Administrator may exclude any individual(s) from participation if the Administrator determines the participation of such individual(s) is not advisable or practicable.
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(i) Enrollment Period means a period prior to the start of an Offering Period during which Eligible Employees must submit the required enrollment forms to participate in such Offering Period, which period shall end at least five (5) business days (or such other date as may be specified in advance by the Administrator) prior to the start of the Offering Period.
(j) Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(k) Fair Market Value means the price at which Stock was last sold in the principal U.S. market for the Stock on the applicable date or, if the applicable date was not a trading day, on the last trading day prior to the applicable date. If Stock is no longer traded on a public U.S. securities market, the Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Administrator in good faith on such basis as it deems appropriate. The Administrators determination shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.
(l) IPO Date means the effective date of the registration statement filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission for its initial offering of Stock to the public.
(m) Offering Period means any period, including as the context requires the Base Offering Periods and Additional Offering Periods, with respect to which the right to purchase Stock may be granted under the Plan, as determined pursuant to Section 4(a).
(n) Participant means an Eligible Employee who participates in the Plan or any Sub-Plan, as provided in Section 4.
(o) Participating Company means (i) the Company and (ii) each present or future Subsidiary designated by the Administrator as a Participating Company.
(p) Plan means this Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as it may be amended from time to time.
(q) Plan Account means the account established for each Participant pursuant to Section 8(a).
(r) Purchase Date means the last trading day of a Purchase Period.
(s) Purchase Period means a period within an Offering Period (which for an Offering Period with only a single Purchase Period would be coterminous with the Offering Period) during which contributions may be made toward the purchase of Stock under the Plan, as determined pursuant to Section 4(a).
(t) Purchase Price means the price at which Participants may purchase Stock under the Plan, as determined pursuant to Section 8(b).
(u) Related Corporation means any parent corporation of the Company as defined in Code Section 424(e) or any Subsidiary.
(v) Stock means the common stock of the Company.
(w) Subsidiary means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company, if each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.
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Exhibit 10.5
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
October 8, 2020
Bobak Azamian, MD, PhD | ||||
Dear Bobby:
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the Company) is pleased to offer you continuing employment on the following terms pursuant to the terms of this letter agreement, which (together with Exhibit A attached hereto) supersedes and replaces any prior agreements, representations or understandings (whether written, oral, implied or otherwise) between you and the Company (except as otherwise described herein) and constitutes the complete agreement between you and the Company regarding the subject matter set forth herein. This letter agreement will become effective, and is contingent upon, the completion of the initial public offering of the Companys Common Stock.
1. Position. Your title will remain President and Chief Executive Officer. This is a full-time position, reporting to the Companys Board of Directors (the Board). While you render services to the Company, you will not engage in any other employment, consulting or other business activity (whether full-time or part-time) that would create a conflict of interest with the Company. By signing this letter agreement, you confirm to the Company that you have no contractual commitments or other legal obligations that would prohibit you from performing your duties for the Company. The Company acknowledges that you may serve on other boards of directors or provide consulting services while you render services to the Company, so long as those positions does not create a conflict of interest with the Company.
2. Cash Compensation. The Company will pay you a base salary at the rate of $532,000 per year, payable in accordance with the Companys standard payroll schedule. This salary will be subject to adjustment pursuant to the Companys employee compensation policies in effect from time to time. In addition, you will continue to be eligible to be considered for an incentive bonus for each fiscal year of the Company. The bonus (if any) will be awarded based on objective or subjective criteria established and approved by the Board. Your annual target bonus will be equal to 50% of your annual base salary. Any bonus for a fiscal year will be paid within 21⁄2 months after the close of that fiscal year, but only if you are still providing services to the Company at the time of payment. The determinations of the Board with respect to your bonus will be final and binding.
3. Employee Benefits. As a regular employee of the Company, you will continue be eligible to participate in a number of Company-sponsored benefits. In addition, you will be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the Companys vacation policy, as in effect from time to time.
4. Equity Awards. Equity awards granted to you by the Company will remain in full force and effect and you will continue to vest in such awards in accordance with their terms.
5. Severance Benefits Outside of a Change in Control. In the event you are subject to an Involuntary Termination other than in connection with or within 12 months after a Change in Control, provided you satisfy the conditions described in Section 5(c) below, you will be entitled to the following benefits:
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Bobak Azamian
Page 2
(a) Salary Continuation. The Company will continue to pay your base salary for a period of 12 months after your Separation. Your base salary will be paid at the rate in effect at the time of your Separation and in accordance with the Companys standard payroll procedures. The salary continuation payments will commence within 60 days after your Separation and, once they commence, will include any unpaid amounts accrued from the date of your Separation. However, if the 60-day period described in the preceding sentence spans two calendar years, then the payments will in any event begin in the second calendar year.
(b) COBRA. Provided you elect to continue your health insurance coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) following your Separation, the Company will pay or reimburse you for your monthly premium under COBRA until the earliest of (i) the close of the 12 month period following your Separation, (ii) the expiration of your continuation coverage under COBRA or (iii) the date when you become eligible for substantially equivalent health insurance coverage in connection with new employment or self-employment (the COBRA Benefit). If necessary to avoid adverse tax consequences to you or the Company, the Company, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to treat the COBRA Benefit as taxable income.
(c) Conditions. This Section 5 will not apply unless you (i) have returned all Company property in your possession, (ii) have resigned as a member of the Boards of Directors of the Company and all of its subsidiaries, to the extent applicable, and (iii) have executed a general release of all claims that you may have against the Company or persons affiliated with the Company. The release must be in the form prescribed by the Company, without alterations. You must execute and return the release on or before the date specified by the Company in the prescribed form (the Release Deadline). The Release Deadline will in no event be later than 50 days after your Separation. If you fail to return the release on or before the Release Deadline, or if you revoke the release, then you will not be entitled to the benefits described in this Section 5.
6. Severance Benefits in Connection With a Change in Control. In the event you are subject to an Involuntary Termination in connection with or within 12 months after a Change in Control, provided you satisfy the conditions described in Section 5(c) above, you will be entitled to the benefits described in Sections 5(a) and 5(b) above (provided that the time periods applicable to each of the severance and COBRA benefits will be increased from 12 months to 18 months) plus the Bonus Payment. The Bonus Payment will be made in a lump sum within 60 days after your Separation; however, if the 60-day period described in the preceding sentence spans two calendar years, then the Bonus Payment will in any event be made in the second calendar year. For the sake of clarity, if you become entitled to the benefits in the preceding sentence you will not also be entitled to additional the benefits provided for in Sections 5(a) and (b) above.
In addition, in the event that you are subject to an Involuntary Termination in connection with or within 12 months after a Change in Control, you will vest in 100% of your remaining unvested equity awards to the extent such equity awards vest solely upon your completion of specified periods of continuous service with the Company (that is, time-based equity awards). For the avoidance of doubt, if any of your equity awards provides for more favorable treatment than described in this paragraph, such more favorable treatment will apply.
7. Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement. Your Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement, which you previously signed and a copy of which is attached as Exhibit A, will remain in full force and effect.
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Bobak Azamian
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8. Employment Relationship. Employment with the Company is for no specific period of time. Your employment with the Company remains at will, meaning that either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause. Any contrary representations that may have been made to you are superseded by this letter agreement. This is the full and complete agreement between you and the Company on this term. Although your job duties, title, compensation and benefits, as well as the Companys personnel policies and procedures, may change from time to time, the at will nature of your employment may only be changed in an express written agreement signed by you and a duly authorized officer of the Company (other than you).
9. Tax Matters.
(a) Withholding. All forms of compensation referred to in this letter agreement are subject to reduction to reflect applicable withholding and payroll taxes and other deductions required by law.
(b) Section 409A. The payments and benefits provided for under this letter agreement are intended to be exempt from Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), and any ambiguity arising under this letter agreement shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with that intent. Nonetheless, to the extent any payment or benefit provided under this letter agreement is deemed to be nonqualified deferred compensation that is subject to Section 409A of the Code, and if the Company determines that you are a specified employee under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code at the time of your Separation, then any such payment(s), to the extent they are subject to Section 409A of the Code, will be made or commence, as applicable, on the first business day following the earlier of (i) expiration of the six-month period measured from your Separation or (ii) the date of your death, with any payment installments that otherwise would have been paid prior to such date paid in a lump sum at that time. In addition, for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, each salary continuation payment described under Section 5(a) and Section 6 is hereby designated as a separate payment.
(c) Tax Advice. You are encouraged to obtain your own tax advice regarding your compensation from the Company. You agree that the Company does not have a duty to design its compensation policies in a manner that minimizes your tax liabilities, and you will not make any claim against the Company or its Board of Directors related to tax liabilities arising from your compensation.
10. Interpretation and Amendment. This letter agreement may not be amended or modified, except by an express written agreement signed by both you and a duly authorized officer of the Company.
11. Definitions. The following terms have the meaning set forth below wherever they are used in this letter agreement:
Bonus Payment means the sum of (a) a pro-rated portion of your target bonus amount for the year in which your Separation occurs and (b) 150% of your target bonus amount for the year in which your Separation occurs.
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Bobak Azamian
Page 4
Cause means (a) your unauthorized use or disclosure of the Companys confidential information or trade secrets, which use or disclosure causes material harm to the Company, (b) your material breach of any agreement between you and the Company, (c) your material failure to comply with the Companys written policies or rules, (d) your conviction of, or your plea of guilty or no contest to, a felony under the laws of the United States or any State, (e) your gross negligence or willful misconduct, (f) your continuing failure to perform assigned duties after receiving written notification of the failure from the Board or (g) your failure to cooperate in good faith with a governmental or internal investigation of the Company or its directors, officers or employees, if the Company has requested your cooperation.
Change in Control means (a) the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another entity or (b) the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Company. The foregoing notwithstanding, a merger or consolidation of the Company does not constitute a Change in Control if immediately after the merger or consolidation a majority of the voting power of the capital stock of the continuing or surviving entity, or any direct or indirect parent corporation of the continuing or surviving entity, will be owned by the persons who were the Companys stockholders immediately prior to the merger or consolidation in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the voting power of the Companys capital stock immediately prior to the merger or consolidation.
Involuntary Termination means either (a) your Termination Without Cause or (b) your Resignation for Good Reason.
Resignation for Good Reason means a Separation as a result of your resignation within 12 months after one of the following conditions has come into existence without your consent:
(a) A material diminution of your base salary;
(b) A material diminution of your authority, duties or responsibilities; or
(c) A material change in the geographic location at which you must perform your services for the Company.
A Resignation for Good Reason will not be deemed to have occurred unless you give the Company written notice of the condition within 90 days after the condition comes into existence and the Company fails to remedy the condition within 30 days after receiving your written notice.
Separation means a separation from service, as defined in the regulations under Section 409A of the Code.
Termination Without Cause means a Separation as a result of a termination of your employment by the Company without Cause, provided you are willing and able to continue performing services within the meaning of Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(n)(1).
* * * * *
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Bobak Azamian
Page 5
You may indicate your agreement with these terms by signing and dating the enclosed duplicate original of this letter agreement and returning it to me.
If you have any questions, please call me.
Very truly yours, | ||
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Bobak Azamian | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
I have read and accept this employment offer:
/s/ Bobak Azamian |
Signature of Bobak Azamian |
Dated: October 8, 2020 |
Attachment
Exhibit A: Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement
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Exhibit 10.10
CERTAIN IDENTIFIED INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED FROM THIS DOCUMENT BECAUSE IT IS BOTH NOT
MATERIAL AND WOULD LIKELY CAUSE COMPETITIVE HARM TO THE REGISTRANT IF PUBLICLY DISCLOSED, AND HAS BEEN MARKED WITH
[***] TO INDICATE WHERE OMISSIONS HAVE BEEN MADE.
LICENSE AGREEMENT
THIS LICENSE AGREEMENT (the Agreement), dated as of January 31, 2019 (the Effective Date), is made and entered into by and between Elanco Tiergesundheit AG, a Swiss corporation having place of business at Mattenstrasse 24A, 4058 Basel, Switzerland (Elanco) and Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation having its principal offices at 4590 MacArthur Blvd. Suite 500, Newport Beach, CA 92660 (Tarsus). Each of Elanco and Tarsus may be referred to herein as a Party and collectively as the Parties.
BACKGROUND
A. Elanco is the owner, and has the right to license the Licensed IP (as defined below) on and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
B. Tarsus wishes to license the Licensed IP, and Elanco is willing to grant to Tarsus a license under the Licensed IP, on and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants and agreements of the Parties contained in this Agreement, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
1. CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. In addition to any terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, the following terms, when used in this Agreement, shall have the meanings set forth in this Section 1.
1.1 Affiliate means, with respect to an entity, any other entity which controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such first entity (but only so long as such control exists), whether as of the Effective Date or any time after the Effective Date. The term control, in relation to an entity, means the ownership or control, directly or indirectly, of fifty percent (50%) or more of the shares (or other securities or rights) entitled to vote for the election of directors or other governing authority of such entity.
1.2 Applicable Law means, with respect to any Person or matter, any and all laws, ordinances, constitutions, regulations, statutes, treaties, rules, codes, licenses, requirements and injunctions adopted, enacted, implemented, promulgated, issued, entered by or under the authority of any governmental body having jurisdiction over such Person or matter or any Persons properties or assets.
1.3 Commercially Reasonable Efforts of a Party means, with respect to an objective, the reasonable, diligent, good faith efforts of a Party, (which it may effect through the efforts of its Affiliates, and sublicensees) of the type to accomplish such objective as a similarly situated (with respect to size, stage of development, and assets) pharmaceutical company, as the case may be, would normally use to accomplish a similar objective under similar circumstances, it being understood and agreed that, with respect to efforts to be expended in relation to a product (including implementation of development and commercialization strategies), such efforts shall be substantially equivalent to those efforts and resources that a similarly situated pharmaceutical company, as the case may be, would typically devote to its own internally discovered compound or product, which compound or product is at a similar stage in its development or product life and is of similar market and economic potential as products expected to result from the Compounds at a similar stage in their development or product life, taking into account the risks of development, the commercial potential for the Product, its proprietary position and other relevant factors.
1.4 Compound means Lotilaner and any salts, stereo isomers, prodrug, ester, metabolite, solvate, or polymorph thereof, and any derivative of the foregoing containing one or more atoms substituted with a radioisotope (including a derivative containing deuterium).
1.5 Confidential Information means information that is disclosed by one Party (the Disclosing Party) to the other Party (the Receiving Party) in connection with this Agreement (which may include, without limitation, trade secrets, technology, information pertaining to business operations and strategies, and information pertaining to customers, pricing and marketing information) or considered confidential under the Confidentiality Agreement as well as all information provided in the data room by Elanco as of the Effective Date. Confidential Information does not include information that: (a) was already known to the Receiving Party prior to disclosure by the Disclosing Party; (b) is independently developed by the Receiving Party; (c) was or becomes generally known by the public other than as a result of a breach of this Agreement or the Confidentiality Agreement by the Receiving Party; or (d) was received by the Receiving Party from a Third Party who was not, at the time of disclosure, under any obligation to the Disclosing Party or any of its Affiliates to maintain the confidentiality of such information.
1.6 Confidentiality Agreement means that certain Confidentiality Agreement by and between Elanco and Tarsus effective May 3, 2018.
1.7 Control, Controls or Controlled by means, with respect to any item of or right under any intellectual property, as the context requires, the possession (whether by ownership or license, other than pursuant to this Agreement) or ability of a Party to grant access to, or a license or sublicense of, such items or rights.
1.8 Cover with respect to any subject matter (e.g. a Licensed Product), means that absent a license, the making, having made, using, importing, offering to sell or selling such subject matter would infringe a Valid Claim.
1.9 Cut-off Date means the second (2nd) anniversary of the Effective Date.
1.10 Enroll or Enrollment with respect to a clinical trial means a patient is dosed with the applicable investigatory drug.
1.11 FDA means the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and any successor agency thereto.
1.12 Field means the treatment, palliation, prevention, or cure of any disease or condition in eye care or dermatology in humans.
1.13 First Commercial Sale for a country means the first commercial sale of a Licensed Product to a Third Party by Tarsus or any of its Affiliates or sublicensees of such Licensed Product after final approval by the applicable government authority to market such product for human use in such country (e.g. NDA approval). First Commercial Sale excludes the sale of a Licensed Product for use in a clinical trial or for expanded access (or similar term) and any sale of any Licensed Product by Tarsus or any of its Affiliates or sublicensees to or among themselves.
1.14 INAD means an Investigational New Animal Drug filed with the FDA or the equivalent application or filing filed with any equivalent agency or government authority outside of the United States (including any supra-national agency such as in the European Union) necessary to commence animal clinical trials in such jurisdiction, and including all regulations at 21 CFR § 511.1, and equivalent foreign regulations.
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1.15 IND means an Investigational New Drug Application filed with the FDA or the equivalent application or filing filed with any equivalent agency or government authority outside of the United States (including any supra-national agency such as in the European Union) necessary to commence human clinical trials in such jurisdiction, and including all regulations at 21 CFR § 312 et. esq., and equivalent foreign regulations.
1.16 Know-How means all know-how relating to the Compound or any Licensed Product, including, without limitation, inventions (whether patentable or not), technology, discoveries, methods, techniques, and scientific information, medical information, all manufacturing, preclinical, and clinical data, materials, samples, protocols, specifications, processes, structures, trade secrets, analytical and quality control information and procedures, pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical test data and results, stability data, and studies and procedures.
1.17 Licensed Know-How means all Know-How Controlled by Elanco as of the Effective Date.
1.18 Licensed IP means the Licensed Patents and the Licensed Know-How.
1.19 Licensed Patents means (a) the patents and patent applications set forth in Exhibit A hereto or otherwise Controlled by Elanco or any of its Affiliates as of the Effective Date and Covering any product that contains a Compound as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (alone or with other active ingredients) in any forms, presentations, formulations or dosage strengths, or any manufacture or use of the foregoing, (b) any patent or patent application Covering any product that contains a Compound as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (alone or with other active ingredients) in any forms, presentations, formulations or dosage strengths, or any manufacture or use of the foregoing where the patent or patent application Covers Know-How Controlled by Elanco or any of its Affiliates and arises after the Effective Date and prior to the Cut-off Date; (c) any patent application filed after the Effective Date on any of the Licensed Know-How; (d) any patent applications claiming priority to any of the foregoing, including continuations, divisionals, continuation-in-part and foreign patent applications, (e) all patents issuing from any of the foregoing patent applications described in (a) through (d); and (f) all reissues, reexaminations, renewals, re-validations, re-registrations, patents of addition, supplementary patent certificates and extensions of any of the foregoing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Licensed Patents do not include the Tarsus Patents.
1.20 Licensed Product means any product that: (a) contains a Compound as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (alone or with other active ingredients) in any forms, presentations, formulations or dosage strengths; or (b) the manufacture, sale, use or importation of which, absent the license granted to Tarsus from Elanco under this Agreement, would infringe a Valid Claim of a Licensed Patent.
1.21 Major European Country means any of Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
1.22 MTA means that certain Material Transfer Agreement dated on or around September 25, 2018.
1.23 NADA means a New Animal Drug Application, or any successor applications or procedures, filed with the FDA for approval to market and sell a product in the United States.
1.24 NDA means a New Drug Application, or any successor applications or procedures, filed with the FDA for approval to market and sell a product in the United States.
1.25 Net Sales means, with respect to a Licensed Product, the gross amount invoiced by Tarsus (including a Tarsus Affiliate) or any sublicensee thereof to unrelated Third Parties, excluding any sublicensee, for such Licensed Product in the Territory during the Royalty Term in the country of sale, less the following items applied consistent with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles:
(a) Trade, quantity and cash discounts allowed;
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(b) Discounts, refunds, rebates, chargebacks, retroactive price adjustments, and any other allowances which effectively reduce the net selling price;
(c) Licensed Product returns and allowances;
(d) That portion of the sales value associated with drug delivery systems, where applicable;
(e) Any tax imposed on the production, sale, delivery or use of the Licensed Product, including, without limitation, sales, use, excise or value added taxes;
(f) Wholesaler inventory management fees;
(g) Allowance for distribution expenses; and
(h) Any other similar and customary deductions which are in accordance with GAAP.
Such amounts shall be determined from the books and records of Tarsus, Affiliates of Tarsus or any sublicensee maintained in accordance with U. S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles consistently applied. Tarsus further agrees in determining such amounts, it will use Tarsuss then current standard procedures and methodology, including Tarsuss then current standard exchange rate methodology, utilizing a reputable source such as the Wall Street Journal or Reuters, for the translation of foreign currency sales into U.S. Dollars. For purposes of determining Net Sales, (i) sales of a Licensed Product shall not include transfers, uses or dispositions for charitable, promotional, pre-clinical, clinical, regulatory or governmental purposes, and (ii) sales between or among Tarsus, its Affiliates and sublicensees for re-sale shall be excluded from the computation of Net Sales, but subsequent sales by Tarsus or its Affiliates to third parties shall be included in the computation of Net Sales.
1.26 Person means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, governmental authority, unincorporated organization, trust, association or other entity.
1.27 Phase 2 Clinical Trial means a clinical trial phase 2a, 2b or adaptive design that is both (a) designed to evaluate clinical efficacy and safety for a pharmaceutical product, in a manner that is generally consistent with 21 C.F.R. § 312.21(b), as amended (or its successor regulation) and/or any analogous applicable law outside of the United States, as applicable, and (b) is necessary to enable Regulatory Approval in the United States or any Major European Country.
1.28 Phase 3 Clinical Trial means a pivotal clinical trial that both (a) has a defined dose or a set of defined doses of a pharmaceutical product designed to ascertain efficacy and safety of such product, in a manner that is generally consistent with 21 C.F.R. § 312.21(c), as amended (or its successor regulation) and/or any analogous applicable law outside of the United States, as applicable, and (b) is necessary to enable Marketing Approval in the United States or any Major European Country.
1.29 Regulatory Approval in a particular country means all approvals (including any applicable governmental price and reimbursement approvals), licenses, registrations, and authorizations of any federal, national, multinational, state, provincial or local Regulatory Authority, department, bureau and other governmental entity that are necessary for the marketing and sale of a Licensed Product in a country.
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1.30 Regulatory Authority means any applicable governmental authority responsible for granting Regulatory Approvals or pricing approvals for Licensed Products, including the FDA, the European Medicines Agency and any corresponding national or regional regulatory authorities.
1.31 Regulatory Materials means any regulatory application, submission, notification, communication, correspondence, registrations, approvals and other filings made to or received from a Regulatory Authority relating to any Licensed Product, including, without limitation, INADs, INDs clinical trial applications, NADAs, NDAs and any other marketing authorizations.
1.32 Regulatory Materials Receipt means the date on which Elanco provides Tarsus with the Regulatory Materials in existence as of the Effective Date that are reasonably necessary to research, develop, make, use or otherwise exploit Licensed Products in the Field in the Territory. Such materials include, without limitation, [***], FDA approval letter, and FDA correspondence related to 21 Sep 18 Safety Communication.
1.33 Royalty Term means, with respect to any Licensed Product in a given country, the period of time commencing on the date of the First Commercial Sale of such Licensed Product in such country and ending on the latest of: (a) expiry of the last-to-expire of the Licensed Patents which has at least one (1) Valid Claim Covering such Licensed Product in such country; (b) the expiration of regulatory exclusivity for such Licensed Product in such country; and (c) ten (10) years after first commercial sale of such Licensed Product in such country.
1.34 Sensitive Transfer means a transfer to a new supplier requiring either a technology transfer, a method transfer or another form of transfer of Licensed Know-How.
1.35 Sublicense Revenue means payments that Tarsus receives in consideration for a sublicense of rights under the Licensed IP.
1.36 Tarsus IP means the Tarsus Patents and the Tarsus Know-How. Tarsus IP does not include the Licensed IP.
1.37 Tarsus Know-How means Know-How Controlled by Tarsus as of the Effective Date, excluding Licensed Know-How.
1.38 Tarsus Patents means (a) patents and patent applications Controlled by Tarsus as of the Effective Date and related to the Compound and Licensed Product; (b) any patent applications claiming priority to any of the foregoing, including continuations, divisionals, continuation-in-part (to the extent the claims thereof are entitled to such priority) and foreign patent applications, and (c) all patents issuing from any of the foregoing patent applications described in (a) through (b), including all reissues, reexaminations and extensions thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Tarsus Patents do not include the Licensed Patents.
1.39 Territory means the entire world.
1.40 Third Party means any Person other than a Party or an Affiliate of a Party.
1.41 Valid Claim means any claim of any issued and unexpired Licensed Patent that has not been disclaimed, abandoned, revoked or held unpatentable, invalid or unenforceable by final decision of a court or other governmental body of competent jurisdiction, which decision is unappealable or unappealed within the time allowed for appeal. Valid Claim shall include any pending claim of any Licensed Patent that has been pending for less than seven (7) years but shall exclude pending claims that have been pending, without approval, for seven (7) years or more.
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2. LICENSE GRANT; UPSTREAM AGREEMENTS.
2.1 Elanco License. Elanco hereby grants to Tarsus and its Affiliates an exclusive (even as to Elanco), perpetual, sublicensable (through multiple tiers), royalty-bearing license, under the Licensed IP, to research, develop, make, use, sell, offer for sale, import and otherwise exploit Licensed Products in the Field in the Territory. Each sublicensee shall agree to comply with the following terms and conditions of this Agreement: Section 2.3, allowing an audit pursuant to Section 6.6, Section 9.2(b) (with respect to the activities of sublicensee and its Affiliates), and Section 10 (with respect to the Confidential Information of Elanco). Tarsus remains fully responsible and liable under this Agreement irrespective of any sublicense.
2.2 Tarsus License. Tarsus hereby grants to Elanco a worldwide non-exclusive, perpetual, sublicensable (through multiple tiers), royalty-free license, under the Tarsus IP, to research, develop, make, use, sell, offer for sale, import and otherwise exploit Compounds and Licensed Products outside the Field. Tarsus may sublicense any or all rights and/or obligations under this Agreement.
2.3 Right of Reference; Samples. Each Party has right to reference and receive access to all Regulatory Materials for the Compound (and any chemical alteration or improvement of the Compound (e.g. pursuant to Section 8.3)) that are Controlled by the other Party, its Affiliates, or its sublicensees, whether existing as of the Effective Date, generated from any activities of the Parties in connection with this Agreement, solely for the purposes set forth in this Agreement, or otherwise existing after the Effective Date. Elanco will provide Tarsus with reasonable samples of (a) Elancos chemical alterations or improvements of the Compound, (b) the Compounds related substances, and/or (c) reference standards for the Compound, in each case, after Tarsuss request(s) from time to time. Tarsus shall pay Elanco for such samples at an amount equal to [***] paid by Elanco for such samples plus [***]% thereof.
3. REGULATORY TRANSFER; KNOW -HOW TRANSFER.
3.1 Within [***] days following the date Tarsus pays Elanco the Upfront Payment, Elanco shall provide all information regarding the Licensed Know-How that is Controlled by Elanco as of the Effective Date and is reasonably necessary to research, develop, make, use, or otherwise exploit Licensed Products in the Field in the Territory. Additionally, if Tarsus engages a third party other than Siegfried to manufacture the Licensed Product and such manufacture requires material manufacturing Know-How not previously provided to Tarsus then Elanco shall provide (or cause Siegfried to provide) such Know-How and Tarsus shall pay Elanco $[***] within thirty (30) days after its receipt of all of such Know-How. Provided in any case that Elanco shall only be obliged to provide information to a third party that has been selected in compliance with Section 8.4.
3.2 Promptly after the Effective Date, Elanco shall provide Tarsus with all Regulatory Materials that are reasonably necessary to research, develop, make, use or otherwise exploit Licensed Products in the Field in the Territory, but, in any case, Elanco shall not be required to provide any particular Regulatory Material to Tarsus more than once. Elanco shall continually provide Tarsus with any relevant updates to the Regulatory Materials promptly after their creation or receipt (as the case may be).
4. DEVELOPMENT AND COMMERCIALIZATION.
4.1 General; Diligence. Following the Effective Date, as between the Parties, Tarsus, at its expense, shall be responsible for conducting (or causing its Affiliates or sublicensees to conduct) the development and commercialization of the Licensed Products in the Field in the Territory. Tarsus shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to develop the Licensed Products and seek and obtain Regulatory Approval for Licensed Products in the Field in the Territory. A summary of the currently intended development activities is attached as Exhibit D. Elancos sole and exclusive remedy for Tarsuss breach of the foregoing sentence is termination of this Agreement pursuant Section 11.2.
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4.2 Regulatory. As between the Parties, Tarsus (or its Affiliates or sublicensees) shall be solely responsible, for all regulatory matters relating to the development and commercialization of the Licensed Products in the Field in the Territory and shall coordinate and control the related regulatory strategy and interactions with Regulatory Authorities for the Licensed Products at its own cost. Each Party shall keep the other Party informed about the regulatory process and status for Licensed Products and shall immediately or no later than five (5) business days inform the other Party of any human exposure serious adverse event (as defined in 21 CFR 312.32 and CFR 514.3) or such other matters agreed to in any pharmacovigilance or that would otherwise reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect the other Partys regulatory process for the Licensed Products.
4.3 Progress Reports. Within [***] days after January 1 of each year prior to First Commercial Sale, Tarsus shall submit to Elanco a progress report covering in reasonable detail the activities of Tarsus including a listing of serious adverse events, its Affiliates and sublicensees, as applicable, related to the development, regulatory status and commercialization of the Licensed Products in the Territory. All reports provided by Tarsus to Elanco under this Section 4.3 shall be considered Tarsuss Confidential Information.
4.4 Reversion of Rights.
(a) If neither Tarsus nor any of its Affiliates or sublicensees achieve any of the milestones set forth in Exhibit B (each a Diligence Milestone) by the corresponding achievement deadline date set forth in Exhibit B except for reasons outside of Tarsus reasonable control, Elanco shall (as its sole and exclusive remedy for such failure) have the right to terminate the Agreement if such Diligence Milestone remains unmet one hundred twenty (120) days after Elanco provides Tarsus notice of such failure.
(b) If neither Tarsus nor any of its Affiliates or sublicensees achieve any of the milestones set forth in Exhibit C (each a Dermatology Milestone) by the corresponding achievement deadline date set forth in Exhibit C except for reasons outside of Tarsus reasonable control, Elanco shall (as its sole and exclusive remedy for such failure) have the right to reduce the Field of Use to the treatment, palliation, prevention, or cure of any disease or condition in eye care in humans if such Dermatology Milestone remains unmet one hundred twenty (120) days after Elanco provides Tarsus notice of such failure.
(c) Tarsus may, at its option, increase all of the milestone dates set forth in Exhibit B and Exhibit C one time by [***] months by making a one-time payment of $[***].
(d) In the case of termination pursuant to Section 4.4(a), Elanco shall be granted nonexclusive, sublicensable rights to the Tarsus Know-How and Tarsus Licensed Patents to develop, manufacture, and commercialize the Compound and Licensed Products in the Field and be provided with Tarsus Know-How (including such regulatory documentation corresponding to the Licensed Product) but not any other assets of Tarsus. Such rights shall be fully paid and royalty free.
5. JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE.
(a) The parties shall establish a joint steering committee (the Joint Steering Committee or JSC) consisting of two (2) representatives from each party, which shall serve as a way for Tarsus to inform (and seek advice from) Elanco in the development and Regulatory Approval efforts for the Licensed Product in the Territory and other efforts under this License Agreement. Each party will provide the other Party Notice with the name, title, email address, telephone number of their respective Steering Committee Members. The JSC shall meet as needed but not less than on a quarterly basis (or such other frequency as determined by the JSC).
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(b) The Steering Committee meetings will be at times agreed by the Parties and will be in such form (e.g. in person, telephone, or video conference) as the members of the Steering Committee agree.
(c) A party may change one or more of its representatives to the Steering Committee at any time. Members of the Steering committee may be represented at any meeting by another member of the Steering committee or by a proxy. Either Party may permit additional employees and consultants to attend and participate in the Steering Committee, subject to the confidentiality provisions of the agreement. Each Party is responsible for travel costs for their representatives associated with attending in person JSC meetings.
(d) The Steering Committee will be responsible for keeping accurate minutes of its deliberations that record decisions and all actions recommended or taken. Within thirty (15) business days of each JSC meeting, the Parties will be provided with draft minutes of such meeting. Minutes will be deemed approved unless a Steering Committee representative of either Party objects to the accuracy of such minutes. In the event that any such objection is not resolved by the Steering Committee such minutes will be amended to reflect the unresolved objection. All records of the Steering Committee will be considered confidential information and available to both Parties.
6. PAYMENTS TO ELANCO.
6.1 Upfront Payment. Tarsus shall pay to Elanco an upfront fee of one million dollars (US$1,000,000) (the Upfront Payment) within [***] days after the Effective Date. The Upfront Payment shall not apply if Tarsus does terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 11.2(c).
6.2 Milestones.
(a) First Indication Development Milestones. Tarsus shall pay to Elanco the following one-time milestone payments upon the first achievement of the applicable milestone event set forth below by Tarsus or any of its Affiliates or sublicensees after the Effective Date:
(i) | [***] dollars upon the [***] of [***] of a Licensed Product; |
(ii) | [***] dollars upon [***] of [***] of a Licensed Product; |
(iii) | [***] dollars upon the [***] of a Licensed Product in [***]; |
(iv) | [***] dollars upon the [***] of a Licensed Product in [***]; |
(v) | [***] dollars upon the [***] of a Licensed Product in [***]; and |
(vi) | [***] dollars upon the [***] of a Licensed Product in [***]. |
Each of the foregoing milestone payments set forth in this Section 6.2(a) shall be paid no more than once, irrespective of how many Licensed Products achieve each milestone or how many times a Licensed Product achieves such milestone. Accordingly, in no event shall Tarsus pay Elanco more than ten million dollars ($10,000,000) in the aggregate pursuant to this Section 6.2(a). Each milestone payment due pursuant to this Section 6.2(a) shall be paid within [***] days after the achievement of the applicable milestone.
For all purposes of Section 6.2, all indications for the treatment of any type of Blepharitis shall be deemed the same indication. For example, [***].
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(b) Development Milestones for Other Indications. Tarsus shall pay to Elanco the following one-time milestone payments upon the first achievement of the applicable milestone event set forth below by Tarsus or any of its Affiliates or sublicensees after the Effective Date:
(i) | [***] dollars upon the [***] of [***] of a Licensed Product for [***]; |
(ii) | [***] dollars upon the [***] of [***] of a Licensed Product for [***]; |
(iii) | [***] dollars upon the [***] of a Licensed Product in [***]; |
(iv) | [***] dollars upon the [***] of a Licensed Product in [***]; |
(v) | [***] dollars upon the [***] of a Licensed Product in [***]; and |
(vi) | [***] dollars upon the [***] of a Licensed Product in [***]. |
Each of the foregoing milestone payments set forth in this Section 6.2(b) shall be paid no more than once, irrespective of how many Licensed Products achieve each milestone or how many times a Licensed Product achieves such milestone. Accordingly, in no event shall Tarsus pay Elanco more than ten million dollars ($10,000,000) in the aggregate pursuant to this Section 6.2(b). Each milestone payment due pursuant to this Section 6.2(b) shall be paid within [***] days after the achievement of the applicable milestone.
(c) Sales Milestones. Tarsus shall pay to Elanco the following one-time milestone payments upon the first achievement of the applicable milestone event set forth below:
(i) [***] dollars after the first calendar year in which Net Sales for such calendar year exceed [***] dollars;
(ii) [***] dollars after the first calendar year in which Net Sales for such calendar year exceed [***] dollars; and
(iii) [***] dollars [***] after the first calendar year in which Net Sales for such calendar year exceed [***] dollars.
Each of the foregoing milestone payments set forth in this Section 6.2(c) shall be paid no more than once, irrespective of how many times each milestone is achieved. Accordingly, in no event shall Tarsus pay Elanco more than sixty five million dollars ($65,000,000) in the aggregate pursuant to this Section 6.2(c). Each milestone payments due pursuant to this Section 6.2(c) shall be paid within [***] days after the close of the calendar quarter in which such milestone is achieved.
6.3 Sublicense Income. Tarsus shall pay Elanco a percentage of all Sublicense Revenue. The percentage of such Sublicense Revenue that shall be paid to Elanco shall be as follows:
(a) Until first dosing of a Licensed Product in a [***]: [***]%;
(b) After first dosing of a Licensed Product in a [***] until first dosing of a [***]: [***]%;
(c) After first dosing of a Licensed Product in a [***] until first [***] of a Licensed Product: [***]%; or
(d) After first [***] of a Licensed Product and thereafter: [***]%.
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For clarity, and without limitation, none of the following shall be deemed Sublicense Revenue: [***]
6.4 Royalties.
(a) Royalty Rate. Subject to the other terms of this Section 6.4, for each calendar year during the Royalty Term Tarsus shall pay:
(i) a [***] percent royalty on the first [***] dollars of Net Sales of a Licensed Product in such calendar year;
(ii) a [***] percent royalty on the next [***] dollars of Net Sales of a Licensed Product in such calendar year (i.e. the portion of such Net Sales between US$[***] and $US[***] in such calendar year);
(iii) a [***] percent royalty on the next [***] dollars of Net Sales of a Licensed Product in such calendar year (i.e. the portion of such Net Sales between US$[***] and $[***] in such calendar year); and
(iv) a [***] percent royalty on all Net Sales of a Licensed Product in such calendar year in excess of [***] dollars (i.e. the portion of such Net Sales over $[***] in such calendar year).
(b) No Multiple Royalties. No multiple royalties shall be payable hereunder because the use, manufacture or sale of any Licensed Product is Covered by more than one Valid Claim.
(c) Timing of Payments; Reports. Commencing with the calendar quarter during which the First Commercial Sale of the first Licensed Product is made anywhere in the Territory, and for each calendar quarter thereafter during the Royalty Term during which royalties are due hereunder, Tarsus shall provide Elanco with a report that contains the following information for the applicable calendar quarter, on a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product and country-by-country basis: (i) the amount of gross sales of the Licensed Products, (ii) an itemized calculation of Net Sales showing deductions provided for in the definition of Net Sales, (iii) a calculation of the royalty payment due on such sales, and (iv) the exchange rate for such country. Tarsus shall provide such report and make corresponding payment to Elanco within forty five (45) days after the end of each calendar quarter.
(d) Exchange Rate. When conversion of payments from any foreign currency is required, such conversion shall be calculated using an exchange rate equal to the rate of exchange published in the Wall Street Journal on the last business day of the applicable calendar quarter for which payment is due.
(e) No deductions for third party licenses. No deductions from any payments under this agreement shall be made because Tarsus is required to make payments, royalty payments or otherwise, to third parties to obtain rights or licenses to intellectual property rights in respect of a Licensed Product.
(f) Royalty Reduction. If at any time during the Royalty Term for a given Licensed Product in a given country, there is no Valid Claim Covering such Licensed Product in such country, then the royalty rate payable by Tarsus pursuant to Section 6.4(a) shall be reduced to [***] percent of the rates set forth in Section 6.4(a).
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6.5 Mode of Payment. Tarsus shall pay all payments to Elanco under this Agreement by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a USD functional bank account designated in writing by Elanco, in U.S. Dollars or such other currency as the Parties may mutually agree in writing.
6.6 Audit. Tarsus shall keep or cause to be kept books of account containing all information that may be necessary for the purpose of calculating amounts payable by Tarsus in connection with this Agreement for a period of three (3) calendar years following the end of the calendar year during which such amounts were payable. Elanco may appoint an independent public accountant (on a non-contingency basis and reasonably acceptable to Tarsus; any Big 4 accountant shall be deemed acceptable to Tarsus), at Elancos expense and subject to such accountant entering into a confidentiality agreement with Tarsus, to inspect such books of account in order to verify the calculation of any amounts payable to Elanco hereunder. Such inspections shall be performed not more frequently than once in any twelve (12) month period and upon reasonable prior written notice, and shall be conducted during regular business hours in such a manner as to not unreasonably interfere with Tarsuss normal business activities. Elancos accountant may only share with Elanco the report containing the summary results of its inspection, but not the books of account reviewed by the accountant during the audit, and such report shall constitute Tarsuss Confidential Information. If any such inspection reveals that any payment which should have been paid by Tarsus is greater than those which were actually paid by it and such underpayment is not disputed by Tarsus, then Tarsus shall promptly pay the underpaid amount to Elanco. If the undisputed payments which should have been paid by Tarsus are at least [***] percent greater than those which were actually paid by Tarsus, then Tarsus shall also reimburse Elanco for the reasonable out-of-pocket costs of such inspection.
6.7 Taxes. Each Party shall be solely responsible for the payment of all taxes imposed on its share of income arising directly or indirectly from its activities or receipt of payments under this Agreement. To the extent Tarsus is required to deduct and withhold taxes on any payment to Elanco hereunder, it shall deduct such amounts from payments to Elanco and pay the amounts of such taxes to the proper governmental authority in a timely manner and promptly transmit to Elanco an official tax certificate or other evidence of such withholding sufficient to enable Elanco to claim such payment of taxes. Elanco shall provide Tarsus any tax forms that may be reasonably necessary in order for Tarsus not to withhold tax or to withhold tax at a reduced rate under an Applicable Law or bilateral income tax treaty.
6.8 Sales Forecast. Within [***] days after January 1 of each calendar year, Tarsus shall provide Elanco with Tarsuss projected Net Sales over the next [***] calendar years. For clarity, such projections would be for informational purposes only and the foregoing is not binding on Tarsus in any way.
7. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.
7.1 Prosecution and Maintenance of Licensed Patents.
(a) Elanco shall be solely responsible for prosecution and maintenance of the Licensed Patents including, but not limited to, the filing of patent applications included therein. Elanco shall keep Tarsus reasonably informed with respect to the status and progress of any such applications, prosecutions and maintenance activities. Elanco shall consider in good faith the comments of Tarsus with respect to any such applications and prosecutions and maintenance activities.
(b) Elanco may, in its sole discretion, elect to abandon any issued patent or pending patent application included in the Licensed Patents, or not file any patent application with respect thereto in any country. Prior to any such abandonment or decision not to file in any country, Elanco shall give Tarsus at least [***] days notice and a reasonable opportunity to take over such maintenance, prosecution or filing. In such event, Tarsus shall have the right, but not the obligation, to commence or continue such maintenance, prosecution or filing under its own control and at its sole
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expense. Tarsus shall have no further payment obligations (including with respect to royalties and milestone payments) or other obligations to Elanco with respect to any such patents or patent applications or patents issuing from such applications.
7.2 Enforcement of Licensed IP.
(a) During the Royalty Term, each Party shall promptly provide written notice to the other Party of any actual or alleged infringement or misappropriation in the Field by any Third Party of any intellectual property rights included in the Licensed IP of which it becomes aware. Elanco shall have the first right, but not the obligation, to enforce the Licensed IP against any such infringement or misappropriation claim in the Field at its own expense and utilizing counsel of its choice. Elanco shall neither settle nor voluntarily dispose of any action to enforce the Licensed IP in the Field without Tarsuss written consent. If Elanco desires to voluntarily dispose of any action to enforce the Licensed IP in the Field then Elanco shall notify Tarsus and offer Tarsus the opportunity to assume control of such enforcement action (Voluntary Disposal Notice). If Tarsus notifies Elanco of its election to assume control of such enforcement action then Elanco shall take all reasonable actions necessary to allow Tarsus to properly do so. Elanco may voluntarily dispose of such enforcement action if: (i) Tarsus notifies Elanco that it does not desire to assume control of such enforcement action; or (ii) Tarsus does not notify Elanco of any election within [***] days after Elanco provides Voluntary Disposal Notice.
(b) With respect to any potential enforcement under subsection (a) above, if Elanco does not notify Tarsus of its intention to enforce against such alleged infringement or misappropriation within [***] days of the date Elanco becomes aware of such alleged infringement or misappropriation, or does not commence prosecution of such claim within [***] days after the date Elanco becomes aware of such alleged infringement or misappropriation, then, Tarsus shall have the right, but not the obligation, to prosecute such claim at its own expense and utilizing counsel of its choice.
(c) The enforcing Party shall regularly update the other Party in writing with respect to the status of any such enforcement actions. Any recovery of damages by shall be applied (i) first, in satisfaction of any unreimbursed expenses and legal fees of the enforcing Party, (ii) second, in satisfaction of any unreimbursed expenses and legal fees of the other Party, and (iii) third, if additional recoveries remain after all of the unreimbursed expenses and legal fees are fully paid as set forth in (i) and (ii), the balance remaining with respect to any such recovery shall be retained by (or paid by Elanco to, as the case may be) Tarsus and such amount shall be treated as Net Sales and subject to the payment of royalties pursuant to Section 6.3.
(d) At the request of the Party bringing the action, the other Party shall provide reasonable assistance in connection therewith, including by executing reasonably appropriate documents, cooperating in discovery and joining as a party plaintiff to the action if required to obtain necessary standing.
7.3 Improvements. Elanco shall own any invention conceived by or for Elanco from the use of the Compound or otherwise derived by or for Elanco from the Compound (Elanco Improvements). Tarsus shall own any invention conceived by or for Tarsus from the use of the Compound or otherwise derived by or for Tarsus from the Compound (Tarsus Improvements). To the extent any Research Invention (as such term is defined in the MTA) exists, Elanco hereby assigns such Research Invention to Tarsus. Tarsus hereby grants Elanco a royalty-free, perpetual license to the Research Inventions and Tarsus Improvements for applications outside the Field). Such license shall be exclusive in animal health (which, for the avoidance of doubt, excludes any applications in humans) and non-exclusive in all other applications outside the Field. This Section 7.3 amends and supersedes Section 7 of the MTA entirely, such that Section 7 of the MTA shall have no further force or effect.
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8. MANUFACTURE AND SUPPLY.
8.1 Initial Supply Terms. Each calendar quarter, Tarsus shall supply Elanco with a written, non-binding forecast showing good faith estimations of its (and its Affiliates and sublicensees) quarterly requirements for the Compound for the following four (4) calendar quarters (the Forecast). Elanco shall manufacture (or have manufactured) and supply to Tarsus quantities of the Compound as and when reasonably requested by Tarsus to the extent within the Forecast. Tarsuss price for all Compounds purchased pursuant to this Section 8.1 shall be the price at which Elanco purchases such Compound plus [***] percent thereof.
8.2 Manufacturing and Supply Agreement. The Parties agree to enter into a good-faith more detailed manufacturing and supply agreement within a reasonable timeframe. The supply agreement should provide for a stated supply price (which price shall represent a small markup over Elancos costs).
8.3 Change of chemistry.
(a) Tarsus acknowledges and agrees that Elanco shall be free to use alternate chemistry and improve the Compound in its sole discretion without Tarsus consent.
(b) Elanco shall provide Tarsus with [***] days prior notice (the Compound Change Period) if Elanco will cease to provide any Compound previously provided to Tarsus pursuant to a chemical change and will supply Tarsus with any quantities of such Compound requested by Tarsus during the Compound Change Period (even if such quantities exceed the amount projected in the Forecast).
8.4 Have Made Rights. For clarity, Section 2.1 grants Tarsus the right to have a third party make the Compound for Tarsus. Elanco must approve such third party supplier unless: (a) the transfer to the supplier qualifies as Sensitive Transfer); or (b) such supplier is reputable and credible. Such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed. For all purposes of the foregoing, the following entities and their Affiliates shall be deemed credible and reputable (and shall not require Elanco consent): [***] (or any Affiliate of the foregoing), [***].
9. INDEMNIFICATION; INSURANCE.
9.1 Indemnification by Elanco. Elanco shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Tarsus, its Affiliates, and its and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, successors and assigns against all third party losses, damages, liabilities, deficiencies, claims, actions, judgments, settlements, interest, awards, penalties, fines, costs or expenses (collectively, Losses), resulting from (a) any action instituted against any of them by any Third Party arising out of from Elancos breach of any representation, warranty or obligations pursuant to this Agreement, or (b) the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Elanco, except, in each case, to the extent such Losses are Losses for which Tarsus is obligated to indemnify Elanco pursuant to Section 9.2 or to the extent such Losses arise from the breach by Tarsus or its Affiliates of its representations, warranties or obligations under this Agreement or from the failure of any sublicensees to comply with any obligations required of sublicensees under this Agreement.
9.2 Indemnification by Tarsus. Tarsus shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Elanco, its Affiliates, and its and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, successors and assigns against all Losses resulting from (a) Tarsuss breach of any representation, warranty or obligations pursuant to this Agreement, ,(b) the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Tarsus; or (c) the development, making, having made, using, having used, leasing, importing, offering to sell, selling and/or having sold, any Compound or Licensed Product by Tarsus, its Affiliates and sublicensees or the failure of any of them to comply with Applicable Law in connection with any such activities, except, in each case, to the extent Elanco is required to indemnify Tarsus under Section 9.1 for such Losses or to the extent such Losses arise from the breach by Elanco or its Affiliates of its representations, warranties or obligations under this Agreement.
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9.3 Indemnification Procedure. The indemnified party shall promptly notify the indemnifying party in writing of any action for which it intends to seek indemnification hereunder and cooperate reasonably with the indemnifying party at the indemnifying partys sole cost and expense. The indemnifying party shall have the right, within thirty (20) days after being so notified, to assume the defense of any action with counsel of its choice that is reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. The indemnifying party shall not settle any action in a manner that adversely affects the rights of any indemnified party without the indemnified partys prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The indemnified partys failure to provide prompt notice to the indemnifying party of any action shall not relieve the indemnifying party of its obligations under this Section 9.3 except to the extent that the indemnifying party can demonstrate that it has been materially prejudiced as a result of the failure. Subject to the indemnifying partys right to control the defense and settlement thereof, the indemnified party may participate in and observe the proceedings at its own cost and expense with counsel of its own choosing. A Party shall not be responsible for the indemnification or defense of the other Party to the extent arising from any negligent or intentional acts by such Party, or the breach by such Party of any representations, obligations or warranty under this Agreement, or any claims compromised or settled without prior written consent.
9.4 Limitation of Liability. Except with respect to a breach of Section 10, or a Partys liability pursuant to Section 9 or Section 7.2, neither Party shall be liable for special, incidental, consequential, exemplary, punitive, or other indirect or remote damages, or loss of profits, loss of data or loss of use damages arising in any way out of this Agreement or the exercise of its rights hereunder, whether based upon warranty, contract, tort, strict liability or otherwise.
10. CONFIDENTIALITY.
10.1 Non-Disclosure and Non-Use. Each Receiving Party shall:
(a) not disclose any Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party to any Person other than (i) Persons who have a need to know such information for purposes of the Receiving Partys performance or exercise of rights under this Agreement, and (ii) any Affiliates or sublicensees (or potential sublicensees) of the Receiving Party or other Persons working on the Receiving Partys behalf (including without limitation consultants, contract manufacturers, and independent contractors), provided that any such Person agrees to be bound by terms and conditions no less stringent than those set forth in this Section 10; and
(b) not use any Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party for any purpose other than in connection with performing its obligations or exercising its rights under this Agreement.
10.2 Disclosure Required by Applicable Law. Section 10.1 shall not apply to Confidential Information which the Receiving Party is required by Applicable Law (including, without limitation, any reporting requirements arising under the federal securities laws or the regulations promulgated by any national securities exchange on which securities of the Receiving Party are traded), court order, or similar requirements to disclose, provided that the Receiving Party:
(a) provides the Disclosing Party with prompt written notice thereof such that the Disclosing Party may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy with respect to such Confidential Information, including, without limitation, confidential treatment to the extent available under any Applicable Law, and the Receiving Party shall provide the Disclosing Party with reasonable cooperation in order to obtain such a protective order or other remedy, including confidential treatment, and
(b) discloses only that portion of the Confidential Information that is legally compelled to disclose.
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10.3 Permitted Disclosures. Section 10.1 shall not prevent either Party from (a) preparing, filing, prosecuting, defending or maintaining Licensed Patents, (b) disclosing Confidential Information to Regulatory Authorities to the extent the Receiving Party reasonably believes it is required or desirable in connection with clinical testing of any Licensed Product or to secure Regulatory Approval for the development or marketing of any Licensed Product, (c) disclosing Confidential Information to the extent required by the Securities and Exchange Commission or applicable tax authorities, (d) disclosure to a Third Party in connection with due diligence by such Third Party, and disclosure to potential Third Party investors in confidential financing documents, provided that any such Third Party agrees to be bound by reasonable obligations of confidentiality and non-use, to the extent possible.
11. TERM; TERMINATION.
11.1 Term; Expiration. This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and, unless sooner terminated as provided hereunder, shall expire on a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product and country-by-country basis upon the expiration of the Royalty Term with respect to such Licensed Product in such country. Following such expiration of the Royalty Term, the license granted by Elanco to Tarsus in Section 2.1 with respect to such Licensed Product in such country shall become fully-paid, royalty-free, worldwide, exclusive, and perpetual.
11.2 Termination.
(a) Upon any material breach or default of this Agreement by a Party, the other Party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement upon giving sixty (60) days prior written notice thereof to the breaching Party. Such termination shall become effective thirty (30) days after at the end of such sixty (60) day period unless the breaching Party shall have cured any such breach or default prior to the expiration of such sixty (60) day period; or if such breach cannot be reasonably cured within sixty (60) days, but the breaching Party has commenced reasonable actions to cure such breach, then such longer period as may be required to cure such breach provided that the breaching Party continues to diligently cure such breach. If the material breach or default by the breaching Party applies only to a given country, the other Party may only terminate this Agreement with respect to such country and thereafter the Territory shall no longer include the country in which such termination has occurred.
(b) No such termination by a Party pursuant to Section 11.2(a) shall be effective prior to the resolution of any dispute with respect to the occurrence of any material breach of or default under this Agreement as to which such Party seeks to exercise such right of termination. If as a result of such dispute resolution process it is determined that a Partys notice of breach was proper, then such notice shall be deemed to have been effective if the breaching Party fails thereafter to cure such breach in accordance with the determination made in the resolution process within the applicable cure period following such determination. If as a result of such dispute resolution process it is determined that the notice of breach was improper, then no such notice shall be deemed to have been effective and this Agreement shall remain in effect. All of the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect during the pendency of such dispute resolution process.
(c) Tarsus may terminate this Agreement immediately upon notice to Elanco within thirty (30) business days after the Effective Date: (a) if, in Tarsuss reasonable discretion, the Regulatory Materials reveal any fact that would adversely affect the development and/or regulatory approval of a Licensed Product in any way; or (b) Regulatory Materials Receipt does not occur within twenty (20) days after the Effective Date.
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(d) If Tarsus or any of its Affiliates or sublicensees, directly or indirectly, (i) initiates or requests an interference or opposition proceeding with respect to any Licensed Patents; (ii) makes, files or maintains any claim, demand, lawsuit, or cause of action to challenge the validity or enforceability of any Licensed Patents; or (iii) opposes any extension of, or the grant of a supplementary protection certificate with respect to, any Licensed Patents (any of (i) (iii) a Challenge), Elanco shall have the right to terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days written notice to Tarsus. Any such termination shall only become effective if Tarsus or its Affiliate or sublicensee, as applicable, has not withdrawn such action before the end of the above notice period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Elanco may not terminate this Agreement for a direct or indirect Challenge made by a sublicensee if Tarsus terminates the sublicense to such sublicensee within thirty (30) days after Elanco notifies Tarsus of such Challenge.
11.3 Effect of Expiration or Termination.
(a) Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, the license (and sublicense) granted to Tarsus under Section 2.1 shall terminate in full with respect to the country(ies) and Licensed Product(s) which are the subject of such termination.
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) above, Tarsus, its Affiliates and/or any sublicensee thereof may elect to sell all finished Licensed Products and any Licensed Products in the process of manufacture at the time of such termination for a period not to exceed [***] months after such termination, provided that Tarsus shall pay or cause to be paid to Elanco all royalty payments in accordance with Section 6.3 with respect thereto.
(c) Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason and following any request by the relevant sublicensee (provided that such sublicensee is then in compliance with the applicable terms of this Agreement in all material respects), any sublicense of the Licensed IP shall become a direct license between such sublicensee and Elanco (but shall not obligate Elanco beyond the terms of this Agreement) and such sublicensee shall assume all of Tarsuss payment obligations to Elanco under this Agreement with respect to such sublicensees activities (and those of its Affiliates and sublicensees).
(d) Termination or expiration of this Agreement for any reason shall be without prejudice to any rights that shall have accrued to the benefit of either Party prior to such termination or expiration. Additionally, the following terms shall survive termination or expiration of this Agreement: Sections 2.2 (unless terminated by Tarsus pursuant to Section 11.2(a)), 6.6, 6.7, 9, 10, 11, and 13. Termination or expiration of this Agreement shall not affect or prejudice any right of either Party to receive payments due hereunder or for which the event giving rise to such payment obligation has occurred prior the effectiveness of such termination or expiration or preclude or hinder the terminating Party from also bringing, amending or pursuing an action against the other Party for damages and all other available legal and equitable remedies.
(e) Upon termination of this Agreement by Elanco under Section 4.4 (a) or Section 11.2 (a) Tarsus shall as soon as reasonably practicable provide Elanco with copies of all documented technical and other information Controlled by Tarsus that is both: (i) specific to preclinical documentation and technical information with respect to a Licensed Product; and (ii) which are necessary for the development, manufacture and commercialization of the Licensed Product. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tarsus shall have no obligation to provide any Regulatory Materials or clinical information or data and Elanco shall have no right to (and shall not) reference any Regulatory Materials of Tarsus after such termination.
(f) Upon termination of this Agreement by Elanco under Section 4.4(a) or Section 11.2(a) or Section 11.2(d), Tarsus shall promptly return all Confidential Information of Elanco.
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12. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
12.1 Mutual Representations and Warranties. Each Party hereby represents and warrants to the other Party as follows:
(a) Corporate Existence and Power. It is a company or corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated, and has full corporate power and authority and the legal right to own and operate its property and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted and as contemplated in this Agreement, including, without limitation, the right to grant the licenses granted by it hereunder.
(b) Authority and Binding Agreement. As of the Effective Date, (i) it has the corporate power and authority and the legal right to enter into this Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder; (ii) it has taken all necessary corporate action on its part required to authorize the execution and delivery of the Agreement and the performance of its obligations hereunder; and (iii) the Agreement has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of such Party, and constitutes a legal, valid, and binding obligation of such Party that is enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.
(c) No Conflict. It is not a party to any agreement that would materially prevent it from granting the rights granted to the other Party under this Agreement or performing its obligations under the Agreement.
12.2 Additional Representations and Warranties of Elanco. Elanco represents and warrants to Tarsus as of the Effective Date that:
(a) it has all rights under the Licensed IP to grant the licenses to Tarsus as purported to be granted pursuant to this Agreement (including, without limitation, without any payment to any Third Party);
(b) it has not received any written notice from any Third Party asserting or alleging that any research or development of any Licensed Product by or on behalf of Elanco prior to the Effective Date infringed or misappropriated the intellectual property rights of such Third Party;
(c) there are no actual, pending, alleged or, to Elancos knowledge, threatened adverse actions, suits, claims, interferences or formal governmental investigations involving the Licensed Products and/or the Licensed IP by or against Elanco in or before any court or governmental authority;
(d) there are no patents or patent applications Controlled by Elanco or its Affiliates, other than the Licensed Patents, that would prevent Tarsus or its Affiliates or sublicensees from developing, manufacturing and/or commercializing Licensed Products as set forth herein or from exploiting the rights granted under Section 2.1; and
(e) the Licensed Patents cover the Compound.
12.3 Additional Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Tarsus.
Tarsus represents, warrants and covenants that:
(a) to its knowledge, no employee, consultant, contractor, agent, or other representative performing services under this Agreement or any agreement between Tarsus and any other Party contracted by Tarsus to perform work hereunder has been debarred or disqualified, or is under investigation for being debarred or disqualified by the FDA, EMEA, or other regulatory authority. Tarsus agrees to promptly notify Elanco if it learns of any such action; and
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(b) as of the Effective Date, it has (or reasonably believes it can obtain or contract third parties to provide) the capability, resources, and expertise to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement in compliance with Applicable Law to the extent such capability, resources, and expertise would reasonably be possessed by a company in a similar stage of financing and development as Tarsus.
12.4 No Other Representations or Warranties. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY STATED IN THIS ARTICLE 12, NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, OR NON-MISAPPROPRIATION OF THIRD PARTY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, IS MADE OR GIVEN BY OR ON BEHALF OF EITHER PARTY. ALL OTHER REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, WHETHER ARISING BY OPERATION OF LAW OR OTHERWISE, ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.
13. MISCELLANEOUS.
13.1 Relationship of Parties. Nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be deemed to constitute a partnership, agency, employer-employee or joint venture relationship between the Parties. Each Partys performance under this Agreement is that of a separate entity.
13.2 Assignment. Elanco shall be entitled to freely assign this Agreement or any portion thereof. Tarsus shall not be entitled to assign its rights hereunder without the express written consent of the other Party, except that Tarsus may assign this Agreement: (a) to any of the following entities or any of their Affiliates: [***]; or any entity listed on a publicly traded exchange and with a market capitalization in excess of $[***] (each of the foregoing, a Permitted Assignee); or (b) to an Affiliate.
13.3 Further Assurances. At any time or from time to time after the Effective Date, each Party, at the other Partys reasonable request, shall execute and deliver such other documents, agreements and instruments (including instruments of sale, transfer, conveyance, assignment and confirmation), provide such materials and information and take such other actions as the other Party may reasonably deem necessary or desirable in order more effectively effectuate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
13.4 Notice. Any notice or request required or permitted to be given under or in connection with this Agreement shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given if in writing and personally delivered or sent by certified mail (return receipt requested), or overnight express courier service (signature required), prepaid, to the Party for which such notice is intended, at the address set forth for such Party below:
(a) In the case of Tarsus, to:
Attn:
with a copy to:
Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin and Hachigian LLP
3570 Carmel Mountain Rd
San Diego, CA 92130
Attn: Brendan C. McCarthy
Email: [***]
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(b) In the case of Elanco, to:
Elanco US Inc.
2500 Innovation Way N
Greenfield IN 46140
Attn: Edward D McGruder
Email: [***]
with a copy to:
Elanco US Inc.
2500 Innovation Way N
Greenfield IN 46140
Attn: General Patent Counsel
Email:
or to such other address for such Party as it shall have specified by like notice to the other Party. If delivered personally, the date of delivery shall be deemed to be the date on which such notice or request was given, unless otherwise set forth in this Agreement. If sent by overnight express courier service, the date of delivery shall be deemed to be the next business day after such notice or request was deposited with such service, unless otherwise set forth in this Agreement. If sent by certified mail, the date of delivery shall be deemed to be the third business day after such notice or request was deposited with the U.S. Postal Service, or the foreign equivalent thereto, unless otherwise set forth in this Agreement.
13.5 Public Announcements. Except as required by Applicable Law (including, without limitation, disclosure requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Nasdaq or any other stock exchange on which securities issued by Elanco are traded) and as permitted by Section 10.3, neither Party shall make any public announcement that the Parties have entered into this Agreement, without the prior written consent of the other Party (which shall not be unreasonably withheld). A Party shall be deemed to provide consent to any public announcement if it does not notify the other Party of its rejection within ten (10) days after receiving such proposed public announcement.
13.6 Waiver; Remedies. A waiver by either Party of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement in any instance must be made expressly in writing and signed by an authorized representative of such Party. Any such waiver shall not be deemed or construed to be a waiver of such term or condition for the future, or of any subsequent breach hereof. All rights, remedies, undertakings, obligations and agreements contained in this Agreement shall be cumulative and none of them shall be in limitation of any other remedy, right, undertaking, obligation or agreement of either Party.
13.7 Severability. Each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under Applicable Law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be prohibited by or invalid under Applicable Law, such provision will be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of this Agreement.
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13.8 Amendment. No amendment, modification or supplement of any provisions of this Agreement shall be valid or effective unless made in writing and signed by a duly authorized officer of each Party.
13.9 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without regard to its principles of conflicts of laws.
13.10 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Exhibits hereto, sets forth the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties as to the subject matter hereof and merges all prior discussions, negotiations and agreements between them related to the subject matter hereof. For clarity, this Agreement supersedes and replaces the Confidentiality Agreement as of the Effective Date.
13.11 Parties in Interest. All the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and permitted assigns. Nothing in this Agreement, either express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any Third Party any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement, which right, benefit or remedy such Third Party would not have independent of this Agreement.
13.12 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in any number of counterparts, any one of which need not contain the signature of more than one Party but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
13.13 Interpretations and Definitions. The descriptive headings of this Agreement are for convenience only, and shall be of no force or effect in construing or interpreting any of the provisions of this Agreement. All words and defined terms used in this Agreement shall have the same meaning whether used in the singular or plural form. When used in this Agreement, (a) the term day or days shall mean calendar days, unless otherwise indicated herein, and (b) the term including means including, without limitation. This Agreement has been prepared jointly and shall not be strictly construed against either Party.
REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK.
SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized representative as of the Effective Date.
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Bobak Azamian | |
Name: | Bobak Azamian | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
ELANCO TIERGESUNDHEIT AG | ||
By: | /s/ Nilesh Ambani | |
Name: | Nilesh Ambani | |
Title: | Director |
Exhibit A
Licensed Patents
[***]
Exhibit B
Diligence Milestones
Diligence Milestone |
Achievement Deadline | |||
[***] | [***] months from agreement date | |||
[***] | [***] months | |||
[***] | [***] years | |||
[***] | [***] years |
Exhibit C
Dermatology Milestones
Diligence Milestone |
Achievement Deadline | |||
[***] | [***] months from agreement | |||
[***] | [***] months | |||
[***] | [***] years | |||
[***] | [***] years |
Exhibit D
Summary of the intended development and commercialization activities.
[***]
CERTAIN IDENTIFIED INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED FROM THIS DOCUMENT BECAUSE IT IS BOTH NOT MATERIAL AND WOULD LIKELY CAUSE COMPETITIVE HARM TO THE REGISTRANT IF PUBLICLY DISCLOSED, AND HAS BEEN MARKED WITH [***] TO INDICATE WHERE OMISSIONS HAVE BEEN MADE.
Exhibit 10.11
AMENDMENT TO LICENSE AGREEMENT
This Amendment to License Agreement (Amendment) is made and entered into as of September 3, 2020 (the Amendment Effective Date) by and between Elanco Tiergesundheit AG, a Swiss corporation having place of business at Mattenstrasse 24A, 4058 Basel, Switzerland (Elanco) and Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation having its principal offices at 4590 MacArthur Blvd. Suite 500, Newport Beach, CA 92660 (Tarsus).
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, Elanco and Tarsus entered into that certain License Agreement, dated January 31, 2019 (the License Agreement); and
WHEREAS, Elanco and Tarsus desire to modify the License Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Amendment.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Elanco and Tarsus agree and amend the License Agreement as follows:
1. All capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the License Agreement.
2. New Section 1.10 is hereby added to the License Agreement as follows (and, accordingly, the numbering of Section previous 1.10 and all other subsections of Section 1 are increased by one (1) subsection number):
Elanco Field means all applications for non-human animals, agricultural applications, seed treatment applications and urban pest applications related to structural, turf, lawns and gardens, including treatment of premises and ornamental pest markets but excluding, for clarity, any mosquito vector control for human disease or any human therapeutics.
3. New Section 1.12 is hereby added to the License Agreement as follows (and, accordingly, the numbering of Section 1.12 and all other subsections of Section 1 are increased by one (1) subsection number):
Existing Manufacturer means a third party that manufactures for which Tarsus pays (or has paid) Elanco $[***] pursuant to Section 3.1 of that certain License Agreement entered into by and between Tarsus and Elanco on or around even date herewith (the Systemic License Agreement).
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4. The first sentence of Section 1.14 (previously Section 1.13) of the
License Agreement is hereby amended and restated as follows (with new text marked in bold underline, and deleted text marked in strikethrough):
First Commercial Sale for a country means the first commercial sale of a Licensed Product to a Third Party by Tarsus or any of its Affiliates or sublicensees of such Licensed Product after final approval by the applicable government authority to market such product for human use in the Field in such country (e.g. NDA approval).
5. The first sentence of Section 1.26 (previously Section 1.25) of the License Agreement is
hereby amended and restated as follows (with new text marked in bold underline, and deleted text marked in strikethrough):
Net Sales means, with respect to a Licensed Product, the gross amount invoiced by Tarsus (including a Tarsus Affiliate) or any sublicensee thereof to unrelated Third Parties, excluding any sublicensee, for such Licensed Product in the Field in the Territory during the Royalty Term in the country of sale, less the following items applied consistent with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles:
(a) Trade, quantity and cash discounts allowed;
(b) Discounts, refunds, rebates, chargebacks, retroactive price adjustments, and any other allowances which effectively reduce the net selling price;
(c) Licensed Product returns and allowances;
(d) That portion of the sales value associated with drug delivery systems, where applicable;
(e) Any tax imposed on the production, sale, delivery or use of the Licensed Product, including, without limitation, sales, use, excise or value added taxes;
(f) Wholesaler inventory management fees;
(g) Allowance for distribution expenses; and
(h) Any other similar and customary deductions which are in accordance with GAAP.
6. Section 1.28 (previously Section 1.27) of the License Agreement is hereby amended and restated as follows (with new
text marked in bold underline, and deleted text marked in strikethrough):
Phase 2 Clinical Trial means a clinical trial phase 2a, 2b or adaptive design for an indication in the Field that is both (a) designed to evaluate clinical efficacy and safety for a pharmaceutical product, in a manner that is generally consistent with 21 C.F.R. § 312.21(b), as amended (or its successor regulation) and/or any analogous applicable law outside of the United States, as applicable, and (b) is necessary to enable Regulatory Approval in the United States or any Major European Country.
7. Section 1.29 (previously Section 1.28) of the License Agreement is hereby amended and restated as follows (with new
text marked in bold underline, and deleted text marked in strikethrough):
Phase 3 Clinical Trial means a pivotal clinical trial for an indication in the Field that both (a) has a defined dose or a set of defined doses of a pharmaceutical product designed to ascertain efficacy and safety of such product, in a manner that is generally consistent with 21 C.F.R. § 312.21(c), as amended (or its successor regulation) and/or any analogous applicable law outside of the United States, as applicable, and (b) is necessary to enable Marketing Approval in the United States or any Major European Country.
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8. Section 1.36 (previously Section 1.35) of the License Agreement is hereby
amended and restated as follows (with new text marked in bold underline, and deleted text marked in strikethrough):
Sublicense Revenue means payments that Tarsus receives in consideration for a sublicense of rights under the Licensed IP in the Field.
9. Section 2.2 of the License Agreement is hereby amended
and restated as follows (with new text marked in bold underline, and deleted text marked in strikethrough):
Tarsus License. Tarsus hereby grants to Elanco a worldwide non-exclusive,
perpetual, sublicensable (through multiple tiers), royalty-free license, under the Tarsus IP, to research, develop, make, use, sell, offer for sale, import and otherwise exploit Compounds and Licensed Products outside the
Fieldin the Elanco Field. Tarsus may sublicense any or all rights and/or obligations under this Agreement.
10. Section 3.1 of the License Agreement is hereby amended and restated as follows (with new text marked in bold
underline, and deleted text marked in strikethrough):
Within [***] days following the date Tarsus pays Elanco the Upfront Payment, Elanco shall provide all information regarding the Licensed Know-How that is Controlled by Elanco as of the Effective Date and is reasonably necessary to research, develop, make, use, or otherwise exploit Licensed Products in the Field in the Territory. Additionally, if Tarsus engages a third party other than Siegfried to manufacture the Licensed Product and such manufacture requires material manufacturing Know-How not previously provided to Tarsus then Elanco shall provide (or cause Siegfried to provide) such Know-How and, unless such third party is an Existing Manufacturer, Tarsus shall pay Elanco $[***] within thirty (30) days after its receipt of all of such Know-How. Provided in any case that Elanco shall only be obliged to provide information to a third party that has been selected in compliance with Section 8.4.
11. Section 7.3 of the License Agreement is
hereby amended and restated as follows (with new text marked in bold underline, and deleted text marked in strikethrough):
Improvements. Elanco shall own any invention conceived by or for Elanco from the use of the Compound or otherwise
derived by or for Elanco from the Compound (Elanco Improvements). Tarsus shall own any invention conceived by or for Tarsus from the use of the Compound or otherwise derived by or for Tarsus from the Compound
(Tarsus Improvements). To the extent any Research Invention (as such term is defined in the MTA) exists, Elanco hereby assigns such Research Invention to Tarsus. Tarsus hereby grants Elanco an
exclusive royalty-free, perpetual license to the Research Inventions and Tarsus Improvements for applications outside thein the Elanco Field). Such license shall be exclusive in animal
health (which, for the avoidance of doubt, excludes any applications in humans) and non-exclusive in all other applications outside the Field. This Section 7.3 amends and supersedes
Section 7 of the MTA entirely, such that Section 7 of the MTA shall have no further force or effect.
12. Except as otherwise modified by this Amendment, the License Agreement shall remain in full force and effect consistent with its terms.
13. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Copies (whether photostatic, facsimile or otherwise) of this Amendment may be made and relied upon to the same extent as an original.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment to the License Agreement as of the date first above written.
Elanco Tiergesundheit AG |
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | |||||||
By: |
/s/ Aaron L. Schacht |
By: |
/s/ Bobak Azamian | |||||
Name: |
Aaron L. Schacht |
Name: |
Bobak Azamian | |||||
Title: |
EVP- Innovation, Regulatory & Business Development |
Title: |
Chief Executive Officer
|
Exhibit 10.12
CERTAIN IDENTIFIED INFORMATION HAS BEEN OMITTED FROM THIS DOCUMENT BECAUSE IT IS BOTH NOT
MATERIAL AND WOULD LIKELY CAUSE COMPETITIVE HARM TO THE REGISTRANT
IF PUBLICLY DISCLOSED, AND HAS BEEN MARKED WITH
[***] TO INDICATE WHERE OMISSIONS HAVE BEEN MADE.
LICENSE AGREEMENT
THIS LICENSE AGREEMENT (the Agreement), dated as of September 3, 2020 (the Effective Date), is made and entered into by and between Elanco Tiergesundheit AG, a Swiss corporation having place of business at Mattenstrasse 24A, 4058 Basel, Switzerland (Elanco) and Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation having its principal offices at 4590 MacArthur Blvd. Suite 500, Newport Beach, CA 92660 (Tarsus). Each of Elanco and Tarsus may be referred to herein as a Party and collectively as the Parties.
BACKGROUND
A. Elanco is the owner, and has the right to license the Licensed IP (as defined below) on and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
B. Tarsus wishes to license the Licensed IP, and Elanco is willing to grant to Tarsus a license under the Licensed IP, on and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants and agreements of the Parties contained in this Agreement, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
1. CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. In addition to any terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, the following terms, when used in this Agreement, shall have the meanings set forth in this Section 1.
1.1 Affiliate means, with respect to an entity, any other entity which controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such first entity (but only so long as such control exists), whether as of the Effective Date or any time after the Effective Date. The term control, in relation to an entity, means the ownership or control, directly or indirectly, of fifty percent (50%) or more of the shares (or other securities or rights) entitled to vote for the election of directors or other governing authority of such entity.
1.2 Applicable Law means, with respect to any Person or matter, any and all laws, ordinances, constitutions, regulations, statutes, treaties, rules, codes, licenses, requirements and injunctions adopted, enacted, implemented, promulgated, issued, entered by or under the authority of any governmental body having jurisdiction over such Person or matter or any Persons properties or assets.
1.3 Change of Control shall mean any transaction defined as a Liquidation Event in the Restated Certificate.
1.4 Commercially Reasonable Efforts of a Party means, with respect to an objective, the reasonable, diligent, good faith efforts of a Party, (which it may effect through the efforts of its Affiliates, and sublicensees) of the type to accomplish such objective as a similarly situated (with respect to size, stage of development, and assets) pharmaceutical company, as the case may be, would normally use to accomplish a similar objective under similar circumstances, it being understood and agreed that, with respect to efforts to be expended in relation to a product (including implementation of development and commercialization strategies), such efforts shall be substantially equivalent to those efforts and resources that a similarly situated pharmaceutical company, as the case may be, would typically devote to its own internally discovered compound or product, which compound or product is at a similar stage in its development or product life and is of similar market and economic potential as products expected to result from the Compounds at a similar stage in their development or product life, taking into account the risks of development, the commercial potential for the Product, its proprietary position and other relevant factors.
1.5 Compound means Lotilaner and any salts, stereo isomers, prodrug, ester, metabolite, solvate, or polymorph thereof, and any derivative of the foregoing containing one or more atoms substituted with a radioisotope (including a derivative containing deuterium).
1.6 Confidential Information means information that is disclosed by one Party (the Disclosing Party) to the other Party (the Receiving Party) in connection with this Agreement (which may include, without limitation, trade secrets, technology, information pertaining to business operations and strategies, and information pertaining to customers, pricing and marketing information) or considered confidential under the Eye Care and Dermatology License Agreement as well as all information provided in the data room by Elanco as of the Effective Date. Confidential Information does not include information that: (a) was already known to the Receiving Party prior to disclosure by the Disclosing Party; (b) is independently developed by the Receiving Party; (c) was or becomes generally known by the public other than as a result of a breach of this Agreement or the Eye Care and Dermatology License Agreement by the Receiving Party; or (d) was received by the Receiving Party from a Third Party who was not, at the time of disclosure, under any obligation to the Disclosing Party or any of its Affiliates to maintain the confidentiality of such information.
1.7 Control, Controls or Controlled by means, with respect to any item of or right under any intellectual property, as the context requires, the possession (whether by ownership or license, other than pursuant to this Agreement) or ability of a Party to grant access to, or a license or sublicense of, such items or rights.
1.8 Cover with respect to any subject matter (e.g. a Licensed Product), means that absent a license, the making, having made, using, importing, offering to sell or selling such subject matter would infringe a Valid Claim.
1.9 Cut-off Date means the second (2nd) anniversary of the Effective Date.
1.10 Developed World means the United States of America, Canada, the countries of the European Economic Area (which, for clarity, shall be deemed to include the United Kingdom), Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
1.11 Developing World means all countries that are not countries within the Developed World.
1.12 Elanco Field means all applications for non-human animals, agricultural applications, seed treatment applications and urban pest applications related to structural, turf, lawns and gardens, including treatment of premises and ornamental pest markets but excluding, for clarity, any mosquito vector control for human disease or any human therapeutics.
1.13 Enroll or Enrollment with respect to a clinical trial means a patient is dosed with the applicable investigatory drug.
1.14 Existing Manufacturer means a third party that manufactures for which Tarsus pays (or has paid) Elanco $[***] pursuant to Section 3.1 of the Eye Care and Dermatology License Agreement.
1.15 Eye Care and Dermatology License Agreement means that certain License Agreement entered into by and between Elanco and Tarsus on January 31, 2019.
1.16 FDA means the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and any successor agency thereto.
1.17 Field means all applications for humans other than the treatment, palliation, prevention, or cure of any disease or condition in eye care or dermatology in humans.
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1.18 First Commercial Sale for a country means the first commercial sale of a Licensed Product to a Third Party by Tarsus or any of its Affiliates or sublicensees of such Licensed Product after final approval by the applicable government authority to market such product for human use in in the Field in such country (e.g. NDA approval). First Commercial Sale excludes the sale of a Licensed Product for use in a clinical trial or for expanded access (or similar term) and any sale of any Licensed Product by Tarsus or any of its Affiliates or sublicensees to or among themselves.
1.19 INAD means an Investigational New Animal Drug filed with the FDA or the equivalent application or filing filed with any equivalent agency or government authority outside of the United States (including any supra-national agency such as in the European Union) necessary to commence animal clinical trials in such jurisdiction, and including all regulations at 21 CFR § 511.1, and equivalent foreign regulations.
1.20 IND means an Investigational New Drug Application filed with the FDA or the equivalent application or filing filed with any equivalent agency or government authority outside of the United States (including any supra-national agency such as in the European Union) necessary to commence human clinical trials in such jurisdiction, and including all regulations at 21 CFR § 312 et. esq., and equivalent foreign regulations.
1.21 Initial Public Offering shall mean the closing of the issuance and sale of shares of Tarsus capital stock in a public offering pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act.
1.22 Know-How means all know-how relating to the Compound or any Licensed Product, including, without limitation, inventions (whether patentable or not), technology, discoveries, methods, techniques, and scientific information, medical information, all manufacturing, preclinical, and clinical data, materials, samples, protocols, specifications, processes, structures, trade secrets, analytical and quality control information and procedures, pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical test data and results, stability data, and studies and procedures.
1.23 Licensed Know-How means all Know-How Controlled by Elanco as of the Effective Date.
1.24 Licensed IP means the Licensed Patents and the Licensed Know-How.
1.25 Licensed Patents means (a) the patents and patent applications set forth in Exhibit A hereto or otherwise Controlled by Elanco or any of its Affiliates as of the Effective Date and Covering any product that contains a Compound as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (alone or with other active ingredients) in any forms, presentations, formulations or dosage strengths, or any manufacture or use of the foregoing, (b) any patent or patent application Covering any product that contains a Compound as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (alone or with other active ingredients) in any forms, presentations, formulations or dosage strengths, or any manufacture or use of the foregoing where the patent or patent application Covers Know-How Controlled by Elanco or any of its Affiliates and arises after the Effective Date and prior to the Cut-off Date; (c) any patent application filed after the Effective Date on any of the Licensed Know-How; (d) any patent applications claiming priority to any of the foregoing, including continuations, divisionals, continuation-in-part and foreign patent applications, (e) all patents issuing from any of the foregoing patent applications described in (a) through (d); and (f) all reissues, reexaminations, renewals, re-validations, re-registrations, patents of addition, supplementary patent certificates and extensions of any of the foregoing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Licensed Patents do not include the Tarsus Patents.
1.26 Licensed Product means any product that: (a) contains a Compound as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (alone or with other active ingredients) in any forms, presentations, formulations or dosage strengths; or (b) the manufacture, sale, use or importation of which, absent the license granted to Tarsus from Elanco under this Agreement, would infringe a Valid Claim of a Licensed Patent.
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1.27 Major European Country means any of Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
1.28 NADA means a New Animal Drug Application, or any successor applications or procedures, filed with the FDA for approval to market and sell a product in the United States.
1.29 NDA means a New Drug Application, or any successor applications or procedures, filed with the FDA for approval to market and sell a product in the United States.
1.30 Net Sales means, with respect to a Licensed Product, the gross amount invoiced by Tarsus (including a Tarsus Affiliate) or any sublicensee thereof to unrelated Third Parties, excluding any sublicensee, for such Licensed Product in the Field in the Territory during the Royalty Term in the country of sale, less the following items applied consistent with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles:
(a) Trade, quantity and cash discounts allowed;
(b) Discounts, refunds, rebates, chargebacks, retroactive price adjustments, and any other allowances which effectively reduce the net selling price;
(c) Licensed Product returns and allowances;
(d) That portion of the sales value associated with drug delivery systems, where applicable;
(e) Any tax imposed on the production, sale, delivery or use of the Licensed Product, including, without limitation, sales, use, excise or value added taxes;
(f) Wholesaler inventory management fees;
(g) Allowance for distribution expenses; and
(h) Any other similar and customary deductions which are in accordance with GAAP.
Such amounts shall be determined from the books and records of Tarsus, Affiliates of Tarsus or any sublicensee maintained in accordance with U. S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles consistently applied. Tarsus further agrees in determining such amounts, it will use Tarsuss then current standard procedures and methodology, including Tarsuss then current standard exchange rate methodology, utilizing a reputable source such as the Wall Street Journal or Reuters, for the translation of foreign currency sales into U.S. Dollars. For purposes of determining Net Sales, (i) sales of a Licensed Product shall not include transfers, uses or dispositions for charitable, promotional, pre-clinical, clinical, regulatory or governmental purposes, and (ii) sales between or among Tarsus, its Affiliates and sublicensees for re-sale shall be excluded from the computation of Net Sales, but subsequent sales by Tarsus or its Affiliates to third parties shall be included in the computation of Net Sales.
1.31 Person means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, governmental authority, unincorporated organization, trust, association or other entity.
1.32 Phase 1 Clinical Trial means a clinical trial, the principal purpose of which is preliminary determination of safety of a Licensed Product in healthy individuals or patients and that otherwise satisfies the description in 21 C.F.R. §312.21(a) in the United States or, if applicable, its foreign equivalent.
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1.33 Phase 2 Clinical Trial means a clinical trial phase 2a, 2b or adaptive design for an indication in the Field that (a) occurs after a separate Phase 1 Clinical Trial for such indication, (b) is predominantly designed to evaluate clinical efficacy for a pharmaceutical product (and is not a clinical trial that is predominantly a safety study (e.g., a phase 1b/2a clinical trial)), in a manner that is generally consistent with 21 C.F.R. § 312.21(b), as amended (or its successor regulation) and/or any analogous applicable law outside of the United States, as applicable, and (c) is necessary to enable Regulatory Approval in the United States or any Major European Country.
1.34 Phase 3 Clinical Trial means a pivotal clinical trial for an indication in the Field that (a) occurs after a separate Phase 2 Clinical Trial for such indication, (b) has a defined dose or a set of defined doses of a pharmaceutical product designed to ascertain efficacy and safety of such product, in a manner that is generally consistent with 21 C.F.R. § 312.21(c), as amended (or its successor regulation) and/or any analogous applicable law outside of the United States, as applicable, and (c) is necessary to enable Regulatory Approval in the United States or any Major European Country.
1.35 Prescription Product for a Licensed Product in a country means such product cannot be sold to a consumer without a prescription from a licensed healthcare practitioner in such country.
1.36 Regulatory Approval in a particular country means all approvals (including any applicable governmental price and reimbursement approvals), licenses, registrations, and authorizations of any federal, national, multinational, state, provincial or local Regulatory Authority, department, bureau and other governmental entity that are necessary for the marketing and sale of a Licensed Product in a country.
1.37 Regulatory Authority means any applicable governmental authority responsible for granting Regulatory Approvals or pricing approvals for Licensed Products, including the FDA, the European Medicines Agency and any corresponding national or regional regulatory authorities.
1.38 Regulatory Materials means any regulatory application, submission, notification, communication, correspondence, registrations, approvals and other filings made to or received from a Regulatory Authority relating to any Licensed Product, including, without limitation, INADs, INDs clinical trial applications, NADAs, NDAs and any other marketing authorizations.
1.39 Regulatory Materials Receipt means the date on which Elanco provides Tarsus with the Regulatory Materials in existence as of the Effective Date that are reasonably necessary to research, develop, make, use or otherwise exploit Licensed Products in the Field in the Territory. Such materials include, without limitation, [***], FDA approval letter, and FDA correspondence related to 21Sep18 Safety Communication.
1.40 Restated Certificate means Tarsus Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation on file with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
1.41 Royalty Term means, with respect to any Licensed Product in a given country, the period of time commencing on the date of the First Commercial Sale of such Licensed Product in such country and ending on the latest of: (a) expiry of the last-to-expire of the Licensed Patents which has at least one (1) Valid Claim Covering such Licensed Product in such country; (b) the expiration of regulatory exclusivity for such Licensed Product in such country; and (c) ten (10) years after first commercial sale of such Licensed Product in such country.
1.42 SEC means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
1.43 Securities Act means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
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1.44 Sensitive Transfer means a transfer to a new supplier requiring either a technology transfer, a method transfer or another form of transfer of Licensed Know-How.
1.45 Sublicense Revenue means payments that Tarsus receives in consideration for a sublicense of rights under the Licensed IP in the Field.
1.46 Tarsus IP means the Tarsus Patents and the Tarsus Know-How. Tarsus IP does not include the Licensed IP.
1.47 Tarsus Know-How means Know-How Controlled by Tarsus as of the Effective Date, excluding Licensed Know-How.
1.48 Tarsus Patents means (a) patents and patent applications Controlled by Tarsus as of the Effective Date and related to the Compound and Licensed Product; (b) any patent applications claiming priority to any of the foregoing, including continuations, divisionals, continuation-in-part (to the extent the claims thereof are entitled to such priority) and foreign patent applications, and (c) all patents issuing from any of the foregoing patent applications described in (a) through (b), including all reissues, reexaminations and extensions thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Tarsus Patents do not include the Licensed Patents.
1.49 Territory means the entire world.
1.50 Third Party means any Person other than a Party or an Affiliate of a Party.
1.51 Valid Claim means any claim of any issued and unexpired Licensed Patent that has not been disclaimed, abandoned, revoked or held unpatentable, invalid or unenforceable by final decision of a court or other governmental body of competent jurisdiction, which decision is unappealable or unappealed within the time allowed for appeal. Valid Claim shall include any pending claim of any Licensed Patent that has been pending for less than seven (7) years but shall exclude pending claims that have been pending, without approval, for seven (7) years or more.
2. LICENSE GRANT; UPSTREAM AGREEMENTS.
2.1 Elanco License. Elanco hereby grants to Tarsus and its Affiliates an exclusive (even as to Elanco), perpetual, sublicensable (through multiple tiers), royalty-bearing license, under the Licensed IP, to research, develop, make, use, sell, offer for sale, import and otherwise exploit Licensed Products in the Field in the Territory. Each sublicensee shall agree to comply with the following terms and conditions of this Agreement: Section 2.3, allowing an audit pursuant to Section 6.6, Section 9.2(b) (with respect to the activities of sublicensee and its Affiliates), and Section 10 (with respect to the Confidential Information of Elanco). Tarsus remains fully responsible and liable under this Agreement irrespective of any sublicense.
2.2 Tarsus License. Tarsus hereby grants to Elanco a worldwide non-exclusive, perpetual, sublicensable (through multiple tiers), royalty-free license, under the Tarsus IP, to research, develop, make, use, sell, offer for sale, import and otherwise exploit Compounds and Licensed Products in the Elanco Field. Tarsus may sublicense any or all rights and/or obligations under this Agreement.
2.3 Right of Reference; Samples. Each Party has right to reference and receive access to all Regulatory Materials for the Compound (and any chemical alteration or improvement of the Compound (e.g. pursuant to Section 8.3)) that are Controlled by the other Party, its Affiliates, or its sublicensees, whether existing as of the Effective Date, generated from any activities of the Parties in connection with this Agreement, solely for the purposes set forth in this Agreement, or otherwise existing after the Effective Date. Elanco will provide Tarsus with reasonable samples of (a) Elancos chemical alterations or improvements of the Compound, (b) the Compounds related substances, and/or (c) reference standards for the Compound, in each case, after Tarsuss request(s) from time to time. Tarsus shall pay Elanco for such samples at an amount equal to [***] paid by Elanco for such samples plus [***]% thereof.
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3. REGULATORY TRANSFER; KNOW -HOW TRANSFER.
3.1 Within [***] days following the date Tarsus provided Elanco the Initial Equity Grant, Elanco shall provide all information regarding the Licensed Know-How that is Controlled by Elanco as of the Effective Date and is reasonably necessary to research, develop, make, use, or otherwise exploit Licensed Products in the Field in the Territory. Additionally, if Tarsus engages a third party other than Siegfried to manufacture the Licensed Product and such manufacture requires material manufacturing Know-How not previously provided to Tarsus then Elanco shall provide (or cause Siegfried to provide) such Know-How and, unless such third party is an Existing Manufacturer, Tarsus shall pay Elanco $[***] within thirty (30) days after its receipt of all of such Know-How. Provided in any case that Elanco shall only be obliged to provide information to a third party that has been selected in compliance with Section 8.4.
3.2 Promptly after the Effective Date, Elanco shall provide Tarsus with all Regulatory Materials that are reasonably necessary to research, develop, make, use or otherwise exploit Licensed Products in the Field in the Territory, but, in any case, Elanco shall not be required to provide any particular Regulatory Material to Tarsus more than once. Elanco shall continually provide Tarsus with any relevant updates to the Regulatory Materials promptly after their creation or receipt (as the case may be).
4. DEVELOPMENT AND COMMERCIALIZATION.
4.1 General; Diligence. Following the Effective Date, as between the Parties, Tarsus, at its expense, shall be responsible for conducting (or causing its Affiliates or sublicensees to conduct) the development and commercialization of the Licensed Products in the Field in the Territory. Tarsus shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to develop the Licensed Products and seek and obtain Regulatory Approval for Licensed Products in the Field in the Territory. A summary of the currently intended development activities is attached as Exhibit B. Elancos sole and exclusive remedy for Tarsuss breach of the foregoing sentence is termination of this Agreement pursuant Section 11.2.
4.2 Regulatory. As between the Parties, Tarsus (or its Affiliates or sublicensees) shall be solely responsible, for all regulatory matters relating to the development and commercialization of the Licensed Products in the Field in the Territory and shall coordinate and control the related regulatory strategy and interactions with Regulatory Authorities for the Licensed Products at its own cost. Each Party shall keep the other Party informed about the regulatory process and status for Licensed Products and shall immediately or no later than five (5) business days inform the other Party of any human exposure serious adverse event (as defined in 21 CFR 312.32 and CFR 514.3) or such other matters agreed to in any pharmacovigilance or that would otherwise reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect the other Partys regulatory process for the Licensed Products.
4.3 Progress Reports. Within [***] days after January 1 of each year prior to First Commercial Sale, Tarsus shall submit to Elanco a progress report covering in reasonable detail the activities of Tarsus including a listing of serious adverse events, its Affiliates and sublicensees, as applicable, related to the development, regulatory status and commercialization of the Licensed Products in the Territory. All reports provided by Tarsus to Elanco under this Section 4.3 shall be considered Tarsuss Confidential Information.
4.4 Reversion of Rights.
(a) If neither Tarsus nor any of its Affiliates or sublicensees achieve any of the milestones set forth in Exhibit C (each a Diligence Milestone) by the corresponding achievement deadline date set forth in Exhibit C except for reasons outside of Tarsus reasonable control, Elanco shall (as its sole and exclusive remedy for such failure) have the right to terminate the Agreement if such Diligence Milestone remains unmet one hundred twenty (120) days after Elanco provides Tarsus notice of such failure.
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(b) Tarsus may, at its option, increase all of the milestone dates set forth in Exhibit C one time by [***] months by making a one-time payment of $[***].
(c) In the case of termination pursuant to Section 4.4(a), Elanco shall be granted nonexclusive, sublicensable rights to the Tarsus Know-How and Tarsus Licensed Patents to develop, manufacture, and commercialize the Compound and Licensed Products in the Field and be provided with Tarsus Know-How (including such regulatory documentation corresponding to the Licensed Product) but not any other assets of Tarsus. Such rights shall be fully paid and royalty free.
4.5 Development Cooperation. The Parties acknowledge and agree that, in order to develop Licensed Products in the Field, Tarsus will need to conduct non-human animal studies. Tarsus agrees to coordinate and cooperate with Elanco, via the JSC (as defined in Section 5 below), to develop and perform such studies in a manner that minimizes the commercial risk to Elancos commercial products for the Elanco Field that include the Compound. Tarsus should explore all possible alternatives to performing non-human animal studies in dogs, for example by choosing another animal species. In the event that dog studies are absolutely needed, Tarsus will inform and consult with Elanco, before conducting the studies and regularly provide an overview of all current and future clinical studies relating to the Compound to the Joint Steering Committee.
5. JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE.
(a) The parties shall establish a joint steering committee (the Joint Steering Committee or JSC) consisting of two (2) representatives from each party, which shall serve as a way for Tarsus to inform (and seek advice from) Elanco in the development and Regulatory Approval efforts for the Licensed Product in the Territory and other efforts under this License Agreement. Each party will provide the other Party Notice with the name, title, email address, telephone number of their respective Joint Steering Committee Members. The JSC shall meet as needed but not less than on a quarterly basis (or such other frequency as determined by the JSC). The JSC shall be of advisory nature only and shall ensure that Elanco is being kept informed on Tarsus development progress. Tarsus is responsible for and takes final decisions on development and commercialization.
(b) The Joint Steering Committee meetings will be at times agreed by the Parties and will be in such form (e.g. in person, telephone, or video conference) as the members of the Joint Steering Committee agree.
(c) A party may change one or more of its representatives to the Steering Committee at any time. Members of the Joint Steering committee may be represented at any meeting by another member of the Steering committee or by a proxy. Either Party may permit additional employees and consultants to attend and participate in the Joint Steering Committee, subject to the confidentiality provisions of the agreement. Each Party is responsible for travel costs for their representatives associated with attending in person JSC meetings.
(d) The Joint Steering Committee will be responsible for keeping accurate minutes of its deliberations that record decisions and all actions recommended or taken. Within thirty (15) business days of each JSC meeting, the Parties will be provided with draft minutes of such meeting. Minutes will be deemed approved unless a Joint Steering Committee representative of either Party objects to the accuracy of such minutes. In the event that any such objection is not resolved by the Joint Steering Committee such minutes will be amended to reflect the unresolved objection. All records of the Joint Steering Committee will be considered confidential information and available to both Parties.
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6. PAYMENTS TO ELANCO.
6.1 Equity Grants.
(a) Initial Equity Grant. Tarsus will grant to Elanco 1,652,346 shares of Tarsus Common Stock (the Common Stock) within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date (the Initial Equity Grant).
(b) Tarsus Representations and Warranties. In connection with the Initial Equity Grant, Tarsus hereby represents and warrants to Elanco that as of the date hereof, pursuant to the terms of the Restated Certificate, (i) all outstanding shares of the Tarsus Series A Preferred Stock (the Series A Preferred Stock) and Series B Preferred Stock (the Series B Preferred Stock and collectively with the Series A Preferred Stock the Preferred Stock) currently are convertible into one (1) share of Common Stock, (ii) all shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock currently have one (1) vote for all matters presented to the stockholders for approval, (iii) the issuance, sale and delivery of the Initial Equity Grant and the Subsequent Equity Grant have been duly authorized by all requisite action of Tarsus, and, when issued, sold and delivered in accordance with this Agreement, the Common Stock will be validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable, (iv) no authorization, consent, approval or other order of, or declaration to or filing with, any governmental agency or body (other than filings required to be made under applicable federal and state securities laws) or any other person, entity or association is required for the valid authorization, execution, delivery and performance by Tarsus of this Agreement and the valid authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of the Common Stock and (v) subject in part to the truth and accuracy of Elancos representations set forth in Section 6.1(c) below, the offer, sale and issuance of the Common Stock as contemplated by this Agreement are exempt from the registration requirements of any applicable state and federal securities laws.
(c) Elanco Representations and Warranties. In connection with the Initial Equity Grant Elanco hereby represents and warrants to Tarsus that, as of the date hereof, Elanco is an accredited investor within the meaning of SEC Rule 501 of Regulation D of the Securities Act, as presently in effect.
(d) Subsequent Equity Grant. Upon the eighteen (18) month anniversary of the Effective Date (the Subsequent Grant Date), if this Agreement has not been terminated prior to such date and Tarsus has not provided notice of termination pursuant to Section 11.2(e), then Tarsus will grant to Elanco, (i) in the event that Tarsus has not yet completed an Initial Public Offering, a number of shares of Tarsus Common Stock equal to $3,000,000 divided by the price per share of Tarsus Preferred Stock purchased for cash in its most recent bona fide equity financing prior to the Subsequent Grant Date or (ii) in the event that Tarsus has completed an Initial Public Offering, a number of shares of Tarsus Common Stock equal to $3,000,000 divided by the price of one (1) share of Tarsus Common Stock sold in such Initial Public Offering (the Subsequent Equity Grant and, collectively with the Initial Equity Grant, the Equity Grants); provided, however, that if Tarsus is acquired in a Change of Control following such Initial Public Offering but before the Subsequent Grant Date, and Tarsus has not provided notice of termination pursuant to Section 11.2(e), then immediately prior to such Change of Control Elanco shall receive a number of shares of Tarsus Common Stock equal to $3,000,000 divided by the price of one (1) share of Tarsus Common Stock sold in such Initial Public Offering; and provided, further, however, that if Tarsus is acquired in a Change of Control prior to the Subsequent Grant Date and Tarsus has neither completed an Initial Public Offering nor provided notice of termination pursuant to Section 11.2(e) then immediately prior to such Change of Control Elanco shall receive a number of shares of Tarsus Common Stock equal to $3,000,000 divided by the price per share of Tarsus Preferred Stock purchased for cash in its most recent bona fide equity financing prior to such Change of Control. Termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 11.2(a) shall be Elancos sole and exclusive remedy and Tarsuss sole and exclusive liability for a breach of this Section 6.1(d).
(e) Market Stand-Off Agreement. Elanco hereby agrees that it will not, without the prior written consent of the managing underwriter, during the period commencing on the date of the public filing of the registration statement relating to the Initial Public Offering (the Stand-Off Effective Date) and ending on the date specified by Tarsus and the managing underwriter (such period not to
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exceed [***] days from the date that such registration statement is declared effective by the SEC) (i) lend, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Tarsus capital stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Tarsus capital stock (Registrable Securities) held immediately prior to the Stand-Off Effective Date, or (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of Tarsus capital stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of securities, in cash or otherwise. The underwriters in connection with Tarsus Initial Public Offering are intended third party beneficiaries of this Section 6.1(e) and shall have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions hereof as though they were a party hereto. Elanco further agrees to execute such agreements as may be reasonably requested by the underwriters in the Initial Public Offering that are consistent with this Section 6.1(e) or that are necessary to give further effect thereto, including, without limitation, the lock-up agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D (the Lock-up Agreement). In order to enforce the foregoing covenant, Tarsus may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the Registrable Securities of Elanco (and the shares or securities of every other person subject to the foregoing restriction) until the end of such period. Elanco further agrees that a legend reading substantially as follows shall be placed on all certificates representing all shares of Tarsus capital stock (whether issued pursuant to the Equity Grants or otherwise) held by Elanco (and the shares or securities of every other person subject to the restriction contained in this Section 6.1(e)):
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO A LOCK-UP PERIOD AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE ISSUERS REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED UNDER THE ACT, AS AMENDED, AS SET FORTH IN AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN TARSUS AND THE ORIGINAL HOLDER OF THESE SECURITIES, A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE ISSUERS PRINCIPAL OFFICE. SUCH LOCK-UP PERIOD IS BINDING ON TRANSFEREES OF THESE SHARES. |
6.2 Milestones.
(a) First Indication Development Milestones. Tarsus shall pay to Elanco the following one-time milestone payments upon the first achievement of the applicable milestone event set forth below by Tarsus or any of its Affiliates or sublicensees after the Effective Date:
(i) | [***] dollars upon the [***] of [***] ; |
(ii) | [***] dollars upon the [***] of [***]; |
(iii) | [***] dollars upon the [***] of [***]; |
(iv) | [***] dollars upon the [***] of [***]; |
(v) | [***] dollars upon the [***] of [***]; and |
(vi) | [***] dollars upon the [***] of [***]. |
Each of the foregoing milestone payments set forth in this Section 6.2(a) shall be paid no more than once, irrespective of how many Licensed Products achieve each milestone or how many times a Licensed Product achieves such milestone. Accordingly, in no event shall Tarsus pay Elanco more than ten million dollars ($10,000,000) in the aggregate pursuant to this Section 6.2(a). Each milestone payment due pursuant to this Section 6.2(a) shall be paid within [***] days after the achievement of the applicable milestone.
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(b) Development Milestones for Other Indications. Tarsus shall pay to Elanco the following one-time milestone payments upon the first achievement of the applicable milestone event set forth below by Tarsus or any of its Affiliates or sublicensees after the Effective Date:
(i) | [***] dollars upon the [***] of [***]; |
(ii) | [***] dollars upon the [***] of [***]; |
(iii) | [***] dollars upon the [***] of [***]; |
(iv) | [***] dollars upon the [***] of [***]; |
(v) | [***] dollars upon the [***] of [***]; and |
(vi) | [***] dollars upon the [***] of [***]. |
Each of the foregoing milestone payments set forth in this Section 6.2(b) shall be paid no more than once, irrespective of how many Licensed Products achieve each milestone or how many times a Licensed Product achieves such milestone. Accordingly, in no event shall Tarsus pay Elanco more than six million five hundred thousand dollars ($6,500,000) in the aggregate pursuant to this Section 6.2(b). Each milestone payment due pursuant to this Section 6.2(b) shall be paid within [***]days after the achievement of the applicable milestone.
(c) Sales Milestones for Sales in the Developed World. Tarsus shall pay to Elanco the following one-time milestone payments upon the first achievement of the applicable milestone event set forth below:
(i) [***] dollars after the first calendar year in which Net Sales [***] for such calendar year exceed [***] dollars;
(ii) [***] dollars [***] after the first calendar year in which Net Sales [***] for such calendar year exceed [***] dollars ; and
(iii) [***] dollars [***] after the first calendar year in which Net Sales [***] for such calendar year exceed [***] dollars.
Each of the foregoing milestone payments set forth in this Section 6.2(c) shall be paid no more than once, irrespective of how many times each milestone is achieved. Accordingly, in no event shall Tarsus pay Elanco more than sixty five million dollars ($65,000,000) in the aggregate pursuant to this Section 6.2(c). Each milestone payments due pursuant to this Section 6.2(c) shall be paid within [***] days after the close of the calendar quarter in which such milestone is achieved.
(d) Upon Tarsuss First Commercial Sale of a Licensed Product in the Developing World, Elanco and Tarsus shall negotiate reasonably and in good faith to determine sales milestones for sales of the Licensed Product in the Developing World. In any event, such milestones payments shall not exceed (individually or in the aggregate) the milestone payments under Section 6.2(c) and the Net Sales thresholds for each milestone payment shall not be less than the Net Sales Thresholds under 6.2(c).
6.3 Sublicense Income. Tarsus shall pay Elanco a percentage of all Sublicense Revenue. The percentage of such Sublicense Revenue that shall be paid to Elanco shall be as follows:
(a) Until first dosing of a Licensed Product in a [***]: [***]%;
(b) After first dosing of a Licensed Product in a [***] until first dosing of a [***]: [***]%;
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(c) After first dosing of a Licensed Product in a [***] until first [***] of a Licensed Product: [***]%; or
(d) After first [***] of a Licensed Product and thereafter: [***]%.
For clarity, and without limitation, none of the following shall be deemed Sublicense Revenue: [***]
6.4 Royalties.
(a) Royalty Rate. Subject to the other terms of this Section 6.4, for each calendar year during the Royalty Term Tarsus shall pay:
(i) a [***] percent royalty on the first [***] dollars of Net Sales of a Licensed Product in [***] in such calendar year;
(ii) a [***] percent royalty on the next [***] dollars [***] of Net Sales of a Licensed Product [***] such calendar year (i.e. the portion of such Net Sales between US$[***] and $[***] in such calendar year);
(iii) a [***] percent royalty on the next [***] dollars of Net Sales of a Licensed Product [***] in such calendar year (i.e. the portion of such Net Sales between US$[***] and $[***] in such calendar year); and
(iv) an [***] percent royalty on all Net Sales of a Licensed Product [***] in such calendar year in excess of [***] dollars (i.e. the portion of such Net Sales over $[***] in such calendar year).
(b) Upon Tarsuss First Commercial Sale of a Licensed Product in the Developing World, Elanco and Tarsus shall negotiate reasonably and in good faith to determine royalty rates for Net Sales of the Licensed Product in the Developing World. In any event, such royalty rates shall not exceed the royalty rates under Section 6.4(a) and the Net Sales thresholds for each royalty rate shall not be less than the Net Sales Thresholds under 6.4(a).
(c) No Multiple Royalties. No multiple royalties shall be payable hereunder because the use, manufacture or sale of any Licensed Product is Covered by more than one Valid Claim.
(d) Timing of Payments; Reports. Commencing with the calendar quarter during which the First Commercial Sale of the first Licensed Product is made anywhere in the Territory, and for each calendar quarter thereafter during the Royalty Term during which royalties are due hereunder, Tarsus shall provide Elanco with a report that contains the following information for the applicable calendar quarter, on a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product and country-by-country basis: (i) the amount of gross sales of the Licensed Products, (ii) an itemized calculation of Net Sales showing deductions provided for in the definition of Net Sales, (iii) a calculation of the royalty payment due on such sales, and (iv) the exchange rate for such country. Tarsus shall provide such report and make corresponding payment to Elanco within forty five (45) days after the end of each calendar quarter.
(e) Exchange Rate. When conversion of payments from any foreign currency is required, such conversion shall be calculated using an exchange rate equal to the rate of exchange published in the Wall Street Journal on the last business day of the applicable calendar quarter for which payment is due.
(f) No deductions for third party licenses. No deductions from any payments under this agreement shall be made because Tarsus is required to make payments, royalty payments or otherwise, to third parties to obtain rights or licenses to intellectual property rights in respect of a Licensed Product.
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(g) Royalty Reduction. If at any time during the Royalty Term for a given Licensed Product in a given country, there is no Valid Claim Covering such Licensed Product in such country, then the royalty rate payable by Tarsus pursuant to Section 6.4(a) (or established pursuant to Section 6.4(b)) shall be reduced to [***] percent of the rates set forth in Section 6.4(a) (or Section 6.4(b), as the case may be).
6.5 Mode of Payment. Tarsus shall pay all payments to Elanco under this Agreement by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a USD functional bank account designated in writing by Elanco, in U.S. Dollars or such other currency as the Parties may mutually agree in writing.
6.6 Quarterly information.
(a) Tarsus Common Stock activity. Until the completion of the Tarsus Initial Public Offering, for each of the three-month periods ending March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31, Tarsus shall provide to Elanco (i) the capitalization table as of period-end, no later than fifteen (15) days following period-end. At a minimum, the capitalization table shall include all equity types (e.g., Common Stock, Preferred Stock, etc.). In addition, Tarsus shall provide to Elanco (i) Tarsus most recently available 409A valuation, and (ii) information about all sales and purchases of Tarsus Preferred Stock and Common Stock during the respective three-month period. Such information shall be sufficient for Elanco to calculate its ownership percentage and shall be provided by Tarsus electronically no later than forty-five (45) days following period-end.
(b) Unaudited financial statements. Until the completion of the Tarsus Initial Public Offering, for each of the three-month periods ending March 31, June 30, and September 30, Tarsus shall provide to Elanco unaudited financial statements as of and for the three-month period then ended. The unaudited financial statements shall be provided by Tarsus electronically no later than forty-five (45) days following period-end. At a minimum, the unaudited financial statements shall include a balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows.
6.7 Annual financial statements. Until the completion of the Tarsus Initial Public Offering, on an annual basis, Tarsus shall provide to Elanco audited financial statements as of and for the year then ended. The audited financial statements shall be provided by Tarsus electronically no later than forty-five (45) business days following period-end. At a minimum, the audited financial statements shall include a balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows.
6.8 Audit. Tarsus shall keep or cause to be kept books of account containing all information that may be necessary for the purpose of calculating amounts payable by Tarsus in connection with this Agreement for a period of three (3) calendar years following the end of the calendar year during which such amounts were payable. Elanco may appoint an independent public accountant (on a non-contingency basis and reasonably acceptable to Tarsus; any Big 4 accountant shall be deemed acceptable to Tarsus), at Elancos expense and subject to such accountant entering into a confidentiality agreement with Tarsus, to inspect such books of account in order to verify the calculation of any amounts payable to Elanco hereunder. Such inspections shall be performed not more frequently than once in any twelve (12) month period and upon reasonable prior written notice, and shall be conducted during regular business hours in such a manner as to not unreasonably interfere with Tarsuss normal business activities. Elancos accountant may only share with Elanco the report containing the summary results of its inspection, but not the books of account reviewed by the accountant during the audit, and such report shall constitute Tarsuss Confidential Information. If any such inspection reveals that any payment which should have been paid by Tarsus is greater than those which were actually paid by it and such underpayment is not disputed by Tarsus, then Tarsus shall promptly pay the underpaid amount to Elanco. If the undisputed payments which should have been paid by Tarsus are at least [***] percent greater than those which were actually paid by Tarsus, then Tarsus shall also reimburse Elanco for the reasonable out-of-pocket costs of such inspection.
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6.9 Taxes. Each Party shall be solely responsible for the payment of all taxes imposed on its share of income arising directly or indirectly from its activities or receipt of payments under this Agreement. To the extent Tarsus is required to deduct and withhold taxes on any payment to Elanco hereunder, it shall deduct such amounts from payments to Elanco and pay the amounts of such taxes to the proper governmental authority in a timely manner and promptly transmit to Elanco an official tax certificate or other evidence of such withholding sufficient to enable Elanco to claim such payment of taxes. Elanco shall provide Tarsus any tax forms that may be reasonably necessary in order for Tarsus not to withhold tax or to withhold tax at a reduced rate under an Applicable Law or bilateral income tax treaty.
6.10 Sales Forecast. Within [***] days after January 1 of each calendar year, Tarsus shall provide Elanco with Tarsuss projected Net Sales over the next [***] calendar years. For clarity, such projections would be for informational purposes only and the foregoing is not binding on Tarsus in any way.
7. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.
7.1 Prosecution and Maintenance of Licensed Patents.
(a) Elanco shall be solely responsible for prosecution and maintenance of the Licensed Patents including, but not limited to, the filing of patent applications included therein. Elanco shall keep Tarsus reasonably informed with respect to the status and progress of any such applications, prosecutions and maintenance activities. Elanco shall consider in good faith the comments of Tarsus with respect to any such applications and prosecutions and maintenance activities.
(b) Elanco may, in its sole discretion, elect to abandon any issued patent or pending patent application included in the Licensed Patents, or not file any patent application with respect thereto in any country. Prior to any such abandonment or decision not to file in any country, Elanco shall give Tarsus at least [***] days notice and a reasonable opportunity to take over such maintenance, prosecution or filing. In such event, Tarsus shall have the right, but not the obligation, to commence or continue such maintenance, prosecution or filing under its own control and at its sole expense. Tarsus shall have no further payment obligations (including with respect to royalties and milestone payments) or other obligations to Elanco with respect to any such patents or patent applications or patents issuing from such applications.
7.2 Enforcement of Licensed IP.
(a) During the Royalty Term, each Party shall promptly provide written notice to the other Party of any actual or alleged infringement or misappropriation in the Field by any Third Party of any intellectual property rights included in the Licensed IP of which it becomes aware. Elanco shall have the first right, but not the obligation, to enforce the Licensed IP against any such infringement or misappropriation claim in the Field at its own expense and utilizing counsel of its choice. Elanco shall neither settle nor voluntarily dispose of any action to enforce the Licensed IP in the Field without Tarsuss written consent. If Elanco desires to voluntarily dispose of any action to enforce the Licensed IP in the Field then Elanco shall notify Tarsus and offer Tarsus the opportunity to assume control of such enforcement action (Voluntary Disposal Notice). If Tarsus notifies Elanco of its election to assume control of such enforcement action then Elanco shall take all reasonable actions necessary to allow Tarsus to properly do so. Elanco may voluntarily dispose of such enforcement action if: (i) Tarsus notifies Elanco that it does not desire to assume control of such enforcement action; or (ii) Tarsus does not notify Elanco of any election within [***] days after Elanco provides Voluntary Disposal Notice.
(b) With respect to any potential enforcement under subsection (a) above, if Elanco does not notify Tarsus of its intention to enforce against such alleged infringement or misappropriation within [***] days of the date Elanco becomes aware of such alleged infringement or misappropriation,
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or does not commence prosecution of such claim within [***] days after the date Elanco becomes aware of such alleged infringement or misappropriation, then, Tarsus shall have the right, but not the obligation, to prosecute such claim at its own expense and utilizing counsel of its choice.
(c) The enforcing Party shall regularly update the other Party in writing with respect to the status of any such enforcement actions. Any recovery of damages by shall be applied (i) first, in satisfaction of any unreimbursed expenses and legal fees of the enforcing Party, (ii) second, in satisfaction of any unreimbursed expenses and legal fees of the other Party, and (iii) third, if additional recoveries remain after all of the unreimbursed expenses and legal fees are fully paid as set forth in (i) and (ii), the balance remaining with respect to any such recovery shall be retained by (or paid by Elanco to, as the case may be) Tarsus and such amount shall be treated as Net Sales and subject to the payment of royalties pursuant to Section 6.3.
(d) At the request of the Party bringing the action, the other Party shall provide reasonable assistance in connection therewith, including by executing reasonably appropriate documents, cooperating in discovery and joining as a party plaintiff to the action if required to obtain necessary standing.
7.3 Improvements. Elanco shall own any invention conceived by or for Elanco from the use of the Compound or otherwise derived by or for Elanco from the Compound (Elanco Improvements). Tarsus shall own any invention conceived by or for Tarsus from the use of the Compound or otherwise derived by or for Tarsus from the Compound (Tarsus Improvements). Tarsus hereby grants Elanco an exclusive royalty-free, perpetual license to the Research Inventions and Tarsus Improvements for applications in the Elanco Field.
8. MANUFACTURE AND SUPPLY.
8.1 Initial Supply Terms. Each calendar quarter, Tarsus shall supply Elanco with a written, non-binding forecast showing good faith estimations of its (and its Affiliates and sublicensees) quarterly requirements for the Compound for the following four (4) calendar quarters (the Forecast). Elanco shall manufacture (or have manufactured) and supply to Tarsus quantities of the Compound as and when reasonably requested by Tarsus to the extent within the Forecast. Tarsuss price for all Compounds purchased pursuant to this Section 8.1 shall be the price at which Elanco purchases such Compound plus [***] percent thereof.
8.2 Manufacturing and Supply Agreement. The Parties agree to enter into a good-faith more detailed manufacturing and supply agreement within a reasonable timeframe. The supply agreement should provide for a stated supply price (which price shall represent a small markup over Elancos costs).
8.3 Change of chemistry.
(a) Tarsus acknowledges and agrees that Elanco shall be free to use alternate chemistry and improve the Compound in its sole discretion without Tarsus consent.
(b) Elanco shall provide Tarsus with [***] prior notice (the Compound Change Period) if Elanco will cease to provide any Compound previously provided to Tarsus pursuant to a chemical change and will supply Tarsus with any quantities of such Compound requested by Tarsus during the Compound Change Period (even if such quantities exceed the amount projected in the Forecast). Elanco shall notify the JSC as soon as it contemplates possibly ceasing to provide a Compound as previously provided to Tarsus because of use of alternative chemistry or other changes to the Compound. The JSC shall discuss such contemplated changes if Tarsus informs Elanco that it reasonably believes such change could have a regulatory impact; provided, however, that Elanco shall have the right to make the final decision regarding such change after discussion by the JSC.
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8.4 Have Made Rights. For clarity, Section 2.1 grants Tarsus the right to have a third party make the Compound for Tarsus. Elanco must approve such third party supplier unless: (a) the transfer to the supplier does not qualify as a Sensitive Transfer; or (b) such supplier is credible and reputable. Such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed. For all purposes of the foregoing, the following entities and their Affiliates shall be deemed credible and reputable (and shall not require Elanco consent): [***] (or any Affiliate of the foregoing), [***].
9. INDEMNIFICATION; INSURANCE.
9.1 Indemnification by Elanco. Elanco shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Tarsus, its Affiliates, and its and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, successors and assigns against all third party losses, damages, liabilities, deficiencies, claims, actions, judgments, settlements, interest, awards, penalties, fines, costs or expenses (collectively, Losses), resulting from (a) any action instituted against any of them by any Third Party arising out of from Elancos breach of any representation, warranty or obligations pursuant to this Agreement, or (b) the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Elanco, except, in each case, to the extent such Losses are Losses for which Tarsus is obligated to indemnify Elanco pursuant to Section 9.2 or to the extent such Losses arise from the breach by Tarsus or its Affiliates of its representations, warranties or obligations under this Agreement or from the failure of any sublicensees to comply with any obligations required of sublicensees under this Agreement.
9.2 Indemnification by Tarsus. Tarsus shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Elanco, its Affiliates, and its and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, successors and assigns against all Losses resulting from (a) Tarsuss breach of any representation, warranty or obligations pursuant to this Agreement, ,(b) the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Tarsus; or (c) the development, making, having made, using, having used, leasing, importing, offering to sell, selling and/or having sold, any Compound or Licensed Product by Tarsus, its Affiliates and sublicensees or the failure of any of them to comply with Applicable Law in connection with any such activities, except, in each case, to the extent Elanco is required to indemnify Tarsus under Section 9.1 for such Losses or to the extent such Losses arise from the breach by Elanco or its Affiliates of its representations, warranties or obligations under this Agreement.
9.3 Indemnification Procedure. The indemnified party shall promptly notify the indemnifying party in writing of any action for which it intends to seek indemnification hereunder and cooperate reasonably with the indemnifying party at the indemnifying partys sole cost and expense. The indemnifying party shall have the right, within thirty (20) days after being so notified, to assume the defense of any action with counsel of its choice that is reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. The indemnifying party shall not settle any action in a manner that adversely affects the rights of any indemnified party without the indemnified partys prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The indemnified partys failure to provide prompt notice to the indemnifying party of any action shall not relieve the indemnifying party of its obligations under this Section 9.3 except to the extent that the indemnifying party can demonstrate that it has been materially prejudiced as a result of the failure. Subject to the indemnifying partys right to control the defense and settlement thereof, the indemnified party may participate in and observe the proceedings at its own cost and expense with counsel of its own choosing. A Party shall not be responsible for the indemnification or defense of the other Party to the extent arising from any negligent or intentional acts by such Party, or the breach by such Party of any representations, obligations or warranty under this Agreement, or any claims compromised or settled without prior written consent.
9.4 Limitation of Liability. Except with respect to a breach of Section 10, or a Partys liability pursuant to Section 9 or Section 7.2, neither Party shall be liable for special, incidental, consequential, exemplary, punitive, or other indirect or remote damages, or loss of profits, loss of data or loss of use damages arising in any way out of this Agreement or the exercise of its rights hereunder, whether based upon warranty, contract, tort, strict liability or otherwise.
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10. CONFIDENTIALITY.
10.1 Non-Disclosure and Non-Use. Each Receiving Party shall:
(a) not disclose any Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party to any Person other than (i) Persons who have a need to know such information for purposes of the Receiving Partys performance or exercise of rights under this Agreement, and (ii) any Affiliates or sublicensees (or potential sublicensees) of the Receiving Party or other Persons working on the Receiving Partys behalf (including without limitation consultants, contract manufacturers, and independent contractors), provided that any such Person agrees to be bound by terms and conditions no less stringent than those set forth in this Section 10; and
(b) not use any Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party for any purpose other than in connection with performing its obligations or exercising its rights under this Agreement.
10.2 Disclosure Required by Applicable Law. Section 10.1 shall not apply to Confidential Information which the Receiving Party is required by Applicable Law (including, without limitation, any reporting requirements arising under the federal securities laws or the regulations promulgated by any national securities exchange on which securities of the Receiving Party are traded), court order, or similar requirements to disclose, provided that the Receiving Party:
(a) provides the Disclosing Party with prompt written notice thereof such that the Disclosing Party may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy with respect to such Confidential Information, including, without limitation, confidential treatment to the extent available under any Applicable Law, and the Receiving Party shall provide the Disclosing Party with reasonable cooperation in order to obtain such a protective order or other remedy, including confidential treatment, and
(b) discloses only that portion of the Confidential Information that is legally compelled to disclose.
10.3 Permitted Disclosures. Section 10.1 shall not prevent either Party from (a) preparing, filing, prosecuting, defending or maintaining Licensed Patents, (b) disclosing Confidential Information to Regulatory Authorities to the extent the Receiving Party reasonably believes it is required or desirable in connection with clinical testing of any Licensed Product or to secure Regulatory Approval for the development or marketing of any Licensed Product, (c) disclosing Confidential Information to the extent required by the Securities and Exchange Commission or applicable tax authorities, (d) disclosure to a Third Party in connection with due diligence by such Third Party, and disclosure to potential Third Party investors in confidential financing documents, provided that any such Third Party agrees to be bound by reasonable obligations of confidentiality and non-use, to the extent possible.
11. TERM; TERMINATION.
11.1 Term; Expiration. This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and, unless sooner terminated as provided hereunder, shall expire on a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product and country-by-country basis upon the expiration of the Royalty Term with respect to such Licensed Product in such country. Following such expiration of the Royalty Term, the license granted by Elanco to Tarsus in Section 2.1 with respect to such Licensed Product in such country shall become fully-paid, royalty-free, worldwide, exclusive, and perpetual.
11.2 Termination.
(a) Upon any material breach or default of this Agreement by a Party, the other Party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement upon giving sixty (60) days prior written notice thereof to the breaching Party. Such termination shall become effective thirty (30) days after at the end of such
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sixty (60) day period unless the breaching Party shall have cured any such breach or default prior to the expiration of such sixty (60) day period; or if such breach cannot be reasonably cured within sixty (60) days, but the breaching Party has commenced reasonable actions to cure such breach, then such longer period as may be required to cure such breach provided that the breaching Party continues to diligently cure such breach. If the material breach or default by the breaching Party applies only to a given country, the other Party may only terminate this Agreement with respect to such country and thereafter the Territory shall no longer include the country in which such termination has occurred.
(b) No such termination by a Party pursuant to Section 11.2(a) shall be effective prior to the resolution of any dispute with respect to the occurrence of any material breach of or default under this Agreement as to which such Party seeks to exercise such right of termination. If as a result of such dispute resolution process it is determined that a Partys notice of breach was proper, then such notice shall be deemed to have been effective if the breaching Party fails thereafter to cure such breach in accordance with the determination made in the resolution process within the applicable cure period following such determination. If as a result of such dispute resolution process it is determined that the notice of breach was improper, then no such notice shall be deemed to have been effective and this Agreement shall remain in effect. All of the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect during the pendency of such dispute resolution process.
(c) Tarsus may terminate this Agreement immediately upon notice to Elanco within thirty (30) business days after the Effective Date if, in Tarsuss reasonable discretion, the Regulatory Materials reveal any fact that would adversely affect the development and/or regulatory approval of a Licensed Product in any way.
(d) If Tarsus or any of its Affiliates or sublicensees, directly or indirectly, (i) initiates or requests an interference or opposition proceeding with respect to any Licensed Patents; (ii) makes, files or maintains any claim, demand, lawsuit, or cause of action to challenge the validity or enforceability of any Licensed Patents; or (iii) opposes any extension of, or the grant of a supplementary protection certificate with respect to, any Licensed Patents (any of (i) (iii) a Challenge), Elanco shall have the right to terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days written notice to Tarsus. Any such termination shall only become effective if Tarsus or its Affiliate or sublicensee, as applicable, has not withdrawn such action before the end of the above notice period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Elanco may not terminate this Agreement for a direct or indirect Challenge made by a sublicensee if Tarsus terminates the sublicense to such sublicensee within thirty (30) days after Elanco notifies Tarsus of such Challenge.
(e) Tarsus may terminate this Agreement for any or no reason upon thirty (30) days notice.
11.3 Effect of Expiration or Termination.
(a) Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, the license (and sublicense) granted to Tarsus under Section 2.1 shall terminate in full with respect to the country(ies) and Licensed Product(s) which are the subject of such termination.
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) above, Tarsus, its Affiliates and/or any sublicensee thereof may elect to sell all finished Licensed Products and any Licensed Products in the process of manufacture at the time of such termination for a period not to exceed [***] months after such termination, provided that Tarsus shall pay or cause to be paid to Elanco all royalty payments in accordance with Section 6.3 with respect thereto.
(c) Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason and following any request by the relevant sublicensee (provided that such sublicensee is then in compliance with the applicable terms of this Agreement in all material respects), any sublicense of the Licensed IP shall become a direct license between such sublicensee and Elanco (but shall not obligate Elanco beyond the terms of this Agreement) and such sublicensee shall assume all of Tarsuss payment obligations to Elanco under this Agreement with respect to such sublicensees activities (and those of its Affiliates and sublicensees).
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(d) Termination or expiration of this Agreement for any reason shall be without prejudice to any rights that shall have accrued to the benefit of either Party prior to such termination or expiration. Additionally, the following terms shall survive termination or expiration of this Agreement: Sections 2.2 (unless terminated by Tarsus pursuant to Section 11.2(a)), 6.6, 6.7, 9, 10, 11, and 13. Termination or expiration of this Agreement shall not affect or prejudice any right of either Party to receive payments due hereunder or for which the event giving rise to such payment obligation has occurred prior the effectiveness of such termination or expiration or preclude or hinder the terminating Party from also bringing, amending or pursuing an action against the other Party for damages and all other available legal and equitable remedies.
(e) Upon termination of this Agreement by Elanco under Section 4.4 (a) or Section 11.2 (a) Tarsus shall as soon as reasonably practicable provide Elanco with copies of all documented technical and other information Controlled by Tarsus that is both: (i) specific to preclinical documentation and technical information with respect to a Licensed Product; and (ii) which are necessary for the development, manufacture and commercialization of the Licensed Product. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tarsus shall have no obligation to provide any Regulatory Materials or clinical information or data and Elanco shall have no right to (and shall not) reference any Regulatory Materials of Tarsus after such termination.
(f) Upon termination of this Agreement by Elanco under Section 4.4(a) or Section 11.2(a) or Section 11.2(d), Tarsus shall promptly return all Confidential Information of Elanco.
12. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
12.1 Mutual Representations and Warranties. Each Party hereby represents and warrants to the other Party as follows:
(a) Corporate Existence and Power. It is a company or corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated, and has full corporate power and authority and the legal right to own and operate its property and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted and as contemplated in this Agreement, including, without limitation, the right to grant the licenses granted by it hereunder.
(b) Authority and Binding Agreement. As of the Effective Date, (i) it has the corporate power and authority and the legal right to enter into this Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder; (ii) it has taken all necessary corporate action on its part required to authorize the execution and delivery of the Agreement and the performance of its obligations hereunder; and (iii) the Agreement has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of such Party, and constitutes a legal, valid, and binding obligation of such Party that is enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.
(c) No Conflict. It is not a party to any agreement that would materially prevent it from granting the rights granted to the other Party under this Agreement or performing its obligations under the Agreement.
12.2 Additional Representations and Warranties of Elanco. Elanco represents and warrants to Tarsus as of the Effective Date that:
(a) it has all rights under the Licensed IP to grant the licenses to Tarsus as purported to be granted pursuant to this Agreement (including, without limitation, without any payment to any Third Party);
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(b) it has not received any written notice from any Third Party asserting or alleging that any research or development of any Licensed Product by or on behalf of Elanco prior to the Effective Date infringed or misappropriated the intellectual property rights of such Third Party;
(c) there are no actual, pending, alleged or, to Elancos knowledge, threatened adverse actions, suits, claims, interferences or formal governmental investigations involving the Licensed Products and/or the Licensed IP by or against Elanco in or before any court or governmental authority;
(d) there are no patents or patent applications Controlled by Elanco or its Affiliates, other than the Licensed Patents, that would prevent Tarsus or its Affiliates or sublicensees from developing, manufacturing and/or commercializing Licensed Products as set forth herein or from exploiting the rights granted under Section 2.1; and
(e) the Licensed Patents cover the Compound.
12.3 Additional Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Tarsus.
Tarsus represents, warrants and covenants that:
(a) to its knowledge, no employee, consultant, contractor, agent, or other representative performing services under this Agreement or any agreement between Tarsus and any other Party contracted by Tarsus to perform work hereunder has been debarred or disqualified, or is under investigation for being debarred or disqualified by the FDA, EMEA, or other regulatory authority. Tarsus agrees to promptly notify Elanco if it learns of any such action; and
(b) as of the Effective Date, it has (or reasonably believes it can obtain or contract third parties to provide) the capability, resources, and expertise to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement in compliance with Applicable Law to the extent such capability, resources, and expertise would reasonably be possessed by a company in a similar stage of financing and development as Tarsus.
12.4 No Other Representations or Warranties. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY STATED IN THIS ARTICLE 12, NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, OR NON-MISAPPROPRIATION OF THIRD PARTY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, IS MADE OR GIVEN BY OR ON BEHALF OF EITHER PARTY. ALL OTHER REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, WHETHER ARISING BY OPERATION OF LAW OR OTHERWISE, ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.
13. MISCELLANEOUS.
13.1 Relationship of Parties. Nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be deemed to constitute a partnership, agency, employer-employee or joint venture relationship between the Parties. Each Partys performance under this Agreement is that of a separate entity.
13.2 Assignment. Elanco shall be entitled to freely assign this Agreement or any portion thereof. Tarsus shall not be entitled to assign its rights hereunder without the express written consent of the other Party, except that Tarsus may assign this Agreement: (a) to any of the following entities or any of their Affiliates: [***]; or any entity listed on a publicly traded exchange and with a market capitalization in excess of US$[***] (each of the foregoing, a Permitted Assignee); or (b) to an Affiliate.
13.3 Further Assurances. At any time or from time to time after the Effective Date, each Party, at the other Partys reasonable request, shall execute and deliver such other documents, agreements and instruments (including instruments of sale, transfer, conveyance, assignment and confirmation), provide such materials and information and take such other actions as the other Party may reasonably deem necessary or desirable in order more effectively effectuate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
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13.4 Notice. Any notice or request required or permitted to be given under or in connection with this Agreement shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given if in writing and personally delivered or sent by certified mail (return receipt requested), or overnight express courier service (signature required), prepaid, to the Party for which such notice is intended, at the address set forth for such Party below:
(a) In the case of Tarsus, to:
[***]
Attn:
with a copy to:
Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin and Hachigian LLP
3570 Carmel Mountain Rd
San Diego, CA 92130
Attn: Brendan C. McCarthy
Email: [***]
(b) In the case of Elanco, to:
Elanco US Inc.
2500 Innovation Way N
Greenfield IN 46140
Attn: Aaron Schacht
Email: [***]
with a copy to:
Elanco US Inc.
2500 Innovation Way N
Greenfield IN 46140
Attn: General Patent Counsel
or to such other address for such Party as it shall have specified by like notice to the other Party. If delivered personally, the date of delivery shall be deemed to be the date on which such notice or request was given, unless otherwise set forth in this Agreement. If sent by overnight express courier service, the date of delivery shall be deemed to be the next business day after such notice or request was deposited with such service, unless otherwise set forth in this Agreement. If sent by certified mail, the date of delivery shall be deemed to be the third business day after such notice or request was deposited with the U.S. Postal Service, or the foreign equivalent thereto, unless otherwise set forth in this Agreement.
13.5 Public Announcements. Except as required by Applicable Law (including, without limitation, disclosure requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Nasdaq or any other stock exchange on which securities issued by Elanco are traded) and as permitted by Section 10.3, neither Party shall make any public announcement that the Parties have entered into this Agreement, without the prior written consent of the other Party (which shall not be unreasonably withheld). A Party shall be deemed to provide consent to any public announcement if it does not notify the other Party of its rejection within ten (10) days after receiving such proposed public announcement.
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13.6 Waiver; Remedies. A waiver by either Party of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement in any instance must be made expressly in writing and signed by an authorized representative of such Party. Any such waiver shall not be deemed or construed to be a waiver of such term or condition for the future, or of any subsequent breach hereof. All rights, remedies, undertakings, obligations and agreements contained in this Agreement shall be cumulative and none of them shall be in limitation of any other remedy, right, undertaking, obligation or agreement of either Party.
13.7 Severability. Each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under Applicable Law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be prohibited by or invalid under Applicable Law, such provision will be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of this Agreement.
13.8 Amendment. No amendment, modification or supplement of any provisions of this Agreement shall be valid or effective unless made in writing and signed by a duly authorized officer of each Party.
13.9 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without regard to its principles of conflicts of laws.
13.10 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Exhibits hereto, sets forth the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties as to the subject matter hereof and merges all prior discussions, negotiations and agreements between them related to the subject matter hereof. For clarity, this Agreement does not supersede and replace the Eye Care and Dermatology License Agreement.
13.11 Parties in Interest. All the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and permitted assigns. Nothing in this Agreement, either express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any Third Party any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement, which right, benefit or remedy such Third Party would not have independent of this Agreement.
13.12 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in any number of counterparts, any one of which need not contain the signature of more than one Party but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
13.13 Interpretations and Definitions. The descriptive headings of this Agreement are for convenience only, and shall be of no force or effect in construing or interpreting any of the provisions of this Agreement. All words and defined terms used in this Agreement shall have the same meaning whether used in the singular or plural form. When used in this Agreement, (a) the term day or days shall mean calendar days, unless otherwise indicated herein, and (b) the term including means including, without limitation. This Agreement has been prepared jointly and shall not be strictly construed against either Party.
13.14 Eye Care and Dermatology License Agreement. For clarity, and notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Parties acknowledge that Tarsuss activities under this Agreement are separate from its activities under the Eye Care and Dermatology License Agreement (and vice versa) and no Net Sales, sublicense or milestone with respect to a Licensed Product in the Field shall be deemed Net Sales, a sublicense or a milestone under the Eye Care and Dermatology License Agreement. Similarly, no Net Sales, sublicense or milestone in the Field (as such term is defined in the Eye Care and Dermatology License Agreement) shall be deemed Net Sales, a sublicense or a milestone under this Agreement.
REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK.
SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized representative as of the Effective Date.
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. |
By: | /s/ Bobak Azamian |
Name: | Bobak Azamian |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
ELANCO TIERGESUNDHEIT AG |
By: | /s/ Aaron L. Schacht |
Name: | Aaron L. Schacht |
Title: | EVP - Innovation, Regulatory & Business Development |
Exhibit A
Licensed Patents
[***]
Exhibit B
Summary of the intended development and commercialization activities.
Exhibit C
Diligence Milestones
Diligence Milestone |
Achievement Deadline | |
[***] | [***] months after the Effective Date | |
[***] | [***] months after the Effective Date | |
[***] | [***] years after the Effective Date | |
[***] | [***] years after the Effective Date |
EXHIBIT 10.15
TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
MANAGEMENT CASH INCENTIVE PLAN
ARTICLE 1. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
1.1 Effective Date. This Plan became effective upon its adoption by the Committee and is not subject to approval by the Companys stockholders.
1.2 Purpose of the Plan. The Plan is intended to provide Participants with the possibility of earning incentive bonuses.
ARTICLE 2. DEFINITIONS
The following words and phrases shall have the following meanings, unless a different meaning is plainly required by the context:
2.1 Actual Award means, as to any Performance Period, the actual award amount (if any) payable to a Participant for the Performance Period. Each Actual Award is determined by the Payout Formula for the Performance Period, subject to the Administrators authority under Section 3.6 to increase, eliminate or reduce the award otherwise indicated by the Payout Formula.
2.2 Administrator means the Board, Committee or such other entity, group, or individual delegated authority to administer the Plan in accordance with Section 5.1 of the Plan.
2.3 Affiliate means any corporation or other entity (including, without limitation, partnerships and joint ventures) controlled by the Company.
2.4 Base Salary means, as to any Performance Period, the Participants regular base salary as in effect at the end of the Performance Period. Base Salary shall be calculated before both (a) deductions for taxes or benefits and (b) any deferrals of compensation pursuant to Company-sponsored plans or Affiliate-sponsored plans.
2.5 Board means the Companys Board of Directors.
2.6 Change in Control means (a) a sale, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets, property or business of the Company, except where such sale, conveyance or other disposition is to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, (b) a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation, entity or person, other than any such transaction in which the holders of voting capital stock of the Company outstanding immediately prior to the transaction continue to hold a majority of the voting capital stock of the Company (or the surviving or acquiring entity) outstanding immediately after the transaction (taking into account only stock of the Company held by such stockholders immediately prior to the transaction and stock issued on account of such stock in the transaction), or (c) the direct or indirect acquisition (including by way of a tender or exchange offer) by any person, or persons acting as a group, of beneficial ownership or a right to acquire beneficial ownership of shares representing a majority of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company; provided, however, that a Change of Control shall not include any transaction or series of related transactions (1) principally for bona fide equity financing purposes or (2) effected exclusively for the purpose of changing the domicile of the Company. A series of related transactions shall be deemed to constitute a single transaction for purposes of determining whether a Change of Control has occurred.
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2.7 Committee means the Compensation Committee of the Board.
2.8 Company means Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto.
2.9 Employee means any employee of the Company or of an Affiliate, whether such employee is so employed when the Plan is adopted or becomes so employed after the adoption of the Plan.
2.10 Executive means any executive officers as defined under Rule 3b-7 and officer as defined under Rule 16a-f promulgated under Section 16 of the Securities and Exchange Act.
2.11 Fiscal Year means the fiscal year of the Company.
2.12 Participant means, as to any Performance Period, an Employee who has been selected for participation in the Plan for that Performance Period pursuant to Section 3.1.
2.13 Payout Formula means, as to any Performance Period, the formula or payout matrix established by the Administrator pursuant to Section 3.5 in order to determine the Actual Awards (if any) to be paid to Participants. The formula or matrix may differ from Performance Period to Performance Period and from Participant to Participant.
2.14 Performance Period means a Fiscal Year, or any longer or shorter period determined by the Administrator.
2.15 Performance Goals means the goal(s) or combined goal(s) determined by the Administrator to be applicable to a Participant for a Target Award for a Performance Period. As determined by the Administrator, the Performance Goal(s) may provide for a targeted level or levels or achievement using the performance criteria specified by the Administrator. Possible, but non-exclusive, performance criteria are set forth in Appendix A attached to the Plan.
2.16 Plan means this Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Management Cash Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.
2.17 Shares means shares of the Companys common stock.
2.18 Target Award means the target award amount payable under the Plan to a Participant for the Performance Period expressed as a percentage of his or her Base Salary or a specific dollar amount or by reference to a number of Shares, as determined by the Administrator in accordance with Section 3.4.
2.19 Termination of Employment means a cessation of the employee-employer relationship between an Employee and the Company or an Affiliate for any reason, including (without limitation) a termination by resignation, discharge, death, disability, retirement or the disaffiliation of an Affiliate, but excluding a transfer from the Company to an Affiliate or between Affiliates.
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ARTICLE 3. SELECTION OF PARTICIPANTS AND DETERMINATION OF AWARDS
3.1 Selection of Participants. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall select the Employees who shall be Participants for any Performance Period. Participation in the Plan is in the sole discretion of the Administrator and shall be determined Performance Period by Performance Period. Accordingly, an Employee who is a Participant for a given Performance Period is in no way assured of being selected for participation in any subsequent Performance Period.
3.2 Determination of Performance Period. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall establish whether a Performance Period shall be a Fiscal Year or such longer or shorter period of time. The Performance Period may differ from Participant to Participant and from award to award.
3.3 Determination of Performance Goals. The Administrator shall establish the Performance Goals for each Participant for the Performance Period, and the Administrator (or its designee) shall communicate the applicable Performance Goals to each Participant. The Performance Goals may differ from Participant to Participant and from award to award.
3.4 Determination of Target Awards. The Administrator shall establish a Target Award for each Participant for each Performance Period, and the Administrator (or its designee) shall communicate the applicable Target Award to each Participant.
3.5 Determination of Payout Formula or Formulae. The Administrator will establish a Payout Formula or Formulae for purposes of determining the Actual Award (if any) payable to each Participant. Each Payout Formula may (a) be based on a comparison of actual performance to the Performance Goals, (b) provide for the payment of a Participants Target Award if the Performance Goals for the Performance Period are achieved at the predetermined level and (c) provide for the payment of an Actual Award greater than or less than the Participants Target Award, depending upon the extent to which actual performance exceeds or falls below the Performance Goals, subject to the limitations in Section 3.7.
3.6 Determination of Actual Awards. After the end of each Performance Period, the Administrator will determine the extent to which the Performance Goals applicable to each Participant for the Performance Period were achieved or exceeded. The Actual Award for each Participant will be determined by applying the Payout Formula to the level of actual performance that has been determined by the Administrator; provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan, the Administrator may (a) reduce or eliminate the Actual Award that otherwise would be payable under the Payout Formula; (b) increase the Actual Award; or (c) determine whether or not any Participant will receive an Actual Award in the event that the Participant incurs a Termination of Employment before such Actual Award is to be paid pursuant to Section 4.1. If a Participants Actual Award is reduced or eliminated, no other Participants Actual Award shall be increased as a result. The Administrator has the absolute discretion to reduce or eliminate payment of an Actual Award if in the Administrators judgment corporate performance, financial condition, individual performance, general economic conditions, or other similar factors make such reduction or elimination appropriate.
3.7 Maximum Actual Awards. The Administrator may establish the maximum amount or value of the Actual Award paid to any Participant for any Performance Period.
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ARTICLE 4. PAYMENT OF AWARDS
4.1 Right to Receive Payment. A Participant shall have no right to receive an Actual Award unless the Participant is employed by the Company or an Affiliate on the date of payment, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator.
4.2 Unfunded Plan. Each Actual Award that may become payable under the Plan shall be paid solely from the general assets of the Company or the Affiliate that employs the Participant (as the case may be), as determined by the Company. No amounts awarded or accrued under the Plan shall be funded, set aside or otherwise segregated prior to payment. The obligation to pay Actual Awards under the Plan shall at all times be an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company. Participants shall have the status of general creditors of the Company or the Affiliate that employs the Participant.
4.3 Timing of Payment. Subject to Sections 3.7 and 4.6, payment of each Actual Award shall be made as soon as administratively practicable after the end of the applicable Performance Period, but in any event no later than required to ensure that that no amount paid or to be paid hereunder shall be subject to the provisions of Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code.
4.4 Form of Payment. Each Actual Award shall be paid in cash (or its equivalent) or in Share-based awards (or a combination thereof) in a single lump sum, except as otherwise determined by the Administrator. To the extent an Actual Award is paid in whole or in part in the form of Share-based awards, such awards shall be granted under an equity incentive plan maintained by the Company for the payment or awarding of Shares.
4.5 Payment in the Event of Death. If a Participant dies before receiving an Actual Award that was scheduled to be paid before his or her death for a prior Performance Period, then the Actual Award shall be paid to the Participants designated beneficiary or, if no beneficiary has been designated, to the administrator or representative of his or her estate, subject to applicable law. Any beneficiary designation or revocation of a prior designation shall be effective only if it is in writing, signed by the Participant and received by the Company prior to the Participants death, subject to applicable law.
4.6 Recoupment Policy. All awards granted under the Plan shall be subject to any Company recoupment or clawback policy, as in effect from time to time, including any required by Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
ARTICLE 5. ADMINISTRATION
5.1 Administrator Authority. The Plan shall be administered by the Administrator, subject to Section 5.3; provided, however, that with respect to any Executive, the Committee shall act as Administrator. The Administrator shall have all powers and discretion necessary or appropriate to administer the Plan and to control its operation, including (without limitation) the power to (a) determine which Employees shall be granted awards, (b) prescribe the terms and conditions of the awards, (c) interpret the Plan, (d) adopt such procedures and sub-plans as are necessary or appropriate, (e) adopt rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan and (f) interpret, amend or revoke any such rules.
5.2 Decisions Binding. All determinations and decisions made by the Administrator, the Board or any delegate of the Administrator pursuant to the provisions of the Plan shall be final, conclusive and binding on all persons and shall be given the maximum deference permitted by law.
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5.3 Delegation by the Administrator. The Administrator, on such terms and conditions as it may provide, may delegate all or part of its authority and powers under the Plan to one or more directors and/or employees of the Company, except that the Committee may not delegate its authority and powers under the Plan with respect to Executives.
ARTICLE 6. GENERAL PROVISIONS
6.1 Tax Withholding. The Company or an Affiliate, as applicable, shall withhold all required taxes from an Actual Award, including any federal, state, local or other taxes.
6.2 Application of Section 409A. The provisions of this Plan are intended to be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code so that none of the payments to be provided under this Plan will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A of the Code, and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to be so exempt. In no event will the Administrator reimburse Participants for any taxes that may be imposed as result of Section 409A of the Code.
6.3 No Effect on Employment. Neither the Plan nor any Target Award shall confer upon a Participant any right with respect to continuing the Participants employment with the Company or an Affiliate. Nothing in the Plan shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company or an Affiliate, as applicable, to terminate any Participants employment or service at any time, with or without cause. The Company and its Affiliates expressly reserve the right, which may be exercised at any time and without regard to when during or after a Performance Period such exercise occurs, to terminate any individuals employment with or without cause, and to treat him or her without regard to the effect that such treatment might have upon him or her as a Participant.
6.4 Participation; No Effect on Other Benefits. No Employee shall have the right to be selected to receive an award under the Plan, or, having been so selected, to be selected to receive a future award. Except as expressly set forth in a Participants employment agreement with the Company or an Affiliate, any Actual Awards under the Plan shall not be considered for the purpose of calculating any other benefits to which such Participant may be entitled, including (a) any termination, severance, redundancy or end-of-service payments, (b) other bonuses or long-service awards, (c) overtime premiums, (d) pension or retirement benefits or (e) future Base Salary or any other payment to be made by the Company to such Participant. All Participants expressly acknowledge that there is no obligation on the part of the Company to continue the Plan. Any Actual Awards granted under the Plan are not intended to be compensation of a continuing or recurring nature, or part of a Participants normal or expected compensation,
6.5 Successors. All obligations of the Company and any Affiliate under the Plan, with respect to awards granted hereunder, shall be binding on any successor to the Company and/or such Affiliate, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a merger, consolidation, direct or indirect purchase of all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company or such Affiliate, or any similar transaction.
6.6 Nontransferability of Awards. No award granted under the Plan shall be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will, by the laws of descent and distribution or to the limited extent provided in Section 4.5. All rights with respect to an award granted to a Participant shall be available during his or her lifetime only to the Participant.
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ARTICLE 7. DURATION, AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
7.1 Duration of the Plan. The Plan shall remain in effect until terminated pursuant to Section 7.2.
7.2 Amendment, Suspension or Termination. The Board or the Administrator may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan, or any part thereof, at any time and for any reason; provided that this Plan may not be suspended or terminated, nor amended in a manner adverse to a Participant for a period of twelve (12) months following a Change in Control of the Company. No award may be granted during any period of suspension or after termination of the Plan.
ARTICLE 8. LEGAL CONSTRUCTION
8.1 Severability. In the event any provision of the Plan shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of the Plan, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had not been included.
8.2 Requirements of Law. The granting of awards under the Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or national securities markets as may be required.
8.3 Captions. Captions are provided herein for convenience only and shall not serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of the Plan.
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APPENDIX A
PERFORMANCE METRICS
The Administrator may establish Performance Goals derived from the following metrics, or from such other measures of performance selected by the Administrator from time to time:
Industry-Specific
| development of new product candidates |
| drug development milestones |
| implementation, completion or attainment of measurable objectives with respect to research (including nominating a development candidate, initiating a new discovery program, initiation or completion of preclinical characterization of a product candidate, or initiation or completion of IND-enabling studies) |
| development of manufacturing processes (including initiating or completing formulation development work, validating API or drug product processes or achieving certain specifications) |
| supply chain achievements (including establishing relationships with manufacturers or suppliers of component materials and/or the Companys products or product candidates) |
| clinical achievements (including initiating clinical studies, initiating or completing enrollment or enrolling particular numbers of subjects in clinical studies) |
| completing phases of a clinical study (including the enrollment phase, dose-escalation or dose-expansion phase or announcing or presenting preliminary or final data from clinical studies, in each case, whether on particular timelines or generally) |
| regulatory achievements (including submitting or filing applications or other documents with regulatory authorities, or clearing or receiving approval of any such applications or other documents) |
| passing pre-approval inspections (whether of the Company or the Companys third-party manufacturer, if any) and achieving or maintaining other quality-related regulatory requirements |
| launch of new products or approvals of existing products in new indications |
| market share |
| pricing and/or reimbursement approval |
| revenue, revenue growth or product revenue growth |
| acquisitions of assets or intellectual property |
| strategic partnerships or transactions (including in-licensing and out-licensing of intellectual property, whether in a particular jurisdiction or territory or globally or through partnering transactions) |
| establishing relationships with commercial entities with respect to the marketing, distribution and sale of the Companys products (including with group purchasing organizations, distributors and other vendors) |
| sales or licenses of the Companys assets, including its intellectual property |
Financial
| appreciation in and/or maintenance of any publicly-traded securities of the Company |
| cash flow, cash balance or cash flow per share (before or after dividends) |
| cash flow return on investment |
| cash margin |
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| comparisons with various stock market indices |
| debt reduction |
| earnings or loss per share |
| earnings or losses (including earnings or losses before taxes, before interest and taxes, or before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) |
| economic value added (or an equivalent metric) |
| expense or cost reduction |
| financial ratios, including those measuring liquidity, activity, profitability or leverage |
| financing and other capital raising transactions (including sales of the Companys equity or debt securities) |
| gross margin |
| gross profits |
| improvement in or attainment of expense levels or working capital levels, including cash, inventory and accounts receivable |
| net income or loss (before or after taxes) |
| net operating income or profits, before or after tax |
| net sales |
| operating cash flow or other operating efficiencies |
| operating income (before or after taxes) |
| operating margin |
| total stockholder return |
| working capital |
| year-end cash |
| share price |
| stockholders equity |
| reductions in costs |
| return on assets, net assets, investment or capital employed (including return on total capital or return on invested capital) |
| return on equity or average stockholders equity |
| return on operating revenue |
Organizational
| employee satisfaction |
| employee survey results |
| recruiting and maintaining personnel |
In the areas of development, regulatory progress and commercialization, the achievements described above performed by a third party with which the Company has a licensing or collaborative agreement (a Partner) may apply to the Company, if so determined by the Administrator. For example, if a Partner accomplishes development milestones, regulatory achievements, commercialization or sales targets with an asset within a program that is a subject of the licensing or collaboration agreement between the Company and the Partner, then such Partners accomplishments may constitute achievements of the Company.
Performance Goals may be based solely by reference to the Companys performance or the performance of a subsidiary, division, business segment or business unit of the Company, or based upon the relative performance of other companies or upon comparisons of any of the indicators of performance relative to other companies.
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The Administrator may adjust the results under any performance criterion to exclude any of the following events that occurs during a performance measurement period: (a) asset write-downs, (b) litigation, claims, judgments or settlements, (c) the effect of changes in tax law, accounting principles or other such laws or provisions affecting reported results, (d) accruals for reorganization and restructuring programs, (e) any extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring items, (f) exchange rate effects for non-U.S. dollar denominated net sales and operating earnings or (g) statutory adjustments to corporate tax rates.
Any Performance Goal used may be measured (a) in absolute terms, (b) in relative terms, including (without limitation) the passage of time and/or against other companies or metrics, (c) on a per-share basis, (d) against the performance of the Company as a whole or against particular segments or products of the Company and/or (e) on a pre-tax or after-tax basis. Any Performance Goal may be measured on a basis other than generally accepted accounting principles.
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Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption Experts and to the use of our report dated August 7, 2020 (except for the retroactive effect of the 1-for-7.4276 reverse stock split as described in the second paragraph of Note 1(a), as to which the date is October 9, 2020), in Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Form S-1 No. 333-249076) and related Prospectus of Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for the registration of 5,000,000 shares of its common stock.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP |
Irvine, California
October 9, 2020