As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 10, 2026.
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 2834 | 99-2235719 | ||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
101 Seaport Blvd., Floor 12
Boston, Massachusetts 02210
(617) 807-4062
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Daphne Zohar
Chief Executive Officer
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
101 Seaport Blvd., Floor 12
Boston, Massachusetts 02210
(617) 807-4062
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
| Mitchell S. Bloom Benjamin K. Marsh Kristen M. McCarthy Goodwin Procter LLP 100 Northern Avenue Boston, Massachusetts 02210 (617) 570-1000 |
Nathan Ajiashvili Salvatore Vanchieri Sandy Kugbei Latham & Watkins LLP 1271 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10020 (212) 906-1200 |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.
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, as amended, 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, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | 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. ☐
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 Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this preliminary 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 preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state or other jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.1
Subject to Completion, Dated April 10, 2026
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
Shares
Common Stock
This is an initial public offering of shares of common stock of Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. We are offering shares of our common stock.
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. It is currently estimated that the initial public offering price per share will be between $ and $ . We have applied to list our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “SPTX.” We believe that upon the completion of this offering, we will meet the standards for listing on the Nasdaq Global Market, and the completion of this offering is contingent upon such listing.
We are an “emerging growth company” and “smaller reporting company” as defined under the U.S. federal securities laws and, as such, we have elected to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements in this prospectus. For additional information, see the section titled “Prospectus Summary—Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company and a Smaller Reporting Company.”
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. See the section titled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 17 to read about factors you should consider before deciding to invest in shares of our common stock.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
| Per Share | Total | |||||||
| Initial public offering price |
$ | $ | ||||||
| Underwriting discounts and commissions (1) |
$ | $ | ||||||
| Proceeds, before expenses, to Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. |
$ | $ | ||||||
| (1) | For additional information regarding compensation payable to the underwriters, see the section titled “Underwriting.” |
We have granted the underwriters the option to purchase up to an additional shares of common stock from us, at the initial public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions.
At our request, the underwriters have reserved up to % of the shares offered by this prospectus for sale, at the initial public offering price, to our directors, officers, certain employees and certain other persons associated with us. See the section “Underwriting—Directed Share Program.”
The underwriters expect to deliver the shares against payment on or about , 2026.
| Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC | J.P. Morgan | Leerink Partners | Citigroup | Stifel |
Prospectus dated , 2026
| Page | ||||
| 1 | ||||
| 17 | ||||
| 101 | ||||
| 103 | ||||
| 105 | ||||
| 106 | ||||
| 108 | ||||
| MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
111 | |||
| 127 | ||||
| 183 | ||||
| 195 | ||||
| 207 | ||||
| 209 | ||||
| 214 | ||||
| 218 | ||||
| 225 | ||||
| MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES FOR NON-U.S. HOLDERS |
227 | |||
| 231 | ||||
| 238 | ||||
| 238 | ||||
| 238 | ||||
| F-1 | ||||
Unless otherwise indicated, all references in this prospectus to “Seaport,” the “company,” “we,” “our,” “us,” or similar terms refer to Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, or either or all of them as the context may require.
Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you any information or make any representations other than those contained in 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. We and the underwriters are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing 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.
For investors outside of the United States: we have not, and the underwriters have not, done anything that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than the United States. Persons outside of the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the shares of our common stock, and the distribution of this prospectus outside of the United States.
We own, have applied for, or have rights to use one or more registered and common law trademarks, service marks, and/or trade names in connection with our business in the United States, which may be used throughout this prospectus. This prospectus also includes trademarks, tradenames, and service marks of third parties which are the property of their respective owners. Our use or display of third-parties’ trademarks, service marks,
i
tradenames, or products in this prospectus and our other public filings is not intended to, and does not imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship by us. Solely for convenience, the trademarks, service marks, logos and trade names referred to in this prospectus and our other public filings may appear without the ®, TM or SM symbols, but the omission of such references is not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights, or the rights of the applicable owner of or licensor to these trademarks, service marks, and trade names.
ii
MARKET, INDUSTRY, AND OTHER DATA
The market data and certain other statistical information used throughout this prospectus are based on independent industry publications, governmental publications, reports by market research firms, or other independent sources that we believe to be reliable sources. 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. We are responsible for all of the disclosures contained in this prospectus, and we believe that these sources are reliable; however, we have not independently verified the information contained in such publications. While we are not aware of any misstatements regarding any third-party information presented in this prospectus, their estimates, in particular, as they relate to projections, involve numerous assumptions, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under the section titled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus. Some data are also based on our good faith estimates.
iii
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware as SP Therapeutics, Inc. on April 1, 2024 and changed our name to Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. on April 2, 2024. Our wholly owned subsidiary, SPTX, Inc., was a result of the incorporation of a predecessor company under the laws of the State of Delaware in February 2024 under the name Seaport Therapeutics, Inc., which subsequently changed its name to Seaport Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. in March 2024 and to SPTX, Inc. in April 2024. In April 2024, we entered into a share exchange agreement, or the Share Exchange Agreement, with SPTX, Inc., which resulted in SPTX, Inc. becoming our wholly owned subsidiary. On April 8, 2024, or the Asset Transfer Date, we entered into an Asset Transfer Agreement as amended in December 2025, or the Asset Transfer Agreement, with PureTech Health LLC, or PureTech Health, and PureTech LYT Inc., or PureTech LYT, pursuant to which PureTech Health and PureTech LYT agreed to contribute, convey, assign, transfer, and deliver to us all of their right, title, and interest in, to and under the assets related to its Glyph TM technology or products, subject to the terms set forth in the Asset Transfer Agreement.
The financial statements presented in this prospectus for periods prior to the Asset Transfer Date, which are included in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, have been prepared on a “carve-out” basis from the financial statements of PureTech Health plc, or PureTech, to represent our financial position and performance as if we had existed on a standalone basis. The financial statements presented in this prospectus for periods from and after the Asset Transfer Date reflect our financial position and performance as a standalone entity. All of our assets, liabilities and expenses as of and for the periods prior to the Asset Transfer Date were identified based on the assets and liabilities contributed to us from PureTech, as well as indirect costs that were not specifically identifiable to us or our related programs but were considered necessary to operate as a standalone company. Management believes the assumptions underlying our carve-out financial statements are reasonable. Nevertheless, the carve-out financial statements may not include all of the actual expenses that would have been incurred had we operated as a standalone company during the periods presented, and may not reflect our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows had we operated as a standalone company during the periods presented. Actual costs that would have been incurred if we had operated as a standalone company would depend on multiple factors, including organizational structure and strategic decisions made in various areas.
iv
This summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary does not contain all of the information you should consider before investing in our common stock. You should read this entire prospectus carefully, including the sections of this prospectus titled “Risk Factors,” “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus, before making an investment decision.
Overview
We are a clinical-stage therapeutics company focused on inventing and developing new medicines for patients with depression, anxiety, and other debilitating neuropsychiatric disorders. Through our differentiated approach, we identify clinically validated mechanisms with established efficacy and safety profiles which had historically been limited by high first-pass metabolism, low bioavailability, and/or side effects. We apply our proprietary GlyphTM platform to overcome those limitations and invent innovative oral therapies. Glyph is a lymphatic-targeting prodrug technology which is designed to bypass first-pass metabolism and thereby enhance a drug’s oral bioavailability and reduce side effects. This process, which we call “Glyphing,” also creates new composition of matter intellectual property. Our experienced team of industry leaders has a proven track record in neuropsychiatry drug discovery and development and delivering successful business outcomes. We aim to develop novel, leading treatment options that will make a significant impact for patients and their families.
Our lead product candidate, GlyphAlloTM (SPT-300 or Glyph Allopregnanolone), is a novel, Glyphed oral prodrug of allopregnanolone, an endogenous molecule that has been clinically validated in third-party trials for the treatment of postpartum depression, or PPD, a form of major depressive disorder, or MDD, that shares symptomatology with MDD, as a rapidly acting antidepressant with anxiolytic and sleep-promoting effects. Additionally, an oral synthetic analog of allopregnanolone, zuranolone, demonstrated a rapid antidepressant effect that deepened while patients were on drug and met the primary endpoint in five of the six trials in MDD. GlyphAllo is designed to overcome bioavailability limitations of allopregnanolone and deliver rapid and durable efficacy in MDD. We have demonstrated in a Phase 1 clinical trial that GlyphAllo reaches therapeutically relevant exposures with oral dosing, and in a Phase 2a clinical trial, GlyphAllo demonstrated initial proof-of-concept with an objective biomarker of stress in healthy volunteers and a favorable tolerability profile. We have initiated the Phase 2b BUOY-1 trial in patients with MDD with or without anxious distress and anticipate topline data in the first half of 2027.
Our second product candidate, GlyphAgoTM (SPT-320 or Glyph Agomelatine), is a novel, Glyphed oral prodrug of agomelatine, a clinically validated anxiolytic and antidepressant that is approved for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, in Australia and MDD in Australia and the European Union, or EU. In April 2026, we reported topline data from the single-ascending dose, or SAD, and crossover portions of our Phase 1 proof-of-concept clinical trial for GlyphAgo. In the head-to-head crossover portion of the trial, GlyphAgo demonstrated a 6.8-fold increase in bioavailability of agomelatine compared to unmodified orally administered agomelatine, and showed significantly lower (10-fold) pharmacokinetic variability compared to unmodified agomelatine. In the SAD portion of the trial, GlyphAgo demonstrated a 9.6 to 14.5-fold increase in dose-normalized exposure compared to agomelatine. GlyphAgo was well-tolerated and no liver-related adverse events, or AEs, were observed. We plan to initiate a Phase 2a proof-of-pharmacology trial designed to evaluate the potential sleep benefit of GlyphAgo in patients with GAD and sleep disturbance, with topline data expected in early 2028 and, in parallel, a Phase 2b trial designed to evaluate efficacy and safety of GlyphAgo in patients with GAD, with topline data expected by the end of 2028.
1
We are also advancing Glyph2BLSDTM (SPT-348 or Glyph 2-bromo-LSD), a novel, Glyphed oral prodrug of the non-hallucinogenic LSD analog 2-bromo-LSD, in preclinical studies for depressive disorders, including treatment-resistant depression, or TRD, post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, and headache disorders.
Globally, over one billion people are living with mental illness as of 2021, comparable in prevalence to obesity or hypertension. According to the World Health Organization, as of 2021, depression affects approximately 332 million people worldwide and anxiety affects approximately 359 million people worldwide, and there is a significant need for novel treatment options. Currently approved drugs for MDD and GAD have significant limitations, including modest efficacy, slow onset of action, and unfavorable side effects. Advancement of novel therapies has been limited by a lack of understanding of disease pathophysiology, poor drug-like properties, and challenges in clinical trial design and execution leading to high clinical development failure rates.
Our Differentiated Approach
We are uniquely positioned to overcome the challenges of developing medicines for depression, anxiety, and other neuropsychiatric disorders by leveraging our differentiated, three-pillar approach:
Identify clinically validated mechanisms held back by issues that can be addressed by our proprietary Glyph platform. We select our product candidates based on well-established clinical data, defined as demonstrated meaningful benefits compared to placebo in multiple randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials in a large number of patients. We identify drugs matching this profile where clinical and commercial potential have been limited by high first-pass metabolism, low bioavailability, and/or side effects. We advance candidates that have the potential to be novel medicines and to impact a large number of patients.
Create novel medicines with strong intellectual property using Glyph. Glyph is our proprietary technology platform which uses the lymphatic system to enable and enhance the oral administration of drugs. Typically, non-Glyphed oral small molecules undergo first-pass metabolism, where the concentration of drug is significantly reduced by metabolic enzymes in the liver prior to systemic circulation. First-pass metabolism can lead to low bioavailability (i.e., reduced concentration of active drug available to target organs) and/or side effects, including liver enzyme elevations or hepatotoxicity. Glyph leverages a separate absorption path taken by dietary fats. A Glyphed molecule uses this alternative route via the intestinal lymphatic system to bypass first-pass metabolism and transit directly into systemic circulation. The Glyph platform has the potential to be widely applied to many therapeutic molecules that have high first-pass metabolism. For each program, we use Glyph to create unique sets of prodrugs with differentiated profiles, and evaluate these prodrugs as potential candidates to advance into preclinical and clinical studies. Glyph has been applied to create novel product candidates for our pipeline resulting in new intellectual property, including composition of matter patents.
2
Benefits of Our Proprietary Glyph Platform
Apply our team’s expertise to optimize the design and execution of clinical trials and drive successful business outcomes. Our team is comprised of industry leaders with a proven track record of building successful companies that have developed and commercialized innovative neuropsychiatric medicines. This includes Zyprexa®, Cymbalta®, Latuda®, Zurzuvae®, and CobenfyTM (xanomeline-trospium or KarXT), which was approved by the FDA in September 2024 and is the first new class of medicines in over 30 years for patients living with schizophrenia. Leveraging our team’s track record of success in neuropsychiatry discovery and clinical development is important as we select new product candidates and as we implement key design elements in our clinical trials to optimize treatment effect and duration and reduce placebo response. In parallel, we apply our deep experience in building successful companies to establish clear goals, drive strategic decision-making, and maintain financial discipline. Drawing on our track record of success in neuropsychiatry, we aim to drive successful outcomes for patients and shareholders.
3
Our Pipeline
We are developing a pipeline of novel potential treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders with significant unmet need. We retain exclusive, worldwide development and commercialization rights to all of our product candidates and discovery programs.
Glyph aims to unlock the therapeutic potential of drugs in CNS and beyond. In addition to our three lead candidates, we have robust discovery programs and multiple pipeline programs underway.
GlyphAllo: Potential Differentiated Therapy for MDD
GlyphAllo is a novel, Glyphed oral prodrug of allopregnanolone, an endogenous neurosteroid and gamma-aminobutyric acid A, or GABAA, positive allosteric modulator, or PAM. Allopregnanolone is a naturally occurring molecule that reduces stress, with levels that peak during the third trimester of pregnancy. An intravenous infusion formulation of allopregnanolone was approved for the treatment of PPD, a form of MDD. Allopregnanolone has been clinically validated in two third-party trials, which were sponsored by Sage Therapeutics in the United States for the treatment of PPD and powered for statistical significance, as a rapidly acting antidepressant with anxiolytic and sleep-promoting effects. Due to the shared symptomatology between MDD and PPD, we believe data for MDD are relevant from such third-party trials. In each trial, allopregnanolone demonstrated statistically significant results on the primary endpoint of change in baseline at 60 hours in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17, or HAMD-17, a regulatory-standard depression severity rating scale. However, its scope of clinical use has been constrained by oral bioavailability limitations that the Glyph platform is uniquely designed to solve. For example, a previous third-party clinical trial showed that oral administration of allopregnanolone resulted in plasma exposure levels with an AUCinf of 0.7 ng*hr/mL per 1 mg of allopregnanolone dosed.
GlyphAllo: Preclinical Results
In our preclinical studies conducted in non-human primates, or NHPs, oral dosing of GlyphAllo resulted in a greater than nine-fold increase in bioavailability compared to oral unmodified allopregnanolone over 24 hours. In these preclinical studies, evaluations of GlyphAllo and unmodified allopregnanolone were conducted simultaneously or sequentially using the same species.
GlyphAllo: Clinical Results
In our Phase 1 clinical trial conducted in Australia in 99 participants, GlyphAllo demonstrated therapeutically relevant exposures with a favorable tolerability profile that supports chronic dosing. No treatment-related severe or serious adverse events were reported. Oral administration of GlyphAllo in our Phase 1 trial of GlyphAllo resulted in plasma exposure levels with an AUCinf of 6.6 ng*hr/mL per 1 mg of allopregnanolone dosed.
4
GlyphAllo has also demonstrated initial proof-of-concept in a Phase 2a randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted in Australia in 80 participants, using the Trier Social Stress Test, or TSST, a validated clinical model of anxiety in healthy volunteers. No severe or serious adverse events were reported. Based on these Phase 1 and Phase 2a data, we believe GlyphAllo has the potential to become a leading treatment for MDD. We advanced GlyphAllo into what we believe is a registration-enabling Phase 2b BUOY-1 trial conducted in the US and EU in July 2025. BUOY-1 is a global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of GlyphAllo in adults with MDD, with or without anxious distress. MDD with anxious distress is a form of MDD characterized by significant anxiety. Approximately 60% of patients with MDD meet the criteria for anxious distress. This trial is expected to enroll up to approximately 360 patients, randomized 1:1 to receive either GlyphAllo or placebo once-daily over a six-week treatment period. This randomized, double-blind, multiregional, placebo-controlled trial is designed to be registration-enabling, subject to review by the FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities, as an adequate and well-controlled investigation that seeks to help provide substantial evidence of effectiveness by assessing GlyphAllo’s efficacy and safety in several hundred patients. Additional clinical trials may be required prior to the submission of a new drug application even if this trial is successful or positive. The primary endpoint of the trial is the change from baseline at six weeks in HAMD-17. Following the initial treatment period, eligible patients may enter an open-label extension trial, in which all participants will receive GlyphAllo for up to six additional weeks.
Previous clinical development of allopregnanolone and its synthetic analog, which has been evaluated by Sage Therapeutics in multiple late-stage clinical trials for the treatment of MDD, has been generally hindered by poor oral bioavailability, safety concerns, and clinical trial design limitations. GlyphAllo is designed to enhance the oral bioavailability of allopregnanolone and achieve systemic exposures comparable to an intravenous infusion of allopregnanolone, with once-daily oral dosing. We believe our ongoing Phase 2b BUOY-1 trial improves upon the design of previous third-party clinical trials that evaluated a synthetic analog of allopregnanolone in several important ways.
We are improving durable efficacy by treating patients for the full six-week duration of the primary endpoint time frame, as opposed to previous trials that treated patients for only the first two weeks and assessed efficacy after six weeks. As allopregnanolone also has an anxiolytic effect, we are also enrolling patients that have MDD with or without anxious distress. To reduce placebo response, we are optimizing the frequency of clinician-administered assessments, as our comprehensive meta-analysis of recent antidepressant trials demonstrated that the frequency of these assessments is positively correlated with the magnitude of the placebo response in MDD trials. We are also including a single treatment arm and will flex dose to a target dose, similar to the strategy implemented at Karuna Therapeutics, since the number of active arms is positively associated with increased placebo response. Additionally, we are scrutinizing site selection and patient enrollment to ensure appropriate diagnosis and exclude inappropriate patients, including those with inflated baseline ratings and those who are concurrently participating in other studies. We expect topline data from the Phase 2b BUOY-1 trial in the first half of 2027.
GlyphAgo: Potential Differentiated Therapy for GAD
GlyphAgo is a novel, Glyphed oral prodrug of agomelatine that we are advancing in a key Phase 1 proof-of-concept trial for the treatment of GAD in Australia, in which we plan to enroll up to approximately 190 participants. Agomelatine, a clinically validated MT1/MT2 melatonin receptor agonist and serotonin 2C (5-HT2C) receptor antagonist, is an effective anxiolytic and antidepressant approved for the treatment of GAD in Australia and MDD in Australia and the EU. In GAD, agomelatine has demonstrated statistically significant
5
separation from placebo in four third-party placebo-controlled studies1. Based on two of the largest non-head-to- head literature meta-analyses of clinical trials of pharmacological agents for the treatment of GAD, agomelatine has been shown to have favorable efficacy and tolerability relative to other therapeutic agents. Specifically, in the first of these meta-analyses, which included two of the placebo-controlled studies of agomelatine, agomelatine was observed to have better efficacy and tolerability than certain standard-of-care drugs, such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, which can result in sexual dysfunction and weight gain, and benzodiazepines, which can result in dependence and abuse. In the second of these meta-analyses, which included three of the placebo-controlled studies of agomelatine, agomelatine was found to be the most favorable drug in terms of both efficacy and tolerability among the analyzed competitors (venlafaxine, escitalopram, paroxetine, duloxetine, and pregabalin). However, despite this positive profile, over 90% of unmodified agomelatine is lost to first-pass liver metabolism and its use has been limited by dose-dependent liver enzyme elevations. Its label in both Australia and the EU requires liver function testing before initiating treatment, during treatment, and upon increasing the dose. Agomelatine is not approved in the United States.
Using our proprietary Glyph platform, GlyphAgo is designed to avoid first-pass liver metabolism and increase systemic exposure of agomelatine, enabling exposure levels of agomelatine that are effective in GAD but at a lower dose that reduces liver exposure and reduces or eliminates the need for liver function testing. Based on internal analyses, we believe a two-fold increase in the bioavailability of agomelatine with GlyphAgo dosing will reduce or eliminate liver enzyme elevations. In preclinical studies in NHPs we showed that oral dosing of GlyphAgo increased plasma exposure of agomelatine versus agomelatine alone above this two-fold target. Therefore, based on the data we have generated to date, we believe GlyphAgo has the potential to become a leading treatment for GAD. The ongoing Phase 1 trial will be conducted in multiple parts to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of GlyphAgo and compare the pharmacokinetics of GlyphAgo to agomelatine alone. It will include single- and multiple-ascending dose cohorts, as well as a food-effect crossover portion, using both open-label and placebo-controlled designs.
In April 2026, we reported topline data from the SAD and crossover portions of our Phase 1 proof-of-concept clinical trial of GlyphAgo. In the head-to-head crossover portion of the trial, GlyphAgo demonstrated a 6.8-fold increase in bioavailability of agomelatine compared to unmodified orally administered agomelatine. GlyphAgo also showed significantly lower (10-fold) PK variability compared to unmodified agomelatine. The crossover portion included participants who were taking estrogen-containing oral contraceptives that are known to increase agomelatine exposure due to liver drug-drug interaction. In contrast, GlyphAgo exposure was unaffected by oral contraceptives, further supporting the ability of GlyphAgo to bypass first-pass liver metabolism. GlyphAgo demonstrated a 9.6 to 14.5-fold increase in dose-normalized exposure compared to agomelatine in a separate SAD portion of the trial in which no participants were on oral contraceptives. GlyphAgo was well tolerated and no liver-related AEs were observed. We plan to initiate a Phase 2a proof-of-pharmacology trial designed to evaluate the potential sleep benefit of GlyphAgo in patients with GAD and sleep disturbance, with topline data expected in early 2028.
We also plan to initiate, in parallel, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2b trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of GlyphAgo in patients with GAD, with topline data expected by the end of 2028. This multiregional trial is designed to be registration-enabling, subject to review by the FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities, as an adequate and well-controlled investigation that seeks to provide substantial evidence
| 1 | The statements above relating to the placebo-controlled studies of agomelatine in GAD are based on the following, which represents a complete list of all placebo-controlled studies of agomelatine in GAD: Dan J. Stein, et al., Efficacy and safety of agomelatine (10 or 25 mg/day) in non-depressed out-patients with generalized anxiety disorder: A 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, European Neuropsychopharmacology, Volume 27, Issue 5, 2017 (Also included in meta-analyses); Dan J. Stein, et al., Agomelatine in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: An Active Comparator and Placebo-Controlled Study, J Clin Psychiatry 2014;75(4):362-368 (Also included in meta-analyses); Dan J. Stein, et al., Agomelatine Prevents Relapse in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A 6-Month Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Discontinuation Study, J Clin Psychiatry 2012;73(7):1002-1008; Dan J. Stein, et al., Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology 28(5):p 561-566, October 2008 (Also included in meta-analyses). |
6
of effectiveness by assessing GlyphAgo’s efficacy and safety in several hundred patients. Although this trial is designed to be registration-enabling, additional clinical trials may be required prior to the submission of a new drug application even if this trial is successful or positive.
Although the development and commercialization of GlyphAgo for the treatment of GAD is our primary focus, as part of our longer-term growth strategy, we may evaluate GlyphAgo in other indications as well, including MDD.
Glyph2BLSD and Additional Applications of the Glyph Platform
Glyph2BLSD is our novel, Glyphed oral prodrug of 2-bromo-LSD, a differentiated non-hallucinogenic neuroplastogen. Glyph2BLSD is designed to harness the differentiated and non-hallucinogenic profile of 2-bromo-LSD, which has rapidly acting clinical activity and is not expected to exhibit the fibrosis, cardiovascular effects, or hallucinations characteristic of some other neuroplastogens. Glyph2BLSD is designed to improve the pharmacokinetic and tolerability profile of 2-bromo-LSD while maintaining therapeutic exposure levels.
Glyph2BLSD’s non-hallucinogenic profile unlocks the potential to enable convenient outpatient and repeat dosing to improve efficacy. We are advancing Glyph2BLSD through preclinical studies and are developing Glyph2BLSD for the treatment of depressive disorders, including TRD, PTSD, and headache disorders with significant unmet need. We are currently conducting first-in-human-enabling studies of Glyph2BLSD.
We are also leveraging the power of the Glyph platform to explore additional applications in central nervous system, or CNS, and non-CNS diseases and advance programs that address significant unmet needs in these areas.
Our Team
Seaport was founded by pioneers in the neuropsychiatry field and is led by a team of seasoned industry veterans with a shared mission to transform the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders and improve patients’ lives. We have assembled an experienced group of individuals with a proven track record of building successful companies that have developed and commercialized innovative neuropsychiatric medicines. Members of our leadership team have collaborated successfully over several decades on the discovery, development, and commercialization of neuropsychiatric medicines including Cobenfy, Latuda, Zyprexa, Cymbalta, and Zurzuvae. Our co-founders, Daphne Zohar and Dr. Steven Paul, were central to the success of Karuna Therapeutics, which invented and advanced the first-in-class medicine Cobenfy, and was acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb in March 2024 for $14 billion. Cobenfy was approved by the FDA in September 2024 and is the first drug to provide a new mechanism of action for schizophrenia in over 30 years. Cobenfy is estimated to achieve annual peak sales of over $5 billion. Despite the prior experience of our team, our limited operating history as a standalone company makes any reliance on past performance uncertain.
Since our inception, we have raised $325 million in net proceeds from leading life science investors, including shareholders with holdings greater than 5%: ARCH Venture Partners, General Atlantic, Sofinnova Investments, Third Rock Ventures, and our founder, PureTech. Prospective investors should not rely on the investment decisions of our existing investors, as these investors may have different risk tolerances and in certain cases received their shares in prior offerings at prices lower than the price offered to the public in this offering.
Our Strategy
We founded our company with a mission to develop life-changing treatments for patients with depression, anxiety, and other neuropsychiatric disorders. The key elements of our business strategy are to:
| | Successfully advance GlyphAllo through clinical development for the treatment of patients with MDD with or without anxious distress. |
7
| | Successfully advance GlyphAgo through clinical development for the treatment of patients with GAD. |
| | Develop a robust pipeline of differentiated programs for neuropsychiatric and other CNS disorders by leveraging our Glyph platform. |
| | Opportunistically pursue strategic partnerships to maximize the value of our Glyph platform. |
Our Differentiated Approach
We are uniquely positioned to develop novel medicines that will make a significant impact for patients and their families through our differentiated, three-pillar approach: 1) identify clinically validated mechanisms held back by issues that can be addressed by our proprietary Glyph platform, 2) create novel medicines with strong intellectual property using Glyph, and 3) apply our team’s expertise to optimize the design and execution of clinical trials and drive successful business outcomes. We believe our approach will enable us to develop transformative treatments for patients and build a leading neuropsychiatry company.
Risks Associated With Our Business
Our business is subject to a number of risks of which you should be aware before making an investment decision. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:
| | We are a clinical-stage therapeutics company with a limited operating history, which may make it difficult to evaluate our current business and predict our future success and viability. We have incurred significant financial losses since our inception and anticipate that we will continue to incur significant financial losses for the foreseeable future. |
| | Even if this offering is successful, we will require additional funding in order to finance operations. If we are unable to raise capital when needed, or on acceptable terms, we could be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our product development programs or commercialization efforts. |
| | Our business is highly dependent on the success of our product candidates, particularly GlyphAllo for the treatment of MDD with or without anxious distress and GlyphAgo for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, and MDD. If we are unable to successfully complete clinical development, obtain regulatory approval for or commercialize one or more of our product candidates, or if we experience delays in doing so, our business will be materially harmed. |
| | Clinical and preclinical development involves a lengthy and expensive process and is highly uncertain. Any difficulties or delays in the commencement or completion, or the termination or suspension, of our current or planned clinical trials could result in increased costs to us, delay or limit our ability to generate revenue or adversely affect our commercial prospects. |
| | The regulatory approval processes of the FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities are lengthy, time-consuming, and inherently unpredictable, and if we are ultimately unable to obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates, our business will be substantially harmed. |
| | The determination of whether the BUOY-1 clinical trial will be registration-enabling lies solely within the discretion of the FDA and/or other comparable regulatory authorities, based on whether such body views this trial as an adequate and well-controlled clinical investigation that can support regulatory decision making, and whether the resulting data from the trial provide substantial evidence of effectiveness. There can be no assurance that our clinical trials will ultimately be successful or support further clinical development of our product candidates, and we may have to complete multiple additional clinical trials, which may be differently designed than prior clinical trials, to support a submission for marketing authorization for this product candidate. |
8
| | Our proprietary Glyph platform is based on a novel approach that may not result in approvable or marketable products, which exposes us to unforeseen risks and makes it difficult for us to predict the time and cost of product development and potential for regulatory approval. |
| | If our clinical trials fail to replicate positive results from earlier preclinical studies or clinical trials conducted by us or third parties, we may be unable to successfully develop, obtain regulatory approval for or commercialize our product candidates. |
| | We may incur unexpected costs or experience delays in completing, or ultimately be unable to complete, the development and commercialization of our product candidates. |
| | Our product candidates may be associated with adverse events, or AEs, or other undesirable properties or safety risks, which could delay or prevent their regulatory approval, cause us to suspend or discontinue clinical trials or abandon a product candidate, limit the commercial profile of an approved label, or result in significant negative consequences following regulatory approval, if obtained, or result in other significant negative consequences that could severely harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. |
| | We have concentrated our research and development efforts on the treatment of disorders of the brain and central nervous system, a field that faces certain challenges in drug development. |
| | Existing and potential future competitive products may reduce or eliminate the commercial opportunity for our product candidates, if approved. If our competitors develop technologies or product candidates more rapidly than we do, or their technologies or product candidates are more effective or safer than ours, our ability to develop and successfully commercialize our product candidates may be adversely affected. |
| | Our ability to develop product candidates, leverage our Glyph platform and our future growth depends on attracting, hiring, and retaining our key personnel and recruiting additional qualified personnel. |
| | We rely on third parties to assist in conducting our clinical trials and preclinical studies. If they do not successfully carry out their contractual duties, comply with applicable regulatory requirements or meet expected deadlines, we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval or commercialize our product candidates, or such approval or commercialization may be delayed, and our business could be substantially harmed. |
| | Our commercial success depends on our ability to obtain, maintain, enforce, and otherwise protect our intellectual property and proprietary technology, and if the scope of the intellectual property protection obtained is not sufficiently broad, our competitors or other third parties could develop and commercialize products and product candidates similar to ours and our ability to successfully develop and commercialize our product candidates may be adversely affected. |
| | We are heavily reliant upon the Amended and Restated License Agreement with Monash University, or the Monash License Agreement, pursuant to which we have been granted an exclusive, royalty-bearing license to certain patent rights that are important or necessary to the development of our proprietary technology and product candidates. |
| | While we may in the future seek designations for our product candidates with the FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities that are intended to confer benefits such as a faster development process, an accelerated regulatory pathway or regulatory exclusivity, there can be no assurance that we will successfully obtain such designations. In addition, even if one or more of our product candidates are granted such designations, we may not be able to realize the intended benefits of such designations. |
| | Our results of operations for the period from January 1, 2024 to April 7, 2024, which are included in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, have been prepared on a “carve-out” basis based on management estimates, assumptions, and judgments about appropriate |
9
| allocation and may not be indicative of what they would have been had we actually been an independent standalone entity throughout such period. |
| | There has been no prior public market for our common stock, and an active trading market may not develop or be sustained. |
The summary risk factors described above should be read together with the text of the full risk factors in the section titled “Risk Factors” and the other information set forth in this prospectus, including our consolidated financial statements and the related notes, as well as in other documents that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. The risks summarized above or described in full elsewhere in this prospectus are not the only risks that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and future growth prospects.
Corporate Information
We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware as SP Therapeutics, Inc. on April 1, 2024 and changed our name to Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. on April 2, 2024. Our wholly owned subsidiary, SPTX, Inc., was a result of the incorporation of a predecessor company under the laws of the State of Delaware in February 2024 under the name Seaport Therapeutics, Inc., which subsequently changed its name to Seaport Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. in March 2024 and to SPTX, Inc. in April 2024. In April 2024, we entered into a share exchange agreement, or the Share Exchange Agreement, with SPTX, Inc., which resulted in SPTX, Inc. becoming our wholly owned subsidiary. At the time of the Share Exchange Agreement, we were a wholly-owned subsidiary of PureTech. Our principal executive offices are located at 101 Seaport Blvd., Floor 12, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, and our telephone number is (617) 807-4062. We have three subsidiaries, Seaport Therapeutics Securities Corporation, formed in December 2024 under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, SPTX, Inc., formed in February 2024 under the laws of the State of Delaware, and Seaport Therapeutics Australia Pty Ltd, formed in February 2025 under the laws of Australia. Our website address is www.seaporttx.com. The information contained in or accessible from our website is not incorporated into this prospectus, and you should not consider it part of this prospectus. We have included our website address in this prospectus solely as an inactive textual reference.
Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company and a Smaller Reporting Company
We qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, as amended, or the JOBS Act. As an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of specified reduced disclosure and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These provisions include:
| | being permitted to present only two years of audited financial statements, in addition to any required unaudited interim financial statements, with correspondingly reduced “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” disclosure in this prospectus; |
| | reduced disclosure about our executive compensation arrangements; |
| | not being required to hold advisory votes on executive compensation or to obtain stockholder approval of any golden parachute arrangements not previously approved; |
| | an exemption from the auditor attestation requirement in the assessment of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; and |
| | an exemption from compliance with the requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the communication of critical audit matters in the auditor’s report on the financial statements. |
We may remain an emerging growth company for up to five years from the date of the first sale in this offering. We would cease to be an emerging growth company on the date that is the earliest of (i) the last day of
10
the fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenues of $1.235 billion or more; (ii) the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the completion of this offering; (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in nonconvertible debt during the previous three years; or (iv) the date on which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer under the rules of the SEC. We may choose to take advantage of some but not all of these exemptions. We have taken advantage of reduced reporting requirements in this prospectus. Accordingly, the information contained herein may be different from the information you receive from other public companies in which you hold stock. Additionally, 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. This allows an emerging growth company to delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected to avail ourselves of this exemption and, therefore, while we are an emerging growth company we may not be subject to new or revised accounting standards at the same time that they become applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. As a result of this election, our financial statements may not be comparable to those of other public companies that comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements as of public company effective dates. We have in the past chosen and may in the future choose to early adopt any new or revised accounting standards whenever such early adoption is permitted for private companies.
We are also a “smaller reporting company,” meaning that the market value of our shares held by non-affiliates plus the proposed aggregate amount of gross proceeds to us as a result of this offering is less than $700 million and our annual revenue was less than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year. We may continue to be a smaller reporting company after this offering if either (i) the market value of our shares held by non-affiliates is less than $250 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter or (ii) our annual revenue was less than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and the market value of our shares held by non-affiliates is less than $700 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter. If we are a smaller reporting company at the time we cease to be an emerging growth company, we may continue to rely on exemptions from certain disclosure requirements that are available to smaller reporting companies. Specifically, as a smaller reporting company, we may choose to present only the two most recent fiscal years of audited financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and, similar to emerging growth companies, smaller reporting companies have reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation.
11
| Common stock offered by us |
shares |
| Option to purchase additional shares of common stock offered by us |
We have granted the underwriters an option for a period of 30 days to purchase up to additional shares of common stock from us at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions on the same terms as set forth in this prospectus. |
| Common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering |
shares (or shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares of common stock in full) |
We will have two series of common stock authorized immediately following this offering: voting common stock and non-voting common stock. We are offering voting stock in this offering and unless otherwise noted, all references in this prospectus to our “common stock” refer to our voting common stock. The non-voting common stock will not be listed for trading on any securities exchange. Immediately after consummation of this offering, no shares of non-voting stock will be outstanding, and we have no present intention to issue any shares of non-voting common stock.
| Use of proceeds |
We estimate that the net proceeds from the sale of our common stock in this offering will be approximately $ million (or approximately $ million if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares of common stock in full), based on the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We intend to use the net proceeds we receive from this offering, together with our existing cash, cash equivalents, and investments, to advance development of GlyphAlloTM (SPT-300), GlyphAgoTM (SPT-320), and Glyph2BLSDTM (SPT-348), as well as to fund research and development activities for additional programs, and the remainder for working capital and general corporate purposes. For additional information, see the section titled “Use of Proceeds.” |
| Directed share program |
At our request, the underwriters have reserved up to % of the shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus for sale at the initial public offering price to our directors, officers, certain employees, and certain other persons associated with us. The sales will be made by Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, an underwriter of this offering, through a directed share program. We do not know if these persons will choose to purchase all or any portion of these reserved shares, but any purchases they do make will reduce the number of shares of common stock available to the general public. Any reserved shares not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same terms as the other shares of common stock. Except for reserved shares |
12
| purchased by our executive officers and directors, these reserved shares will not be subject to the lock-up restrictions described elsewhere in this prospectus. For additional information, see the section titled “Underwriting—Directed Share Program.” |
| Risk factors |
For a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding whether to invest in our common stock, see the section titled “Risk Factors.” |
| Proposed Nasdaq Global Market trading symbol |
“SPTX” |
Unless otherwise noted, the number of shares of our common stock that will be outstanding after this offering is based on 122,072,236 shares of common stock (which includes 486,114 shares of unvested restricted common stock) outstanding as of December 31, 2025, after giving effect to the conversion of all outstanding shares of our convertible preferred stock into an aggregate of 113,921,036 shares of common stock immediately prior to the completion of this offering, or the Preferred Stock Conversion, and excludes:
| | 27,633,144 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2025, which includes 718,500 performance-based awards that have not yet been deemed granted for accounting purposes, under our 2024 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, or the 2024 Plan, with a weighted-average exercise price of $1.52 per share; |
| | 3,023,510 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options granted after December 31, 2025 pursuant to our 2024 Plan, with a weighted-average exercise price of $3.28 per share; |
| | 4,722,667 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance as of December 31, 2025 under the 2024 Plan, which will cease to be available for issuance at the time that our 2026 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, or the 2026 Plan, becomes effective; |
| | shares of our common stock to be granted to an executive officer and a director under the 2026 Plan, issuable upon the exercise of stock options, with an exercise price that is equal to the initial public offering price in this offering, or a number of shares of restricted common stock, as applicable, or the IPO Grants, to maintain an aggregate of approximately 12.5% of the number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding upon the closing of this offering calculated on a fully diluted basis; see the sections titled “Executive Compensation—Narrative disclosure to the 2025 Summary Compensation Table—Equity Incentive Compensation” and “Director Compensation” for more information on such grants, including a description of how the number of shares issuable pursuant to such grants will be determined; |
| | shares of our common stock that will become available for future issuance under our 2026 Plan, including shares reserved for the IPO Grants, which will become effective on the date immediately prior to the 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 the 2026 Plan and any shares underlying outstanding stock awards granted under the 2024 Plan that expire or are repurchased, forfeited, cancelled, or withheld; and |
| | shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2026 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or the ESPP, which will become effective on the date immediately prior to the 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 the ESPP. |
13
Unless otherwise indicated, the information in this prospectus reflects or assumes the following:
| | a 1-for- reverse stock split of our common stock, which will become effective prior to the completion of this offering; |
| | the conversion of all outstanding shares of convertible preferred stock as of December 31, 2025 into an aggregate of 113,921,036 shares of common stock immediately prior to the completion of this offering; |
| | no exercise of the outstanding stock options described above after December 31, 2025; |
| | no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase up to an additional shares of common stock in this offering; |
| | no purchases by existing stockholders or their affiliates pursuant to the directed share program; and |
| | the filing and effectiveness of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation immediately prior to the completion of this offering and the adoption of our amended and restated bylaws to be in effect upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. |
14
SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following tables set forth our summary consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 and our summary consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2025. We have derived the summary consolidated statements of operations data for years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, and the summary consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2025, from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The historical results for the period from January 1, 2024 to April 7, 2024, which are included in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, have been prepared on a “carve-out” basis and are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected in the future, nor are our other historical results necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any period in the future. You should read the following summary financial data together with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary consolidated financial data included in this section are not intended to replace the consolidated financial statements and are qualified in their entirety by our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
| Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| (in thousands, except share and per share data) |
||||||||
| Statement of Operations Data: |
||||||||
| Operating expenses |
||||||||
| Research and development (including stock-based compensation expense of $2.3 million and $0.7 million for 2025 and 2024, respectively) (1) |
$ | 66,313 | $ | 25,070 | ||||
| General and administrative (including stock-based compensation expense of $4.6 million and $15.2 million for 2025 and 2024, respectively) (2) |
20,981 | 27,346 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total operating expenses |
87,294 | 52,416 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Loss from operations |
(87,294 | ) | (52,416 | ) | ||||
| Other income (expense), net |
||||||||
| Interest income, net |
11,403 | 5,537 | ||||||
| Research and development tax credit |
1,898 | — | ||||||
| Other (expense), net |
(115 | ) | — | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total other income, net |
13,186 | 5,537 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Loss before income taxes |
(74,108 | ) | (46,879 | ) | ||||
| Income tax provision |
773 | — | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net loss |
$ | (74,881 | ) | $ | (46,879 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net loss per share, basic and diluted (3) |
$ | (10.04 | ) | $ | (15.83 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted (3) |
7,456,011 | 2,961,543 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Pro forma net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted (unaudited) (4) |
$ | (0.62 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|||||||
| Pro forma weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted (unaudited) (4) |
121,377,047 | |||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
| (1) | Includes related-party amounts of $0.3 million and $14.2 million for research and development expenses for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. See Note 17 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. |
15
| (2) | Includes related-party amounts of $0.1 million and $5.8 million for general administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. See Note 17 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. |
| (3) | See Notes 2 and 16 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for details on the calculation of basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders. |
| (4) | Pro forma basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders has been prepared to give effect to adjustments to our capital structure arising in connection with the completion of this offering and is calculated by dividing the pro forma net loss attributable to common stockholders by the pro forma weighted-average common shares outstanding for the period. Pro forma weighted-average common shares outstanding is computed by adjusting the weighted-average common shares outstanding to give pro forma effect to the Preferred Stock Conversion as if such conversion had occurred on January 1, 2025. Pro forma basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders does not include the effect of the shares expected to be sold in this offering. |
| As of December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Actual | Pro Forma (1) |
Pro Forma As Adjusted (2) |
||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||
| Balance Sheet Data |
||||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents, and investments |
$ | 46,042 | $ | 46,042 | $ | |||||||
| Working capital (3) |
210,448 | 210,488 | ||||||||||
| Total assets |
249,009 | 249,009 | ||||||||||
| Total liabilities |
16,226 | 16,226 | ||||||||||
| Convertible preferred stock |
325,328 | — | ||||||||||
| Accumulated deficit |
(114,109 | ) | (114,109 | ) | ||||||||
| Total stockholders’ (deficit) equity |
(92,545 | ) | 232,783 | |||||||||
| (1) | The pro forma balance sheet data give effect to (i) the Preferred Stock Conversion and (ii) the filing and effectiveness of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation in Delaware immediately prior to the completion of this offering. |
| (2) | The pro forma as adjusted balance sheet data give effect to (i) the pro forma adjustments set forth in footnote (1) above and (ii) the issuance and sale of shares of our common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Pro forma as adjusted balance sheet data is illustrative only and will change based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing. Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the pro forma as adjusted amount of each of cash, cash equivalents, and investments, working capital, total assets, and total stockholders’ equity by approximately $ , assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Each 1,000,000 increase (decrease) in the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the pro forma as adjusted amount of each of cash, cash equivalents, and investments, working capital, total assets and total stockholders’ equity by approximately $ million, assuming no change in the assumed initial offering price per share, and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. |
| (3) | We define working capital as current assets less current liabilities. See our consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus for further details regarding our current assets and current liabilities. |
16
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should consider and read carefully all of the risks and uncertainties described below, as well as the other information in this prospectus, including our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” before deciding whether to invest in our common stock. The risks described below are not the only ones facing us. The following risks or additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and growth prospects. In such an event, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. This prospectus also contains forward-looking statements and estimates that involve risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial that also may impair our business operations. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements as a result of specific factors, including the risks and uncertainties described below.
Risks Related to Our Limited Operating History, Financial Condition, and Need for Additional Capital
We are a clinical-stage therapeutics company with a limited operating history, which may make it difficult to evaluate our current business and predict our future success and viability. We have incurred significant financial losses since our inception and anticipate that we will continue to incur significant financial losses for the foreseeable future.
We are a clinical-stage therapeutics company with a limited operating history. We were formed by PureTech Health plc, or PureTech, in April 2024 and our operations to date have been limited to organizing and staffing our company, business planning, raising capital, advancing our Glyph platform and technology, identifying potential product candidates, securing intellectual property rights, and planning and undertaking preclinical studies and clinical trials. Our Glyph platform was being developed by members of our current team during their tenure at PureTech up to the date of our entry into an Asset Transfer Agreement , or the Asset Transfer Agreement, with PureTech Health LLC, or PureTech Health, and PureTech LYT, Inc., or PureTech LYT, at which time we became a standalone company. As such, our results of operations for the period from January 1, 2024 to April 7, 2024, which are included in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, have been carved out from the results of operations of PureTech that were attributable to operations related to our Glyph platform and our product candidates, based on management estimates, assumptions, and judgments about appropriate allocation and may not be indicative of what they would have been had we actually been an independent standalone entity throughout such period, nor are they necessarily indicative of our future results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.
At Seaport, we have not yet demonstrated an ability to generate product or collaboration revenues, obtain regulatory approvals, manufacture any product on a commercial scale or arrange for a third party to do so on our behalf or conduct sales and marketing activities necessary for successful product commercialization. All preclinical and early clinical development of GlyphAlloTM (SPT-300), certain preclinical development of GlyphAgoTM (SPT-320) and our other candidates prior to our formation was conducted when we were part of PureTech. Despite our affiliation with PureTech, and members of our current team’s involvement in the development of the Glyph platform while at PureTech, our limited operating history as a standalone company makes any reliance on past performance uncertain. We will encounter risks and difficulties frequently experienced by early-stage therapeutics companies in rapidly evolving fields, and we have not yet demonstrated an ability to successfully overcome such risks and difficulties. If we do not address these risks and difficulties successfully, our business will suffer.
The success of our business depends primarily upon our ability to identify, develop, and commercialize product candidates based on our Glyph platform. We do not know whether we will be able to develop any product candidates that succeed through clinical development or to develop products of commercial value. We
17
have no products approved for commercial sale and have not generated any revenue from product sales or collaboration arrangements to date. We will continue to incur significant research and development and other expenses related to our preclinical and clinical development and ongoing operations. As a result, we are not profitable and have incurred losses in each period since our inception. Net losses and negative cash flows have had, and will continue to have, an adverse effect on our stockholders’ equity and working capital. Our net losses totaled $74.9 million and $46.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. As of December 31, 2025, we have not yet generated product or collaboration revenue and had an accumulated deficit of $114.1 million. We expect to continue to incur significant losses for the foreseeable future, and we expect these losses to increase as we continue our research and development of, and seek regulatory approvals for, our product candidates. The success of our product candidates will depend on several factors, including the following:
| | successful initiation and completion of preclinical studies with favorable results, including toxicology and other studies designed to be compliant with good laboratory practice, or GLP, requirements; |
| | allowance to proceed with clinical trials under Investigational New Drug applications, or INDs, by the United States Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA, or of similar regulatory submissions by comparable foreign regulatory authorities for the conduct of clinical trials of our product candidates; |
| | successful initiation, enrollment, and completion of clinical studies in accordance with good clinical practice, or GCPs, requirements and other applicable rules and regulations; |
| | the frequency and severity of adverse events, or AEs, observed in clinical trials; |
| | maintaining and establishing relationships with contract research organizations, or CROs, and clinical sites for the clinical development of our product candidates; |
| | demonstrating the safety and efficacy of our product candidates to the satisfaction of the FDA and other applicable regulatory authorities; |
| | receipt of regulatory approvals from applicable regulatory authorities, including approvals of New Drug applications, or NDAs, from the FDA, and maintaining any such approvals; |
| | making arrangements with third-party manufacturers for, or establishing, clinical or commercial manufacturing capabilities; |
| | establishing sales, marketing, and distribution capabilities and launching commercial sales of our product candidates, if and when approved, either alone or in collaboration with others; |
| | obtaining, establishing, and maintaining patent and trade secret protection or regulatory exclusivity for our product candidates; |
| | maintaining an acceptable safety profile of our product candidates following regulatory approval, if any; |
| | maintaining and growing an organization of people who can develop and, if approved, commercialize, market and sell our product candidates, if approved; and |
| | acceptance of our product candidates, if approved, by patients, the medical community and third-party payors. |
We anticipate that our expenses will increase substantially if, and as, we:
| | advance our product candidates through preclinical and clinical development, including advancing GlyphAllo and GlyphAgo through later-stage clinical trials, and other candidates through discovery and early clinical and preclinical stages; |
| | seek regulatory approvals for our product candidates that successfully complete clinical trials from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA, and/or other foreign comparable regulatory authorities; |
18
| | hire additional clinical, quality control, medical, scientific, and other technical personnel to support the clinical development of our product candidates; |
| | expand our internal capabilities to support clinical-stage development; |
| | increase our headcount as we expand our research and development organization, and pre-commercial planning activities; |
| | undertake any activities to establish sales, marketing, and distribution capabilities in preparation for commercialization, as applicable, including hiring additional personnel to support such operations; |
| | seek to identify, acquire, and develop additional product candidates where we can leverage our Glyph platform, including through business development efforts to invest in or in-license other technologies or product candidates; |
| | maintain, expand, and protect our intellectual property portfolio; |
| | experience heightened regulatory scrutiny; |
| | make milestone, royalty, or other payments due under the Asset Transfer Agreement and/or the License Agreement with Monash University, or the Monash License Agreement, and any future in-license or collaboration agreements with third parties; and |
| | incur additional legal, accounting, and other expenses associated with operating as a public company. |
Therapeutic product development entails substantial upfront capital expenditures and significant risk that any potential product candidate will fail to demonstrate adequate efficacy or an acceptable safety profile, gain regulatory approval, secure market access, and reimbursement and become commercially viable, and therefore any investment in us is highly speculative. Accordingly, before making an investment in us, you should consider our prospects, factoring in the costs, uncertainties, delays, and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in clinical development, especially clinical-stage therapeutics companies such as ours. Any predictions you make about our future success or viability may not be as accurate as they would otherwise be if we had a longer operating history or a history of successfully developing and commercializing pharmaceutical products. We may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays, and other known or unknown factors in achieving our business objectives.
Additionally, our expenses could increase beyond our expectations if we are required by the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities to perform clinical trials in addition to those that we currently expect, or if there are any delays in establishing appropriate manufacturing arrangements for or in completing our clinical trials or the development of any of our product candidates.
Even if this offering is successful, we will require additional funding in order to finance operations. If we are unable to raise capital when needed, or on acceptable terms, we could be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our product development programs or commercialization efforts.
Developing therapeutic products, including conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials, is a very time-consuming, expensive, and uncertain process that takes years to complete. We expect our expenses to continue to increase in connection with our ongoing activities, particularly as we conduct clinical trials of, and seek regulatory approval for, our product candidates. Even if our current or future product candidates are approved for commercial sale, we anticipate incurring significant costs associated with commercializing any approved product candidate. To date, we have funded our operations principally through private financings. We expect our expenses to increase in connection with our ongoing activities, particularly as we continue the clinical and preclinical development of our product candidates, continue to identify additional targets using our Glyph platform, commence additional preclinical studies and clinical trials, and continue to identify and develop additional product candidates either through internal development or through acquisitions or in-licensing product candidates.
19
As of December 31, 2025, we had $233.7 million of cash, cash equivalents and investments. Based upon our current operating plan, we believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents, and investments, together with the net proceeds from this offering, will enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements through . We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could utilize our available capital resources sooner than we expect. We may also raise additional financing on an opportunistic basis in the future. For example, 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. Attempting to secure additional financing may divert our management from our day-to-day activities, which may adversely affect our ability to develop our product candidates. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including but not limited to:
| | the scope, timing, progress, costs, and results of discovery, preclinical development and clinical trials for our current or future product candidates and effectiveness of our Glyph platform; |
| | the number of clinical trials required for regulatory approval of our current or future product candidates; |
| | the costs, timing, and outcome of regulatory review of any of our current or future product candidates; |
| | the costs associated with acquiring or licensing additional product candidates, technologies or assets, including the timing and amount of any milestones, royalties or other payments due in connection with our acquisitions and licenses, as applicable; |
| | the cost of manufacturing clinical and commercial supplies of our current or future product candidates; |
| | the costs and timing of preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications, maintaining and enforcing our intellectual property rights and defending any intellectual property-related claims, including any claims by third parties that we are infringing upon their intellectual property rights; |
| | our ability to maintain existing, and establish new, strategic collaborations or other arrangements and the financial terms of any such agreements, including the timing and amount of any future milestone, royalty, or other payments due under any such agreement; |
| | the costs and timing of future commercialization activities, including manufacturing, marketing, sales, and distribution, for any of our product candidates for which we receive marketing approval; |
| | the revenue, if any, received from commercial sales of our product candidates for which we receive marketing approval; |
| | expenses to attract, hire, and retain skilled personnel; |
| | the costs of operating as a public company; |
| | our ability to establish a commercially viable pricing structure and obtain approval for coverage and adequate reimbursement from third-party and government payors; |
| | the effect of macroeconomic trends including inflation, tariffs, and fluctuating interest rates; |
| | addressing any potential supply chain interruptions or delays; |
| | the effect of competing technological, and market developments; and |
| | the extent to which we acquire or invest in businesses, products, and technologies. |
Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with research and development of product candidates, we are unable to predict the timing or amount of our working capital requirements. In addition, if we obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates, we expect to incur significant commercialization expenses related to product manufacturing, marketing, sales, and distribution which make it difficult to predict when or if we will be able to achieve or maintain profitability. Furthermore, upon the completion of this offering, we expect to incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company. Accordingly, we will need to obtain
20
substantial additional funding in order to support our continuing operations. Our ability to raise additional funds will depend on financial, economic, political and market conditions and other factors, over which we may have no or limited control. Additional funds may not be available when we need them, on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. If we fail to obtain necessary capital when needed on acceptable terms, or at all, it could force us to delay, limit, reduce, or terminate our product development programs, future commercialization efforts or other operations.
Raising additional capital may cause dilution to our stockholders, restrict our operations or require us to relinquish rights to our product candidates.
Until such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial product revenue, we expect to finance our operations with our existing cash, cash equivalents, and investments, the net proceeds from this offering, any future equity, debt, royalty, other financings, or any future proceeds received under any licenses or collaborations, if any. If we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, or issue any equity or convertible debt securities in connection with a collaboration agreement or other contractual arrangement, 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 holder of our common stock. In addition, the possibility of such issuance may cause the market price of our common stock to decline. Debt financing, if available, may result in increased fixed payment obligations and involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures, declaring dividends, or acquiring, selling, or licensing intellectual property rights or assets, which could adversely impact our ability to conduct our business. If we raise additional funds through collaborations, strategic alliances, or marketing, distribution, or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our intellectual property, technologies, future revenue streams, or product candidates, or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. We could also be required to seek funds through arrangements with collaborators, or others at an earlier stage than otherwise would be desirable. Attempting to secure additional financing may also divert management from our day-to-day activities. Any of these occurrences may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.
Risks Related to Our Business
Our business is highly dependent on the success of our product candidates, particularly GlyphAllo for the treatment of major depressive disorder, or MDD, with or without anxious distress and GlyphAgo for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, and MDD. If we are unable to successfully complete clinical development, obtain regulatory approval for or commercialize one or more of our product candidates, or if we experience delays in doing so, our business will be materially harmed.
To date, as an organization, we have not completed the development of any product candidates and nearly all of our candidates remain in early-stage clinical or preclinical development. Our future success and ability to generate revenue from our product candidates is dependent on our ability to successfully develop, obtain regulatory approval for, and commercialize one or more of our product candidates. All of our product candidates that we pursue will require substantial additional investment for clinical development, regulatory review, and approval in one or more jurisdictions. If any of our product candidates, particularly GlyphAllo for MDD with or without anxious distress, and GlyphAgo for GAD and MDD, encounters safety or efficacy problems, development delays or regulatory issues, or other problems, our development plans and business would be materially harmed.
We may not have the financial resources to continue development of our product candidates if we experience any issues that delay or prevent regulatory approval of, or our ability to commercialize, our product candidates, including:
| | our inability to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities that our product candidates are safe and effective; |
21
| | insufficiency of our financial and other resources to complete the necessary clinical trials and preclinical studies; |
| | negative or inconclusive results from our clinical trials, preclinical studies, or the clinical trials of others for product candidates similar to ours, leading to a decision or requirement to conduct additional clinical trials or preclinical studies, or abandon a program; |
| | product-related AEs experienced by subjects in our clinical trials, including unexpected toxicity results, or by individuals using drugs or therapeutic biologics similar to our product candidates; |
| | delays in submitting an IND application, a New Drug Application, or an NDA, or other regulatory submission to the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities, delays or failure in obtaining the necessary approvals from regulators to commence a clinical trial, or a suspension, termination, or hold, of a clinical trial once commenced; |
| | conditions imposed by the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities regarding the scope or design of our clinical trials; |
| | poor effectiveness of our product candidates during clinical trials; |
| | delays in enrolling subjects in our clinical trials; |
| | high drop-out rates of subjects from our clinical trials; |
| | inadequate supply or quality of product candidates or other materials necessary for the conduct of our clinical trials; |
| | higher than anticipated clinical trial or manufacturing costs; |
| | unfavorable FDA or other comparable regulatory authority inspection and review of our clinical trial sites, manufacturing sites, or those of our partners; |
| | failure of our third-party contractors or investigators to comply with regulatory requirements or the clinical trial protocol or otherwise meet their contractual obligations in a timely manner, or at all; |
| | competition with existing platforms, product candidates, or therapies; |
| | delays and changes in regulatory requirements, policies, and guidelines, including the imposition of additional regulatory oversight around clinical testing generally or with respect to our therapies in particular; |
| | insufficiency of our financial and other resources to complete the necessary activities to prepare for launch, commercialization and/or resources to address coverage and reimbursement matters to the extent any of our products receive approval; or |
| | varying interpretations of data by the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities. |
Clinical and preclinical development involves a lengthy and expensive process and is highly uncertain. Any difficulties or delays in the commencement or completion, or the termination or suspension, of our current or planned clinical trials could result in increased costs to us, delay or limit our ability to generate revenue or adversely affect our commercial prospects.
Before obtaining approval from regulatory authorities for the commercialization of any of our product candidates, we must conduct extensive clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the product candidate in humans. Before we can initiate clinical trials for any product candidates, we must submit the results of preclinical studies to the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities along with other information, including information about product candidate chemistry, manufacturing and controls, and our proposed clinical trial protocol, as part of an IND or similar regulatory submission. The FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities may require us to conduct additional preclinical studies for any product candidate before it allows us
22
to initiate clinical trials under any IND or similar regulatory submission, which may lead to delays and increase the costs of our preclinical development programs. Moreover, even if we commence clinical trials, issues may arise that could cause regulatory authorities to suspend or terminate such clinical trials. Any such delays in the commencement or completion of our ongoing and planned clinical trials for our product candidates could significantly affect our product development timelines and product development costs and harm our financial position.
We do not know whether our planned clinical trials will begin on time or be completed on schedule, if at all. The timing for commencement, data readouts, and completion of clinical trials can be delayed for a number of reasons, including delays related to:
| | inability to generate sufficient preclinical, toxicology, or other in vivo or in vitro data to support the initiation or continuation of clinical trials; |
| | obtaining allowance or approval from regulatory authorities to commence a trial or reaching a consensus with regulatory authorities on trial design; |
| | the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities disagreeing as to the design or implementation of our clinical trials; |
| | any failure or delay in reaching an agreement with CROs and clinical trial sites, the terms of which can be subject to extensive negotiation and may vary significantly among different CROs and trial sites; |
| | delays in identifying, recruiting, and training suitable clinical investigators; |
| | obtaining approval from one or more institutional review boards, or IRBs, or ethics committees at clinical trial sites; |
| | IRBs refusing to approve, suspending, or terminating the trial at an investigational site, precluding enrollment of additional subjects, or withdrawing their approval of the trial; |
| | changes or amendments to the clinical trial protocol; |
| | clinical sites deviating from the trial protocol or dropping out of a trial; |
| | failure by our CROs to perform in accordance with GCP requirements or applicable regulatory rules and guidelines in other countries; |
| | manufacturing sufficient quantities of our product candidates for use in clinical trials; |
| | subjects failing to enroll or remain in our trials at the rate we expect, or failing to return for post-treatment follow-up, including subjects failing to remain in our trials; |
| | patients choosing an alternative product for the indications for which we are developing our product candidates, or participating in competing clinical trials; |
| | lack of adequate funding to continue a clinical trial or costs being greater than we anticipate; |
| | subjects experiencing severe or serious unexpected drug-related AEs; |
| | occurrence of serious AEs in trials of the same class of agents conducted by other companies that could be considered similar to our product candidates; |
| | selection of clinical endpoints that require prolonged periods of clinical observation or extended analysis of the resulting data; |
| | transfer of manufacturing processes to larger-scale facilities operated by a contract manufacturing organization, or CMO, delays or failure by our CMOs or us to make any necessary changes to such manufacturing process, or failure of our CMOs to produce clinical trial materials in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practice, or cGMP, regulations or other applicable requirements; and |
| | third parties being unwilling or unable to satisfy their contractual obligations to us in a timely manner. |
23
Clinical trials must be conducted in accordance with the FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities’ legal requirements, regulations, and guidelines, and remain subject to oversight by these governmental agencies and ethics committees or IRBs at the medical institutions where such clinical trials are conducted. We could also encounter delays if a clinical trial is suspended or terminated by us, by the IRBs of the institutions in which such trials are being conducted, by a Data Safety Monitoring Board for such trial, or by the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities. Such authorities may impose such a suspension or termination due to a number of factors, including failure to conduct the clinical trial in accordance with regulatory requirements or applicable clinical trial protocols, adverse findings from inspections of clinical trial sites by the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities, unforeseen safety issues or adverse side effects, failure to demonstrate a benefit from using a product candidate, changes in governmental regulations or administrative actions or lack of adequate funding to continue the clinical trial. In addition, changes in regulatory requirements and policies may occur, and we may need to amend clinical trial protocols to comply with these changes. Amendments may require us to resubmit our clinical trial protocols to regulators or to IRBs for reexamination, which may impact the costs, timing or successful completion of a clinical trial.
Further, conducting clinical trials in foreign countries, as we are currently doing and may do for our current or future product candidates, presents additional risks that may delay completion of our clinical trials. These risks include the failure of enrolled subjects in foreign countries to adhere to clinical protocols as a result of differences in healthcare services or cultural customs, managing additional administrative burdens associated with foreign regulatory schemes, and political and economic risks, including war, relevant to such foreign countries.
In addition, many of the factors that cause or lead to the termination, 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. Any resulting delays to our clinical trials could shorten any period during which we may have the exclusive right to commercialize our product candidates. In such cases, 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, results of operations, and prospects.
Due to the significant resources required for the development of our pipeline and uncertainty regarding our ability to access capital, we must prioritize the development of certain product candidates over others. Moreover, we may fail to expend our limited resources on product candidates or indications that may have been more profitable or for which there is a greater likelihood of success.
We seek to invent and develop new medicines for patients with depression, anxiety, and other debilitating neuropsychiatric disorders. Our lead product candidate, GlyphAllo for the treatment of MDD, with or without anxious distress, has been evaluated in Phase 1 and Phase 2a studies in healthy volunteers and is currently in Phase 2b clinical development in our BUOY-1 trial. Our second product candidate, GlyphAgo, is being evaluated in an ongoing Phase 1 trial and we intend to advance GlyphAgo into parallel Phase 2a and Phase 2b clinical trials. Our third product candidate, Glyph2BLSD, is in preclinical studies and our other programs are at various stages of discovery and preclinical development.
Due to the significant resources required for the development of our product candidates, we must decide which product candidates and indications to pursue and advance and the amount of resources to allocate to each. Our decisions concerning the allocation of research, development, collaboration, management, and financial resources toward particular product candidates, therapeutic areas, or indications may not lead to the development of viable commercial products and may divert resources away from better opportunities. If we make incorrect determinations regarding the viability or market potential of any of our product candidates or misread trends in the pharmaceutical industry, in particular for disorders of the brain and nervous system, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. As a result, we may fail to capitalize on viable commercial products or profitable market opportunities, be required to forego or delay
24
pursuit of opportunities with other product candidates or other diseases and disease pathways that may later prove to have greater commercial potential than those we choose to pursue, or relinquish valuable rights to such product candidates through collaboration, licensing, or royalty arrangements in cases in which it would have been advantageous for us to invest additional resources to retain sole development and commercialization rights.
We, third parties on which we rely, and our service providers are, or may become, subject to a variety of stringent and evolving privacy and data security laws, regulations, and rules, contractual obligations, industry standards, policies, and other obligations related to privacy and data security. Any actual or perceived failure to comply with such obligations could expose us to significant fines or other penalties and otherwise harm our business and operations.
In the ordinary course of our business, we and the third parties upon which we rely (such as our third-party CROs, and other contractors and consultants) collect, receive, store, process, generate, use, transfer, disclose, make accessible, protect, secure, dispose of, transmit, and share, or, collectively, process, personal data and other sensitive information, including proprietary and confidential business data, trade secrets, intellectual property, sensitive third-party data, business plans, transactions, financial information, and data we collect about trial participants in connection with clinical trials, or, collectively, sensitive data. Our data processing activities subject us to numerous evolving privacy and data security obligations, such as various laws, regulations, guidance, industry standards, external and internal privacy and security policies, contractual requirements, and other obligations relating to privacy and data security.
The legislative and regulatory framework for the processing of personal data worldwide is rapidly evolving and is likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. Numerous federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including federal and state information security and data breach notification laws and regulations, federal and state consumer protection laws (e.g., Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act), and other similar laws (e.g., wiretapping laws) govern the processing of health-related and other personal data. Many of these laws and regulations differ from each other and from the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA, thus complicating compliance efforts. Failure to comply with these laws, where applicable, can result in the imposition of significant civil and/or criminal penalties, private litigation, and injunctive relief. In the event that we are subject to or affected by HIPAA or other domestic privacy and data protection laws, any liability from failure to comply with the requirements of these laws could adversely affect our financial condition.
At the state level, numerous U.S. states have enacted comprehensive privacy laws that impose certain obligations on covered businesses, including providing specific disclosures in privacy notices and affording individuals certain rights concerning their personal data. Similar laws are being considered in several other states, as well as at the federal and local levels, and we expect more states to pass similar laws in the future. While the comprehensive privacy laws that are in effect at the state level generally exempt certain data processed in the context of clinical trials, the continued development of new privacy laws at the state level may further complicate compliance efforts, and increase legal risk and compliance costs for us and the third parties upon whom we rely. Further proposed privacy legislation, if enacted, may add additional complexity, variation in requirements, restrictions and potential legal risk, require additional investment of resources in compliance programs, impact strategies and the availability of data and information that could be of potential use to the growth and development of our business, and could result in increased compliance costs and/or the necessity of making changes in our business practices and policies. The continued further development of privacy laws in different states in the country would make our compliance obligations more complex and costly and may increase the likelihood that we may be subject to enforcement actions or otherwise incur liability for noncompliance.
Additionally, we may be subject to new laws governing the privacy of certain specific types of data, including, most notably, consumer health data. For example, Washington State’s My Health My Data Act broadly defines consumer health data, creates a private right of action to allow individuals to sue for violations of the law, imposes stringent consent requirements, and grants consumers certain rights with respect to their health
25
data, including to request deletion of their information. Connecticut and Nevada have also passed similar laws regulating consumer health data. State laws are changing rapidly and there is ongoing discussion in the U.S. Congress of a new comprehensive federal data privacy law to which we would likely become subject, if enacted. These various privacy and data security laws may impact our business activities, including our identification of research subjects, relationships with business partners, and ultimately the marketing and distribution of our products.
Outside the United States, an increasing number of laws, regulations, and industry standards may govern privacy and data security. For example, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, or EU GDPR, and the United Kingdom’s, or UK’s, GDPR, or UK GDPR, impose strict requirements for processing personal data. The EU GDPR and the UK GDPR, or together, GDPR, establish stringent requirements regarding the processing of personal data, including strict requirements relating to processing of sensitive data (such as health data), ensuring there is a legal basis or condition to justify the processing of personal data, where required strict requirements relating to obtaining consent of individuals, expanded disclosures about how personal data is to be used, limitations on retention of information, implementing safeguards to protect the security and confidentiality of personal data, where required providing notification of data breaches, maintaining records of processing activities, and documenting data protection impact assessments where there is high risk processing and taking certain measures when engaging third-party processors.
Under GDPR, companies may face temporary or definitive bans on data processing and other corrective activities, fines of up to 20 million (£17.5 million GBP) or 4% of annual global revenues, whichever is greater, and private litigation related to processing of personal data brought by classes of data subjects or consumer protection organizations authorized at law to represent their interests. Non-compliance could also result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
In addition, we may be unable to transfer personal data from Europe and other jurisdictions to the United States or other countries due to data localization requirements or limitations on cross-border data flows. Europe and other jurisdictions have enacted laws requiring data to be localized or limiting the transfer of personal data to other countries. In particular, the European Economic Area, or EEA, and the UK have significantly restricted the transfer of personal data to the United States and other countries whose privacy laws it generally believes are inadequate. Other jurisdictions may adopt similarly stringent interpretations of their data localization and cross-border data transfer laws. Although there are currently various mechanisms that may be used to transfer personal data from the EEA and UK to the United States in compliance with law, such as the EEA’s standard contractual clauses, the UK’s International Data Transfer Agreement / Addendum, and the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework, and the UK extension thereto (which allows for transfers to relevant U.S.-based organizations who self-certify compliance and participate in the Framework), these mechanisms are subject to legal challenges, and there is no assurance that we can satisfy or rely on these measures to lawfully transfer personal data to the United States. If there is no lawful manner for us to transfer personal data from the EEA, the UK, or other jurisdictions to the United States, or if the requirements for a legally compliant transfer are too onerous, we could face significant adverse consequences, including the interruption or degradation of our operations, the need to relocate part of or all of our business or data processing activities to other jurisdictions (such as Europe) at significant expense, increased exposure to regulatory actions, substantial fines, and penalties, the inability to transfer data and work with partners, vendors, and other third parties, and injunctions against our processing or transferring of personal data necessary to operate our business. Additionally, companies that transfer personal data out of the EEA and UK to other jurisdictions, particularly to the United States, are subject to increased scrutiny from regulators, individual litigants, and activities activist groups. Some European regulators have ordered certain companies to suspend or permanently cease certain transfers of personal data out of Europe for allegedly violating the GDPR’s cross-border data transfer limitations.
In addition to privacy and data security laws, we are contractually subject to industry standards adopted by industry groups and may become subject to such obligations in the future. We are also bound by other contractual obligations related to privacy and data security, and our efforts to comply with such obligations may not be
26
successful. We may publish privacy policies and marketing materials, and other statements, such as compliance with certain certifications or self-regulatory principles, regarding privacy and data security. If these policies, materials or statements are found to be deficient, lacking in transparency, deceptive, unfair, or misrepresentative of our practices, we may be subject to investigation, enforcement actions by regulators, or other adverse consequences. Obligations related to privacy and data security (and consumers’ data privacy expectations) are quickly changing, becoming increasingly stringent, and creating uncertainty. Additionally, these obligations may be subject to differing applications and interpretations, which may be inconsistent or conflict among jurisdictions. Preparing for and complying with these obligations requires us to devote significant resources and may necessitate changes to our services, information technologies, systems, and practices and to those of any third parties that process personal data on our behalf.
We may at times fail (or be perceived to have failed) in our efforts to comply with our privacy and data security obligations. Moreover, despite our efforts, our personnel or third parties on whom we rely may fail to comply with such obligations, which could negatively impact our business operations. If we or the third parties on which we rely fail, or are perceived to have failed, to address or comply with applicable privacy and data security obligations, we could face significant consequences, including but not limited to: government enforcement actions (e.g., investigations, fines, penalties, audits, inspections, and similar); litigation (including class-action claims) and mass arbitration demands; additional reporting requirements and/or oversight; bans on processing personal data; and orders to destroy or not use personal data. In particular, plaintiffs have become increasingly more active in bringing privacy-related claims against companies, including class claims and mass arbitration demands. Some of these claims allow for the recovery of statutory damages on a per violation basis, and, if viable, carry the potential for monumental statutory damages, depending on the volume of data and the number of violations. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition, or results of operations, including but not limited to: loss of customers; interruptions or stoppages in our business operations (including, as relevant, clinical trials); inability to process personal data or to operate in certain jurisdictions; limited ability to develop or commercialize our products; expenditure of time and resources to defend any claim or inquiry; adverse publicity; or substantial changes to our business model or operations.
Risks Related to the Discovery and Development of Our Current or Future Product Candidates
The regulatory approval processes of the FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities are lengthy, time-consuming and inherently unpredictable, and if we are ultimately unable to obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates, our business will be substantially harmed.
We are not permitted to commercialize, market, promote, or sell any product candidate in the United States without obtaining regulatory approval from the FDA. Other comparable regulatory authorities impose similar requirements. The time required to obtain approval by the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities is inherently unpredictable, but typically takes many years following the commencement of clinical trials and depends upon numerous factors, including substantial discretion of the regulatory authorities. In addition, approval policies, regulations, or the type and amount of clinical data necessary to gain approval may change during the course of a product candidate’s clinical development and may vary among jurisdictions. For instance, jurisdictions outside of the United States, such as the EU, may have different requirements for regulatory approval, which may require us to conduct additional clinical, nonclinical, or chemistry, manufacturing, and control studies. To date, we have not submitted an NDA to the FDA or similar drug approval submissions to other comparable regulatory authorities for any product candidate. We must complete additional preclinical studies and clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of our product candidates in humans before we will be able to obtain these approvals.
Clinical testing is expensive, difficult to design and implement, can take many years to complete, and is inherently uncertain as to outcome. We cannot guarantee that our clinical trials will be conducted as planned or completed on schedule, if at all. The clinical development of our initial and potential additional product
27
candidates is susceptible to the risk of failure inherent at any stage of development, including failure to demonstrate efficacy in a clinical trial or across a broad population of patients, the occurrence of AEs that are severe or medically or commercially unacceptable, failure to comply with protocols or applicable regulatory requirements and determination by the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities that a product candidate may not continue development or is not approvable. It is possible that even if any of our product candidates have a beneficial effect, that effect will not be detected during clinical evaluation as a result of one or more of a variety of factors, including the size, duration, design, measurements, conduct, or analysis of our clinical trials. Conversely, as a result of the same factors, our clinical trials may indicate an apparent positive effect of such product candidate that is greater than the actual positive effect, if any. Similarly, in our clinical trials we may fail to detect toxicity of, or intolerability caused by, such product candidate, or mistakenly believe that our product candidates are toxic or not well tolerated when that is not in fact the case. Serious AEs or other AEs, as well as tolerability issues, could hinder or prevent market acceptance of the product candidate at issue.
Our current and future product candidates could fail to receive regulatory approval for many reasons, including the following:
| | the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities may disagree as to the design or implementation of our clinical trials; |
| | we may be unable to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities that a product candidate is safe and effective for its proposed indication; |
| | the results of clinical trials may not meet the level of statistical significance required by the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities for approval; |
| | we may be unable to demonstrate that a product candidate’s clinical and other benefits outweigh its safety risks; |
| | the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities may disagree with our interpretation of data from clinical trials or preclinical studies; |
| | the data collected from clinical trials of our product candidates may not be sufficient to support the submission of an NDA to the FDA or other submission or to obtain regulatory approval in the United States, the European Union or elsewhere; |
| | the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities may find deficiencies with or fail to approve the manufacturing processes or facilities of third-party manufacturers with which we contract for clinical and commercial supplies; and |
| | the approval policies or regulations of the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities may significantly change in a manner rendering our clinical data insufficient for approval. |
This lengthy approval process as well as the unpredictability of clinical trial results may result in our failing to obtain regulatory approval to market any product candidate we develop, which would substantially harm our business, results of operations and prospects. The FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities have substantial discretion in the approval process and determining when or whether regulatory approval will be granted for any product candidate that we develop. Even if we believe the data collected from future clinical trials of our product candidates are promising, such data may not be sufficient to support approval by the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities. Furthermore, the U.S. Supreme Court’s July 2024 decision to overturn prior established case law giving deference to regulatory agencies’ interpretations of ambiguous statutory language has introduced uncertainty regarding the extent to which FDA’s regulations, policies, and decisions may become subject to increasing legal challenges, delays, and/or changes.
Even if we were to obtain approval, regulatory authorities may approve any of our product candidates for fewer or more limited indications than we request, may not approve the price we intend to charge for our products, may grant approval contingent on the performance of costly post-marketing clinical trials or may
28
approve a product candidate with a label that does not include the labeling claims necessary or desirable for the successful commercialization of that product candidate. Any of the foregoing scenarios could materially harm the commercial prospects for our product candidates.
In addition, FDA and foreign regulatory authorities may change their approval policies and new regulations may be enacted. For instance, the EU pharmaceutical legislation is currently undergoing a complete review process, in the context of the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe initiative, launched by the European Commission in November 2020. The European Commission’s proposal for revision of several legislative instruments related to medicinal products (potentially reducing the duration of regulatory data protection, revising the eligibility for expedited pathways, etc.) was published on April 26, 2023. The proposed revisions remain to be agreed and adopted by the European Parliament and Council of the EU and the proposals may therefore be substantially revised before adoption, which is not anticipated before early 2026. The revisions may, however, have a significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry and our business in the long term.
The FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities may disagree with our regulatory plan for our product candidates.
The general approach for FDA approval of a new drug is dispositive data from two or more adequate and well-controlled clinical trials of the product candidate in the relevant patient population. Adequate and well-controlled clinical trials typically involve a large number of patients, have significant costs and take years to complete. The FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities may disagree with us about whether a clinical trial is adequate and well-controlled or may request that we conduct additional clinical trials prior to regulatory approval. In addition, there is no assurance that the doses, endpoints, and trial designs that we intend to use for our planned clinical trials, including those that we have developed based on feedback from regulatory agencies or those that have been used for the approval of similar drugs, will be acceptable for future approvals. For instance, if we elect to pursue an indication of MDD with anxious distress, we will need to be able to reliably and consistently identify this sub-population of MDD patients, and we will need to demonstrate that GlyphAllo has a differentiated effect in these patients. However, the FDA may not agree with our proposed development plans, and our clinical trial results may not support approval of our product candidates for our target indications. In addition, our product candidates could fail to receive regulatory approval, or regulatory approval could be delayed, for many reasons, including the following:
| | the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities may not file or accept our NDA or marketing application for substantive review; |
| | the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities may disagree with the dosing regimen, design, or implementation of our clinical trials; |
| | the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities may determine there is not substantial evidence of effectiveness to support approval; |
| | we may be unable to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities that our product candidates are safe and effective for any of their proposed indications; |
| | the results of our clinical trials may not meet the level of statistical significance required by the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities for approval; |
| | we may be unable to demonstrate that our product candidates’ clinical and other benefits outweigh their safety risks; |
| | the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities may disagree with our interpretation of data from preclinical studies or clinical trials; |
| | the data collected from clinical trials of our product candidates may not be sufficient to the satisfaction of the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities to support the submission of an NDA or other comparable submission in foreign jurisdictions or to obtain regulatory approval in the United States or elsewhere; |
29
| | the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities may find deficiencies with or fail to approve the manufacturing processes or facilities of third-party manufacturers with which we contract for clinical and commercial supplies; and |
| | the approval policies or regulations of the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities may significantly change in a manner rendering our clinical data insufficient for approval. |
Our proprietary Glyph platform is based on a novel approach that may not result in approvable or marketable products, which exposes us to unforeseen risks and makes it difficult for us to predict the time and cost of product development and potential for regulatory approval.
A key element of our strategy is utilizing our proprietary Glyph platform, which is designed to leverage the lymphatic system to enable and enhance the oral administration of drugs, avoid first-pass liver metabolism and reduce side effects that have previously impeded the development of certain active drugs. Despite favorable results in third-party clinical trials of the active moiety that is chemically identical to the active moiety within our product candidates and the favorable results in clinical trials of our molecules and mechanisms to date, the scientific research that forms the basis of our approach is still ongoing. Each of our current product candidates utilizes our Glyph platform. As a result, we are exposed to a number of unforeseen risks related to our Glyph platform, and these risks could impact each of our product candidates.
Although our research and development efforts to date have resulted in a development portfolio of programs and product candidates, we may not be able to discover or identify additional candidates that could appropriately utilize our Glyph platform and thus not be able to develop product candidates to expand our development portfolio. Even if we are successful in continuing to build and expand our development portfolio, the potential product candidates that we identify may not be successful in clinical development. For example, even though our Glyph platform is intended to reduce certain side effects, our product candidates may nonetheless be shown to have harmful side effects or other characteristics that indicate that they are unlikely to offer an improvement over standard of care or receive marketing approval and achieve market acceptance. If we do not successfully develop and commercialize product candidates, we will not be able to obtain drug revenues in future periods, which likely would result in significant harm to our financial position and adversely affect our stock price.
If our clinical trials fail to replicate positive results from earlier preclinical studies or clinical trials conducted by us or third parties, we may be unable to successfully develop, obtain regulatory approval for or commercialize our product candidates.
The results observed from preclinical studies or early-stage clinical trials of our product candidates may not necessarily be predictive of the results of later-stage clinical trials that we conduct. Similarly, positive results from such preclinical studies or early-stage clinical trials may not be replicated in our subsequent preclinical studies or clinical trials. For instance, results seen in preclinical animal models may not translate to similar results in patients, and results from our initial studies in healthy volunteers may not translate to clinical trials in patients with MDD or GAD.
There can be no assurance that any of our clinical trials will ultimately be successful or support further clinical development of any of our product candidates. There is a high failure rate for drugs proceeding through clinical trials. Many companies in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries have suffered significant setbacks in late-stage clinical trials after achieving positive results in early-stage development, and we cannot be certain that we will not face similar setbacks. These setbacks have been caused by, among other things, preclinical findings made while clinical trials were underway or safety or efficacy observations made in preclinical studies and clinical trials, including previously unreported AEs. Additionally, GlyphAllo is a novel, Glyphed oral prodrug of allopregnanolone, an endogenous neurosteroid with a well-established, clinically validated antidepressant, anxiolytic, and sleep-promoting effect, and GlyphAgo is a novel, Glyphed oral prodrug of agomelatine, a clinically validated antidepressant and anxiolytic. We may be unable to replicate the previous clinical efficacy observed with such molecules in clinical trials utilizing our Glyph platform.
30
Additionally, we may in the future utilize an “open-label” clinical trial design for certain of our future clinical trials. An “open-label” clinical trial is one where both the patient and investigator know whether the patient is receiving the investigational product candidate or either an existing approved drug or placebo. Most open-label clinical trials test only the investigational product candidate and sometimes may do so at different dose levels. Open-label clinical trials are subject to various limitations that may exaggerate any therapeutic effect as patients in open-label clinical trials are aware when they are receiving treatment. Open-label clinical trials may be subject to a “patient bias” where patients perceive their symptoms to have improved merely due to their awareness of receiving an experimental treatment. In addition, open-label clinical trials may be subject to an “investigator bias” where those assessing and reviewing the physiological outcomes of the clinical trials are aware of which patients have received treatment and may interpret the information of the treated group more favorably given this knowledge. The results from an open-label trial may not be predictive of future clinical trial results of a product candidate when studied in a controlled environment with a placebo or active control.
Moreover, preclinical and clinical data are often susceptible to varying interpretations and analyses and many companies that believed their product candidates performed satisfactorily in preclinical studies and clinical trials nonetheless failed to obtain FDA or other comparable regulatory authority approval.
We may incur unexpected costs or experience delays in completing, or ultimately be unable to complete, the development and commercialization of our product candidates.
To obtain the requisite regulatory approvals to commercialize any of our product candidates, we must demonstrate through extensive preclinical studies and clinical trials that our product candidates are safe and effective in humans. We have and may in the future experience delays in our clinical trials or preclinical studies and initiating or completing additional clinical trials or preclinical studies, including as a result of regulators not allowing or delay in allowing clinical trials to proceed under an IND or similar foreign authorization (e.g. regulatory hold), or not approving or delaying approval for any clinical trial grant or similar approval we need to initiate a clinical trial or a hold on an ongoing clinical trial. We may also experience numerous unforeseen events during our clinical trials that could delay or prevent our ability to receive marketing approval or commercialize the product candidates we develop, including:
| | regulators, IRBs, or other reviewing bodies may not authorize us or our investigators to commence a clinical trial, to conduct, or continue a clinical trial at a prospective or specific trial site; |
| | we may not reach agreement on acceptable terms with prospective CROs and clinical trial sites, the terms of which can be subject to extensive negotiation and may vary significantly among different CROs and trial sites; |
| | we may experience challenges or delays in recruiting principal investigators or study sites to lead our clinical trials; |
| | the number of subjects or patients required for clinical trials of our product candidates may be larger than we anticipate, enrollment in these clinical trials may be insufficient or slower than we anticipate, and the number of clinical trials being conducted at any given time may be high and result in fewer available patients for any given clinical trial, or patients may drop out of these clinical trials at a higher rate than we anticipate; |
| | our third-party contractors, including those manufacturing our product candidates or conducting clinical trials on our behalf, may fail to comply with regulatory requirements or meet their contractual obligations to us in a timely manner or at all; |
| | we may have to amend clinical trial protocols submitted to regulatory authorities or conduct additional studies to reflect changes in regulatory requirements or guidance, which may be required to resubmit to an IRB and regulatory authorities for re-examination; |
| | regulators or other reviewing bodies may find deficiencies with, fail to approve, or subsequently find fault with the manufacturing processes or facilities of third-party manufacturers with which we enter |
31
| into agreements for clinical and commercial supplies, or the supply or quality of any product candidate or other materials necessary to conduct clinical trials of our product candidates may be insufficient, inadequate, or not available at an acceptable cost, or we may experience interruptions in supply; and |
| | the potential for approval policies or regulations of the FDA, or other comparable regulatory authorities to significantly change in a manner rendering our clinical data insufficient for approval. |
Regulators or IRBs of the institutions in which clinical trials are being conducted may suspend, limit, or terminate a clinical trial, or data monitoring committees may recommend that we suspend or terminate a clinical trial, due to a number of factors, including failure to conduct the clinical trial in accordance with regulatory requirements or our clinical protocols, inspection of the clinical trial operations or trial site by the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities resulting in the imposition of a clinical hold, safety issues, or adverse side effects, failure to demonstrate a benefit from using a drug, changes in governmental regulations, or administrative actions or lack of adequate funding to continue the clinical trial. Negative or inconclusive results from our clinical trials or preclinical studies could mandate repeated or additional clinical trials and, to the extent we choose to conduct clinical trials in other indications, could result in changes to or delays in clinical trials of our product candidates in such other indications. We do not know whether any clinical trials that we conduct will demonstrate adequate efficacy and safety to result in regulatory approval to market our product candidates for the indications that we are pursuing. If later-stage clinical trials do not produce favorable results, our ability to obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates will be adversely impacted.
Our failure to successfully initiate and complete clinical trials and to demonstrate the efficacy and safety necessary to obtain regulatory approval to market our product candidates would significantly harm our business. Our product candidate development costs will also increase if we experience delays in testing or regulatory approvals and we may be required to obtain additional funds to complete clinical trials. We cannot assure you that our clinical trials will begin as planned or be completed on schedule, if at all, or that we will not need to restructure or otherwise modify our trials after they have begun. Significant clinical trial delays also could shorten any periods during which we may have the exclusive right to commercialize our product candidates or allow our competitors to bring products to market before we do and impair our ability to successfully commercialize our product candidates, which may harm our business and results of operations. In addition, many of the factors that cause, or lead to, delays of clinical trials may ultimately lead to the denial of regulatory approval of our product candidates.
Our product candidates may be associated with adverse side effects, AEs, or other undesirable properties or safety risks, which could delay or prevent their regulatory approval, cause us to suspend or discontinue clinical trials or abandon a product candidate, limit the commercial profile of an approved label, or result in significant negative consequences following regulatory approval, if obtained, or result in other significant negative consequences that could severely harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.
Undesirable side effects caused by any of our product candidates could cause us or regulatory authorities to interrupt, delay, or halt clinical trials and could result in a more restrictive label, the inclusion of a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy, or REMS, or the delay or denial of regulatory approval by the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities. Any treatment-related side effects could also affect patient recruitment or the ability of enrolled patients to complete the trial, or could result in potential product liability claims. Any of these occurrences may harm our business, financial condition, and prospects significantly.
We may observe safety or tolerability issues beyond those we anticipate with our product candidates in ongoing or future clinical trials. For example, to date, we have only completed clinical studies evaluating GlyphAllo in healthy volunteers, and it is possible that serious AEs related to GlyphAllo may occur in this clinical program or in our clinical programs for other product candidates. Additionally, it is possible that human subjects with MDD may experience greater side effects in our clinical program for GlyphAllo than observed in
32
healthy volunteers. We continue to learn more about our product candidates, and unfavorable profiles could lead to adverse outcomes or concerns by the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities.
Many compounds that initially showed promise in clinical or earlier-stage testing are later found to cause undesirable or unexpected side effects that prevented further development of the compound. Results of future clinical trials of our product candidates could reveal a high and unacceptable severity and prevalence of side effects or unexpected characteristics, despite a favorable tolerability profile observed in earlier-stage testing. At any time, we may decide to terminate or greatly narrow the target population for a clinical development program due to unacceptable side effects or safety concerns.
If unacceptable side effects arise in the development of our product candidates, we, the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities, the IRBs, or independent ethics committees at the institutions in which our trials are conducted, could suspend, limit, or terminate our clinical trials, or the independent safety monitoring committee could recommend that we suspend, limit, or terminate our trials, or the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities could order us to cease clinical trials or deny approval of our product candidates for any or all targeted indications. We may be unable to overcome any such suspensions or holds that are placed on our clinical trials. Treatment-emergent side effects that are deemed to be drug-related could delay recruitment of clinical trial subjects or may cause subjects that enroll in our clinical trials to discontinue participation in our clinical trials. In addition, these side effects may not be appropriately recognized or managed by the treating medical staff. We may need to train medical personnel using our product candidates to understand the side effect profiles for our clinical trials and upon any commercialization of any of our product candidates. Inadequate training in recognizing or managing the potential side effects of our product candidates could result in harm to patients that are administered our product candidates. Any of these occurrences may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.
Moreover, clinical trials of our product candidates are conducted in carefully defined sets of patients who have agreed to enter into clinical trials. Consequently, it is possible that our clinical trials may indicate an apparent positive effect of a product candidate that is greater than the actual positive effect, if any, or alternatively fail to identify undesirable side effects.
In addition, some of our product candidates utilize prodrugs of drugs that have been approved by regulatory authorities, such as the FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities, which if such approval is revoked, could negatively impact the success of our own products. For example, GlyphAllo is an oral prodrug of allopregnanolone, and brexanolone, a synthetic formulation of allopregnanolone, is currently approved by FDA for the treatment of postpartum depression. GlyphAgo is an oral prodrug of agomelatine, which has been approved for the treatment of GAD in Australia and MDD in Australia and Europe. It is possible that one or more of the active moieties of our product candidates has also been approved by FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities. In addition, even if our product candidates were to receive marketing approval or be commercialized, we would continue to be subject to the risks that the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities could revoke approval of an active moiety that is chemically identical to the active moiety within our product candidates or any active moiety as our product candidates, if applicable, or that efficacy or safety issues could arise with any active moiety that is chemically identical to the active moiety within our product candidates or active moiety as our product candidates, if applicable, which could negatively impact the commercial opportunity for our own products.
Additionally, if any of our product candidates receives regulatory approval, and we or others later identify undesirable side effects caused by such product, a number of potentially significant negative consequences could result. For example, the FDA could require us to adopt a REMS, to ensure that the benefits of treatment with such product candidate outweigh the risks for each potential patient, which may include, among other things, a communication plan to health care practitioners, patient education, extensive patient monitoring or distribution systems and processes that are highly controlled, restrictive, and more costly than what is typical for the industry. We or our collaborators may also be required to adopt a REMS or engage in similar actions, such as patient
33
education, certification of health care professionals or specific monitoring, if we or others later identify undesirable side effects caused by any product that we develop alone. Other potentially significant negative consequences associated with AEs include:
| | we may be required to suspend marketing of a product, or we may decide to remove such product from the marketplace; |
| | regulatory authorities may withdraw or change their approvals of a product; |
| | regulatory authorities may require additional warnings on the label or limit access of a product to selective specialized centers with additional safety reporting and with requirements that patients be geographically close to these centers for all or part of their treatment; |
| | we may be required to create a medication guide outlining the risks of a product for patients, or to conduct post-marketing studies; |
| | we may be required to change the way a product is administered; |
| | we could be subject to fines, injunctions, or the imposition of criminal or civil penalties, or be sued and held liable for harm caused to subjects or patients; and |
| | a product may become less competitive, and our reputation may suffer. |
Any of these events could diminish the usage or otherwise limit the commercial success of our product candidates and prevent us from achieving or maintaining market acceptance of our product candidates, if approved by the FDA or other regulatory authorities.
Even if we complete the necessary preclinical studies and clinical trials, the marketing approval process is expensive, time-consuming and uncertain, and may prevent us from obtaining approvals for the commercialization of our product candidates.
Any product candidate we develop and the activities associated with its development and commercialization, including its design, testing, manufacture, safety, efficacy, recordkeeping, labeling, storage, approval, advertising, promotion, sale, and distribution, are subject to comprehensive regulation by the FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities in the United States, and by other comparable foreign regulatory authorities. Failure to obtain marketing approval for a product candidate will prevent us from commercializing the product candidate in a given jurisdiction. We have not received approval to market any product candidates from regulatory authorities in any jurisdiction and it is possible that none of the product candidates we are developing or may seek to develop in the future will ever obtain regulatory approval.
Our team expects to rely, in addition to in-house regulatory personnel, on third-party CROs and regulatory consultants to assist us in submitting and supporting the applications necessary to gain marketing approvals. Securing regulatory approval requires the submission of extensive preclinical and clinical data and supporting information to the various regulatory authorities for each therapeutic indication to establish the product candidate’s safety and efficacy. 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. Any product candidates we develop may not be effective, may be only moderately effective, or may prove to have undesirable or unintended side effects, toxicities or other characteristics that may preclude its obtaining marketing approval or prevent or limit commercial use.
The process of obtaining marketing approvals, both in the United States and abroad, is expensive, may take many years if additional clinical trials are required, if approval is obtained at all, and can vary substantially based upon a variety of factors, including the type, complexity, and novelty of the product candidates involved. 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
34
in the approval or rejection of an application. The FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities have substantial discretion in the approval process and may refuse to accept any application or may decide that our data are insufficient for approval and require additional preclinical, clinical, or other studies. In addition, varying interpretations of the data obtained from preclinical and clinical testing could delay, limit, or prevent marketing approval of a product candidate. Any marketing approval that we may ultimately obtain could be limited or subject to restrictions or post-approval commitments that render the approved product not commercially viable.
If we experience delays in obtaining approval or if we fail to obtain approval of any product candidates we may develop, the commercial prospects for those product candidates may be harmed, and our ability to generate revenues will be materially impaired.
Interim, topline, and preliminary data from our clinical trials that we announce or publish from time to time may change as more patient data becomes available and are subject to audit and verification procedures that could result in material changes in the final data.
From time to time, we may publish interim, topline, or preliminary data from our clinical trials and preclinical studies. Such announcements or publications are typically based on a preliminary analysis of then-available data, and the results and related findings and conclusions are subject to change following a more comprehensive review of the data related to the particular study or trial. 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 and carefully evaluate all data. As a result, the interim, topline, or preliminary results that we report may differ from future results of the same studies or trials, or different conclusions or considerations may qualify such results, once additional data have been received and fully evaluated. Topline and preliminary data also remain subject to audit and verification procedures that may result in the final data being materially different from the topline or preliminary data we previously published. As a result, topline, and preliminary data should be viewed with caution until the final data are available.
Interim data from clinical trials that we may complete are further subject to the risk that one or more of the clinical outcomes may materially change as patient enrollment continues and more patient data become available. Adverse differences between interim, topline, or preliminary data, and final data could significantly harm our business prospects. Further, disclosure of such data by us or by our competitors could result in volatility in the price of our common stock.
Further, others, including regulatory agencies, may not accept or agree with our assumptions, estimates, calculations, conclusions, or analyses or may interpret or weigh the importance of data differently, which could impact the value of the particular program, the approvability or commercialization of the particular product candidate or product and our company in general. In addition, the information we choose to publicly disclose regarding a particular study or clinical trial is based on what is typically extensive information, and you or others may not agree with what we determine is material or otherwise appropriate information to include in our disclosure, and any information we determine not to disclose may ultimately be deemed significant with respect to future decisions, conclusions, views, activities, or otherwise regarding a particular product candidate or our business. If the interim, topline, or preliminary data that we report differ from actual results, or if others, including regulatory authorities, disagree with the conclusions reached, our ability to obtain approval for, and commercialize, our product candidates may be harmed, which could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.
If we do not achieve our projected development and commercialization goals in the timeframes we announce and expect, the development and commercialization of our product candidates may be delayed, and our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be harmed.
For planning purposes, we sometimes estimate the timing of the accomplishment of various scientific, clinical, regulatory and other product development objectives. These milestones may include our expectations
35
regarding the commencement or completion of scientific studies and clinical trials, the submission of regulatory filings, or commercialization objectives. From time to time, we may publicly announce the expected timing of some of these milestones, such as the completion of an ongoing clinical trial, the initiation of other clinical programs, receipt of marketing approval, or a commercial launch of a product. The achievement of many of these milestones may be outside of our control. All of these milestones are based on a variety of assumptions which, if not realized as expected, may cause the timing of achievement of the milestones to vary considerably from our estimates, including:
| | our available capital resources or capital constraints we experience; |
| | the rate of progress, costs and results of our clinical trials and research and development activities, including the extent of scheduling conflicts with participating clinicians and collaborators; |
| | our ability to identify and enroll patients who meet clinical trial eligibility criteria; |
| | our receipt of approvals by the FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities and the timing thereof; |
| | other actions, decisions, or rules issued by regulators; |
| | our ability to access sufficient, reliable and affordable supplies of materials used to manufacture our product candidates; |
| | the efforts of our collaborators with respect to the commercialization of our product candidates; and |
| | the securing of, costs related to, and timing issues associated with, product manufacturing as well as sales and marketing activities. |
If we fail to achieve announced milestones in the timeframes we expect, the development and commercialization of our product candidates may be delayed, and our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be harmed.
We have concentrated our research and development efforts on the treatment of disorders of the brain and central nervous system, a field that faces certain challenges in drug development.
We have focused our research and development efforts on addressing disorders of the brain and central nervous system. Developing a product candidate for treatment of these diseases is difficult and subjects us to a number of challenges specific to central nervous system, or CNS, companies. In particular, many neuropsychiatric disorders, such as MDD and GAD, rely on subjective patient-reported outcomes as key clinical endpoints. This makes them more vulnerable to the placebo effect as compared to evaluating outcomes with more objective endpoints. For example, our Phase 2b BUOY-1 trial of GlyphAllo is using endpoints based on subjective assessment scales such as the HAMD-17 and the Clinical Global Impressions-Severity scale.
Moreover, given the history of clinical failures in this field, future clinical or regulatory failures by us or others may result in further negative perception of the likelihood of success in this field, which may significantly and adversely affect the market price of our common stock. We intend to work closely with the FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities to perform the requisite scientific analyses and evaluation in an effort to obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates; however, the process of developing our product candidates may be complex and time-consuming for the reasons described herein. We cannot be certain that our approach will lead to the development of product candidates that effectively and safely address the underlying diseases.
If we encounter difficulties enrolling patients in our clinical trials, our clinical development activities could be delayed or otherwise adversely affected.
Patient enrollment is a significant factor impacting the duration of our clinical trials, along with treatment duration and completion of required follow-up periods. We may experience difficulties in patient enrollment in
36
our clinical trials for a variety of reasons. The timely completion of clinical trials in accordance with our protocols depends, among other things, on our ability to enroll a sufficient number of patients who remain in the study until its conclusion.
Patient enrollment is affected by many factors, including:
| | the patient eligibility criteria defined in the protocol; |
| | the size of the patient population required for analysis of the trial’s primary endpoints; |
| | the severity of the disease under investigation; |
| | 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; |
| | patient misrepresentation of their eligibility or non-compliance with the clinical trial protocol, resulting in the need to drop such patients from the clinical trial, increase the needed enrollment size for the clinical trial, or extend the clinical trial’s duration; |
| | approval of new indications for existing therapies or approval of new therapies in general; |
| | competing clinical trials and clinicians’ and patients’ perceptions as to the potential advantages and risks of the product candidate being studied in relation to other available therapies, including any new drugs that may be approved for the indications that we are investigating; |
| | patient referral practices of physicians; |
| | the ability to monitor patients adequately during and after treatment; |
| | continued enrollment of prospective patients by clinical trial sites; |
| | our ability to obtain and maintain patient consents; and |
| | the risk that patients enrolled in our clinical trials will drop out of the trials before completion. |
We may experience challenges in recruiting principal investigators and patients to participate in ongoing and future clinical trials for such product candidates if we are unable to sufficiently demonstrate the potential of such product candidates to them. Furthermore, we may experience difficulties in reliably and consistently identifying the subpopulation of MDD patients with anxious distress, which may delay our recruitment efforts for our Phase 2b BUOY-1 trial. We also plan to take additional screening steps for patients beyond what certain other sponsors have done in similar trials, which may further narrow the eligible population of patients for our trials and cause delays in our recruitment efforts. 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 will reduce the number and types of 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 may 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. Furthermore, if significant AEs or other side effects are observed in any of our clinical trials, we may have difficulty recruiting patients to our trials and patients may drop out of our trials. Additionally, patients, including patients in any control groups, may withdraw from the clinical trial for various reasons, including but not limited to if they are not experiencing improvement in their underlying disease or condition, or if they experience other difficulties or issues relating to their underlying disease or condition. Participants with neuropsychiatric disorders such as MDD and GAD constitute a vulnerable patient population and may withdraw from the clinical trial if they are not experiencing improvement in their underlying disease or condition or if they experience other difficulties or issues relating to their underlying disease or condition or otherwise, which may or may not be related to our product candidate in clinical trial. Withdrawal of patients from our clinical trials may compromise the quality of our data.
37
We also rely on, and will continue to rely on, CROs and clinical trial sites to ensure proper and timely conduct of our clinical trials and preclinical studies. Though we have entered into agreements governing their services, we will have limited influence over their actual performance. Our inability to enroll a sufficient number of patients for our clinical trials would result in significant delays or might require us to abandon one or more clinical trials or our development efforts altogether. Delays in patient enrollment may result in increased costs, affect the timing or outcome of the planned clinical trials, product candidate development and approval process, and jeopardize our ability to seek and obtain the regulatory approval required to commence product sales and generate revenue, which could prevent completion of these trials, adversely affect our ability to advance the development of our product candidates, cause our value to decline, and limit our ability to obtain additional financing if needed.
We may conduct clinical trials for our product candidates outside of the United States and the FDA may not accept data from such trials, in which case our development plans may be delayed, which could materially harm our business.
We have conducted and are conducting clinical trials for our product candidates outside the United States. The acceptance of study data from clinical trials conducted outside the U.S. or another jurisdiction by the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities may be subject to certain conditions or may not be accepted at all. In cases where data from foreign clinical trials are intended to serve as the sole basis for regulatory approval in the United States, the FDA will generally not approve the application on the basis of foreign data alone unless (i) the data are applicable to the U.S. population and U.S. medical practice; (ii) the trials were performed by clinical investigators of recognized competence and pursuant to GCP regulations; and (iii) the data may be considered valid without the need for an on-site inspection by the FDA, or if the FDA considers such inspection to be necessary, the FDA is able to validate the data through an on-site inspection or other appropriate means. In addition, even where the foreign study data are not intended to serve as the sole basis for approval, if the study was not otherwise subject to an IND, the FDA will not accept the data as support for an application for regulatory approval unless the study is well-designed and well-conducted in accordance with GCP requirements and the FDA is able to validate the data from the study through an onsite inspection if deemed necessary. Many foreign regulatory authorities have similar requirements for clinical data gathered outside of their respective jurisdictions. In addition, such foreign trials would be subject to the applicable local laws of the foreign jurisdictions where the trials are conducted. There can be no assurance that the FDA or any other comparable regulatory authorities will accept data from trials conducted outside of the United States or the relevant jurisdiction. If the FDA or any other comparable regulatory authority does not accept such data, it may result in the need for additional trials, which could be costly and time-consuming, and which may result in current or future product candidates that we may develop not receiving approval for commercialization in the applicable jurisdiction.
Even if any of our product candidates receives regulatory approval, it may fail to achieve the degree of market acceptance by physicians, patients, third-party payors, and others in the medical community necessary for commercial success, in which case we may not generate significant revenues or become profitable.
We have never commercialized a product, and even if any of our product candidates are approved by the appropriate regulatory authorities for marketing and sale, it may nonetheless fail to achieve sufficient market acceptance by physicians, patients, third-party payors and others in the medical community. The commercial success of any of our product candidates will depend significantly on the broad adoption and use of the resulting product by these individuals and organizations for approved indications. For example, Glyph2BLSDTM (SPT-348), in development for the treatment of depressive disorders, including treatment-resistant depression, or TRD, post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, and headache disorders, is a Glyphed oral prodrug of the non-hallucinogenic neuroplastogen, 2-bromo-LSD. There has been recent interest in psychedelics in part because of their potential to demonstrate therapeutic effects in neuropsychiatric disorders. Although Glyph2BLSD is not a psychedelic, there is a risk that it will be viewed as such by investors and the public, or could be classified as such by regulatory authorities based on its final structure. Treatments containing controlled substances or drugs
38
that have similar effects or characteristics of controlled substances may generate public controversy or unfavorable views, which could lead to delays in, and increased expenses for, and limit or restrict the introduction and marketing of such types of therapeutic candidates. For more information on controlled substances, see subsection titled “—Certain of our product candidates may be regulated as controlled substances, the making, use, sale, importation, exportation, and distribution of which are subject to significant regulation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and other regulatory agencies.”
Many of the indications for our product candidates have well-established standards of care that physicians, patients and payors are familiar with and, in some cases, are available generically. Even if our product candidates are successful in registrational clinical trials, they may not be successful in displacing these current standards of care if we are unable to demonstrate superior efficacy, safety, ease of administration, and/or cost-effectiveness. For example, physicians may be reluctant to take their patients off their current medications and switch their treatment regimen to our product candidates. Further, patients often acclimate to the treatment regimen that they are currently taking and do not want to switch unless their physicians recommend switching products or they are required to switch due to inadequate coverage or reimbursement by third-party payors. Even if we are able to demonstrate our product candidates’ safety and efficacy to the FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities, safety or efficacy concerns in the medical community may hinder market acceptance.
Efforts to educate the medical community and third-party payors on the benefits of our product candidates may require significant resources, including management time, and financial resources, and may not be successful. If any product candidate is approved but does not achieve an adequate level of market acceptance, we may not generate significant revenues and we may not become profitable. The degree of market acceptance of our product candidates, if approved for commercial sale, will depend on a number of factors, including:
| | the efficacy and safety of the product, including as compared to any more-established products or other alternative products that may later be approved; |
| | the potential advantages of the product compared to competitive therapies; |
| | the indications for which the product is approved, if any; |
| | the prevalence and severity of any side effects; |
| | whether the product is designated under physician treatment guidelines as a first-, second- or third-line therapy; |
| | our ability, or the ability of any future collaborators, to offer the product for sale at competitive prices; |
| | the product’s convenience and ease of administration compared to alternative treatments; |
| | the willingness of the target patient population to try, and of physicians to prescribe, the product; |
| | the willingness of patients to pay all, or a portion of, out-of-pocket costs associated with the product in the absence of sufficient third-party coverage and adequate reimbursement; |
| | the product’s acceptance into standard of care treatment algorithms by medical societies that could limit payor and physician uptake; |
| | limitations or warnings, including distribution or use restrictions contained in the product’s approved labeling; |
| | the strength of sales, marketing, and distribution support; |
| | changes in the standard of care for the targeted indications for the product; |
| | availability and adequacy of coverage and reimbursement from government payors, managed care plans, and other third-party payors, including any price concessions required by third-party payors to obtain coverage; |
| | potential product liability claims; and |
39
| | unfavorable publicity relating to the product, or favorable publicity about competitive products. |
Any failure by one or more of our product candidates that obtains regulatory approval to achieve market acceptance or commercial success would adversely affect our business prospects.
If we fail to discover, develop, and commercialize other product candidates, we may be unable to grow our business and our ability to achieve our strategic objectives would be impaired.
Although the development and commercialization of our current product candidates are our initial focus, as part of our longer-term growth strategy, we may seek to develop other product candidates leveraging our Glyph platform. We intend to evaluate internal opportunities from our existing product candidates or other potential product candidates, and also may choose to in-license or acquire other product candidates to treat patients suffering from other disorders with significant unmet medical needs and limited treatment options. Any other potential product candidates will require additional, time-consuming development efforts prior to commercial sale, including preclinical studies, clinical trials, and approval by the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities. All product candidates are prone to the risks of failure that are inherent in pharmaceutical product development, including the possibility that the product candidate will not be shown to be sufficiently safe and effective for approval by regulatory authorities. In addition, we cannot assure you that any such products that are approved will be manufactured or produced economically, successfully commercialized or widely accepted in the marketplace or be more effective than other commercially available alternatives.
In addition, we intend to devote capital and resources for basic research to discover and identify additional product candidates. These research programs require substantial technical, financial, and human resources, whether or not any product candidates are ultimately identified. Our research programs may initially show promise in identifying potential product candidates, yet fail to yield product candidates for clinical development for many reasons, including the following:
| | the research methodology used may not be successful in identifying potential product candidates; |
| | competitors may develop alternatives that render our product candidates obsolete; |
| | product candidates that we develop may nevertheless be covered by third parties’ patents or other exclusive rights; |
| | a product candidate may, on further study, be shown to have harmful side effects or other characteristics that indicate it is unlikely to be effective or otherwise does not meet applicable regulatory criteria; |
| | a product candidate may not be capable of being produced in commercial quantities at an acceptable cost, or at all; and |
| | a product candidate may not be accepted as safe and effective by patients, the medical community or third-party payors. |
In the future, we may also seek to in-license or acquire product candidates or the underlying technology. The process of proposing, negotiating, and implementing a license or acquisition is lengthy and complex. Other companies, including some with substantially greater financial, marketing, and sales resources, may compete with us for the license or acquisition of product candidates. We have limited resources to identify and execute the acquisition or in-licensing of third-party products, businesses, and technologies and integrate them into our current infrastructure. Moreover, we may devote resources to potential acquisitions or in-licensing opportunities that are never completed, or we may fail to realize the anticipated benefits of such efforts. We may not be able to acquire the rights to additional product candidates on terms that we find acceptable, or at all.
In addition, future acquisitions may entail numerous operational and financial risks, including:
| | exposure to unknown liabilities; |
40
| | disruption of our business and diversion of management’s time and attention to develop acquired products or technologies; |
| | incurrence of substantial debt, dilutive issuances of securities or depletion of cash to pay for acquisitions; |
| | higher than expected acquisition and integration costs; |
| | difficulty in combining the operations and personnel of any acquired businesses with our operations and personnel; |
| | increased amortization expenses; |
| | impairment of relationships with key suppliers or customers of any acquired businesses due to changes in management and ownership; |
| | risks associated with entering new markets in which we have limited or no experience; and |
| | inability to motivate key employees of any acquired businesses. |
To finance any acquisitions, we may choose to issue shares of our common stock as consideration, which could dilute the ownership of our stockholders. If the price of our common stock is low or volatile, we may be unable to consummate any acquisitions using our common stock as consideration. Additional funds may not be available on terms that are favorable to us, or at all.
If we are unsuccessful in identifying and developing additional product candidates, either through internal development or licensing or acquisition from third parties, our potential for growth and achieving our strategic objectives may be impaired.
The number of patients with the diseases and disorders for which we are developing our product candidates has not been established with precision. If the actual number of patients with the diseases or disorders we elect to pursue with our product candidates is smaller than we anticipate, we may have difficulties in enrolling patients in our clinical trials, which may delay or prevent development of our product candidates. Even if such product candidates are successfully developed and approved, the markets for our product candidates may be smaller than we expect and our revenue potential and ability to achieve profitability may be materially adversely affected.
Our pipeline includes product candidates for a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, including MDD and GAD. There is no precise method of establishing the actual number of patients with any of these disorders in any geography over any time period. With respect to many of the indications in which we have developed, are developing, or plan to develop our product candidates, we have estimates of the prevalence of the disease or disorder. Our estimates as to prevalence may not be accurate, and the actual prevalence or addressable patient population for some or all of those indications, or any other indication that we elect to pursue, may be significantly smaller than our estimates. In estimating the potential prevalence of indications we are pursuing, or may in the future pursue, including our estimates as to the prevalence of MDD and GAD, we apply assumptions to available information that may not prove to be accurate. In each case, there is a range of estimates in the published literature and in marketing studies, which include estimates within the range that are lower than our estimates. The actual number of patients with these disease indications may, however, be significantly lower than we believe. Even if our prevalence estimates are correct, our product candidates may be developed for only a subset of patients with the relevant disease or disorder or our product candidates, if approved, may be indicated for or used by only a subset. In the event the number of patients with the diseases and disorders we are studying is significantly lower than we expect, we may have difficulties in enrolling patients in our clinical trials, which may delay or prevent development of our product candidates. If any of our product candidates are approved and our prevalence estimates with respect to any indication or our other market assumptions are not accurate, the markets for our product candidates for these indications may be smaller than we anticipate, which could limit our ability to generate revenues and achieve profitability or to meet our expectations with respect to the foregoing.
41
Competitive products may reduce or eliminate the commercial opportunity for our product candidates, if approved. If our competitors develop technologies or product candidates more rapidly than we do, or their technologies or product candidates are more effective or safer than ours, our ability to develop and successfully commercialize our product candidates may be adversely affected.
The clinical and commercial landscapes for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders are highly competitive and subject to rapid and significant technological change. We face competition with respect to our indications for our product candidates and will face competition with respect to any other drug candidates that we may seek to develop or commercialize in the future, from major pharmaceutical companies, specialty pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology companies worldwide. There are a number of large pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that currently market and sell drugs or are pursuing the development of drug candidates for the treatment of the CNS indications that we are pursuing. 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.
We are aware that a significant number of product candidates are currently under development for MDD, GAD, and other indications that we are currently pursuing and may pursue, and some or all may become commercially available in the future for the treatment of conditions for which we are trying or may try to develop product candidates. Additionally, if our product candidates were to be approved, they would likely compete with historical standard of care therapies. Our potential competitors include large pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, specialty pharmaceutical and generic drug companies, academic institutions, government agencies, and research institutions. For examples of the competition that our product candidates face, see the section titled “Business—Competition” included elsewhere in this prospectus.
In most cases, we do not currently plan to run head-to-head clinical trials evaluating our product candidates against the current standards of care, which may make it more challenging for our product candidates to compete against the current standards of care due to the lack of head-to-head clinical trial data.
Our competitors may have significantly greater financial resources, established presence in the market, expertise in research and development, manufacturing, preclinical and clinical testing, obtaining regulatory approvals, and reimbursement, and marketing approved products than we do. Accordingly, our competitors may be more successful than we may be in obtaining regulatory approval for therapies and achieving widespread market acceptance. Our competitors’ products may be more effective, or more effectively marketed and sold, than any product candidate we may commercialize and may render our therapies obsolete or non-competitive before we can recover development and commercialization expenses. If any of our product candidates are approved, it could compete with a range of therapeutic treatments that are in development. In addition, our competitors may succeed in developing, acquiring, or licensing technologies and drug products that are more effective or less costly than our product candidates, which could render our product candidates obsolete and noncompetitive.
If we obtain approval for any of our product candidates, we may face competition based on many different factors, including the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of our products, the ease with which our products can be administered, the timing and scope of regulatory approvals for these products, the availability and cost of manufacturing, marketing and sales capabilities, price, reimbursement coverage, and patent position. Existing and future competing products could present superior treatment alternatives, including being more effective, safer, less expensive, or marketed and sold more effectively than any products we may develop. Competitive products may make any products we develop obsolete or noncompetitive before we recover the expense of developing and commercializing our product candidates. Such competitors could also recruit our employees, which could negatively impact our level of expertise and our ability to execute our business plan.
In addition, our competitors may obtain patent protection, regulatory exclusivities, or FDA approval and commercialize products more rapidly than we do, which may impact future approvals or sales of any of our
42
product candidates that receive regulatory approval. If the FDA approves the commercial sale of any product candidate, we will also be competing with respect to marketing capabilities and manufacturing efficiency. We expect competition among products will be based on product efficacy and safety, the timing and scope of regulatory approvals, availability of supply, marketing and sales capabilities, product price, reimbursement coverage by government and private third-party payors, regulatory exclusivities, and patent position. Our profitability and financial position will suffer if our product candidates receive regulatory approval but cannot compete effectively in the marketplace.
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 other 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 and establishing clinical trial sites, as well as in acquiring technologies complementary to, or necessary for, our programs.
If we are unable to develop our sales, marketing, and distribution capability on our own or through collaborations with marketing partners, we will not be successful in commercializing our product candidates.
We currently have no marketing, sales, or distribution capabilities. We intend to establish a sales and marketing organization, either on our own or in collaboration with third parties, with technical expertise and supporting distribution capabilities to commercialize one or more of our product candidates that may receive regulatory approval in key territories. These efforts will require substantial additional resources, some or all of which may be incurred in advance of any approval of the product candidate. Any failure or delay in the development of our or third parties’ internal sales, marketing, and distribution capabilities would adversely impact the commercialization of our product candidates.
Factors that may inhibit our efforts to commercialize our product candidates on our own include:
| | our inability to recruit and retain adequate numbers of effective sales and marketing personnel; |
| | the inability of sales personnel to obtain access to or our failure to educate an adequate number of physicians on the benefits of any future products; |
| | the lack of complementary products to be offered by sales personnel, which may put us at a competitive disadvantage relative to companies with more extensive product lines; and |
| | unforeseen costs and expenses associated with creating an independent sales and marketing organization. |
With respect to our existing and future product candidates, we may choose to collaborate with third parties that have direct sales forces and established distribution systems to serve as an alternative to our own sales force and distribution systems. Our future product revenue may be lower than if we directly marketed or sold our product candidates, if approved. In addition, any revenue we receive will depend in whole or in part upon the efforts of these third parties, which may not be successful and are generally not within our control. If we are not successful in commercializing any approved products, our future product revenue will suffer and we may incur significant additional losses.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to develop in-house sales and distribution capabilities or establish or maintain relationships with third-party collaborators to commercialize any product in the United States or overseas. 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.
43
Risks Related to Employee Matters and Managing Growth
We expect to expand our organization, and as a result, we may encounter difficulties in managing our growth, which could disrupt our operations.
As of April 1, 2026, we had 58 full-time employees. We expect to experience significant growth in the number of our employees and the scope of our operations over time. To manage these growth activities, we must continue to implement and improve our managerial, operational, quality, and financial systems, expand our facilities and continue to recruit and train additional qualified personnel. Our management may need to devote a significant amount of its attention to managing these growth activities. Due to our limited financial resources and the limited experience of our management team in managing a company with such anticipated growth, we may not be able to effectively manage the expansion or relocation of our operations, retain key employees, or identify, recruit, and train additional qualified personnel. Our inability to manage the expansion or relocation of our operations effectively 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. Our expected growth could also require significant capital expenditures and may divert financial resources from other projects, such as the development of additional product candidates. If we are unable to effectively manage our expected growth, our expenses may increase more than expected, our ability to generate revenues could be reduced and we may not be able to implement our business strategy, including the successful commercialization of our product candidates.
Our ability to develop product candidates, leverage our Glyph platform and our future growth depends on attracting, hiring, and retaining our key personnel and recruiting additional qualified personnel.
Our success depends upon the continued contributions of our key management and scientific personnel, many of whom have been instrumental for us and have substantial experience with developing therapies, identifying potential product candidates and building the technologies related to the clinical development of our product candidates. Given the specialized nature of neuropsychiatric disorders and our approach, there is an inherent scarcity of experienced personnel in these fields. As we continue developing our product candidates in our pipeline, we will require personnel with medical, scientific, or technical qualifications specific to each program. The loss of key personnel, in particular our Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder, and Chair of the Board, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Medical Officer, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, General Counsel, and clinical development personnel, would delay our research and development activities. The competition for qualified personnel in the therapeutics, biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries is intense, and our future success depends upon our ability to attract, retain, and motivate highly skilled scientific, technical and managerial employees. We face competition for personnel from other companies, universities, public and private research institutions, and other organizations. If our recruitment and retention efforts are unsuccessful in the future, it may be difficult for us to implement our business strategy, which would have a material adverse effect on our business.
In addition, our clinical operations and research and development programs depend on our ability to attract and retain highly skilled employees across multiple functions, particularly in Massachusetts. There is powerful competition for skilled personnel in this geographical market, and we have from time to time experienced, and we expect to continue to experience, difficulty in hiring and retaining employees with appropriate qualifications on acceptable terms, or at all. Many of the companies with which we compete for experienced personnel have greater resources than we do, and any of our employees may terminate their employment with us at any time. If we hire employees from competitors or other companies, their former employers may attempt to assert that these employees or we have breached legal obligations, resulting in a diversion of our time and resources and, potentially, damages. Furthermore, job candidates and existing employees often consider the value of the stock awards they receive in connection with their employment. If the perceived benefits of our stock awards decline, either because we are a public company or for other reasons, it may harm our ability to recruit and retain highly skilled employees. Our employees may be more likely to leave us if the shares they own have significantly
44
appreciated in value relative to the original purchase prices of the shares, or if the exercise prices of the options they hold are significantly below the market price of our common stock, particularly after the expiration of the lock-up agreements described herein. If we fail to attract new personnel or fail to retain and motivate our current personnel, our business and future growth prospects would be harmed.
Risks Related to Our Dependence on Third Parties
We rely on third parties to assist in conducting our clinical trials and preclinical studies. If they do not successfully carry out their contractual duties, comply with applicable regulatory requirements, or meet expected deadlines, we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval or commercialize our product candidates, or such approval or commercialization may be delayed, and our business could be substantially harmed.
We have relied upon and plan to continue to rely on third parties, such as CROs, clinical data management organizations, medical institutions and clinical investigators, to conduct our clinical trials and preclinical studies and expect to rely on these third parties to conduct clinical trials and preclinical studies of any other product candidate that we develop. Our ability to complete clinical trials in a timely fashion depends on a number of key factors. These factors include protocol design, regulatory, and IRB approval, patient enrollment rates, and compliance with GCPs. In most cases, we use the services of third parties, including CROs, to carry out our clinical trial-related activities and rely on such parties to accurately report their results. Our reliance on third parties for clinical development activities may impact or limit our control over the timing, conduct, expense, and quality of our clinical trials. Moreover, the FDA requires us to comply with GCPs 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 FDA enforces these GCPs through periodic inspections of clinical trial sponsors, principal investigators, clinical trial sites, and IRBs. For certain commercial prescription drug products, manufacturers and other parties involved in the supply chain must also meet chain of distribution requirements and build electronic, interoperable systems for product tracking and tracing and for notifying the FDA of counterfeit, diverted, stolen, and intentionally adulterated products or other products that are otherwise unfit for distribution in the United States.
We remain responsible for ensuring that each of our trials is conducted in accordance with the applicable protocol, legal and regulatory requirements and scientific standards. Our failure or the failure of third parties to comply with the applicable protocol, legal and regulatory requirements and scientific standards can result in rejection of our clinical trial data or other sanctions. If we or our third-party clinical trial providers or third-party CROs do not successfully carry out these clinical activities, our clinical trials, or the potential regulatory approval of a product candidate may be delayed or be unsuccessful. Additionally, if we or our third-party contractors fail to comply with applicable GCPs for any reason, the clinical data generated in our clinical trials may be deemed unreliable and the FDA may require us to perform additional clinical trials before approving our product candidates, which would delay the regulatory approval process. We cannot be certain that, upon inspection, the FDA will determine that any of our clinical trials comply with GCPs.
Furthermore, the third parties conducting clinical trials on our behalf are not our employees, and except for remedies available to us under our agreements with such contractors, we cannot control whether or not they devote sufficient time, skill, and resources to our ongoing development programs. Moreover, many CROs, including some of those that we have engaged to conduct our clinical trials, are experiencing enrollment challenges as a result of, among other things, high employee turnover driven by macroeconomic environment and the inexperience of new employees. Additionally, at clinical trial sites, the availability of staff and trial participants has been limited due to a decrease in the number of clinical investigative sites across the globe. These contractors may also have relationships with other commercial entities, including our competitors, for whom they may also be conducting clinical trials or other drug development activities, which could impede their ability to devote appropriate time to our clinical programs. If these third parties, including clinical investigators, do not successfully carry out their contractual duties, meet expected deadlines, or conduct our clinical trials in
45
accordance with regulatory requirements or our stated protocols, we may not be able to obtain, or may be delayed in obtaining, regulatory approvals for our product candidates. If that occurs, we will not be able to, or may be delayed in our efforts to, successfully commercialize our product candidates. In such an event, our financial results and the commercial prospects for any product candidates that we seek to develop could be harmed, our costs could increase and our ability to generate revenues could be delayed, impaired, or foreclosed. In addition, principal investigators for our clinical trials may be asked to serve as scientific advisors or consultants to us from time to time and may receive cash or equity compensation in connection with such services. If these relationships and any related compensation result in perceived or actual conflicts of interest, or the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities conclude that the financial relationship may have affected the interpretation of the study, the integrity of the data generated at the applicable clinical trial site may be questioned and the utility of the clinical trial itself may be jeopardized, which could result in the delay or rejection by the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities of any NDA or foreign application we submit. Any such delay or rejection could prevent us from commercializing our product candidates.
We also rely on other third parties to store and distribute drug supplies for our clinical trials. Any performance failure on the part of our distributors could delay clinical development or regulatory approval of our product candidates or commercialization of any resulting products, producing additional losses, and depriving us of potential product revenue.
Any of the third-party organizations we utilize may terminate their engagements with us under certain circumstances. The replacement of an existing CRO or other third party may result in the delay of the affected trials or otherwise adversely affect our efforts to obtain regulatory approvals and commercialize our product candidates. We may not be able to enter into alternative arrangements or do so on commercially reasonable terms. In addition, even if there are suitable replacements for one or more of these service providers, there is a natural transition period when a new service provider begins work. As a result, delays may occur, which could negatively impact our ability to meet our expected clinical development timelines and harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.
In addition, we currently and may in the future rely on foreign CROs and CMOs. Such foreign CROs and CMOs may be subject to U.S. legislation, sanctions, trade restrictions and other foreign regulatory requirements which could increase the cost or reduce the supply of material available to us, delay the procurement or supply of such material or have an adverse effect on our ability to secure significant commitments from governments to purchase our potential therapies. For example, in January 2024, there was congressional activity, including the introduction of the BIOSECURE Act (H.R. 7085) in the House of Representatives and a substantially similar Senate bill (S.3558). In September 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a version of the BIOSECURE Act (H.R. 8333), however, the Senate did not approve that legislation. In October 2025, both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate passed their respective versions of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2026 (NDAA), each including an amendment often referred to as “BIOSECURE 2.0.” While BIOSECURE 2.0 has not yet been enacted and must still be reconciled in conference, the current text would establish federal government contracting, grant, and loan restrictions similar in effect to prior BIOSECURE proposals. However, unlike earlier versions of BIOSECURE that named specific Chinese companies, BIOSECURE 2.0 would implement a process-based designation system through which biotechnology companies “of concern” would be identified based on whether companies fall within statutorily define categories, including entities identified on the Department of Defense’s Section 1260H list of “Chinese military companies” and other entities that are subject to the direction, control, or jurisdiction of a foreign adversary’s government which pose national security risks based on specified criteria. If BIOSECURE 2.0 becomes law or similar laws are passed, they would have the potential to severely restrict the ability of therapeutics companies like us to purchase services or products from, or otherwise collaborate with, certain Chinese biotechnology companies “of concern” without losing the ability to contract with, or otherwise receive funding from, the U.S. government. We do business with companies in China, and it is possible some of our contractual counterparties could be impacted by this legislation.
46
Our use of third parties to manufacture our product candidates, including those located outside of the United States, may increase the risk that we will not have sufficient quantities of our product candidates, raw materials, active pharmaceutical ingredients, or APIs, or drug products when needed or at an acceptable cost.
We do not own or operate manufacturing facilities for the production of clinical or commercial quantities of our product candidates, and we lack the resources and the capabilities to do so. Our current strategy is to outsource all manufacturing of our product candidates to third parties, including in jurisdictions outside of the United States.
We currently rely on and engage third-party manufacturers to provide all of the API and the final drug product formulation of all of our product candidates that are being used in our clinical trials and preclinical studies. If we were to need an alternate manufacturer, we would incur added costs and delays in identifying and qualifying any such replacement. In addition, we typically order raw materials, API, and drug product and services on a purchase order basis and do not enter into long-term dedicated capacity or minimum supply arrangements with any commercial manufacturer. We may not be able to timely secure needed supply arrangements on satisfactory terms, or at all. Our failure to secure these arrangements as needed could have a material adverse effect on our ability to complete the development of our product candidates or, to commercialize them, if approved. We may be unable to conclude agreements for commercial supply with third-party manufacturers or may be unable to do so on acceptable terms. There may be difficulties in scaling up to commercial quantities and formulation of our product candidates, and the costs of manufacturing could be prohibitive.
Some of the third-party manufacturers we rely on have only recently begun working with us and have limited experience manufacturing our API and final drug products. If our manufacturers have difficulty or suffer delays in successfully manufacturing material that meets our specifications, it may limit supply of our product candidates and could delay our clinical trials.
Even if we are able to establish and maintain arrangements with third-party manufacturers, reliance on third-party manufacturers entails additional risks, including:
| | the failure of the third-party manufacturer to comply with applicable regulatory requirements and reliance on third parties for manufacturing process development, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance; |
| | manufacturing delays if our third-party manufacturers give greater priority to the supply of other products over our product candidates or otherwise do not satisfactorily perform according to the terms of the agreement between us; |
| | limitations on supply availability resulting from capacity and scheduling constraints of third parties; |
| | the failure of the third-party manufacturer to produce materials with acceptable quality on a larger scale; |
| | the possible breach of manufacturing agreements by third parties because of factors beyond our control; |
| | the possible termination or non-renewal of the manufacturing agreements by the third party, at a time that is costly or inconvenient to us; and |
| | the possible misappropriation of our proprietary information, including our trade secrets and know-how. |
If we do not maintain our key manufacturing relationships, we may fail to find replacement manufacturers or develop our own manufacturing capabilities, which could delay or impair our ability to obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates. If we do find replacement manufacturers, we may not be able to enter into agreements with them on terms and conditions favorable to us and there could be a substantial delay before new facilities could be qualified and registered with the FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities.
47
Additionally, if any third-party manufacturer with whom we contract fails to perform its obligations, we may be forced to manufacture the materials ourselves, for which we may not have the capabilities or resources, or enter into an agreement with a different manufacturer. In either scenario, our clinical trials supply could be delayed significantly as we establish alternative supply sources. In some cases, the technical skills required to manufacture our product candidates may be proprietary to the original manufacturer and we may have difficulty, or there may be contractual restrictions prohibiting us from transferring such skills to a back-up or alternate supplier, or we may be unable to transfer such skills at all. In addition, if we are required to change third-party 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. We will also need to verify, such as through a manufacturing comparability study, that any new manufacturing process will produce our product candidate according to the specifications previously submitted to the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities. We may be unsuccessful in demonstrating the comparability of clinical supplies, which could require the conduct of additional clinical trials. The delays associated with the verification of a new third-party manufacturer could negatively affect our ability to develop product candidates or commercialize our products in a timely manner or within budget. Furthermore, a third-party manufacturer may possess technology related to the manufacture of our product candidate that such third party owns independently. This would increase our reliance on such third-party manufacturer or require us to obtain a license from such third-party manufacturer in order to have another third party manufacture our product candidates.
If any of our product candidates is approved by any regulatory agency, we intend to utilize arrangements with third-party contract manufacturers for the commercial production of those products. This process is difficult and time-consuming and we may face competition for access to manufacturing facilities as there are a limited number of contract manufacturers operating under cGMPs that are capable of manufacturing our product candidates. Consequently, we may not be able to reach agreement with third-party manufacturers on satisfactory terms, which could delay our commercialization.
Some of our manufacturers are located outside of the United States. There is currently significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the United States and various other countries with respect to trade policies, treaties, government regulations, and tariffs. Increased tariffs or pending legislation that would impose federal contracting or federal funding limitations on parties directly using or connected to those using the services or equipment of certain foreign entities with known or alleged associations with foreign adversaries could potentially disrupt our existing supply chains and impose additional costs on our business. Additionally, it is possible further tariffs may be imposed that could affect imports of any APIs used in our product candidates in the future, or our business may be adversely impacted by retaliatory trade measures taken by China or other countries, including restricted access to such raw materials used in our product candidates. Given the uncertainty regarding how the U.S. or foreign governments will act with respect to tariffs, international trade agreements, and policies, further governmental action related to tariffs, additional taxes, contracting matters, regulatory changes, or other retaliatory trade measures in the future could occur with a corresponding detrimental impact on our business and financial condition.
Our failure, or the failure of our third-party manufacturers, to comply with applicable regulations could result in sanctions being imposed on us, including clinical holds, fines, injunctions, civil penalties, delays, suspension or withdrawal of approvals, seizures or voluntary recalls of product candidates, operating restrictions, and criminal prosecutions, any of which could significantly affect supplies of our product candidates. The facilities used by our contract manufacturers to manufacture our product candidates must be evaluated by the FDA and are required to register their facilities with the FDA, subjecting them to inspections to assess whether these facilities are in compliance with cGMPs.
We do not control the manufacturing process of, and are completely dependent on, our contract manufacturing partners for compliance with cGMPs and comparable foreign requirements. If our contract manufacturers cannot successfully manufacture material that conforms to our specifications and the strict regulatory requirements of the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities, we may not be able to secure
48
and/or maintain regulatory approval for our product candidates manufactured at these facilities. In addition, we have no control over the ability of our contract manufacturers to maintain adequate quality control, quality assurance, and qualified personnel. If the FDA finds deficiencies or the FDA or a comparable foreign regulatory authority does not approve these facilities for the manufacture of our product candidates or if it withdraws any such approval in the future, we may need to find alternative manufacturing facilities, which would significantly impact our ability to develop, obtain regulatory approval for, or market our product candidates, if approved. Contract manufacturers may face manufacturing or quality control problems causing drug substance production and shipment delays or a situation where the contractor may not be able to maintain compliance with the applicable cGMP and comparable foreign requirements. Any failure to comply with cGMP requirements or other FDA and comparable foreign regulatory requirements could adversely affect our clinical research activities and our ability to develop our product candidates and market our products, if approved.
Contract manufacturers may face manufacturing or quality control problems causing drug substance production and shipment delays or a situation where the contractor may not be able to maintain compliance with the applicable cGMP requirements. Any failure to comply with cGMP requirements or other FDA and other comparable regulatory requirements could adversely affect our clinical research activities and our ability to develop our product candidates and market our products following approval, if obtained.
Furthermore, should we decide to use any APIs in any of our product candidates that are proprietary to one or more third parties, we would need to maintain licenses to those APIs from those third parties. If we are unable to gain or continue to access rights to such APIs prior to conducting preclinical toxicology studies intended to support clinical trials, we may need to develop alternate product candidates from these programs by either accessing or developing alternate APIs, resulting in increased development costs and delays in commercialization of these product candidates. If we are unable to gain or maintain continued access rights to the desired APIs on commercially reasonable terms or develop suitable alternate APIs, we may not be able to commercialize product candidates from these programs.
We may seek to establish collaborations and, if we are not able to establish them on commercially reasonable terms, we may have to alter our development and commercialization plans.
We may in the future opportunistically pursue strategic partnerships or collaborations, as the advancement of our product candidates and development programs and the potential commercialization of our current and future product candidates will require substantial additional cash to fund expenses. If we believe that partnerships or collaborations can accelerate the development or maximize the market potential of our product candidates, we will consider entering into product, target and/or geographic specific strategic partnerships or collaborations on an opportunistic basis. Likely collaborators may include large and mid-size pharmaceutical companies, regional and national pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology companies. In addition, if we are able to obtain regulatory approval for product candidates from foreign regulatory authorities, we may enter into partnerships or collaborations with international biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies for the commercialization of such product candidates.
We face significant competition in seeking appropriate collaborators. Whether we reach a definitive agreement for a partnership or collaboration will depend, among other things, upon our assessment of the collaborator’s resources and expertise, the terms and conditions of the proposed partnerships or collaboration, and the proposed collaborator’s evaluation of a number of factors. Those factors may include the potential differentiation of our product candidate from competing product candidates, design, or results of clinical trials, the likelihood of approval by the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities and the regulatory pathway for any such approval, the potential market for the product candidate, the costs and complexities of manufacturing and delivering the product to patients, and the potential of competing products. The collaborator may also consider alternative product candidates or technologies for similar indications that may be available for partnership or collaboration and whether such a partnership or collaboration could be more attractive than the one with us for our product candidate. If we elect to increase our expenditures to fund development or commercialization activities on our own, we may need to
49
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.
Partnerships and collaborations are each complex and time-consuming to negotiate and document. Further, 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. Any partnership or collaboration agreements that we enter into in the future may contain restrictions on our ability to enter into potential partnerships or collaborations or to otherwise develop specified product candidates. We may not be able to negotiate partnerships or 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 the product candidate for which we are seeking to collaborate, reduce, or delay its development program or one or more of our other development programs, delay its potential commercialization, reduce the scope of any sales or marketing activities, or increase our expenditures and undertake development or commercialization activities at our own expense.
Furthermore, if conflicts arise between our collaborators and us, the other party may act in a manner adverse to us and could limit our ability to implement our strategies. Our collaborators could conduct multiple product development efforts and could develop, either alone or with others, products in related fields that are competitive with the product candidates we may develop that are the subject of these partnerships or collaborations with us.
Competing products may preclude us from entering into partnerships or collaborations with their competitors, fail to obtain timely regulatory approvals, prevent us from obtaining timely regulatory approvals, terminate their agreements with us prematurely or fail to devote sufficient resources to the partnership or collaboration efforts, including development, delivery, manufacturing, and commercialization of products. Any of these developments could harm our company and product development efforts.
If we enter into collaborations with third parties for the development and/or commercialization of our product candidates, our prospects with respect to those product candidates will depend in significant part on the success of those collaborations.
We may enter into collaborations with third parties for the development and/or commercialization of certain of our product candidates. If we enter into such collaborations, we will have limited control over the amount and timing of resources that our collaborators will dedicate to the development or commercialization of our product candidates.
Collaborations involving our product candidates pose a number of risks, including the following:
| | collaborators have significant discretion in determining the efforts and resources that they will apply to these collaborations; |
| | collaborators may not perform their obligations as expected; |
| | collaborators may not pursue development and/or commercialization of our product candidates or may elect not to continue or renew development or commercialization programs, based on clinical trial results, changes in the collaborators’ strategic focus or available funding or external factors, such as an acquisition, which 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; |
| | collaborators could independently develop, or develop with third parties, products that compete directly or indirectly with our product candidates; |
| | a collaborator with marketing and distribution rights to one or more products may not commit sufficient resources to the marketing and distribution of such product or products; |
50
| | disagreements with collaborators, including disagreements over proprietary rights, including trade secrets and intellectual property rights, contract interpretation, or the preferred course of development might cause delays or termination 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 maintain or defend our intellectual property rights or may use our proprietary information in such a way as to invite litigation that could jeopardize or invalidate our intellectual property or proprietary information or expose us to potential litigation; |
| | collaborators may infringe the intellectual property rights of third parties, which may expose us to litigation and potential liability; and |
| | collaborations may be terminated and, if terminated, may result in a need for 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 future collaborator of ours is involved in a business combination, it could decide to delay, diminish, or terminate the development or commercialization of any product candidate licensed to it by us.
If any third-party manufacturer of our product candidates is unable to increase the scale of its production of our product candidates or increase the product yield of its manufacturing, then our manufacturing costs may increase and commercialization may be delayed.
In order to produce sufficient quantities to meet the demand for clinical trials and, if approved, subsequent commercialization of our product candidates, our third-party manufacturers will be required to increase their production and optimize their manufacturing processes while maintaining the quality of our product candidates. The transition to larger scale production could prove difficult. In addition, if our third-party manufacturers are not able to optimize their manufacturing processes to increase the product yield for our product candidates, or if they are unable to produce increased amounts of our product candidates while maintaining the same quality then we may not be able to meet the demands of clinical trials or market demands, which could decrease our ability to generate profits and have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Changes in methods of product candidate manufacturing or formulation may result in additional costs or delay.
As product candidates proceed through preclinical studies to late-stage clinical trials towards potential approval and commercialization, it is common that various aspects of the development program, such as the vendors used to manufacture drug product or 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 materials manufactured using altered processes. Such changes may also require additional testing, FDA notification or FDA approval and similar foreign notifications and approvals. This could delay or prevent completion of clinical trials, require conducting bridging clinical trials, or the repetition of one or more clinical trials, increase clinical trial costs, delay or prevent approval of our product candidates, and jeopardize our ability to commence sales and generate revenue.
Risks Related to Government Regulation
Obtaining and maintaining regulatory approval of our product candidates in one jurisdiction does not mean that we will be successful in obtaining regulatory approval of our product candidates in other jurisdictions.
Obtaining and maintaining regulatory approval of our product candidates in one jurisdiction does not guarantee that we will be able to obtain or maintain regulatory approval in any other jurisdiction, while a failure
51
or delay in obtaining regulatory approval in one jurisdiction may have a negative effect on the regulatory approval process in others. For example, even if the FDA grants marketing approval of a product candidate, the European Commission or comparable foreign regulatory authorities must also approve the manufacturing and marketing of the product candidate in those countries. Approval procedures vary among jurisdictions and can involve requirements and administrative review periods different from, and greater than, those in the United States, including additional preclinical studies or clinical trials, as clinical trials conducted in one jurisdiction may not be accepted by regulatory authorities in other jurisdictions. In many jurisdictions outside the United States, a product candidate must be approved for reimbursement before it can be approved for sale in that jurisdiction. In some cases, the price that we intend to charge for our products is also subject to approval.
We may also submit marketing authorization applications in other countries. Regulatory authorities in jurisdictions outside of the United States have requirements for approval of product candidates with which we must comply prior to marketing in those jurisdictions. Obtaining foreign regulatory approvals and compliance with foreign regulatory requirements could result in significant delays, difficulties and costs for us and could delay or prevent the introduction of our products in certain countries. If we fail to comply with the regulatory requirements in international markets and/or receive applicable marketing approvals, our target market will be reduced and our ability to realize the full market potential of our product candidates will be harmed.
Even if we receive regulatory approval of any product candidates, we will be subject to ongoing regulatory obligations and continued regulatory review, which may result in significant additional expense and we may be subject to penalties if we fail to comply with regulatory requirements or experience unanticipated problems with our product candidates.
If any of our product candidates are approved, they will be subject to ongoing regulatory requirements for manufacturing, labeling, packaging, storage, distribution, AE reporting, advertising, promotion, sampling, import, export, record-keeping, conduct of post-marketing studies, and submission of safety, efficacy, and other post-market information, including both federal and state requirements in the United States and requirements of comparable foreign regulatory authorities. In addition, we will be subject to continued compliance with cGMP (and comparable foreign requirements) and GCP requirements for any clinical trials that we conduct post-approval.
Any regulatory approvals that we receive for our product candidates may be subject to limitations on the approved indicated uses for which the product may be marketed or to the conditions of approval, or contain requirements for potentially costly post-marketing testing, including Phase 4 clinical trials and surveillance to monitor the safety and efficacy of the product candidate. Certain endpoint data we hope to include in any approved product labeling also may not make it into such labeling, including exploratory or secondary endpoint data such as patient-reported outcome measures. The FDA may also require a REMS program as a condition of approval of our product candidates, which could entail requirements for long-term patient follow-up, a medication guide, physician communication plans or additional elements to ensure safe use, such as restricted distribution methods, patient registries, and other risk minimization tools. In addition, if the FDA or other comparable regulatory authority approves our product candidates, we will have to comply with requirements including submissions of safety and other post-marketing information and reports and registration.
The FDA may impose consent decrees or withdraw approval if compliance with regulatory requirements and standards is not maintained or if problems occur after the product reaches the market. Later discovery of previously unknown problems with our product candidates, including AEs of unanticipated severity or frequency, or with our third-party manufacturers or 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 trials 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 our products, withdrawal of the product from the market, or voluntary product recalls; |
52
| | fines, warning letters, or holds on clinical trials; |
| | refusal by the FDA to approve pending applications or supplements to approved applications filed by us or suspension or withdrawal of approvals; |
| | product seizure or detention or refusal to permit the import or export of our product candidates; and |
| | injunctions or the imposition of civil or criminal penalties. |
The occurrence of any event or penalty described above may inhibit our ability to commercialize our product candidates and generate revenue and could require us to expend significant time and resources in response and could generate negative publicity. The policies of the FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities may change and additional government regulations may be enacted that could prevent, limit or delay regulatory approval of our product candidates. We cannot predict the likelihood, nature or extent of government regulation that may arise from future legislation or administrative action, either in the United States or abroad. If we are slow or unable to adapt to changes in existing requirements or the adoption of new requirements or policies, or if we are not able to maintain regulatory compliance, we may lose any marketing approval that we may have obtained and we may not achieve or sustain profitability.
While we may in the future seek designations for our product candidates with the FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities that are intended to confer benefits such as a faster development process, an accelerated regulatory pathway, or regulatory exclusivity, there can be no assurance that we will successfully obtain such designations. In addition, even if one or more of our product candidates are granted such designations, we may not be able to realize the intended benefits of such designations.
The FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities offer certain designations for product candidates that are designed to encourage the research and development of product candidates that are intended to address conditions with significant unmet medical need. These designations may confer benefits such as additional interaction with regulatory authorities, a potentially accelerated regulatory pathway and priority review. However, there can be no assurance that we will successfully obtain such designations for our product candidates. In addition, while such designations could expedite the development or approval process, they generally do not change the standards for approval. Even if we obtain such designations for our product candidates, there can be no assurance that we will realize their intended benefits.
For example, we may seek a Fast Track Designation for future product candidates we develop. If a product is intended for the treatment of a serious or life-threatening condition and preclinical or clinical data demonstrate the potential to address an unmet medical need for this condition, the product sponsor may apply for Fast Track Designation. The FDA has broad discretion whether or not to grant this designation, so even if we believe a particular product candidate is eligible for this designation, we cannot assure you that the FDA would decide to grant it. Even if we do receive Fast Track Designation, we may not experience a faster development process, review, or approval compared to conventional FDA procedures. The FDA may rescind the Fast Track Designation if it believes that the designation is no longer supported by data from our clinical development activities.
We may seek Breakthrough Therapy Designation for any product candidate that we develop. A breakthrough therapy is defined as a drug that is intended, alone or in combination with one or more other drugs, to treat a serious or life-threatening disease or condition, and preliminary clinical evidence indicates that the drug may demonstrate substantial improvement over currently approved therapies on one or more clinically significant endpoints, such as substantial treatment effects observed early in clinical development. For drugs that have been designated as breakthrough therapies, interaction and communication between the FDA and the sponsor of the trial can help to identify the most efficient path for clinical development while minimizing the number of patients placed in ineffective control regimens. Drugs designated as breakthrough therapies by the FDA are also eligible for accelerated approval and priority review.
53
Designation as a breakthrough therapy is within the discretion of the FDA. Accordingly, even if we believe a product candidate we develop meets the criteria for designation as a breakthrough therapy, the FDA may disagree and instead determine not to make such designation. In any event, the receipt of Breakthrough Therapy Designation for a product candidate may not result in a faster development process, review, or approval compared to drugs considered for approval under conventional FDA procedures and does not assure ultimate approval by the FDA. In addition, even if any product candidate we develop qualifies as a breakthrough therapy, the FDA may later decide that the drug no longer meets the conditions for qualification and rescind the designation.
Even in the absence of obtaining Fast Track and/or Breakthrough Therapy Designations, a sponsor can seek priority review at the time of submitting a marketing application. The FDA may designate a product for priority review if it is a product that treats a serious condition and, if approved, would provide a significant improvement in safety or effectiveness when compared with other available therapies. Significant improvement may be illustrated by evidence of increased effectiveness in the treatment of a condition, elimination, or substantial reduction of a treatment-limiting adverse reaction, documented enhancement of patient compliance that may lead to improvement in serious outcomes, or evidence of safety and effectiveness in a new subpopulation. A priority review designation is intended to direct overall attention and resources to the evaluation of such applications, and to shorten the FDA’s goal for taking action on a marketing application from ten months to six months. Priority review designation may be rescinded if a product no longer meets the qualifying criteria.
Where appropriate, we may secure approval from the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities through the use of the accelerated approval pathway. If we are unable to obtain such approval, we may be required to conduct additional preclinical studies or clinical trials beyond those that we contemplate, which could increase the expense of obtaining, and delay the receipt of, necessary marketing approvals. Even if we receive accelerated approval from the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities, if our confirmatory trials do not verify clinical benefit, or if we do not comply with rigorous post-marketing requirements, the FDA or such other comparable regulatory authorities may seek to withdraw any accelerated approval we have obtained.
We may seek an accelerated approval pathway for our one or more of our therapeutic candidates from the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities. Under the accelerated approval provisions in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and the FDA’s implementing regulations, the FDA may grant accelerated approval to a therapeutic candidate designed to treat a serious or life-threatening condition that provides meaningful therapeutic benefit over available therapies upon a determination that the therapeutic candidate has an effect on a surrogate endpoint or intermediate clinical endpoint that is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit. The FDA considers a clinical benefit to be a positive therapeutic effect that is clinically meaningful in the context of a given disease, such as irreversible morbidity or mortality. For the purposes of accelerated approval, a surrogate endpoint is a marker, such as a laboratory measurement, radiographic image, physical sign, or other measure that is thought to predict clinical benefit, but is not itself a measure of clinical benefit. An intermediate clinical endpoint is a clinical endpoint that can be measured earlier than an effect on irreversible morbidity or mortality that is reasonably likely to predict an effect on irreversible morbidity or mortality or other clinical benefit.
The accelerated approval pathway may be used in cases in which the advantage of a new drug over available therapy may not be a direct therapeutic advantage but is a clinically important improvement from a patient and public health perspective. If granted, accelerated approval is usually contingent on the sponsor’s agreement to conduct, in a diligent manner, additional post-approval confirmatory studies to verify and describe the drug’s clinical benefit. Under FDORA, the FDA is permitted to require, as appropriate, that a post-approval confirmatory study or studies be underway prior to approval or within a specified time period after the date of approval for a product granted accelerated approval. FDORA also gives the FDA increased authority to withdraw approval of a drug or biologic granted accelerated approval on an expedited basis if the sponsor fails to conduct such studies in a timely manner, send status updates on such studies to the FDA every 180 days to be publicly posted by the agency, or if such post-approval studies fail to verify the drug’s predicted clinical benefit. The FDA is empowered to take action, such as issuing fines, against companies that fail to conduct with due diligence any post-approval confirmatory study or submit timely reports to the agency on their progress.
54
Prior to seeking accelerated approval, we would seek feedback from the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities and would otherwise evaluate our ability to seek and receive such accelerated approval.
There can be no assurance that after our evaluation of the feedback and other factors we will decide to pursue or submit an NDA for accelerated approval or any other form of expedited development, review, or approval. Similarly, there can be no assurance that after subsequent feedback from the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities, we will continue to pursue or apply for accelerated approval or any other form of expedited development, review, or approval, even if we initially decide to do so. Furthermore, if we decide to submit an application for accelerated approval, there can be no assurance that such application will be accepted or that any approval will be granted on a timely basis, or at all. The FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities could also require us to conduct further studies prior to considering our application or granting approval of any type, including, for example, if other products are approved via the accelerated pathway and subsequently converted by FDA to full approval. A failure to obtain accelerated approval or any other form of expedited development, review, or approval for our therapeutic candidate would result in a longer time period to commercialization of such therapeutic candidate, could increase the cost of development of such therapeutic candidate, and could harm our competitive position in the marketplace.
Certain of our product candidates may be regulated as controlled substances, the making, use, sale, importation, exportation, and distribution of which are subject to significant regulation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and other regulatory agencies.
We do not yet fully understand the potential for GlyphAllo or Glyph2BLSD to be classified as controlled substances, but brexanolone is currently classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, or CSA and although non-hallucinogenic 2-bromo-LSD is not a controlled substance, it is an analogue of LSD, which is a Schedule I controlled substance under the CSA. Accordingly, we may need to conduct studies to assess the abuse potential of GlyphAllo and/or Glyph2BLSD, and pending the outcome of such evaluations, we may be required to provide a proposal for scheduling by the Drug Enforcement Administration, or the DEA, when submitting an NDA, which could cause delays in our development process or commercialization timing.
The DEA regulates controlled substances as Schedule I, II, III, IV, or V substances. Schedule I substances by definition have no established medicinal use and may not be marketed or sold in the United States. A pharmaceutical product may be listed as Schedule II, III, IV, or V, with Schedule II substances considered to present the highest risk of abuse and Schedule V substances the lowest relative risk of abuse among such substances. If any of our product candidates were to become subject to DEA oversight, such product candidates would be subject to additional restrictions regarding their manufacture, shipment, storage, sale, and use, depending on the scheduling of the active ingredients, and may limit the commercial potential of any of our product candidates, if approved.
Various states also independently regulate controlled substances. Though state controlled substances laws often mirror federal law, because the states are separate jurisdictions, they may separately schedule drugs as well. While some states automatically schedule a drug when the DEA does so, in other states there must be rulemaking or a legislative action. State scheduling may delay commercial sale of any controlled substance drug product for which we obtain federal regulatory approval and adverse scheduling could impair the commercial attractiveness of such product. If any of our product candidates is classified as a controlled substance, we or our collaborators would also be required to obtain separate state registrations in order to be able to obtain, handle, and distribute controlled substances for clinical trials or for commercial sale, and failure to meet applicable regulatory requirements could lead to enforcement and sanctions from the states in addition to those from the DEA or otherwise arising under federal law.
For any of our product candidates that may be classified as controlled substances, we and our suppliers, manufacturers, contractors, customers, and distributors are required to obtain and maintain applicable
55
registrations from state, federal, and foreign law enforcement and regulatory agencies and comply with state, federal, and foreign laws and regulations regarding the manufacture, use, sale, importation, exportation and distribution of controlled substances. There is a risk that DEA regulations may limit the supply of the compounds used in clinical trials for our product candidates, and, in the future, the ability to produce and distribute our products in the volume needed to meet commercial demand. Regulations associated with controlled substances govern manufacturing, labeling, packaging, testing, dispensing, production, and procurement quotas, recordkeeping, reporting, handling, storage, shipment and disposal. These regulations increase the personnel needs and the expense associated with development and commercialization of product candidates including controlled substances. The DEA, and some states, conduct periodic inspections of registered establishments that handle controlled substances. Failure to obtain and maintain required registrations or comply with any applicable regulations could delay or preclude us from developing and commercializing our product candidates containing controlled substances and subject us to enforcement action. The DEA may seek civil penalties, refuse to renew necessary registrations, or initiate proceedings to revoke those registrations. In some circumstances, violations could lead to criminal proceedings. Because of their restrictive nature, these regulations could limit commercialization of any of our products or product candidates that are classified as controlled substances.
Our relationships with healthcare providers and physicians and third-party payors subject us to anti-kickback, fraud and abuse and other healthcare laws and regulations, which could increase our compliance costs, and expose us to criminal sanctions, civil penalties, contractual damages, reputational harm and diminished profits, and future earnings.
Our business operations and current and future arrangements with investigators, healthcare professionals, pharmacies, consultants, marketing personnel, third-party payors, patient organizations, and customers expose us to broadly applicable foreign, federal and state fraud and abuse, and other healthcare laws and regulations. These laws include foreign, federal, and state anti-kickback laws, false claims statutes, civil monetary penalties laws, healthcare data privacy, and security laws, and consumer protection and unfair competition laws, as well as transparency laws regarding payments or other items of value provided to healthcare providers, and laws related to price reporting. Healthcare providers, physicians, and third-party payors in the United States and elsewhere play a primary role in the recommendation and prescription of pharmaceutical products. These laws may constrain the business or financial arrangements and relationships through which we conduct our operations, including how we research, market, sell, and distribute any product for which we obtain regulatory approval. For more information on healthcare laws and regulations that may impact our company, see the section titled “Business—Government Regulation—Other Healthcare Laws” included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Efforts to ensure that our current and future business arrangements both internally and with third parties will comply with applicable healthcare and privacy laws and regulations will involve ongoing substantial costs. It is possible that governmental and enforcement authorities will conclude that our business practices may not comply with current or future statutes, regulations, or case law interpreting applicable fraud and abuse or other healthcare laws and regulations. Due to the breadth of these laws, the narrowness of statutory exceptions and regulatory safe harbors available, and the range of interpretations to which they are subject, it is possible that some of our current or future practices or arrangements might be challenged under one or more of these laws.
The scope and enforcement of each of these laws is uncertain and subject to rapid change in the current environment of healthcare reform, especially in light of the lack of applicable precedent and regulations. Federal and state enforcement bodies have recently increased their scrutiny of interactions between healthcare companies and healthcare providers, which has led to a number of investigations, prosecutions, convictions, and settlements in the healthcare industry. Ensuring business arrangements comply with applicable healthcare laws, as well as responding to possible investigations by government authorities, can be time-consuming, resource-intensive, and can divert a company’s attention from the business.
If our business practices or operations are found to be in violation of any of fraud and abuse, or other healthcare laws or governmental laws, regulations, agency guidance, or case law that may apply to us, we may be
56
subject to significant penalties, including administrative, civil, and criminal penalties, damages, fines, disgorgement, the exclusion from participation in federal and state healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, integrity oversight, and reporting obligations, contractual damages, individual imprisonment, reputational harm, diminished profits, and future earnings, and the curtailment or restructuring of our operations, as well as 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. Further, defending against any such actions can be costly and time consuming, and may require significant financial and personnel resources. Therefore, even if we are successful in defending against any such actions that may be brought against us, our business may be impaired. If any of the physicians, or other providers, or entities with whom we expect to do business are found to not be in compliance with applicable laws, they may be subject to criminal, civil, or administrative sanctions, including exclusions from government funded healthcare programs and imprisonment. If any of the above occur, our ability to operate our business and our results of operations could be adversely affected.
The successful commercialization of any of our product candidates, if approved, will depend in part on the extent to which governmental authorities and health insurers establish coverage, adequate reimbursement levels and favorable pricing policies. Coverage and reimbursement may be limited or unavailable in certain market segments for our product candidates, which could make it difficult for us to sell any approved product candidates profitably.
The success of our product candidates, if approved, depends on the availability of coverage and adequate reimbursement from third-party payors including governmental healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, private health insurers and other third-party payors. Patients who are provided medical treatment for their conditions generally rely on third-party payors to reimburse all or part of the costs associated with their treatment. Our ability to achieve coverage and acceptable levels of reimbursement for our product candidates by third-party payors will have an effect on our ability to successfully commercialize those products. We cannot be sure that coverage and reimbursement will be available for, or accurately estimate the potential revenue from, any product that we may develop. For more information on the laws and regulations that may impact coverage and reimbursement of our product candidates, see the section titled “Business—Government Regulation—Coverage and Reimbursement” included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Government authorities and other third-party payors, such as private health insurers and health maintenance organizations, decide which drugs and treatments they will cover and the amount of reimbursement. Coverage and reimbursement by a third-party payor may depend upon a number of factors, including the third-party payor’s 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. |
In the United States, no uniform policy of coverage and reimbursement for products exists among third-party payors. As a result, obtaining coverage and reimbursement approval of a product from a government or other third-party payor is a time-consuming and costly process that could require us to provide to each payor supporting scientific, clinical and cost-effectiveness data for the use of our products, if approved, on a payor-by-payor basis, with no assurance that coverage and adequate reimbursement will be obtained. Furthermore, rules and regulations regarding reimbursement change frequently, and, in some cases, at short notice, and we believe that additional changes in these rules and regulations are likely.
Even if we obtain coverage for a given product, if approved, the resulting reimbursement payment rates might not be adequate for us to achieve or sustain profitability or may require cost-sharing (e.g., co-payments or
57
coinsurance) that patients find unacceptably high. There is significant uncertainty related to insurance coverage and reimbursement of newly approved products. In the United States, the principal decisions about reimbursement for new medicines are typically made by U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS. CMS decides whether and to what extent a new medicine will be covered and reimbursed under Medicare, and private payors tend to follow CMS coverage determinations to a substantial degree. Additionally, third-party payors may not cover or provide adequate reimbursement for a given product or, long-term follow-up evaluations, or other ancillary services required following the use of product candidates, once approved. Some third-party payors may require pre-approval of coverage or implement prior authorization or step therapy programs for new or innovative drug therapies before they will reimburse patients who use such therapies which may be time-consuming or costly for patients and lead to a reduction in revenue. Patients are unlikely to use our product candidates, once approved, unless coverage is provided and reimbursement is adequate to cover a significant portion of their cost. It is difficult to predict at this time what third-party payors will decide with respect to the coverage and reimbursement for our product candidates. Even if favorable coverage and reimbursement status is attained for one or more products for which we receive regulatory approval, less favorable coverage policies and reimbursement rates may be implemented in the future.
Third-party payors increasingly are challenging prices charged for therapeutics products and services, and many third-party payors may refuse to provide coverage and reimbursement for particular drugs when an equivalent generic drug or a less expensive therapy is available. It is possible that a third-party payor may consider our product candidates as substitutable and offer to reimburse patients only for a less expensive competitor product. Even if we are successful in demonstrating improved efficacy or improved convenience of administration with our product candidates, pricing of existing drugs may limit the amount we will be able to charge for our products, if approved. These payors may deny or revoke the reimbursement status of a given product or establish prices for new or existing marketed products at levels that are too low to enable us to realize an appropriate return on our investment in product development. If reimbursement is not available or is available only at limited levels, we may not be able to successfully commercialize our products, if approved, and may not be able to obtain a satisfactory financial return on products that we may develop.
Net prices for drugs may be reduced by mandatory discounts or rebates required by government healthcare programs or private payors and by any future relaxation of laws that presently restrict imports of drugs from countries where they may be sold at lower prices than in the United States. 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. We cannot be sure that reimbursement will be available for any product candidate that we commercialize and, if reimbursement is available, the level of reimbursement. In addition, many pharmaceutical manufacturers must calculate and report certain price reporting metrics to the government, such as average sales price and best price. Penalties may apply in some cases when such metrics are not submitted accurately and timely. Further, these prices for drugs may be reduced by mandatory discounts or rebates required by government healthcare programs. Payment methodologies may be subject to changes in healthcare legislation and regulatory initiatives.
Moreover, increasing efforts by governmental and other third-party payors in the United States and abroad to cap or reduce healthcare costs may cause such organizations to limit both coverage and the level of reimbursement for newly approved products and, as a result, they may not cover or provide adequate payment for our product candidates. If, for example, we participate in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program or other governmental pricing programs, in certain circumstances, our products, if approved, would be subject to ceiling prices set by such programs, which could reduce the revenue we may generate from any such products. Participation in such programs would also expose us to the risk of significant civil monetary penalties, sanctions, and fines should we be found to be in violation of any applicable obligations thereunder. There has been increasing legislative and enforcement interest in the United States with respect to specialty drug pricing practices. Specifically, there have been several recent U.S. Congressional inquiries and proposed and enacted federal and state legislation designed to, among other
58
things, bring more transparency to drug pricing, reduce the cost of prescription drugs under Medicare, review the relationship between pricing and manufacturer patient programs and reform government program reimbursement methodologies for drugs.
We expect that healthcare reform measures that may be adopted in the future may result in more rigorous coverage criteria and in additional downward pressure on the price that we receive for any approved product. The implementation of cost containment measures or other healthcare reforms may prevent us from being able to generate revenue, attain profitability, or commercialize our products, if approved. Legislative and regulatory proposals have been made to expand post-approval requirements and restrict sales and promotional activities for pharmaceutical products. We cannot be sure whether additional legislative changes will be enacted, or whether the FDA regulations, guidance, or interpretations will be changed, or what the impact of such changes on the marketing approvals or clearances of our product candidates, if any, may be.
In addition, in some foreign countries, the proposed pricing for a product must be approved before it may be lawfully marketed. The requirements governing product pricing vary widely from country to country. For example, the EU 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. To obtain reimbursement or pricing approval, some of these countries may require the completion of clinical trials that compare the cost effectiveness of a particular product candidate to currently available therapies. 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. There can be no assurance that any country that has price controls or reimbursement limitations for pharmaceutical products will allow favorable reimbursement and pricing arrangements for any of our product candidates. Historically, products launched in the EU do not follow price structures of the United States and generally prices tend to be significantly lower.
Ongoing healthcare legislative and regulatory reform measures and cost containment initiatives may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations and increase the difficulty and cost for us to obtain coverage for and commercialize any of our current or future product candidates and may adversely affect the prices we may set.
Changes in regulations, statutes, or the interpretation of existing regulations could impact our business in the future by requiring, for example, (1) changes to our manufacturing arrangements, (2) additions or modifications to product labeling, (3) the recall or discontinuation of our products, or (4) additional record-keeping requirements. Current and future legislation and regulations may increase the difficulty and cost for us to commercialize our drugs, if approved, and affect the prices we may obtain, including changes in coverage and reimbursement policies in certain market segments for our product candidates, which could make it difficult for us to sell our product candidates, if approved, profitably. If any such changes were to be imposed, they could adversely affect the operation of our business. See the section titled “Business—Current and Future U.S. Healthcare Reform” included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Among policy makers and payors in the United States and elsewhere, there is significant interest in promoting changes in healthcare systems with the stated goals of containing healthcare costs, improving quality, and/or expanding access. For example, in March 2010, the ACA, was passed, which substantially changed the way healthcare is financed by both the government and private insurers, and continues to significantly impact the U.S. pharmaceutical industry. Since its enactment, certain provisions of the ACA have been subject to judicial, executive, and legislative challenges and may be subject to additional challenges in the future.
In addition, other legislative changes have been proposed and adopted in the United States since the ACA was enacted. These changes included aggregate reductions to Medicare payments to providers, effective April 1, 2013, which, due to subsequent legislative amendments, will stay in effect through 2032 unless additional congressional action is taken. 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
59
limitations period for the government to recover overpayments to providers from three to five years. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was enacted in July 2025, imposes significant reductions in the funding of the Medicaid program. Such reductions are expected to apply significant funding pressure on state Medicaid budgets, decrease the number of persons enrolled in Medicaid, and reduce the services covered by Medicaid, which could adversely affect our sales of any of our product candidates that we commercialize. These laws and regulatory changes may result in additional reductions in Medicare and other healthcare funding, which could have a material adverse effect on prescribers of our product candidates, if approved, and accordingly, our financial operations.
The containment of healthcare costs has become a priority of federal, state, and foreign governments, and the prices of products have been a focus in this effort. There have been a number of federal and state proposals during the last few years regarding the pricing of pharmaceutical products, limiting coverage, and the amount of reimbursement for drugs and other medical products, government control and other changes to the healthcare system in the United States. Governments have shown significant interest in implementing cost-containment programs, including price controls, restrictions on reimbursement, and requirements for substitution of generic products. For example, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 eliminated the Medicaid statutory rebate cap of 100% of average manufacturer price as of January 1, 2024. Elimination of this cap may require pharmaceutical manufacturers to pay more in rebates than it receives on the sale of products, which could have a material impact on our business.
The cost of prescription pharmaceuticals in the United States has also been the subject of considerable discussion in the United States. There have been several Congressional inquiries, as well as legislative and regulatory initiatives and executive orders 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. Most significantly, in August 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, or the IRA, into law. This statute marks the most significant action by Congress with respect to the pharmaceutical industry since adoption of the ACA in 2010. Among other things, the IRA requires manufacturers of certain drugs to engage in price negotiations with Medicare, with prices that can be negotiated subject to a cap; imposes rebates under Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D to penalize price increases that outpace inflation (first due in 2023); redesigns the Medicare Part D benefit (beginning in 2024); and replaces the Part D coverage gap discount program with a new manufacturer discount program (beginning in 2025). CMS has published the negotiated prices for the initial ten drugs, which will first be effective in 2026, and has published the list of the subsequent 15 drugs that will be subject to negotiation. The IRA permits the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, or the HHS, to implement many of these provisions through guidance, as opposed to regulation, for the initial years. HHS has and will continue to issue and update guidance as these programs are implemented, although the Medicare drug price negotiation program is currently subject to legal challenges. The impact of the IRA on us and the pharmaceutical industry cannot yet be fully determined, but is likely to be significant.
The Trump administration is pursuing a two-fold strategy to reduce drug costs in the U.S. While it is unclear whether and how the Trump proposals will be implemented, the Trump policies are likely to have a negative impact on the pharmaceutical industry and on our ability to receive adequate revenues for product candidates, if approved. On the one hand, the Trump administration has threatened to impose significant tariffs on pharmaceutical manufacturers that do not adopt pricing policies such as most favored nation pricing, which would tie the price for drugs in the U.S. to the lowest price in a group of other countries. In response, multiple manufacturers have reportedly entered into confidential pricing agreements with the federal government. On the other hand, the Trump administration is pursuing traditional regulatory pathways to impose drug pricing policies, although proposed regulations have not yet been published. Even regulatory proposals or executive actions that are ultimately deemed unlawful could negatively impact the U.S. pharmaceutical sector and our business. In addition, pharmaceutical pricing and marketing has long been the subject of considerable discussion in Congress and among policymakers. Additional drug pricing proposals could appear in future legislation and it is possible that Congress could enact additional laws that negatively affect the pharmaceutical industry. Adoption of price controls and cost-containment measures, and adoption of more restrictive policies in jurisdictions with existing controls and measures, could further limit our revenue generated from the sale of any approved products.
60
Moreover, payment methodologies may be subject to changes in healthcare legislation and regulatory initiatives. For example, CMS may develop new payment and delivery models, such as bundled payment models. In addition, recently there has been heightened governmental scrutiny over the manner in which manufacturers set prices for their commercial products, which has resulted in several Congressional inquiries and proposed and enacted state and federal 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 pharmaceutical products. Congress has indicated that it will continue to seek new legislative measures to control drug costs.
At the state level, state governments have become increasingly active in developing proposals, passing legislation, and implementing regulations designed to control pharmaceutical and biological product pricing, including price or reimbursement constraints, discounts, formulary flexibility, restrictions on certain product access and marketing cost disclosure, drug price increase reporting, and transparency measures, and, in some cases, designed to encourage importation from other countries and bulk purchasing. Some states have enacted legislation creating so-called prescription drug affordability boards with the goal of imposing price limits on certain drugs in these states, while some states are also seeking to implement general, across the board price caps for pharmaceuticals, or are seeking to regulate drug distribution. These types of initiatives may result in additional reductions in Medicare, Medicaid, and other healthcare funding. Legally mandated price controls on payment amounts by third-party payors or other restrictions could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. In addition, regional healthcare authorities and individual hospitals are increasingly using bidding procedures to determine what pharmaceutical products and which suppliers will be included in their prescription drug and other healthcare programs. These measures could reduce the ultimate demand for any of our current and future product candidates, if approved, or put pressure on our product pricing, which could negatively affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
We expect that these and other state and federal healthcare reform measures may be adopted in the future, any of which may result in additional reductions in Medicare and other healthcare funding, more rigorous coverage criteria, new payment methodologies, impose price controls, and additional downward pressure on the price that we receive for any approved product candidate for which we may obtain regulatory approval, and the frequency with which any such product candidate is prescribed or used. Any reduction in reimbursement from Medicare or other government programs may result in a similar reduction in payments from private payors. The implementation of cost containment measures, changes in healthcare spending and policy, or other healthcare reforms may prevent us from being able to generate revenue, attain profitability, or commercialize our product candidates, and materially affect our business. If additional state and federal healthcare reform measures will be adopted in the future, any of which could limit the amounts that federal and state governments will pay for healthcare products and services, which could result in reduced demand for our product candidates or additional pricing pressures. We cannot predict with certainty what impact any federal or state health reforms will have on us, but such changes could impose new or more stringent regulatory requirements on our activities or result in reduced reimbursement for our products. We operate in a highly regulated industry and new laws, regulations or judicial decisions, or new interpretations of existing laws, regulations, or decisions, related to healthcare availability, the method of delivery, or payment for healthcare products and services could negatively impact our business, operations and financial condition.
The pricing of prescription pharmaceuticals is also subject to governmental control outside the United States. In these countries, pricing negotiations with governmental authorities can take considerable time after the receipt of marketing approval for a product. 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 candidates 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 ability to generate revenues and become profitable could be impaired. For more details concerning the risks related to pricing and reimbursement in the EU, please refer to the discussion in the risk factor.
Similar political, economic, and regulatory developments are occurring in the EU and may affect the ability of pharmaceutical companies to profitably commercialize their products. In addition to continuing pressure on
61
prices and cost containment measures, legislative developments at the EU or member state level may result in significant additional requirements or obstacles that may increase our operating costs. The delivery of healthcare in the EU, including the establishment and operation of health services and the pricing and reimbursement of medicines, is almost exclusively a matter for national, rather than EU, law and policy. National governments and health service providers have different priorities and approaches to the delivery of health care and the pricing and reimbursement of products in that context. In general, however, the healthcare budgetary constraints in most EU member states have resulted in restrictions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines by relevant health service providers. Coupled with ever-increasing EU and national regulatory burdens on those wishing to develop and market products, this could prevent or delay marketing approval of our product candidates, restrict or regulate post-approval activities and affect our ability to commercialize our product candidates, if approved. In markets outside of the United States and EU, reimbursement and healthcare payment systems vary significantly by country, and many countries have instituted price ceilings on specific products and therapies.
On December 13, 2021, Regulation No 2021/2282 on Health Technology Assessment, or HTA, amending Directive 2011/24/EU, was adopted. The Regulation entered into force in January 2022 and has been applicable since January 2025, with phased implementation based on the type of product, i.e. oncology and advanced therapy medicinal products as of 2025, orphan medicinal products as of 2028, and all other medicinal products by 2030. The Regulation intends to boost cooperation among EU member states in assessing health technologies, including new medicinal products, and provide the basis for cooperation at the EU level for joint clinical assessments in these areas. It will permit EU member states to use common HTA tools, methodologies, and procedures across the EU, working together in four main areas, including joint clinical assessment of the innovative health technologies with the highest potential impact for patients, joint scientific consultations whereby developers can seek advice from HTA authorities, identification of emerging health technologies to identify promising technologies early, and continuing voluntary cooperation in other areas. Individual EU member states will continue to be responsible for assessing non-clinical (e.g., economic, social, ethical) aspects of health technology, and making decisions on pricing and reimbursement.
Our business could be affected by litigation, government investigations and enforcement actions.
We currently operate in a number of jurisdictions in a highly regulated industry and we could be subject to litigation, government investigation and enforcement actions on a variety of matters in the United States or foreign jurisdictions, including, without limitation, intellectual property, regulatory, product liability, environmental, whistleblower, false claims, privacy, anti-kickback, anti-bribery, securities, commercial, employment and other claims and legal proceedings that may arise from conducting our business. Any determination that our operations or activities are not in compliance with existing laws or regulations could result in the imposition of fines, civil and criminal penalties, exclusion from participation in government-funded healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, equitable remedies, including disgorgement, injunctive relief and/or other sanctions against us, and remediation of any such findings could have an adverse effect on our business operations.
Legal proceedings, government investigations and enforcement actions can be expensive and time-consuming. An adverse outcome resulting from any such proceedings, investigations, or enforcement actions could result in significant damages awards, fines, penalties, exclusion from the federal healthcare programs, healthcare debarment, injunctive relief, product recalls, integrity oversight and reporting obligations, reputational damage and modifications of our business practices, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Even if such a proceeding, investigation, or enforcement action is ultimately decided in our favor, the investigation and defense thereof could require substantial financial and management resources.
62
Our employees, independent contractors, consultants, and vendors may engage in misconduct or other improper activities, including noncompliance with regulatory standards and requirements.
We are exposed to the risk of employee fraud or other illegal activity by our current and any future employees, independent contractors, consultants, CMOs, and vendors. Misconduct by these parties could include intentional, reckless, and/or negligent conduct that fails to comply with the regulations set forth by the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities, provide true, complete, and accurate information to the FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities, comply with manufacturing standards we may establish, comply with healthcare fraud and abuse laws and regulations, report financial information or data accurately, or disclose unauthorized activities to us. If we obtain FDA approval of any of our product candidates and begin commercializing those products in the United States, our potential exposure under these laws will increase significantly, and our costs associated with compliance with these laws are likely to increase. Employee misconduct could also involve the improper use of information obtained in the course of clinical trials, which could result in regulatory sanctions and serious harm to our reputation. Additionally, we are subject to the risk that a person could allege such fraud or other misconduct, even if none occurred. 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 such laws or regulations. 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 material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects, including, without limitation, the imposition of significant civil, criminal, and administrative penalties, damages, monetary fines, disgorgements, possible exclusion from participation in Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal healthcare programs, imprisonment, contractual damages, reputational harm, diminished profits, and future earnings, additional reporting requirements and oversight if we become subject to a corporate integrity agreement or similar agreement to resolve allegations of non-compliance with these laws, and curtailment of our operations, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.
The FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities actively enforce the laws and regulations prohibiting the promotion of off-label uses.
The FDA strictly regulates marketing, labeling, advertising, and promotion of prescription drugs. These regulations include standards and restrictions for direct-to-consumer advertising, industry-sponsored scientific and educational activities, promotional activities involving the internet and off-label promotion. Any regulatory approval that the FDA grants is limited to those specific diseases and indications for which a product is deemed to be safe and effective by FDA. While physicians in the United States may choose, and are generally permitted, to prescribe drugs for uses that are not described in the product’s labeling and for uses that differ from those tested in clinical trials and approved by the regulatory authorities, we may only promote or market our products in a manner that is consistent with their FDA-approved labeling. Similar requirements may apply in foreign jurisdictions.
If we are found to have promoted such off-label uses, we may become subject to significant liability. The U.S. federal government has levied large civil and criminal fines against companies for alleged improper promotion of off-label use and has enjoined several companies from engaging in off-label promotion. The FDA has also requested that companies enter into consent decrees or permanent injunctions under which specified promotional conduct is changed or curtailed. If we cannot successfully manage the promotion any product candidates, if approved, we could become subject to significant liability, which would materially adversely affect our business and financial condition. In addition, any such off-label use of our product candidates could harm our reputation in the marketplace among physicians and patients. There may also be increased risk of injury to patients if physicians attempt to use our product candidates for these uses for which they are not approved, which could lead to product liability suits that might require significant financial and management resources and that could harm our reputation.
63
Inadequate funding for the FDA or other comparable regulatory authorities or 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 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 or other comparable regulatory authorities or government agencies may also slow the time necessary for new drugs to be reviewed and/or approved by necessary government agencies, which would adversely affect our business. For example, in recent years, the U.S. government has shut down several times and certain regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, have had to furlough critical employees and stop critical activities. In addition, the current U.S. Presidential administration has issued certain policies and Executive Orders directed towards reducing the employee headcount and costs associated with U.S. administrative agencies, including the FDA, and it remains unclear the degree to which these efforts may limit or otherwise adversely affect the FDA’s ability to conduct routine activities.
If a prolonged government shutdown occurs, including as a result of reaching the debt ceiling, 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, 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.
EU drug marketing and reimbursement regulations may materially affect our ability to market and receive coverage for our products in the EU Member States.
We intend to seek approval to market our product candidates in both the United States and potentially in selected foreign jurisdictions. If we obtain approval in one or more foreign jurisdictions for our product candidates, we will be subject to rules and regulations in those jurisdictions. In some foreign countries, particularly those in the European Union, the pricing of products is subject to governmental control and other market regulations which could put pressure on the pricing and usage of our product candidates. In these countries, pricing negotiations with governmental authorities can take considerable time after obtaining marketing approval of a product candidate. In addition, market acceptance and sales of our product candidates will depend significantly on the availability of adequate coverage and reimbursement from third-party payors for our product candidates and may be affected by existing and future healthcare reform measures.
Much like the federal Anti-Kickback Statute prohibition in the United States, the provision of benefits or advantages to physicians to induce or encourage the prescription, recommendation, endorsement, purchase, supply, order or use of medicinal products is also prohibited in the European Union. The provision of benefits or advantages to reward improper performance generally is typically governed by the national anti-bribery laws of EU Member States and the Bribery Act 2010 in the United Kingdom. Infringement of these laws could result in substantial fines and imprisonment. EU Directive 2001/83/EC, which is the EU Directive governing medicinal products for human use, further provides that, where medicinal products are being promoted to persons qualified to prescribe or supply them, no gifts, pecuniary advantages or benefits in kind may be supplied, offered, or promised to such persons unless they are inexpensive and relevant to the practice of medicine or pharmacy. This provision has been transposed into the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 and so remains applicable in the United Kingdom despite its departure from the European Union.
Payments made to physicians in certain EU Member States must be publicly disclosed. Moreover, agreements with physicians often must be the subject of prior notification and approval by the physician’s
64
employer, his or her competent professional organization, and/or the regulatory authorities of the individual EU Member States. These requirements are provided in the national laws, industry codes, or professional codes of conduct, applicable in the EU Member States. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in reputational risk, public reprimands, administrative penalties, fines, or imprisonment.
In addition, in some foreign countries, including some countries in the European Union, the proposed pricing for a product must be approved before it may be lawfully marketed. The requirements governing product pricing and reimbursement vary widely from country to country. For example, some EU Member States have the option 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. Reference pricing used by various EU Member States and parallel distribution, or arbitrage between low-priced and high-priced EU Member States, can further reduce prices. An EU 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. In some countries, we may be required to conduct a clinical trial or other studies that compare the cost-effectiveness of any of our product candidates to other available therapies in order to obtain or maintain reimbursement or pricing approval. There can be no assurance that any country that has price controls or reimbursement limitations for therapeutics products will allow favorable reimbursement and pricing arrangements for any of our products. Historically, products launched in the European Union do not follow price structures of the United States and generally prices tend to be significantly lower. Publication of discounts by third-party payors or authorities may lead to further pressure on the prices or reimbursement levels within the country of publication and other countries. If pricing is set at unsatisfactory levels or if reimbursement of our products is unavailable or limited in scope or amount, our revenues from sales and the potential profitability of any of our product candidates in those countries would be negatively affected.
We are subject to export and import controls, economic sanctions, and anti-corruption laws and regulations of the United States and other jurisdictions. We can face criminal liability and other serious consequences for violations of these laws and regulations, which can harm our business.
We are subject to export control and import laws and regulations, including the U.S. Export Administration Regulations, U.S. Customs regulations, and various economic and trade sanctions regulations administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. Export controls and trade sanctions laws and regulations may restrict or prohibit altogether the provision, sale, or supply of our products to certain governments, persons, entities, countries, and territories, including those that are the target of comprehensive sanctions or an embargo. We are also subject to anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, the U.S. domestic bribery statute contained in 18 U.S.C. § 201, the U.S. Travel Act, and other state and national anti-bribery laws in the countries in which we conduct activities. Anti-corruption laws are interpreted broadly and prohibit companies and their employees, agents, contractors, and other partners from authorizing, promising, offering, or providing, directly or indirectly, improper payments or anything else of value to recipients in the public or private sector. The FCPA also requires public companies to make and keep books and records that accurately and fairly reflect the transactions of the corporation and to devise and maintain an adequate system of internal accounting controls. We can be held liable for the corrupt or other illegal activities of our employees, agents, contractors, and other partners, even if we do not explicitly authorize or have actual knowledge of such activities. Any violation of the laws and regulations described above may result in substantial civil and criminal fines and penalties, imprisonment, the loss of export or import privileges, debarment, tax reassessments, breach of contract and fraud litigation, reputational harm, and other consequences.
If we or any third-party manufacturer we engage now or in the future fail to comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, we could become subject to fines or penalties or incur costs or liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We and third-party manufacturers we engage now are, and any third-party manufacturer we may engage in the future will be, 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
65
and wastes. Our operations involve the use of hazardous and flammable materials, including chemicals and biological materials. 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. In the event of contamination or injury resulting from our use of hazardous materials, we could be held liable for any resulting damages, 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, development, or commercialization efforts. 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.
Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property
Our commercial success depends on our ability to obtain, maintain, enforce, and otherwise protect our intellectual property and proprietary technology, and if the scope of the intellectual property protection obtained is not sufficiently broad, our competitors or other third parties could develop and commercialize products and product candidates similar to ours and our ability to successfully develop and commercialize our product candidates may be adversely affected.
Our commercial success depends, in large part, on our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property rights protection through patents, trademarks, and trade secrets in the United States and other countries with respect to our technology and product candidates. If we do not adequately protect our intellectual property rights, competitors or other third parties may be able to erode, negate or preempt any competitive advantage we may have, which could harm our business and ability to achieve profitability. To protect our proprietary position, we and our licensors have filed patent applications and may file other patent applications in the United States or abroad related to our product candidates that are important to our business. In particular, we are heavily reliant on patent rights we have exclusively in-licensed from Monash University pursuant to the Monash License Agreement. The patent application process is expensive, time-consuming and complex. We may not be able to file, prosecute, maintain, enforce or license all necessary or desirable patent applications at a reasonable cost or in a timely manner.
We or our licensors may not be able to obtain patents on certain inventions if those inventions are publicly disclosed prior to our filing a patent application covering them. We enter into nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements with parties who have access to confidential information, including confidential information regarding inventions not yet disclosed in patent applications. We cannot guarantee that any of these parties will not breach these confidentiality agreements and publicly disclose any of our inventions before a patent application is filed covering such inventions. If such confidential information is publicly disclosed, we may not be able to successfully patent the inventions and consequently, we may not be able to prevent third parties from using such inventions.
66
If the scope of the patent protection we obtain is not sufficiently broad, we may not be able to prevent others from developing and commercializing technology and products similar or identical to ours. The degree of patent protection we require to successfully compete in the marketplace may be unavailable or severely limited in some cases and may not adequately protect our rights or permit us to gain or keep any competitive advantage. We cannot provide any assurances that any of our owned or in-licensed patents have, or that any of our owned or in-licensed pending patent applications that mature into issued patents will include claims with a scope sufficient to protect our product candidates or otherwise provide any competitive advantage. Other parties have developed or may develop technologies that may be related to or competitive with our approach, and may have filed or may file patent applications and may have been issued or may be issued patents with claims that overlap or conflict with our patent portfolio, either by claiming the same compounds, formulations, or methods or by claiming subject matter that could dominate our patent position. In addition, the laws of foreign countries may not protect our rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. Furthermore, patents have a limited lifespan. In the United States, the natural expiration of a patent is generally twenty years after the first non-provisional patent application has been filed. Various extensions may be available; however, the life of a patent, and the protection it affords, is limited. Given the amount of time required for the development, testing, and regulatory review of product candidates, patents protecting such product candidates might expire before or shortly after such product candidates are commercialized. As a result, our patent portfolio may not provide us with adequate and continuing patent protection sufficient to exclude others from commercializing products similar or identical to ours.
Even if they are unchallenged, our owned and in-licensed patents and pending patent applications, if issued, may not provide us with any meaningful protection or prevent competitors from designing around our patent claims to circumvent our patent portfolio by developing similar or alternative product candidates in a non-infringing manner. For example, a third party may develop a product candidate that provides benefits similar to one of our product candidates but falls outside the scope of our owned or in-licensed patent rights. If the patent protection provided by the patent and patent applications we hold or pursue with respect to such product candidate is not sufficiently broad to impede such competition, our ability to successfully commercialize our product candidate could be negatively affected, which would harm our business.
We, or any future partners, collaborators, or licensees, may fail to identify patentable aspects of inventions made in the course of development and commercialization activities before it is too late to obtain patent protection on them. Therefore, we may miss potential opportunities to strengthen our patent position.
It is possible that defects of form in the preparation or filing of our patent portfolio may exist, or may arise in the future, for example with respect to proper priority claims, inventorship, claim scope, or requests for patent term adjustments. If we or our partners, collaborators, or licensees, whether now or in the future, fail to establish, maintain or protect such patents and other intellectual property rights, such rights may be reduced or eliminated. If our partners, collaborators, or licensees are not fully cooperative or disagree with us as to the prosecution, maintenance, or enforcement of any patent rights, such patent rights could be compromised. If there are material defects in the form, preparation, prosecution, or enforcement of our patent portfolio, such patents may be held to be invalid and/or unenforceable, and such applications may never result in valid, enforceable patents. Periodic maintenance fees, renewal fees, annuity fees, and various other government fees on patents and/or applications will be due to be paid to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, or the USPTO, and various government patent agencies outside of the United States over the lifetime of our owned or licensed patents and patent applications. We rely on our outside counsel or our licensing partners to pay these fees due to U.S. and non-U.S. patent agencies. The USPTO and various non-U.S. government patent agencies require compliance with several procedural, documentary, fee payment and other similar provisions during the patent application process. While an inadvertent lapse can, and 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 non-compliance 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-compliant 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. The USPTO and various non-U.S. government agencies
67
require compliance with certain foreign filing requirements during the patent application process. For example, in some countries, including the U.S., China, India and some European countries, a foreign filing license is required before certain patent applications are filed. The foreign filing license requirements vary by country and depend on various factors, including where the inventive activity occurred, citizenship status of the inventors, the residency of the inventors and the invention owner, the place of business for the invention owner and the nature of the subject matter to be disclosed (e.g., items related to national security or national defense). In some, but not all cases, for example in China and India, a foreign filing license cannot be obtained retroactively in accordance with the applicable rules. There are situations, however, in which non-compliance can result in abandonment of a pending patent application or can be grounds for revoking or invalidating an issued patent, resulting in the loss of patent rights in the relevant jurisdiction. In such an event, potential competitors might be able to enter the relevant markets with similar or identical products or technology, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. We may also be dependent on our licensors to take the necessary actions to comply with these requirements with respect to our licensed intellectual property. Any of these outcomes could impair our ability to prevent competition from third parties, which may have an adverse impact on our business.
The patent position of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies carries uncertainty. As a result, the issuance, scope, validity, enforceability and commercial value of our patent rights are characterized by uncertainty.
Pending patent applications cannot be enforced against third parties practicing the technology claimed in such applications unless and until a patent issues from such applications. Assuming the other requirements for patentability are met, currently, the first to file a patent application is generally entitled to the patent. However, prior to March 16, 2013, in the United States, the first to invent was entitled to the patent. Publications of discoveries in the scientific literature often lag behind the actual discoveries, and patent applications in the United States and other jurisdictions are not published until 18 months after filing, or in some cases not at all. Therefore, we cannot be certain that we were the first to make the inventions claimed in our patent portfolio, or that we were the first to file for patent protection of such inventions. If third parties have filed prior patent applications on inventions claimed in our patent portfolio that were filed on or before March 15, 2013, an interference proceeding in the United States can be initiated by such third parties to determine who was the first to invent any of the subject matter covered by our patent portfolio. If third parties have filed such prior applications after March 15, 2013, a derivation proceeding in the United States can be initiated by such third parties to determine whether our invention was derived from theirs.
Moreover, because the issuance of a patent is not conclusive as to its inventorship, scope, validity or enforceability, any patents we may own or license may be challenged in the courts or patent offices in the United States and abroad. There is no assurance that all the potentially relevant prior art relating to our patent portfolio has been published or found. Therefore, we cannot know with certainty whether we were the first to make the inventions claimed in our patent portfolio, or that we were the first to file for patent protection of such inventions. If such prior art exists, it may be used to invalidate a patent, or may prevent a patent from issuing from a pending patent application. For example, such patent filings may be subject to a third-party submission of prior art to the USPTO, or to other patent offices around the world. Alternatively or additionally, we may become involved in post-grant review procedures, oppositions, derivation proceedings, ex parte reexaminations, inter partes review, supplemental examinations, or interference proceedings or challenges before the USPTO or in district court in the United States, or similar proceedings in various foreign jurisdictions, including both national and regional, challenging patents or patent applications in which we have rights, including patents on which we rely to protect our business. An adverse determination in any such challenge may result in loss of the patent or claims in the patent portfolio being narrowed, invalidated or held unenforceable, in whole or in part, or in denial of the patent application or loss or reduction in the scope of one or more claims of the patent portfolio, any of 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.
68
Our or our licensors’ pending and future patent applications may not result in patents being issued that protect our business, in whole or in part, or which effectively prevent others from commercializing competitive products. For example, our or our licensors’ provisional applications may never result in issued patents. A provisional patent application is not eligible to become an issued patent until, among other things, we or our licensors file a non-provisional patent application within 12 months of filing the provisional patent application. If we or our licensors do not timely file non-provisional patent applications, we or our licensors may lose the priority dates with respect to such provisional patent applications and any patent protection on the inventions disclosed in such provisional patent applications. While we intend to timely file non-provisional patent applications relating to our current and future provisional patent applications, we cannot predict whether any of our or our licensors’ non-provisional patent applications directed to our technology and product candidates will result in the issuance of patents that effectively protect our technology and product candidates. Further, competitors may be able to design around our patents. Changes in either the patent laws or interpretation of the patent laws in the United States and other countries also may diminish the value of our patents or narrow the scope of our patent protection. In addition, the laws of foreign countries may not protect our rights to the same extent or in the same manner as the laws of the United States. For example, patent laws in various jurisdictions, including jurisdictions that coincide with significant commercial markets, such as the European Patent Office, China, and Japan, restrict the patentability of methods of treatment of the human body more than United States law does, and India does not permit the patenting of methods of treatment at all. These differences in patent protection may have a material adverse effect on our ability to adequately protect our inventions against unauthorized use by third parties.
The patent application process is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that we or any of our future development partners will be successful in protecting our product candidates by obtaining and defending patents. These risks and uncertainties include the following:
| | the USPTO and various foreign governmental patent agencies require compliance with a number of procedural, documentary, fee payment and other provisions during the patent process. There are situations in which noncompliance, whether intentional or not, can result in abandonment or lapse of a patent or patent application, resulting in partial or complete loss of patent rights in the relevant jurisdiction. In such an event, competitors might be able to enter the market earlier than would otherwise have been the case; |
| | patent applications may not result in any patents being issued, or even if issued may not provide adequate patent coverage to prevent a competitor from developing a competing product or otherwise provide us with any competitive advantage; |
| | company-owned or in-licensed patents that have been issued or may be issued in the future may be challenged, invalidated, modified, revoked, circumvented, found to be unenforceable or otherwise may not provide any competitive advantage; |
| | our competitors, some of which may have substantially greater resources, may seek or may have already obtained patents that will limit, interfere with or eliminate our ability to make, use, and sell our product candidates, if approved; |
| | there may be significant pressure on the U.S. government and international governmental bodies to limit the scope of patent protection both inside and outside the United States for disease treatments that prove successful, as a matter of public policy regarding worldwide health concerns; |
| | countries other than the United States may have patent laws less favorable to patentees than those upheld by U.S. courts, allowing foreign competitors a better opportunity to create, develop and market competing products; |
| | countries other than the U.S. may, under certain circumstances, force us to grant a license under our patents to a competitor, thus allowing the competitor to compete with us in that jurisdiction or forcing us to lower the price of our drug in that jurisdiction; and |
69
| | there could also be delays at the USPTO caused by staffing cuts and other U.S. government actions as a result of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency or other executive actions to reduce the size of the U.S. government. |
Our competitors may also seek approval to market their own products similar to or otherwise competitive with our products. In these circumstances, we may need to defend or assert our patents, or both, including by filing lawsuits alleging patent infringement. In any of these types of proceedings, a court or other agency with jurisdiction may find our patents invalid or unenforceable, or that our competitors do not infringe our patents. Thus, even if we have valid and enforceable patents, these patents still may not provide protection against competing products or processes sufficient to achieve our business objectives.
We maintain certain information as company trade secrets. This information may relate to inventions that are not patentable or not optimally protected with patents. We use commercially acceptable practices to protect this information, including, for example, limiting access to the information and requiring passwords for our computers. Additionally, we execute confidentiality agreements with any third parties to whom we may provide access to the information and with our employees, consultants, scientific advisors, collaborators, vendors, contractors, and advisors. We cannot provide any assurances that all such agreements have been duly executed, and third parties may still obtain this information or may come upon this or similar information independently. It is possible that technology relevant to our business will be independently developed by a person who is not a party to such a confidentiality or invention assignment agreement. If any of our trade secrets were to be independently developed by a competitor or other third party, we would have no right to prevent such competitor or third party, or those to whom they communicate such independently developed information, from using that information to compete with us. We may not be able to prevent the unauthorized disclosure or use of our technical knowledge or trade secrets by contract manufacturers, consultants, collaborators, vendors, advisors, former employees and current employees. Monitoring unauthorized uses and disclosures is difficult and we do not know whether the steps we have taken to protect our proprietary technologies will be effective. Furthermore, if the parties to our confidentiality agreements breach or violate the terms of these agreements, we may not have adequate remedies for any such breach or violation, and we could lose our trade secrets as a consequence of such breaches or violations. Our trade secrets could otherwise become known or be independently discovered by our competitors. Additionally, if the steps taken to maintain our trade secrets are deemed inadequate, we may have insufficient recourse against third parties for misappropriating our trade secrets. If any of these events occurs or if we otherwise lose protection for our trade secrets, our business, financial condition, results of operation and prospects may be materially and adversely harmed.
We are heavily reliant on in-licensed intellectual property, and if we fail to comply with our obligations in the agreements under which we license intellectual property rights from third parties or otherwise experience disruptions to our business relationships with our current and future licensors, we could lose license rights that are important to our business.
We are heavily reliant upon the rights granted to us under the Asset Transfer Agreement and the Monash License Agreement pursuant to which, for the latter, we have been granted an exclusive, royalty-bearing license to certain patent rights that are important or necessary to the development of our proprietary technology and product candidates. Termination of the Asset Transfer Agreement or the Monash License Agreement or reduction or elimination of our licensed rights could lead to the loss of our ability to develop and commercialize our proprietary technology and product candidates.
In the future, we may need to obtain licenses to intellectual property rights necessary to develop and commercialize our product candidates or may need to amend existing or future licenses. If we are unable to obtain or amend such licenses at a reasonable cost or on reasonable terms, we may be unable to develop or commercialize our product candidates, which could harm our business significantly.
As noted above, the Monash License Agreement imposes, and we expect that future license agreements will impose, diligence obligations, milestone and royalty payments, indemnification and other obligations on us. If we
70
fail to comply with our obligations under one or more of these licenses, our licensors, including Monash University, may have the right to terminate the license agreement at issue. If one or more of these licenses is terminated, we may be unable to develop or commercialize our product candidates. Termination of any of our current or future license agreements or reduction or elimination of our licensed rights may require us to negotiate new or reinstated licenses with less favorable terms, even if available at all.
In addition, our license agreements are, and future license agreements are likely to be, 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 the licensed rights, or increase what we believe to be our diligence, development, regulatory, commercialization, financial or other obligations under the relevant agreement. In addition, if disputes over the license agreements or the in-licensed intellectual property prevent or impair our ability to maintain our current license agreements on commercially acceptable terms, we may be unable to successfully develop and commercialize the affected product candidate. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
License agreements we may enter into in the future may be non-exclusive, or may not include all territories or fields of use of interest to us. Accordingly, third parties may also obtain licenses from such licensors to the same intellectual property rights they have licensed to us. As a result, the licenses granted to us may not provide us with exclusive rights to use such patent and other intellectual property rights in all relevant fields of use and in all territories in which we may wish to develop or commercialize our product candidates, which may permit competitors to develop and commercialize a competitive product.
Furthermore, in some cases, we may not have the right to control the preparation, filing and prosecution of patent applications, or to maintain the patents, covering technology that we in-license from third parties. Therefore, we cannot be certain that any in-licensed patent rights will be prosecuted, maintained and enforced in a manner consistent with the best interests of our business. If our future licensors or collaboration partners fail to obtain, maintain or protect any patents or patent applications licensed to us, decide not to pursue litigation against third-party infringers, fail to prosecute infringement, or fail to defend against counterclaims of patent invalidity and unenforceability, our rights to such patents and patent applications may be reduced or eliminated and our right to develop and commercialize any of our product candidates that are the subject of such licensed rights could be adversely affected.
Disputes may arise between us and our current or future licensors regarding intellectual property subject to a license agreement, including:
| | the scope of rights granted under the license agreement and other interpretation-related issues; |
| | our financial or other obligations under the license agreement; |
| | whether and the extent to which our technology and processes infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate intellectual property of the licensor that is not subject to the licensing agreement; |
| | our right to sublicense patents and other rights to third parties; |
| | our diligence obligations under the license agreement and what activities satisfy those diligence obligations; |
| | our right to transfer or assign the license; |
| | the inventorship and ownership of inventions and know-how resulting from the joint creation or use of intellectual property by our current or future licensors and us and our partners; and |
| | the priority of invention of patented technology. |
If disputes over intellectual property that we have licensed, or license in the future, prevent or impair our ability to maintain our current licensing arrangements on acceptable terms, we may be unable to successfully develop and commercialize the affected product candidates.
71
Despite our best efforts, our current or future licensors might conclude that we materially breached our license agreements and might therefore terminate the license agreements, thereby removing our ability to develop and commercialize products, if approved, and technology covered by these license agreements. As a result, we may be required to cease our development and commercialization of our product candidates and use of our proprietary technologies covered by the patent rights owned by the licensors. Furthermore, if the in-licensed patent rights fail to provide the intended exclusivity, competitors will have the freedom to seek regulatory approval of, and to market, products identical to ours. These events could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. For a more complete description of our license agreements, see the section titled “Business—License Agreement.”
We may need to acquire or license additional intellectual property from third parties, and such licenses may not be available or may not be available on commercially reasonable terms.
A third party may hold intellectual property, including patent rights that are important or necessary to the development of our product candidates. It may be necessary for us to use the patented or proprietary technology of one or more third parties to commercialize our current and future product candidates.
The licensing and acquisition of third-party intellectual property rights is a competitive area, and a number of more established companies may pursue strategies to license or acquire third-party intellectual property rights that we may consider attractive. These established companies may have a competitive advantage over us due to their size, cash resources and greater clinical development. If we are unable to acquire such intellectual property outright, or obtain licenses to such intellectual property from such third parties when needed or on commercially reasonable terms, our ability to commercialize our product candidates, if approved, would likely be delayed or we may have to abandon development of that product candidate and our business and financial condition could suffer.
If we in-license product candidates in the future, we might become dependent on proprietary rights from third parties with respect to those product candidates. Any termination of such licenses could result in the loss of significant rights and would cause material adverse harm to our ability to develop and commercialize any product candidates subject to such licenses. Even if we are able to in-license any such necessary intellectual property, it could be on nonexclusive terms, including with respect to the use, field or territory of the licensed intellectual property, thereby giving our competitors and other third parties access to the same intellectual property licensed to us. We also may be unable to license or acquire third party intellectual property rights on terms that would allow us to make an appropriate return on our investment or at all. If we are unable to license such intellectual property, or if we are forced to license such intellectual property on unfavorable terms, our business could be materially harmed. In-licensing IP rights could require us to make substantial licensing and royalty payments. Patents licensed to us could be put at risk of being invalidated or interpreted narrowly in litigation filed by or against our licensors or another licensee or in administrative proceedings. If any in-licensed patents are invalidated or held unenforceable, we may not be able to prevent competitors or other third parties from developing and commercializing competitive products.
In addition, intellectual property rights that we may in-license in the future may be sublicensed 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.
We may not have the right to control the prosecution, maintenance, enforcement or defense of patents and patent applications that we license from third parties, and may not have sufficient ability to provide input into the patent prosecution, maintenance and defense process with respect to such patents. In such cases, we would be
72
reliant on the licensor to take any necessary actions. We cannot be certain that such licensor would act with our best interests in mind, or in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, or that their actions would result in valid and enforceable patents. For example, it is possible that a licensor’s actions in enforcing and/or defending a patent licensed by us may be less vigorous than had we conducted them ourselves. We cannot be certain that such activities by our licensors have been or will be conducted in compliance with applicable laws and regulations or will result in valid and enforceable patents or other intellectual property rights. We cannot be certain that our licensors will allocate sufficient resources or prioritize their or our enforcement of such patents or defense of such claims to protect our interests in the licensed patents. Even if we are not a party to these legal actions, an adverse outcome could harm our business because it might prevent us from continuing to license intellectual property that we may need to operate our business. In addition, even when we have the right to control patent prosecution of licensed patents and patent applications, enforcement of licensed patents or defense of claims asserting the invalidity of those patents, we may still be adversely affected or prejudiced by actions or inactions of our licensors and their counsel that took place prior to or after our assuming control. This could cause us to lose rights in any applicable intellectual property that we in-license, and as a result our ability to develop and commercialize product candidates may be adversely affected and we may be unable to prevent competitors from making, using and selling competing products. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Our present or future licensors may have relied upon or may rely upon third-party consultants or collaborators or on funds from third parties such that our present or future licensors may not be the sole and exclusive owners of the patents we in-license. If other third parties have ownership rights to our present or future in-licensed patents, they may be able to license such patents to our competitors, and our competitors could market competing products and technology. This could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, business, financial conditions, results of operations, and prospects. Furthermore, government agencies may provide, funding or other assistance in connection with the development of the intellectual property rights owned by or licensed to us. In addition, the U.S. federal government retains certain rights in inventions produced with its financial assistance under the Patent and Trademark Law Amendments Act, or 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 itself. If we choose to collaborate with academic institutions to accelerate our preclinical research or development, we cannot be sure that any co-developed intellectual property will be free from government rights pursuant to the Bayh-Dole Act. 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.
The risks described elsewhere pertaining to our intellectual property rights also apply to the intellectual property rights that we may own or in-license now or in the future, and any failure by us or our licensors to obtain, maintain, defend and enforce these rights could have an adverse effect on our business.
It is difficult and costly to protect our intellectual property and our proprietary technologies, and we may not be able to ensure their protection.
Our commercial success will depend in part on obtaining and maintaining patent protection and trade secret protection for our product candidates, as well as on successfully defending these patents against potential third-party challenges. Our ability to protect our product candidates from unauthorized making, using, selling, offering to sell or importing by third parties is dependent on the extent to which we have rights under valid and enforceable patents that cover these activities.
The patent positions of pharmaceutical, biotechnology and other life sciences companies can be highly uncertain and involve complex legal and factual questions for which important legal principles remain
73
unresolved and have in recent years been the subject of much litigation. Changes in either the patent laws or in interpretations of patent laws in the United States and other countries may diminish the value of our intellectual property. Over the past decade, U.S. federal courts have increasingly invalidated pharmaceutical and biotechnology patents during litigation often based on changing interpretations of patent law. Further, the determination that a patent application or patent claim meets all the requirements for patentability is a subjective determination based on the application of law and jurisprudence. The ultimate determination by the USPTO or by a court or other trier of fact in the United States, or corresponding foreign national patent offices or courts, on whether a claim meets all requirements of patentability cannot be assured. Although we have conducted searches for third-party publications, patents and other information that may affect the patentability of claims in our patent portfolio, we cannot be certain that all relevant information has been identified. Accordingly, we cannot predict the breadth of claims that may be allowed or enforced in our own patent portfolio.
We cannot provide assurances that any of our or our licensors’ pending patent applications will be found to be patentable, including over our own prior art publications or patent literature, or will issue as patents. Neither can we make assurances as to the scope of any claims of the issued patents that we own or in-licensed or any claims that may issue from our or our licensors’ pending and future patent applications nor to the outcome of any proceedings by any potential third parties that could challenge the patentability, validity or enforceability of our patent portfolio in the United States or foreign jurisdictions. Any such challenge, if successful, could limit patent protection for our product candidates and/or materially harm our business.
The degree of future protection for our proprietary rights is uncertain because legal means afford only limited protection and may not adequately protect our rights or permit us to gain or keep our competitive advantage. For example:
| | we may not be able to generate sufficient data to support full patent applications that protect the entire breadth of developments in one or more of our programs; |
| | it is possible that one or more of our pending patent applications will not become an issued patent or, if issued, that the patent claims will not have sufficient scope to protect our technology, provide us with commercially viable patent protection or provide us with any competitive advantages; |
| | if our pending applications issue as patents, they may be challenged by third parties as invalid or unenforceable under United States or foreign laws; |
| | we may not successfully commercialize our product candidates, if approved, before our relevant patents expire; |
| | we may not be the first to file patent applications for the inventions covered by our patent portfolio; or |
| | we may not develop additional proprietary technologies that are separately patentable. |
In addition, to the extent that we are unable to obtain and maintain patent protection for our product candidates, or in the event that such patent protection expires, it may no longer be cost-effective to extend our portfolio by pursuing additional development of any of our product candidates for follow-on indications.
Patent terms may be inadequate to protect our competitive position on our products for an adequate amount of time.
Patents have a limited term. In the United States, if all maintenance fees are timely paid, the natural expiration of a patent is generally twenty years from its earliest U.S. non-provisional filing date. The patent term of a U.S. patent may be lengthened by patent term adjustment, which compensates a patentee for administrative delays by the USPTO in granting a patent, or may be shortened if a patent is terminally disclaimed over another patent having an earlier expiration date. Even if patents covering our drug candidates are obtained, once the patent life has expired for a drug candidate, we may be open to competition from competitive medications, including generic versions. Given the amount of time required for the development, testing and regulatory review
74
of new drug candidates, patents directed towards such drug candidates might expire before or shortly after such drug candidates are commercialized. As a result, our owned and licensed patent portfolio may not provide us with sufficient rights to exclude others from commercializing drug candidates similar or identical to ours for a meaningful amount of time, or at all.
Various extensions may be available, but the life of a patent, and the protection it affords, is limited. Given the amount of time required for the development, testing and regulatory review of product candidates, patents protecting such product candidates might expire before or shortly after such product candidates are commercialized.
In the United States, the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984 permits a Patent Term Extension, or PTE, of up to five years beyond the normal expiration of the patent to compensate patent owners for loss of enforceable patent term due to the lengthy regulatory approval process. A PTE grant cannot extend the remaining term of a patent beyond a total of 14 years from the date of the product approval. Further, PTE may only be applied once per product, and only with respect to an approved indication—in other words, only one patent (for example, covering the product itself, an approved use of said product, or a method of manufacturing said product) can be extended by PTE. Moreover, the scope of protection during the period of the PTE does not extend to the full scope of the claim, but instead only to the scope of the product as approved. We anticipate applying for PTE in the United States. Similar extensions may be available in other countries where we are prosecuting patents and we likewise anticipate applying for such extensions.
The granting of such patent term extensions is not guaranteed and is subject to numerous requirements. We might not be granted an extension because of, for example, failure to apply within applicable periods, failure to apply prior to the expiration of relevant patents, failure to exercise due diligence during the testing phase or regulatory review process or any other failure to satisfy any of the numerous applicable requirements. In addition, to the extent we wish to pursue patent term extension based on a patent that we in-license from a third party, we would need the cooperation of that third party. Moreover, the applicable authorities, including the FDA and the USPTO in the United States, and any equivalent regulatory authority in other countries, may not agree with our assessment of whether such extensions are available, and may refuse to grant extensions to our patents, or may grant more limited extensions than we request. If this occurs, our competitors may be able to obtain approval of competing products following our patent expiration by referencing our clinical and preclinical data and launch their product earlier than might otherwise be the case. If this were to occur, it could have a material adverse effect on our ability to generate revenue.
Further, there are detailed rules and requirements regarding the patents that may be submitted to the FDA for listing in the Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations, or the Orange Book. Even if we submit a patent for listing in the Orange Book, the FDA may decline to list the patent, or a manufacturer of generic drugs may challenge the listing. If one of our product candidates is approved and a patent covering that product candidate is not listed in the Orange Book, a manufacturer of generic drugs would not have to provide advance notice to us of any abbreviated new drug application filed with the FDA to obtain permission to sell a generic version of such drug candidate. Where patents are listed, an ANDA or 505(b)(2) applicant seeking approval before patent expiry must submit a Paragraph IV certification; if we sue within 45 days of notice, approval of the ANDA or 505(b)(2) application may be stayed for up to 30 months, though the patent can still be invalidated or found not infringed.
Changes in the interpretation of patent law in the United States and other jurisdictions could diminish the value of patents in general, thereby impairing our ability to protect our products.
As is the case with other biotechnology companies, our success is heavily dependent on intellectual property, particularly patents. Obtaining and enforcing patents in the biotechnology 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
75
costs, and may diminish our ability to protect our inventions, obtain, maintain and enforce our intellectual property rights and, more generally, could affect the value of our intellectual property or narrow the scope of our owned and licensed patents. The U.S. Congress is responsible for passing laws establishing patentability standards. As with any laws, implementation is left to federal agencies and the federal courts based on their interpretations of the laws. Interpretation of patent standards can vary significantly within the USPTO, and across the various federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Recently, the Supreme Court has ruled on several patent cases, generally limiting the types of inventions as well as the scope of inventions that can be patented.
In addition to increasing uncertainty with regard to our ability to obtain patents in the future, the legal landscape in the U.S. has created uncertainty with respect to the value of patents. Depending on any proposed or already implemented actions by U.S. Congress, and future decisions by the lower federal courts and the U.S. Supreme Court, along with interpretations by the USPTO, the laws and regulations governing patents could change in unpredictable ways and could weaken our ability to obtain new patents or to enforce our existing patents and patents that we might obtain in the future as well as the cost associated with the filing, prosecution and maintenance of our or our licensors patent rights.
Patent reform legislation in the United States and other countries could increase those uncertainties and costs. For example, the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act of 2011, or the Leahy-Smith Act, included a number of significant changes to United States patent law, including 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, for example, via post grant review and inter partes review proceedings at the USPTO. Because of a lower evidentiary standard in USPTO proceedings compared to the evidentiary standard in U.S. federal courts necessary to invalidate a patent claim, a third party could potentially provide evidence in a USPTO proceeding sufficient for the USPTO to hold a claim invalid even though the same evidence would be insufficient to invalidate the claim if first presented in a district court action. Accordingly, a third party may attempt to use the USPTO procedures to invalidate our owned or in-licensed patents or any patents we may license in the future that would not have been invalidated if first challenged by the third party as a defendant in a district court action. In addition, the Leahy-Smith Act transformed the United States patent system into a “first to file” system. However, the Leahy-Smith Act and its implementation could make it more difficult to obtain patent protection for our inventions and 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 harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.
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 U.S. Supreme Court has ruled on several patent cases in recent years; these cases often narrow the scope of patent protection available to inventions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. We cannot predict how future decisions by the courts, the U.S. Congress or the USPTO may impact the value of our patents. For example, in 2023, the Federal Circuit issued a decision in In re Cellect, LLC involving the interaction of patent term adjustment, or PTA, terminal disclaimers, and obviousness-type double patenting which may affect the patent term of any issued patents that rely on any PTA. In 2022, the U.S. Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA, which authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, to negotiate prices directly with participating manufacturers for selected medicines covered by Medicare even if these medicines are protected by an existing patent. For small molecule medicines, the process begins seven years after initial approval by the FDA. While we do not believe that the IRA or its effects will impact our ability to obtain patents in the near future, we cannot be certain that it will not affect our patent strategy in the long run.
Further, a new court system recently became operational in the European Union. The Unified Patent Court, or UPC, began accepting patent cases on June 1, 2023. The UPC is a common patent court with jurisdiction over patent infringement and revocation proceedings effective for multiple member states of the European Union. The
76
broad geographic reach of the UPC could enable third parties to seek revocation of any of our European patents in a single proceeding at the UPC rather than through multiple proceedings in each of the individual European Union member states in which the European patent is validated. Under the UPC, a successful revocation proceeding for a European Patent under the UPC would result in loss of patent protection in those European Union countries. Accordingly, a single proceeding under the UPC could result in the partial or complete loss of patent protection in numerous European Union countries. Such a loss of patent protection could have a material adverse impact on our business and our ability to commercialize our technology and product candidates and, resultantly, on our business, financial condition, prospects and results of operations. Moreover, the controlling laws and regulations of the UPC will develop over time and we cannot predict what the outcomes of cases tried before the UPC will be. The case law of the UPC may adversely affect our ability to enforce or defend the validity of our European patents. Patent owners have the option to opt-out their European Patents from the jurisdiction of the UPC, defaulting to pre-UPC enforcement mechanisms. We have not opted out our existing European patents and patent applications but we may in the future decide to opt out certain European patents and patent applications from the UPC. However, if certain formalities and requirements are not met, our European patents could be subject to the jurisdiction of the UPC. We cannot be certain that our European patents will avoid falling under the jurisdiction of the UPC, if we decide to opt out of the UPC.
We may not be able to seek or obtain patent protection throughout the world or enforce such patent protection once obtained.
Filing, prosecuting, enforcing, and defending patents protecting our product candidates in all countries throughout the world would be prohibitively expensive, and our intellectual property rights in some countries outside the United States can be less extensive than those in the United States. The requirements for patentability may differ in certain countries, particularly in developing countries; thus, even in countries where we do pursue patent protection, there can be no assurance that any patents will issue with claims that cover our products. Further, the standards applied by the USPTO and foreign patent offices in granting patents are not always applied uniformly or predictably. As such, we do not know the degree of future protection that we will have on our technologies, products and product candidates.
Moreover, our ability to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights may be adversely affected by unforeseen changes in foreign intellectual property laws. Additionally, laws of some countries outside of the United States and Europe do not afford intellectual property protection to the same extent as the laws of the United States and Europe. Geopolitical actions in the United States and in foreign countries could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution or maintenance of our patent applications or those of any current or future licensors and the maintenance, enforcement or defense of our issued patents or those of any current or future licensors. Many companies have encountered significant problems in protecting, enforcing and defending intellectual property rights in certain foreign jurisdictions, such as China and Russia. For example, further to the United States and foreign government actions related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin issued Decree 299 stating that Russian companies and individuals can use patented inventions without the owner’s permission or compensation, if the patent is held by owners from “unfriendly countries,” which include the United States. As a result, we would not be able to enforce our otherwise valid patent rights against an infringer in Russia. These and other restrictions could make it difficult for us to stop the infringement of our patents or the misappropriation of our other intellectual property rights in such countries.
Furthermore, some foreign countries have compulsory licensing laws under which a patent owner must grant licenses to third parties. Consequently, we may not be able to prevent third parties from practicing our inventions in certain countries outside the United States and Europe or from selling or importing products made from our inventions in and into the United States or other jurisdictions. Competitors may use our technologies in jurisdictions where we have not obtained patent protection to develop and market their own products and, further, may export otherwise infringing products to territories where we have patent protection, if our ability to enforce our patents to stop infringing activities is inadequate. These products may compete with our products, and our patents or other intellectual property rights may not be effective or sufficient to prevent them from competing.
77
Proceedings to enforce our patent rights, whether successful or not, could result in substantial costs and divert our efforts and resources from other aspects of our business. Further, such proceedings could put our patents at risk of being invalidated, held unenforceable or interpreted narrowly; put our pending patent applications at risk of not issuing; and provoke third parties to assert claims against us. We may not prevail in any lawsuits that we initiate, and the damages or other remedies awarded, if any, may not be commercially meaningful.
Furthermore, while we intend to protect our intellectual property rights in major markets for our products, we cannot ensure that we will be able to initiate or maintain similar efforts in all jurisdictions in which we may wish to market our products, if approved. Accordingly, our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights in such countries may be inadequate. In addition, we may decide to abandon national and regional patent applications before they are granted. The examination of each national or regional patent application is an independent proceeding. As a result, patent applications in the same family may issue as patents in some jurisdictions, such as in the U.S., but may issue as patents with claims of different scope or may even be refused in other jurisdictions.
In order to protect our competitive position around our product candidates, we may become involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce our patents or other intellectual property, which could be expensive, time consuming and unsuccessful and which may result in our patents being found invalid or unenforceable.
Competitors may infringe our patents, trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual property. To counter infringement or unauthorized use, we may be required to file infringement claims, which can be expensive and time consuming and divert the time and attention of our management and scientific personnel. 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 using the invention at issue. There is also a risk that, even if the validity of such patents is upheld, the court will construe the patent’s claims narrowly or decide that we do not have the right to stop the other party from using 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 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. We may find it impractical or undesirable to enforce our intellectual property against some third parties.
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. Moreover, 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. 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.
Some of our competitors are larger than we are and have substantially greater resources. They are, therefore, likely to be able to sustain the costs of complex patent litigation or proceedings more effectively than we can because of their greater financial resources and more mature and developed intellectual property portfolios. Accordingly, despite our efforts, we may not be able to prevent third parties from infringing, misappropriating or
78
otherwise violating our intellectual property. Even if resolved in our favor, litigation or other legal proceedings relating to intellectual property claims could result in substantial costs and diversion of management resources, which could harm our business. In addition, the uncertainties associated with litigation could compromise our ability to raise the funds necessary to continue our clinical trials, continue our internal research programs, or in-license needed technology.
If we are sued for infringing intellectual property rights of third parties, such litigation could be costly and time consuming and could prevent or delay us from developing or commercializing current and future product candidates.
Our commercial success depends, in part, on our ability to develop, manufacture, and market our current as well as any future product candidates, without infringing the intellectual property and other proprietary rights of third parties. The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries are characterized by extensive and complex litigation regarding patents and other intellectual property rights. As the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries expand and more patents are issued, the risk increases that our product candidates may give rise to claims of infringement of the patent rights of others. If any third-party patents or patent applications are found to cover our current or any future product candidates or their methods of use, or other aspects of our current or future product candidates, we may not be free to manufacture or market such product candidates as planned without obtaining a license, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, or we may incur significant legal fees or damages. We may in the future become party to, or be threatened with, adversarial proceedings or litigation regarding intellectual property rights with respect to our current and any future product candidates and technology, including interference proceedings, post grant review and inter partes review before the USPTO. Third parties may assert infringement claims against us based on existing patents or patents that may be granted in the future, regardless of their merit. Moreover, in recent years, individuals and groups that are non-practicing entities, commonly referred to as “patent trolls,” have acquired patents and other intellectual property assets for the purpose of making claims of infringement in order to extract settlements. From time to time, we may receive threatening letters, notices or “invitations to license,” or may be the subject of claims that our products and business operations infringe or violate the intellectual property rights of others. If a patent infringement suit were threatened or brought against us, we could be forced to stop or delay research, development, manufacturing or sales of the product or product candidate that is the subject of the actual or threatened suit.
In spite of our efforts to avoid obstacles and disruptions arising from third-party intellectual property, it is impossible to establish with certainty that our programs directed to our current and any future product candidates will be free of claims by third-party intellectual property holders. 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. Even with modern databases and on-line search engines, literature searches are imperfect and may fail to identify relevant patents and published applications. Even when a third-party patent is identified, we may conclude upon a thorough analysis, that we do not infringe the patent or that the patent is invalid. The scope of a patent claim is determined by an interpretation of the law, the written disclosure in a patent and the patent’s 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-party’s pending application will issue with claims of relevant scope. Our failure to identify and correctly interpret relevant patents may negatively impact our ability to develop and market our products. If the third-party patent owner disagrees with our conclusion and we continue with the business activity in question, patent litigation may be initiated against us. Alternatively, we might decide to initiate litigation in an attempt to have a court declare the third-party patent invalid or non-infringed by our activity. In either scenario, patent litigation typically is costly and time-consuming, and the outcome is uncertain. The outcome of patent litigation is subject to uncertainties that cannot be quantified in advance, for example, the
79
credibility of expert witnesses who may disagree on technical interpretation of scientific data. Ultimately, in the case of an adverse outcome in litigation, we could be prevented from commercializing a product or using certain aspects of our technology platform as a result of patent infringement claims asserted against us. This could have a material adverse effect on our business.
There is a substantial amount of intellectual property litigation in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, and we may become party to, or threatened with, litigation or other adversarial proceedings regarding intellectual property rights with respect to our current or future product candidates, including interference proceedings before the USPTO. Third parties may assert infringement claims against us based on existing or future intellectual property rights. The outcome of intellectual property litigation is subject to uncertainties that cannot be adequately quantified in advance. 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 cover various types of products or methods of use. The coverage of patents is subject to interpretation by the courts, and the interpretation is not always uniform. If we were sued for patent infringement, we would need to demonstrate that any current or future product candidates, products, methods, processes, modeling or similar work 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 is difficult. For example, in the United States, proving invalidity requires a showing of clear and convincing evidence to overcome the presumption of validity enjoyed by issued patents.
If we are found to infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate a third party’s intellectual property rights, we could be forced, including by court order, to cease developing, manufacturing or commercializing the infringing product candidate or product or cease some of our business operations, which could harm our business. 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; alternatively or additionally it could include terms that impede or destroy our ability to compete successfully in the commercial marketplace. 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. We may be required to indemnify collaborators or contractors against such claims. A finding of infringement could prevent us from commercializing any future 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.
Our involvement in litigation, and in, e.g., any interference, derivation, reexamination, inter partes review, opposition or post-grant proceedings or other intellectual property proceedings in the United States, or other jurisdictions, may divert management time from focusing on business operations, could cause us to spend significant amounts of money and may have no guarantee of success. Any current and potential intellectual property litigation also could force us to do one or more of the following:
| | stop selling, manufacturing or using our products in the United States or other jurisdictions that use the intellectual property at issue; |
| | obtain from a third party asserting its intellectual property rights, a license to sell or use the relevant technology, which license may not be available on reasonable terms, or at all, or may be non-exclusive thereby giving our competitors access to the same technologies licensed to us; |
| | redesign those products or processes that use any allegedly infringing or misappropriated technology, which may result in significant cost or delay to us, or which redesign could be technically infeasible; or |
| | pay damages, including the possibility of treble damages in a patent case if a court finds us to have willfully infringed certain intellectual property rights. |
80
Others may challenge inventorship or claim an ownership interest in our intellectual property which could expose it to litigation and have a significant adverse effect on its prospects.
We may be subject to claims that former employees, collaborators or other third parties have an interest in our patents or other intellectual property as an inventor or co-inventor. The failure to name the proper inventors on a patent application can result in the patents issuing thereon being unenforceable. Inventorship disputes may arise from conflicting views regarding the contributions of different individuals named as inventors or the effects of foreign laws where foreign nationals are involved in the development of the subject matter of the patent. Furthermore, ownership disputes may arise from alleged contributions of third parties involved in developing our product candidates and may result in joint ownership of our inventions. Litigation may be necessary to resolve these and other claims challenging inventorship and/or ownership. Any disagreement over inventorship could result in our being forced to defend our determination of inventorship in a legal action which could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to our senior management and scientific personnel. Alternatively, or additionally, we may enter into agreements to clarify the scope of our rights in such intellectual property. If we 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. Such an outcome could have a material adverse effect on our business. Even if we are successful in defending against such claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management and other employees.
While we typically require employees, consultants and contractors who may develop intellectual property on our behalf to execute agreements assigning such intellectual property to us, we may be unsuccessful in obtaining execution of assignment agreements with each party who in fact develops intellectual property that we regard as our own. Moreover, even when we obtain agreements assigning intellectual property to us, the assignment of intellectual property rights may not be self-executing or the assignment agreements may be breached. In either case, we may be forced to bring claims against third parties, or defend claims that they may bring against us, to determine the ownership of what we regard as our intellectual property. Furthermore, individuals executing agreements with us may have preexisting or competing obligations to a third party, such as an academic institution, and thus an agreement with us may be ineffective in perfecting ownership of inventions developed by that individual. If we are unsuccessful in obtaining assignment agreements from an employee, consultant or contractor who develops intellectual property on our behalf, the employee, consultant or contractor may later claim ownership of the invention. Any disagreement over ownership of intellectual property could result in our losing ownership, or exclusive ownership, of the contested intellectual property, paying monetary damages and/or being enjoined from clinical testing, manufacturing and marketing of the affected product candidate(s). Even if we are successful in prosecuting or defending against such claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to our senior management and scientific personnel.
Any intellectual property litigation could lead to unfavorable publicity that could harm our reputation and cause the market price of our common stock to decline.
During the course of any patent litigation, there could be public announcements of the results of hearings, rulings on motions, and other interim proceedings in the litigation. If securities analysts or investors regard these announcements as negative, the perceived value of our products, programs, or intellectual property could be diminished. In such event, the market price of our common stock may decline.
We may be subject to claims that our employees or we have misappropriated intellectual property from a competitor or third parties or claiming ownership of what we regard as our own intellectual property.
Many of our current and former employees and our licensors’ current and former employees, including our senior management, were previously employed at other pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies, including some which may be competitors or potential competitors. Although we take commercially reasonable steps to ensure that our employees do not use the proprietary information, know-how or trade secrets of others in their work for us, including incorporating such intellectual property into our product candidates, we may be subject to claims that we or these employees have misappropriated the intellectual property of a third party.
81
If we or any of our employees are accused of misappropriating the proprietary information, know-how or trade secrets of a third party, we may be forced to defend such claims in litigation. If we are found to have misappropriated the intellectual property rights of a third party, we may be forced to pay monetary damages, sustain reputational damage, lose key personnel, or lose valuable intellectual property rights. Further, it may become necessary for us to obtain a license from such third party to commercialize any of our product candidates. Such a license may not be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Any of the aforementioned could materially affect the commercialization of any of our product candidates. Even if we are successful in defending against such claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management.
If we are unable to protect the confidentiality of our trade secrets, the value of our technology could be materially adversely affected and our business would be harmed.
Along with patent protection, we also rely on trade secret protection for our proprietary information that is not amenable to, or that we do not consider appropriate for, patent protection, including, for example, certain aspects of our manufacturing processes. We seek to protect these trade secrets, in part, by entering into non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements with parties who have access to them, such as our employees, consultants, independent contractors, CROs, advisors, contract manufacturers, suppliers and other third parties. We also enter into confidentiality and invention or patent assignment agreements with employees and certain consultants.
Trade secrets and confidential know-how are difficult to maintain as confidential. Although we use reasonable efforts to protect our trade secrets, any party with whom we have executed a confidentiality agreement may breach that agreement and disclose our proprietary information, including our trade secrets.
Enforcing a claim that a party illegally disclosed or misappropriated a trade secret is difficult, expensive and time-consuming, and the outcome is unpredictable. Accordingly, we may not be able to obtain adequate remedies for such breaches, despite any legal action that we might take against persons making such unauthorized disclosures. In addition, courts outside the United States sometimes are less willing than United States courts to protect trade secrets. As a result, we may encounter significant problems in protecting and defending our intellectual property both in the U.S. and abroad.
If any of our trade secrets were to be lawfully obtained or independently developed by a competitor, we would have no right to prevent such third party, or those to whom they communicate such technology or information, 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, our business and competitive position could be harmed. For example, we may choose not to file a patent application for certain inventions, instead choosing to rely on trade secret protection, and a third party may subsequently file a patent application covering such intellectual property. Although certain defenses maybe available to us, those defenses may not be available to a commercial partner or acquiror.
Those with whom we collaborate on research and development related to current and future product candidates may have rights to publish data and other information to which we have rights. In addition, we sometimes engage individuals or entities to conduct research relevant to our business. The ability of these individuals or entities to publish or otherwise publicly disclose data and other information generated during the course of their research is subject to certain contractual limitations. These contractual provisions may be insufficient or inadequate to protect our confidential information. If we do not apply for patent protection prior to such publication, or if we cannot otherwise maintain the confidentiality of our proprietary technology and other confidential information, then our ability to obtain patent protection or to protect our trade secret information may be jeopardized. We may also need to share our trade secrets and proprietary know-how with current or future partners, collaborators, contractors and others located in countries at heightened risk of theft of trade secrets, including through direct intrusion by private parties or foreign actors, and those affiliated with or controlled by state actors.
82
If our trademarks and trade names are not adequately protected, then we may not be able to build name recognition in our trademarks of interest and our business may be adversely affected.
Our current or future trademarks or trade names may be challenged, infringed, circumvented or declared generic or determined to be infringing on other marks. As a means to enforce our trademark rights and prevent infringement, we may be required to file trademark claims against third parties or initiate trademark opposition proceedings. This can be expensive and time-consuming, particularly for a company of our size. We may not be able to protect our rights to our trademarks and trade names or may be forced to stop using these names, which we need for name recognition by potential partners or customers in our markets of interest. At times, competitors may adopt trade names or trademarks similar to ours, thereby impeding our ability to build brand identity and possibly leading to market confusion. In addition, there could be potential trade name or trademark infringement claims brought by owners of other registered trademarks or trademarks that incorporate variations of our registered or unregistered trademarks or trade names. Over the long term, if we are unable to establish name recognition based on our trademarks and trade names, then we may not be able to compete effectively, and our business may be adversely affected. 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. Moreover, 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. Similar requirements exist in Europe. The FDA typically conducts a review of proposed product names, including an evaluation of potential for confusion with other product names. If the FDA (or an equivalent administrative body in a foreign jurisdiction) 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, not infringe the existing rights of third parties and be acceptable to the FDA. Furthermore, in many countries, owning and maintaining a trademark registration may not provide an adequate defense against a subsequent infringement claim asserted by the owner of a senior trademark. 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.
Any collaboration arrangements that we may enter into in the future may not be successful, which could adversely affect our ability to develop and commercialize our products.
Any future collaborations that we enter into may not be successful. The success of our collaboration arrangements will depend heavily on the efforts and activities of our collaborators. Collaborations are subject to numerous risks, which may include that:
| | collaborators could independently develop, or develop with third parties, products that compete directly or indirectly with our product candidates; |
| | collaborators may not pursue development and commercialization of our product candidates or may elect not to continue or renew development or commercialization programs based on trial or test results, changes in their strategic focus due to the acquisition of competitive products, availability of funding, or other external factors, such as a business combination that diverts resources or creates competing priorities; |
| | disputes may arise between us and a collaborator that causes the delay or termination of the research, development or commercialization of our current or future products or that results in costly litigation or arbitration that diverts management attention and resources; |
| | collaborators have significant discretion in determining the efforts and resources that they will apply to collaborations; |
83
| | a collaborator with marketing, manufacturing and distribution rights to one or more products may not commit sufficient resources to or otherwise not perform satisfactorily in carrying out these activities; |
| | we could grant exclusive rights to our collaborators that would prevent us from collaborating with others; |
| | collaborators may use our intellectual property or proprietary information in a way that gives rise to actual or threatened litigation that could jeopardize or invalidate our intellectual property or proprietary information or expose us to potential liability or business risk; |
| | collaborations may be terminated, and, if terminated, may result in a need for additional capital to pursue further development or commercialization of the applicable current or future product or products; |
| | collaborators may own or co-own intellectual property covering our product candidates that results from our collaborating with them, and in such cases, we would not have the exclusive right to develop or commercialize such intellectual property; and a collaborator’s sales and marketing activities or other operations may not be in compliance with applicable laws resulting in civil or criminal proceedings. |
Risks Related to this Offering and Ownership of Our Common Stock
There has been no prior public market for our common stock, and an active trading market may not develop or be sustained.
There has been no public market for our common stock prior to this offering. Although we have applied to list our common stock on The Nasdaq Global Select Market, an active or liquid market in our common stock may not develop upon closing of this offering or, if it does develop, it may not be sustainable. The initial public offering price for our common stock was determined through negotiations among the underwriters and us and may vary from the market price of our common stock following this offering. This price will not necessarily reflect the price at which investors in the market will be willing to buy and sell our shares following this offering. The lack of an active market may impair the value of your shares, your ability to sell your shares at the time you wish to sell them and the prices that you may obtain for your shares. An inactive market may also impair our ability to raise capital by selling our common stock and our ability to acquire other companies, products, or technologies by using our common stock as consideration.
The trading price of our common stock may be volatile, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
The trading price of our common stock following this offering is likely to be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control, including limited trading volume. In addition to the factors discussed in this section and elsewhere in this prospectus, these factors include:
| | the commencement, enrollment, completion, or results of our current or future preclinical and clinical trials for our product candidates; |
| | any delay in identifying and advancing a clinical candidate for our other programs; |
| | any delay in our regulatory filings for our product candidates and any adverse development or perceived adverse development with respect to the applicable regulatory authority’s review of such filings, including without limitation the FDA’s issuance of a “refusal to file” letter or a request for additional information; |
| | adverse results or delays, suspensions, or terminations in future preclinical studies or clinical trials; |
| | our decision to initiate a clinical trial, not to initiate a clinical trial or to terminate an existing clinical trial; |
84
| | adverse regulatory decisions, including failure to receive regulatory approval of our product candidates, or the failure of a regulatory authority to accept data from preclinical studies or clinical trials conducted in other countries; |
| | changes in laws or regulations applicable to our product candidates, including but not limited to clinical trial requirements for approvals; |
| | adverse developments concerning our manufacturers; |
| | changes in the structure of the healthcare payment systems; |
| | our inability to obtain adequate product supply for any approved product or inability to do so at acceptable prices; |
| | our inability to establish strategic partnerships or collaborations, if needed; |
| | our failure to commercialize our product candidates, if approved; |
| | additions or departures of key scientific or management personnel; |
| | unanticipated serious safety concerns related to any of our current or future product candidates; |
| | introduction of new products or services offered by us or our competitors; |
| | announcements of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, or capital commitments by us or our competitors; |
| | our ability to effectively manage our growth; |
| | actual or anticipated variations in quarterly operating results; |
| | our cash position; |
| | our failure to meet the estimates and projections of the investment community or that we may otherwise provide to the public; |
| | publication of research reports about us or our industry, or product candidates in particular, or positive or negative recommendations or withdrawal of research coverage by securities analysts; |
| | changes in the market valuations of similar companies; |
| | overall performance of the equity markets; |
| | sales of our common stock by us or our stockholders in the future; |
| | trading volume of our common stock; |
| | changes in accounting practices; |
| | ineffectiveness of our internal controls; |
| | disputes or other developments relating to proprietary rights, including patents, litigation matters, and our ability to obtain patent protection for our technologies; |
| | significant lawsuits, including patent or stockholder litigation; |
| | general political and economic conditions; and |
| | other events or factors, many of which are beyond our control. |
In addition, the stock market in general, and the market for therapeutics companies in particular, have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of these companies. Broad market and industry factors may negatively affect the market price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. If the market price of our common
85
stock after this offering does not exceed the initial public offering price, you may not realize any return on your investment in us and may lose some or all of your investment. In the past, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities. This type of litigation, if instituted, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources.
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.
Our quarterly and annual operating results may fluctuate significantly, due to a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control and may be difficult to predict, including:
| | the timing and cost of, and level of investment in, research, development and, if approved, commercialization activities relating to our current and future product candidates, which may change from time to time; |
| | the timing and status of enrollment for clinical trials; |
| | the cost of manufacturing our product candidates, as well as building out our supply chain, which may vary depending on the quantity of production and the terms of our agreements with manufacturers; |
| | expenditures that we may incur to acquire, develop, or commercialize additional product candidates and technologies; |
| | timing and amount of any milestone, royalty, or other payments due under any collaboration or license agreement, including the Asset Transfer Agreement and/or the Monash License Agreement; |
| | future accounting pronouncements or changes in our accounting policies; |
| | the timing and success or failure of preclinical studies and 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; |
| | the timing of receipt of approvals for our product candidates from regulatory authorities in the United States and internationally; |
| | exchange rate fluctuations; |
| | coverage and reimbursement policies with respect to our product candidates, if approved, and potential future drugs that compete with our products; and |
| | the level of demand for our product candidates, if approved, which may vary significantly over time. |
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. Investors should not rely on our past results as an indication of our future performance.
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 future revenue or operating results fall below the expectations of analysts or investors or below any forecasts we may provide to the market, or if any 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 revenue or earnings guidance we may provide.
86
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 securities or industry analysts commence coverage of our company, the trading price for our common stock would likely be negatively impacted. In the event securities or industry analysts initiate coverage, if one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our stock or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price may decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of our company or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our stock could decrease, which might cause our stock price and trading volume to decline.
Our executive officers, directors, principal stockholders, and their respective affiliates own a significant percentage of our stock and will be able to exert significant control over matters subject to stockholder approval.
Based on the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of April 1, 2026, prior to this offering, our executive officers, directors, holders of 5% or more of our capital stock and their respective affiliates beneficially owned approximately 92.8% of our voting stock and, upon the completion of this offering, that same group will hold approximately % of our outstanding voting stock (assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares, no exercise of outstanding options and no purchases of shares in this offering by any of this group), in each case assuming the conversion of all outstanding shares of our convertible preferred stock into shares of our common stock. In particular, PureTech will own approximately % of our common stock following this offering and will be our largest stockholder following this offering. As a result, PureTech along with stockholders who own more than 5% or more of our capital stock, if acting together, will continue to have significant influence over the outcome of corporate actions requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors, amendment of our organizational documents, any merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of our assets and any other significant corporate transaction. The interests of these stockholders may not be the same as or may even conflict with your interests. For example, these stockholders could delay or prevent a change of control of our company, even if such a change of control would benefit our other stockholders, which could deprive our stockholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their common stock as part of a sale of our company or our assets and might affect the prevailing market price of our common stock. The significant concentration of stock ownership may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock due to investors’ perception that conflicts of interest may exist or arise.
Future sales of our common stock in the public market could cause our stock price to fall.
Our stock price could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares of common stock after this offering or the perception that these sales could occur. These sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, might also make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate.
Upon the completion of this offering, shares of common stock will be outstanding (or shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares from us in full), based on the number of shares outstanding as of , 2026.
All shares of common stock expected to be sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, unless held by our “affiliates” as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. The resale of the remaining shares, or % of our outstanding shares of common stock following this offering, is currently prohibited or otherwise restricted, subject to certain limited exceptions, as a result of securities law provisions, market standoff agreements entered into by certain of our stockholders with us or lock-up agreements entered into by our
87
stockholders with the underwriters in connection with this offering. However, subject to applicable securities law restrictions, these shares will be able to be sold in the public market beginning on the 181st day after the date of this prospectus. Shares issued upon the exercise of stock options outstanding under our equity incentive plans or pursuant to future awards granted under those plans will become available for sale in the public market to the extent permitted by the provisions of applicable vesting schedules, market stand-off agreements and/or lock-up agreements, as well as Rules 144 and 701 under the Securities Act. For more information, see the section titled “Shares Eligible for Future Sale” included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Upon the completion of this offering, the holders of approximately shares, or % of our outstanding shares following this offering, of our common stock will have rights, subject to some conditions, to require us to file registration statements covering the sale of their shares or to include their shares in registration statements that we may file for ourselves or our other stockholders. We also intend to register the offer and sale of all shares of common stock that we may issue under our equity compensation plans. Once we register the offer and sale of shares for the holders of registration rights and shares that may be issued under our equity incentive plans, these shares will be able to be sold in the public market upon issuance, subject to the lock-up agreements described under the section titled “Underwriting” included elsewhere in this prospectus.
In addition, in the future, we may issue additional shares of common stock, or other equity or debt securities convertible into common stock, in connection with a financing, acquisition, employee arrangement, or otherwise. Any such issuance could result in substantial dilution to our existing stockholders and could cause the price of our common stock to decline.
We will have broad discretion in how we use the proceeds of this offering and may not use these proceeds effectively, which could affect our results of operations and cause our stock price to decline.
We will have considerable discretion in the application of the net proceeds of this offering and, including for any of the purposes described in the section titled “Use of Proceeds,” and you will not have the opportunity as part of your investment decision to assess whether the net proceeds are being used appropriately. As a result, investors will be relying upon management’s judgment with only limited information about our specific intentions for the use of the net proceeds of this offering. We may use the net proceeds for purposes that do not yield a significant return or any return at all for our stockholders. In addition, pending their use, we may invest the net proceeds from this offering in a manner that does not produce income or that loses value.
If you purchase shares of our common stock in our initial public offering, you will experience substantial and immediate dilution.
The assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, is substantially higher than the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our outstanding common stock immediately following the completion of this offering. If you purchase shares of common stock in this offering, you will experience substantial and immediate dilution in the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of $ per share as of December 31, 2025. That is because the price that you pay will be substantially greater than the pro forma as adjusted 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 if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in this offering, when those holding stock options exercise their right to purchase common stock under our equity incentive plans, upon the vesting of outstanding restricted stock awards or when we otherwise issue additional shares of common stock. For more information, see the section titled “Dilution” included elsewhere in this prospectus.
88
Participation in this offering by our existing stockholders and/or their affiliated entities will reduce the public float for our common stock.
To the extent our existing stockholders who are our affiliates or their affiliated entities participate in this offering, such purchases would reduce the non-affiliate public float of our common stock after this offering, which is the number of shares of common stock that are not held by our officers, directors, and affiliated stockholders. As a result, the number of freely tradeable shares of our common stock following this offering will be reduced relative to what it would have been had these shares been sold to investors that were not existing stockholders, affiliates, or purchasers. This could adversely impact the liquidity of our common stock and depress the price at which you may be able to sell shares of common stock purchased in this offering.
Our issuance of additional capital stock in connection with financings, acquisitions, investments, our stock incentive plans or otherwise will dilute all other stockholders.
We expect to issue additional capital stock in the future and to grant equity awards to employees, directors, and consultants under our stock incentive plans. We may also raise capital through equity financings in the future. Additionally, as part of our business strategy, we may acquire or make investments in complementary companies, products, or technologies and issue equity securities to pay for any such acquisition or investment. Any such issuances of additional capital stock may cause stockholders to experience significant dilution of their ownership interests and the per share value of our common stock to decline.
We do not currently intend to pay dividends on our common stock and, consequently, our stockholders’ ability to achieve a return on their investment will depend on appreciation of the value of our common stock.
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock. 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. We do not intend to declare or pay any cash dividends on our capital stock in the foreseeable future. In addition, any future debt agreements may preclude us from paying dividends. As a result, any investment return on our common stock will depend upon increases in the value for our common stock, which is not certain. For more information on our dividend policy, see the section titled “Dividend Policy” included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Provisions in our corporate charter documents and under Delaware law could make an acquisition of our company, which may be beneficial to our stockholders, more difficult and may prevent attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current directors and members of management.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which will become effective immediately prior to the completion of this offering, and our amended and restated bylaws, which will become effective upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, will contain provisions that may discourage, delay, or prevent a merger, acquisition or other change in control of our company that stockholders may consider favorable, including transactions in which our stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares. These provisions could also limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock, thereby depressing the market price of our common stock. In addition, because our board of directors is responsible for appointing the members of our management team, these provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of our board of directors. Among other things, these provisions:
| | establish a classified board of directors such that only one of three classes of directors is elected each year; |
| | allow the authorized number of our directors to be changed only by resolution of our board of directors; |
| | limit the manner in which stockholders can remove directors from our board of directors; |
89
| | establish advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals that can be acted on at stockholder meetings and nominations to our board of directors; |
| | require that stockholder actions must be effected at a duly called stockholder meeting and prohibit actions by our stockholders by written consent; |
| | limit who may call stockholder meetings; |
| | authorize our board of directors to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval, which could be used to institute a “poison pill” that would work to dilute the stock ownership of a potential hostile acquirer, effectively preventing acquisitions that have not been approved by our board of directors; and |
| | require the approval of not less than two-thirds of the votes that all our stockholders would be entitled to cast to amend or repeal specified provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws. |
Moreover, because we are incorporated in Delaware, we are governed by the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or the DGCL, which prohibits a person who owns in excess of 15% of our outstanding voting stock from merging or combining with us for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person acquired in excess of 15% of our outstanding voting stock, unless the merger or combination is approved in a prescribed manner.
Our amended and restated bylaws that will become effective upon the effectiveness of this registration statement designate certain courts as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by 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 bylaws that will become effective upon effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part provide that, unless we consent in writing to an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for any state law claims for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of, or a claim based on, fiduciary duty owed by any of our current or former directors, officers, and employees to us or our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws (including the interpretation, validity or enforceability thereof) or (iv) any action asserting a claim that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine, or the Delaware Forum Provision. The Delaware Forum Provision will not apply to any causes of action arising under the Securities Act or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. Our amended and restated bylaws further provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States shall be the sole and exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause or causes of action arising under the Securities Act, or the Federal Forum Provision. In addition, our amended and restated bylaws provide that any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our common stock is deemed to have notice of and consented to the foregoing provisions; provided, however, that stockholders cannot and will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
The Delaware Forum Provision and the Federal Forum Provision in our amended and restated bylaws may impose additional litigation costs on stockholders in pursuing any such claims. Additionally, the forum selection clauses in our amended and restated bylaws may limit our stockholders’ ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that they 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 even though an action, if successful, might benefit our stockholders. In addition, Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. While the Delaware Supreme Court and other state courts have upheld the validity of federal forum selection provisions purporting to require claims under the Securities Act be brought in federal
90
court, there is uncertainty as to whether other courts will enforce our Federal Forum Provision. If the Federal Forum Provision is found to be unenforceable, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters. The Federal Forum Provision may also impose additional litigation costs on stockholders who assert that the provision is not enforceable or invalid. The Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and the federal district courts of the United States may also reach different judgments or results than would other courts, including courts where a stockholder considering an action may be located or would otherwise choose to bring the action, and such judgments may be more or less favorable to us than our stockholders.
We may not be able to satisfy listing requirements of The Nasdaq Stock Market, or Nasdaq, or obtain or maintain a listing of our common stock on Nasdaq.
If our common stock is listed on Nasdaq, we must meet certain financial and liquidity criteria to maintain such listing. If we violate Nasdaq’s listing requirements, our common stock may be delisted. If we fail to meet any of Nasdaq’s listing standards, our common stock may be delisted. In addition, our board of directors may determine that the cost of maintaining our listing on a national securities exchange outweighs the benefits of such listing. A delisting of our common stock from Nasdaq may materially impair our stockholders’ ability to buy and sell our common stock and could have an adverse effect on the market price of, and the efficiency of the trading market for, our common stock. The delisting of our common stock could significantly impair our ability to raise capital and the value of your investment.
The structure of our common stock may limit your ability to influence corporate matters and may limit your visibility with respect to certain transactions.
The structure of our common stock may also limit your ability to influence corporate matters. Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share, while holders of our non-voting common stock are not entitled to any votes. We do not currently have any shares of non-voting common stock outstanding. Nonetheless, we may issue non-voting common stock in the future and each outstanding share of our non-voting common stock may be converted at any time into one share of our common stock at the option of its holder by providing written notice to us, subject to the limitations provided for in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to become effective upon the completion of this offering. See “Description of Capital Stock—Voting Common Stock and Non-Voting Common Stock.”
Other General Risks
Unfavorable global economic conditions could adversely affect our business, financial condition, stock price, and results of operations.
The global credit and financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and disruptions (including as a result of actual or perceived changes in interest rates, inflation, and macroeconomic uncertainties), which has included severely diminished liquidity and credit availability, declines in consumer confidence, declines in economic growth, high inflation, uncertainty about economic stability, global supply chain disruptions, and increases in unemployment rates. The financial markets and the global economy may also be adversely affected by the current or anticipated impact of military conflict, including the recent military action in Iran and effects thereof, the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and between Russia and Ukraine, terrorism, political unrest, or other geopolitical events. Sanctions imposed by the United States and other countries in response to such conflicts may also continue to adversely impact the financial markets and the global economy, and any economic countermeasures by the affected countries or others could exacerbate market and economic instability. There can be no assurance that further deterioration in credit and financial markets and confidence in economic conditions will not occur. A severe or prolonged economic downturn could result in a variety of risks to our business, including a decrease in the demand for our drug candidates and in our ability to raise additional capital when needed on acceptable terms, if at all. For example, there has been proposed U.S. legislation that may have the effect of restricting the ability of U.S. biopharmaceutical companies to purchase services or products from, or
91
otherwise collaborate with, certain Chinese biotechnology companies that the government name as “companies of concern” without losing the ability to contract with, or otherwise receive funding from, the U.S. government. We continue to assess the legislation as it develops to determine whether it could have an effect on our contractual relationships. Furthermore, any disruptions to our supply chain as a result of unfavorable global economic conditions, including due to geopolitical conflicts, political unrest, tariff, and other trade-related cost pressures or public health crises, could negatively impact the timely execution of our ongoing and future clinical trials. In addition, inflationary trends in the global economy may impact salaries and wages, costs of goods and transportation expenses, among other things, and recent events of political unrest and/or potential future disruptions in access to bank deposits or lending commitments due to bank failures may create market and economic instability. We cannot anticipate all of the ways in which the foregoing, and the current economic climate and financial market conditions generally, could adversely impact our business.
We, or the third parties upon whom we depend, may be adversely affected by natural disasters, public health crises, or other business interruptions and our business continuity and disaster recovery plans may not adequately protect us from a serious disaster.
Natural disasters or public health crises could severely disrupt our operations and the operations of our suppliers, CROs, and clinical sites, which would have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. If a natural disaster, power outage, public health crisis, or other event occurred that prevented us from conducting our clinical trials, releasing clinical trial results, or delaying our ability to obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates, it may be difficult or, in certain cases, impossible for us to continue our business for a substantial period of time.
We are eligible to be treated as an “emerging growth company” and a “smaller reporting company” and our election of reduced reporting requirements applicable to emerging growth companies and smaller reporting companies may make our common stock less attractive to investors.
We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act. For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including:
| | being permitted to provide only two years of audited financial statements in addition to any required unaudited interim financial statements and a correspondingly reduced “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” disclosure in this prospectus; |
| | not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements in the assessment of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; |
| | reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation; |
| | exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved; and |
| | exemptions from compliance with the requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the communication of critical audit matters in the auditor’s report on the financial statements. |
In this prospectus, we have not included all of the executive compensation-related information that would be required if we were not an emerging growth company.
We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years following the completion of this offering, although circumstances could cause us to lose that status earlier, including if we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer,” which occurs when the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, or if we
92
have total annual gross revenue of $1.235 billion or more during any fiscal year before that time, in which cases we would no longer be an emerging growth company as of the last day of our fiscal year, or if we issue more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during any three-year period before that time, in which case we would no longer be an emerging growth company immediately. For so long as we remain an emerging growth company, we are permitted and intend to rely on exemptions from certain disclosure requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies.
In addition, the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can also take advantage of an extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. We have elected to avail ourselves of this exemption from new or revised accounting standards, and therefore we may not be subject to the same requirements to adopt new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies.
We are also a “smaller reporting company” as defined in the Exchange Act. We may continue to be a smaller reporting company even after we are no longer an emerging growth company. We may take advantage of certain of the scaled disclosures available to smaller reporting companies and will be able to take advantage of these scaled disclosures for so long as our common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $250.0 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter, or our annual revenue is less than $100.0 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and our common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $700.0 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we may 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 will incur significant increased costs as a result of operating as a public company, and our management will be required to devote substantial time to new compliance initiatives and corporate governance practices.
As a public company, we will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. We will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, which will require, among other things, that we file with the SEC annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to our business and financial condition. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as well as rules subsequently adopted by the SEC and The Nasdaq Global Select Market to implement provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, impose significant requirements on public companies, including requiring establishment and maintenance of effective disclosure and financial reporting controls and changes in corporate governance practices. Further, in July 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or the Dodd-Frank Act, was enacted. There are significant corporate governance and executive compensation related provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act that require the SEC to adopt additional rules and regulations in these areas such as “say on pay” and proxy access. Recent legislation permits emerging growth companies to implement many of these requirements over a longer period and up to five years from the pricing of this offering. Stockholder activism, the current political environment and the current high level of government intervention and regulatory reform may lead to substantial new regulations and disclosure obligations, which may lead to additional compliance costs and impact the manner in which we operate our business in ways we cannot currently anticipate.
We expect the rules and regulations applicable to public companies to substantially increase our legal and financial compliance costs and to make some activities more time-consuming and costly. If these requirements divert the attention of our management and personnel from other business concerns, they could have an adverse effect on our business. The increased costs will decrease our net income or increase our net loss, and may require us to reduce costs in other areas of our business or increase the prices of our products or services. For example, we expect these rules and regulations to make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance and we may be required to incur substantial costs to maintain the same or similar coverage. We cannot predict or estimate the amount or timing of additional costs we may incur to respond to
93
these requirements. The impact of these requirements could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board of directors, our board committees or as executive officers.
If we fail to establish and maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud. As a result, stockholders could lose confidence in our financial and other public reporting, which would harm our business and the trading price of our common stock.
Ensuring that we have adequate internal financial and accounting controls and procedures in place so that we can produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis is a costly and time-consuming effort that needs to be reevaluated frequently. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In connection with this offering, we began the process of documenting, reviewing, and improving our internal controls and procedures for compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which will require annual management assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Under current rules, we will be subject to these requirements beginning with our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ending 2026. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. In addition, any testing by us conducted in connection with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or any subsequent testing by our independent registered public accounting firm, may reveal deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses or that may require prospective or retroactive changes to our financial statements or identify other areas for further attention or improvement. Internal control deficiencies could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our stock.
We will be required to disclose changes made in our internal controls and procedures on a quarterly basis and our management will be required to assess the effectiveness of these controls annually. However, for as long as we are an emerging growth company or a non-accelerated filer, our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years following completion of this initial public offering. An independent assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting could detect problems that our management’s assessment might not. Undetected material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting could lead to restatements of our financial statements and require us to incur the expense of remediation.
Our disclosure controls and procedures may not prevent or detect all errors or acts of fraud.
Upon the completion of this offering, we will become subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. We must design our disclosure controls and procedures to reasonably assure that information we must disclose in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, and recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. We believe that any disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well-conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. For example, our directors or executive officers could inadvertently fail to disclose a new relationship or arrangement causing us to fail to make a required related party transaction disclosure. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people or by an unauthorized override of the controls. Accordingly, because of the inherent limitations in our control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
94
Adverse developments affecting the financial services industry could adversely affect our current and projected business operations and our financial condition and results of operations.
We maintain the majority of our cash, cash equivalents, and investments in accounts with major U.S. and multi-national financial institutions, and our cash equivalents are invested in U.S. government money market funds and our investments are invested in U.S. Treasury obligations. Our deposits at certain of these institutions exceed insured limits, unless subject to a “sweep.” Market conditions and changes in financial regulations and policies can impact the viability of these institutions. Adverse developments that affect financial institutions, such as events involving liquidity that are rumored or actual, have in the past and may in the future lead to market-wide liquidity problems. For example, on March 10, 2023, Silicon Valley Bank was closed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, which appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as receiver. Although we assess our banking relationships as we believe necessary or appropriate, our access to funding sources and other credit arrangements in amounts adequate to finance or capitalize our current and projected future business operations could be significantly impaired by factors that us, the financial institutions with which we may have future credit agreements or arrangements directly, or the financial services industry or economy in general. These factors could include, among others, events such as liquidity constraints or failures, the ability to perform obligations under various types of financial, credit, or liquidity agreements or arrangements, disruptions or instability in the financial services industry or financial markets, or concerns or negative expectations about the prospects for companies in the financial services industry. Any inability to access or delay in accessing these funds could adversely affect our business and financial position. In addition, changes in regulations governing financial institutions are beyond our control and difficult to predict; consequently, the impact of such changes on our business and results of operations is difficult to predict and may have an adverse effect on us.
Our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes may be limited.
As of December 31, 2025, we had approximately $53.4 million of federal net operating losses, or NOLs. Federal NOLs generated in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, may be carried forward indefinitely, but the deductibility of such federal NOL carryforwards in a taxable year is limited to 80% of our taxable income in such year. As of December 31, 2025, we had approximately $53.7 million of state NOLs. As of December 31, 2025, we had approximately $2.9 million of federal research and development tax credit carryforwards. Federal tax credit carryforwards expire at various dates beginning in 2044. As of December 31, 2025, we had approximately $1.0 million of state research and development tax credit carryforwards. The state tax credits carryforwards expire at various dates beginning in 2039.
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 “5 percent shareholders” over a three-year period, the corporation’s ability to use its pre-change NOLs and other pre-change tax attributes (such as research and development tax credits) to offset its post-change income or taxes may be limited. A corporation that experiences an ownership change will generally be subject to an annual limitation on the use of its pre-ownership change NOLs equal to the value of the corporation immediately before the ownership change, multiplied by the long-term tax-exempt rate (subject to certain adjustments). We may have experienced ownership changes in the past and may experience ownership changes as a result of this offering and/or subsequent shifts in our stock ownership (some of which are outside our control). There is also a risk that due to regulatory changes, such as suspensions on the use of NOLs by federal or state taxing authorities or other unforeseen reasons, portions of our existing NOLs could expire or otherwise be unavailable to reduce future income tax liabilities. As a result, our ability to use our pre-change NOLs and tax credits to offset future taxable income, if any, or taxes could be subject to limitations. Similar provisions of state tax law may also apply. As a result, even if we attain profitability, we may be unable to use a material portion of our NOLs and tax credits.
95
Changes in tax law could adversely affect our business and financial condition.
U.S. federal, state, local, and foreign tax laws, regulations and administrative guidance are subject to change as a result of the legislative process and review and interpretation by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Treasury Department and other taxing authorities. Changes to tax laws (which changes may have retroactive application), including with respect to net operating losses and research and development tax credits, could adversely affect us or holders of our common stock. For example, on July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law. Key tax provisions included the restoration of 100% bonus depreciation for certain qualified property, immediate expensing for domestic research and experimental expenditures and the ability to make elective adjustments for prior years, changes to the Section 163(j) interest limitations and updates to net CFC tested income (formerly GILTI) and FDII rules. In recent years, many other such changes have been made and changes are likely to continue to occur in the future. Future changes in tax laws could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow. We urge investors to consult with their legal and tax advisers regarding the implications of potential changes in tax laws on an investment in our common stock.
Our information technology systems and infrastructure, or those of our collaborators and service providers, or our data, may be subject to cyberattacks, security breaches, compromises or other incidents, which could impact the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our operational system and result in additional costs, loss of revenue, significant liabilities, harm to our brand, material disruption of our development programs and operations, or other adverse consequences.
In the ordinary course of our business, we and the third parties upon which we rely, process sensitive data, and, as a result, we and the third parties upon which we rely face a variety of evolving threats that could cause cyber-attacks, security breaches, compromises, or other incidents that impact the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our operational systems. Although we, and the third parties upon which we rely, take steps to develop and maintain systems and controls designed to protect our sensitive data, systems, and infrastructure, there can be no assurance that our internal technology systems, and infrastructure, or those of third parties upon which we rely, will be sufficient to protect against a cyber-attack, security breach, compromise, or other incident such as an industrial espionage attack, ransomware, or insider threat attack, which may compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our system infrastructure, or those of third parties upon which we rely, or lead to the loss, destruction, alteration, or dissemination of, or damage to, our sensitive data. Such threats are prevalent and continue to rise, are increasingly difficult to detect, and come from a variety of sources, including traditional computer “hackers,” threat actors, “hacktivists,” organized criminal threat actors, personnel (such as through theft or misuse), sophisticated nation states, and nation-state-supported actors.
The risk of a cyber-attack, security breach, compromise, or other adverse impact to our and our third-party service provider’s information technology systems and sensitive data has generally increased as the number, intensity, and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world have increased. Such risks come from a variety of evolving threats, including but not limited to, social-engineering attacks (including through deep fakes, which may be increasingly more difficult to identify as fake, and phishing attacks), malicious code (such as viruses and worms), malware (including as a result of advanced persistent threat intrusions), denial-of-service attacks, credential stuffing, credential harvesting, personnel misconduct or error, ransomware attacks, supply-chain attacks, software bugs, server malfunctions, software or hardware errors (including vulnerabilities in commercial software that is integrated into our information technology systems and those of third parties upon which we rely), failures, loss of data or other information technology assets, adware, attacks enhanced or facilitated by AI, telecommunications failures, earthquakes, fires, floods, and other similar threats.
Individuals engage in and are expected to continue to engage in cyber-attacks, including without limitation nation-state actors for geopolitical reasons and in conjunction with military conflicts and defense activities. During times of war and other major conflicts, we and the third parties upon which we rely, may be vulnerable to a heightened risk of cyber-attacks, including retaliatory cyber-attacks, that could materially disrupt our systems and operations, supply chain, and ability to produce, sell, and distribute our products and services.
96
We also face increased risks of a cyber-attack, security breach, compromise, or adverse impact to our and our third-party service provider’s information technology systems and sensitive data incident due to our reliance on internet technology and the number of our employees who work on a hybrid basis at home, in the office, or other public spaces. This may create additional opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities. Additionally, business transactions (such as acquisitions or integrations) could expose us to additional cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities, as our systems could be negatively affected by vulnerabilities present in acquired or integrated entities’ systems and technologies that were not found during due diligence of such acquired or integrated entities.
In addition, our reliance on third-party service providers could introduce new cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities, including supply-chain attacks. We rely on third-party service providers and technologies to operate critical business systems to process sensitive data in a variety of contexts and our ability to monitor these third parties’ information security practices is limited. These third parties may not have adequate information security measures in place and if our third-party service providers experience a cyber-attack, security breach, compromise or incident, or other interruption, we could experience adverse consequences. While we may be entitled to damages if our third-party service providers fail to satisfy their privacy or security-related obligations to us, any award may be insufficient to cover our damages, or we may be unable to recover such award.
We may be unable to detect vulnerabilities in our information technology systems and infrastructure on a timely basis or until after a cyber-attack, security breach, compromise, or other incident has occurred. Further, we may experience delays in developing and deploying remedial measures designed to adequately address any such identified vulnerabilities. In addition, we may be unable to comprehensively apply patches or confirm that measures are in place to mitigate all such vulnerabilities, or that patches will be applied before vulnerabilities are exploited by a threat actor. If attackers are able to exploit critical vulnerabilities before patches are installed or mitigating measures are implemented, significant compromises could impact our and our customers’ systems and data. Any integration of artificial intelligence in our or any third party’s operations, products, or services is expected to pose new or unknown cybersecurity risks and challenges.
There can also be no assurance that our cybersecurity risk management program and processes, including our policies, controls, or procedures, will be fully implemented, complied with, or effective in protecting our information technology systems (and those of third parties upon which we rely) and sensitive data. We and certain of our third-party service providers regularly experience cyberattacks and other incidents, and we expect such attacks and incidents to continue in varying degrees. While to date no incidents have had a material impact on our operations or financial results, we cannot guarantee that material incidents will not occur in the future. We may in the future experience additional threats, compromises, breaches, or incidents. If we, or a third party upon whom we rely, experience a cyber-attack, security breach, compromise, or other adverse impact to the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our system infrastructure, or those of third parties upon which we rely, or sensitive data, or are perceived to have experienced a cyber-attack, security breach, compromise, or other adverse impact to our and our third-party service provider’s information technology systems and sensitive data, we may experience adverse consequences, such as government enforcement actions (e.g., investigations, fines, penalties, audits, and inspections); additional reporting requirements and/or oversight; restrictions on processing sensitive data (including personal data); litigation (including individual and class action claims); indemnification obligations; negative publicity; reputational harm; monetary fund diversions; interruptions in our operations (including availability of data); significant incident response, system restoration, or remediation and future compliance costs; financial loss; and other potentially significant harms. Our contracts may not contain limitations of liability, and even where they do, there can be no assurance that limitations of liability in our contracts are sufficient to protect us from liabilities, damages, or claims related to our privacy and data security obligations. Additionally, we cannot guarantee that any costs and liabilities incurred in relation to an attack or incident will be covered by our existing insurance policies or that applicable insurance will be available to us in the future on economically reasonable terms or at all.
Further, applicable privacy and data security obligations may require us to notify relevant stakeholders of a cyber-attack, security breach, compromise, or other adverse impact to our and our third-party service provider’s
97
information technology systems and sensitive data. Such disclosures are costly, and the disclosure or the failure to comply with such requirements could lead to adverse consequences. In addition, cyber-attacks, security breaches, compromises, or other incidents may cause stakeholders (including investors and potential customers) to stop supporting our business, deter new customers from using our products, and negatively impact our ability to grow and operate our business.
If we were to experience a cyber-attack, security breach, compromise, or other adverse impact to our and our third-party service provider’s information technology systems and sensitive data that causes interruptions in our operations, it could result in a material disruption of our product development programs, business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We may use artificial intelligence in our business, and challenges with properly managing its use, as well as uncertainty regarding the legal landscape surrounding the use of AI could result in reputational harm, competitive harm, legal liability, and adversely affect our results of operations.
We may use artificial intelligence, or AI, machine learning, and automated decision-making technologies, or, collectively, AI Technologies, throughout our business, and are making investments in this area. We expect that increased investment will be required in the future to continuously improve our use of AI Technologies. As with many technological innovations, there are significant risks involved in developing, maintaining and deploying these technologies, including that AI-generated content, analyses, or recommendations we utilize could be deficient, that our competitors may more quickly or effectively adopt AI capabilities, or that our use of AI or other emerging technologies increases regulatory, cybersecurity and other significant risks. There can be no assurance that the usage of, or our investments in such technologies will always enhance our products or services or be beneficial to our business, including our efficiency or profitability.
In particular, if the models underlying our AI Technologies are: incorrectly designed or implemented; trained or reliant on incomplete, inadequate, inaccurate, biased or otherwise poor quality data, or on data to which we do not have sufficient rights or in relation to which we and/or the providers of such data have not implemented sufficient legal compliance measures; used without sufficient oversight and governance to ensure their responsible use; and/or adversely impacted by unforeseen defects, technical challenges, cybersecurity threats or material performance issues, the performance of our products, services and business, as well as our reputation, could suffer or we could incur liability resulting from the violation of laws or contracts to which we are a party or civil claims.
We may not be successful in our development and maintenance of these technologies in the face of novel and evolving technical, reputational and market factors. Our efforts to develop proprietary AI models in the future could increase our operating costs. Our future ability to develop proprietary AI models may be limited by our access to processing infrastructure or training data, and we may be dependent on third party providers for such resources.
If we fail to keep pace with rapidly evolving AI Technologies, especially in the medical device industry, our competitive position and business results may suffer. The introduction and use of AI Technologies, particularly generative AI, into new or existing offerings may result in new or expanded risks and liabilities, including due to enhanced governmental or regulatory scrutiny, litigation, compliance issues, ethical concerns, confidentiality or security risks, as the well as other factors that could adversely affect our reputation, as the well as our business, operating results, and financial condition. For example, AI Technologies can lead to unintended consequences, including generating content that appears correct but is factually inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise flawed, which could negatively impact our customers, harm our reputation and business, and expose us to liability.
We use AI Technologies from third parties. If we are unable to obtain or maintain rights to use these AI Technologies on commercially reasonable terms, or if any such third-party AI tools become incompatible with our products, we may be forced to acquire or develop alternate AI Technologies, which may limit or delay our
98
ability to provide competitive offerings and may increase our costs. These AI Technologies also may incorporate data from third party sources, which may expose us to risks associated with data rights and protection. The legal and regulatory landscape surrounding AI Technologies is rapidly evolving and uncertain, including with respect to intellectual property ownership and license rights, cybersecurity, and data protection laws, among others, and has not yet been fully addressed by courts or regulators. The evolving legal, regulatory, and compliance framework for AI Technologies may also impact our ability to protect our own data and intellectual property against infringing use.
The regulatory framework for AI Technologies is rapidly evolving as many federal, state, and foreign government bodies and agencies have introduced or are currently considering additional laws and regulations and we expect to see increasing government and supranational regulation related to AI use and ethics, which may also significantly increase the burden and cost of research, development and compliance in this area. In the U.S., a number of states have proposed and passed laws regulating various uses of AI, and federal regulators have issued guidance affecting the use of AI in regulated sectors. The FDA, for example, also issued guidance on the use of AI in medical devices, requiring detailed risk management and review processes to obtain approvals. If we develop or use AI systems governed by these laws or regulations, we will need to apply significant resources to design, develop, test and maintain such systems in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, with the potential for significant enforcement or litigation in the event of any perceived non-compliance. It is possible that new laws and regulations will be adopted in the U.S. and in other non-U.S. jurisdictions, or that existing laws and regulations, including competition and antitrust laws, may be interpreted in ways that would limit our ability to use AI Technologies for our business, or require us to change the way we use AI Technologies in a manner that negatively affects the performance of our products, services, and business and the way in which we use AI Technologies. We may need to expend resources to adjust our products or services in certain jurisdictions if the laws, regulations, or decisions are not consistent across jurisdictions. Further, the cost to comply with such laws, regulations, or decisions and/or guidance interpreting existing laws, could be significant and would increase our operating expenses (such as by imposing additional reporting obligations regarding our use of AI Technologies). Such an increase in operating expenses, as well as any actual or perceived failure to comply with such laws and regulations, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Even in the absence of dedicated AI laws and regulations, we may be subject to novel legal and business risks relating to our adoption of these new technologies. Vendors may in turn incorporate AI tools into their own offerings, and the providers of these AI tools may not meet existing or rapidly evolving regulatory or industry standards, including with respect to privacy and data security. Bad actors around the world use increasingly sophisticated methods, including the use of AI, to engage in illegal activities involving the theft and misuse of personal information, confidential information, and intellectual property. Our use of AI Technologies may also, in the future, result in cybersecurity incidents that implicate the personal information of customers or patients. Any such cybersecurity incidents related to our use of AI applications could adversely affect our reputation and results of operations.
Clinical trial and product liability lawsuits against us could divert our resources and could cause us to incur substantial liabilities and to limit commercialization of any products that we may develop.
We face an inherent risk of clinical trial and product liability exposure related to the testing of our product candidates in clinical trials, and we will face an even greater risk if we commercially sell any products that we develop. While we currently have no products that have been approved for commercial sale, the ongoing, planned, and future 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. If we cannot successfully defend ourselves against claims that our product candidates or products caused injuries, we will incur substantial liabilities. Regardless of merit or eventual outcome, liability claims may result in:
| | decreased demand for any product candidates or products that we may develop; |
99
| | termination of clinical trials; |
| | injury to our reputation and significant negative media attention; |
| | withdrawal of clinical trial participants; |
| | significant costs to defend any related litigation; |
| | substantial monetary awards to trial participants or patients; |
| | loss of revenue; |
| | reduced resources of our management to pursue our business strategy; and |
| | the inability to commercialize any products that we may develop. |
Although we currently hold clinical trial liability insurance, we will need to maintain such insurance coverage as we expand our clinical trials or if we commence commercialization of our product candidates. Insurance coverage is increasingly expensive. We may not be able to obtain and 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.
We may become involved in litigation that could divert management’s attention and harm our business, and insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover all costs and damages.
From time to time we may be subject to litigation claims through the ordinary course of our business operations regarding, but not limited to, securities litigation, employment matters, security of patient and employee personal data, contractual relations with collaborators and licensors, and intellectual property rights. In the past, securities class action litigation has often followed certain significant business transactions, such as the sale of a company or announcement of any other strategic transaction, the announcement of negative events, such as negative results from clinical trials, or periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities. These events may also result in or be concurrent with investigations by the SEC. We may be exposed to such litigation or investigation even if no wrongdoing occurred. Litigation and investigations are usually expensive and divert management’s attention and resources, which could adversely affect our business and cash resources and our ability to consummate a potential strategic transaction or the ultimate value our stockholders receive in any such transaction.
100
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements about us and our industry that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this prospectus, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy, product candidates, planned preclinical studies and clinical trials, results of preclinical studies, clinical trials, research and development costs, regulatory approvals, commercial strategy, 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.
In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “could,” “intend,” “target,” “project,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus include, but are not limited to, statements about:
| | the initiation, timing, progress and results of our current and future clinical trials, preclinical studies, and research and development programs; |
| | the timing of announcement of results from clinical trials; |
| | our ability to successfully complete our clinical trials; |
| | our ability to advance other product candidates that we may identify and successfully complete any clinical studies, including the manufacture of any such product candidates; |
| | our ability to quickly leverage programs within our initial target indications and to progress additional programs to further develop our pipeline; |
| | the prevalence of certain disorders we intend to treat and the size of the market opportunity for our product candidates; |
| | estimates of the number of patients with certain disorders we intend to treat and the number of patients that we will enroll in our clinical trials; |
| | the likelihood of our clinical trials demonstrating safety and efficacy of our product candidates; |
| | the timing of our investigational new drug applications, or INDs, submissions; |
| | the implementation of our strategic plans for our business, platform, and our programs; |
| | the scope of protection we are able to establish and maintain for intellectual property rights; |
| | developments related to our competitors and our industry; |
| | the success of competing therapies that are or may become available; |
| | our ability to leverage the clinical, regulatory, and manufacturing advancements to accelerate our clinical trials and approval of product candidates; |
| | our ability to meet future regulatory standards with respect to our product candidates, if approved; |
| | our ability to maintain our existing license agreements and identify and enter into future license agreements and collaborations; |
| | our reliance on third parties to conduct clinical trials of our product candidates; |
| | our reliance on third parties for the manufacture of our product candidates; |
| | developments related to our platform; |
101
| | regulatory developments in the United States and foreign countries; |
| | our commercialization, marketing, and manufacturing capabilities; |
| | our expectations regarding the period during which we will qualify as an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act or a smaller reporting company; |
| | our ability to attract and retain key scientific and management personnel; and |
| | our anticipated cash runway, use of proceeds from this offering, our financial performance, estimates of our expenses, capital requirements, and needs for additional financing. |
We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about our business, the industry in which we operate and financial trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, and these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or development. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this prospectus and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions described in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus. Because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The events and circumstances reflected in our forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur and actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, we do not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein until after we distribute this prospectus, whether as a result of any new information, future events, or otherwise. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, collaborations, joint ventures, or investments that we may make or enter into.
In addition, statements that “we believe” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this prospectus, and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain, and you are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements.
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.
102
We estimate that the net proceeds from the sale of our common stock in this offering will be approximately $ million (or approximately $ million if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares of our common stock in full) based on an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
Each $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus, would increase or decrease, as applicable, the net proceeds to us from this offering by $ 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 the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Similarly, each increase or decrease of 1.0 million shares in the number of shares of common stock offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase or decrease, as applicable, the net proceeds to us from this offering by $ million, assuming the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share remains the same, and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
The principal purposes of this offering are to create a public market for our common stock and thereby facilitate future access to the public equity markets, increase our visibility in the marketplace, and obtain additional capital to support our operations. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering, together with our existing cash, cash equivalents, and investments, as follows:
| | approximately $ million to advance development of GlyphAlloTM (SPT-300) through Phase 2b topline data and into Phase 3 clinical development; |
| | approximately $ million to advance development of GlyphAgoTM (SPT-320) through Phase 2a and Phase 2b topline data; and |
| | the remainder to fund development of Glyph2BLSDTM (SPT-348), as well as research and development activities for additional programs, and working capital and general corporate purposes. |
We may use a portion of the remaining net proceeds and our existing cash, cash equivalents, and investments to in-license, acquire, or invest in complementary businesses, technologies, products, or assets. However, we have no current commitments, agreements, understandings, or obligations to do so.
We believe, based on our current operating plan, that the net proceeds from this offering, together with our existing cash, cash equivalents and investments, will be sufficient to fund our operations through . We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our available capital resources sooner than we currently expect. We do not have any committed external source of funds.
Our expected use of proceeds from this offering along with our existing cash, cash equivalents, and investments described above represents our current intentions based on our present plans and business condition. 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 actual amounts that we will spend on the uses set forth above. We expect that we will require additional funds in order to fully accomplish the specified uses of the proceeds of this offering. The amounts and timing of our actual expenditures will depend on numerous factors, including progress of our research and development, the status of and results from preclinical studies and clinical trials that we are conducting or may conduct in the future, and other factors described in the section titled “Risk Factors,” as well as the amount of cash used in our operations and any unforeseen cash needs. Therefore, our actual expenditures may differ materially from the estimates described above. Moreover, our estimates of the costs to fund our trials are based on the current designs of the trials. If we were to modify the design of any of these trials, for instance, to increase the number of patients in the trials, our costs to fund the trials could increase. We may find it necessary or advisable to use the net proceeds for other purposes.
103
We will have broad discretion over how to use the net proceeds to us from this offering and investors will be relying on the judgment of our management regarding the application of the net proceeds. Pending our use of the net proceeds from this offering, we intend to invest the net proceeds in a variety of capital preservation instruments, including short-term and long-term interest-bearing instruments, investment-grade securities, and direct or guaranteed obligations of the U.S. government. We cannot predict whether the proceeds invested will yield a favorable return.
104
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our capital stock. We do not anticipate declaring or paying, in the foreseeable future, any cash dividends on our capital stock. We intend to retain all available funds and future earnings, if any, to fund the development and expansion of our business. Any future determination regarding the declaration and payment of dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our board of directors, subject to applicable laws, and will depend on then-existing conditions, including our financial condition, operating results, contractual restrictions, capital requirements, business prospects, and other factors our board of directors may deem relevant. Investors should not purchase our common stock with the expectation of receiving cash dividends. In addition, our ability to pay cash dividends on our capital stock in the future may be limited by the terms of any future debt or preferred securities we issue or any credit facilities we enter into.
105
The following table sets forth our existing cash, cash equivalents, and investments and our capitalization as of December 31, 2025:
| | on an actual basis; |
| | on a pro forma basis, giving effect to (i) the Preferred Stock Conversion and (ii) the filing and effectiveness of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which will occur immediately prior to the completion of this offering; and |
| | on a pro forma as adjusted basis, giving effect to (i) the pro forma adjustments set forth above and (ii) the issuance and sale of shares of common stock in this offering at the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. |
The pro forma as adjusted information below is illustrative only, and our capitalization following the completion of this offering will be adjusted based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing. Cash, cash equivalents, and investments are not components of our capitalization.
You should read this information together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus, and the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
| As of December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Actual | Pro Forma | Pro Forma As Adjusted (1) |
||||||||||
| (in thousands, except share and per share data) |
||||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents, and investments |
$ | 233,653 | $ | 233,653 | $ | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| Convertible preferred stock (Series A and B), $0.0001 par value; 113,921,040 shares authorized and 113,921,036 shares issued and outstanding, actual; no shares authorized, issued, or outstanding, pro forma and pro forma as adjusted |
$ | 325,328 | $ | — | $ | |||||||
| Stockholders’ equity (deficit): |
||||||||||||
| Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; no shares authorized, issued, or outstanding, actual; 10,000,000 shares authorized, and no shares issued, or outstanding, pro forma and pro forma as adjusted |
— | — | ||||||||||
| Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 159,070,000 shares authorized and 8,151,200 shares issued and outstanding, actual; 700,000,000 shares authorized, 122,072,236 issued and outstanding, pro forma; shares authorized, shares issued and outstanding, pro forma as adjusted |
1 | 12 | ||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital |
21,262 | 346,579 | ||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income |
301 | 301 | ||||||||||
| Accumulated deficit |
(114,109 | ) | (114,109 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| Total stockholders’ (deficit) equity |
(92,545 | ) | 232,783 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| Total capitalization |
$ | 232,783 | $ | 232,783 | $ | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| (1) | Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the |
106
| pro forma as adjusted amount of each of cash, cash equivalents, and investments, additional paid-in capital, total stockholders’ equity and total capitalization by $ 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 the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Similarly, each increase (decrease) of 1.0 million shares in the number of shares of common stock offered by us would increase (decrease) the pro forma as adjusted amount of each of cash, cash equivalents, and investments, additional paid-in capital, total stockholders’ equity and total capitalization by $ million, assuming no change in the assumed initial public offering price per share, and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. |
The number of shares of our common stock that will be outstanding after this offering on a pro forma and pro forma as adjusted basis is based on 122,072,236 shares of common stock (which includes 486,114 shares of unvested restricted common stock) outstanding as of December 31, 2025, after giving effect to the Preferred Stock Conversion, and excludes:
| | 27,633,144 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2025, which includes 718,500 performance-based awards that have not yet been deemed granted for accounting purposes, under our 2024 Plan, with a weighted-average exercise price of $1.52 per share; |
| | 3,023,510 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options granted after December 31, 2025 pursuant to our 2024 Plan, with a weighted-average exercise price of $3.28 per share; |
| | 4,722,667 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance as of December 31, 2025 under the 2024 Plan, which will cease to be available for issuance at the time that our 2026 Plan becomes effective; |
| | shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise or grant of the IPO Grants, to maintain an aggregate of approximately 12.5% of the number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding upon the closing of this offering calculated on a fully diluted basis (after giving effect to the number of shares of our common stock to be sold in this offering, not including the exercise in full of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares), to be granted to an executive officer and a director under the 2026 Plan; see the sections titled “Executive Compensation—Narrative Disclosure to the 2025 Summary Compensation Table—Equity Incentive Compensation” and “Director Compensation” for more information on such grants, including a description of how the number of shares issuable pursuant to such grants will be determined; |
| | shares of our common stock that will become available for future issuance under our 2026 Plan, including shares reserved for the IPO Grants, which will become effective on the date immediately prior to the 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 the 2026 Plan and any shares underlying outstanding stock awards granted under the 2024 Plan that expire or are repurchased, forfeited, cancelled, or withheld; and |
| | shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under the ESPP, which will become effective on the date immediately prior to the 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 the ESPP. |
107
If you invest in our common stock in this offering, your ownership interest will be diluted immediately to the extent of the difference between the 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.
Our historical net tangible book value (deficit) as of December 31, 2025 was $(93,784) million, or $(12.24) per share of our common stock. Our historical net tangible book value (deficit) represents the amount of our total tangible assets less our total liabilities and the carrying value of our convertible preferred stock, which is not included within stockholders’ deficit. Historical net tangible book value (deficit) per share represents historical net tangible book value (deficit) divided by 7,665,086 shares of our common stock outstanding (which excludes 486,114 shares of unvested restricted common stock) as of December 31, 2025.
Our pro forma net tangible book value as of December 31, 2025 was $231.5 million, or $1.90 per share. Pro forma net tangible book value per share represents the amount of our total tangible assets less our total liabilities, divided by the number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2025, after giving effect to (i) the Preferred Stock Conversion and (ii) the filing and effectiveness of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which will occur immediately prior to the completion of this offering. Pro forma net tangible book value per share represents pro forma net tangible book value divided by the total number of shares outstanding (which excludes 486,114 shares of unvested restricted common stock) as of December 31, 2025, after giving effect to the pro forma adjustments described above.
After giving further effect to the issuance and sale of shares of common stock that we are offering at the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is 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, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value (deficit) as of December 31, 2025 would have been $ million, or $ per share. This amount represents an immediate increase in pro forma net tangible book value (deficit) of $ per share to our existing stockholders and an immediate dilution in pro forma net tangible book value (deficit) of $ per share to new investors purchasing shares of common stock in this offering.
Dilution per share to new investors is determined by subtracting pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value (deficit) per share after this offering from the initial public offering price per share paid by new investors. The following table illustrates this dilution (without giving effect to any exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares):
| Assumed initial public offering price per share |
$ | |||||||
| Historical net tangible book value (deficit) per share as of December 31, 2025 |
$ | (12.24 | ) | |||||
| Increase per share as of December 31, 2025 attributable to the pro forma adjustment described above |
14.14 | |||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
| Pro forma net tangible book value (deficit) per share as of December 31, 2025 |
1.90 | |||||||
| Increase in pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value (deficit) per share attributable to new investors participating in this offering |
||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
| Pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value (deficit) per share after this offering |
||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
| Dilution per share to new investors participating in this offering |
$ | |||||||
|
|
|
The dilution information discussed above is illustrative only and may change based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering. Each $1.00 increase or decrease, as applicable, in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase or decrease, as applicable, the pro forma as adjusted net
108
tangible book value per share after this offering by $ , and dilution per share to new investors purchasing common stock in this offering by $ , 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 the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Similarly, each increase or decrease, as applicable, of 1.0 million shares in the number of shares of common stock offered by us would increase or decrease, as applicable, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value (deficit) per share after this offering by $ per share, in each case, and increase or decrease, as applicable, the dilution to investors participating in this offering by $ per share, assuming no change in the assumed initial public offering price, and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares of our common stock in full, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value (deficit) after the offering would be $ per share, representing an immediate increase in pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value (deficit) of $ per share to existing stockholders and immediate dilution in pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value (deficit) dilution of $ per share to new investors, in each case assuming an initial public offering price of $ per share, which is 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 following table summarizes on the pro forma as adjusted basis described above, as of December 31, 2025, the total number of shares of common stock purchased from us on an as-converted basis, the total consideration paid or to be paid to us, and the average price per share paid by existing stockholders or to be paid by new investors in this offering, based on the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, before deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. New investors purchasing shares of our common stock in this offering will pay an average price per share substantially higher than our existing stockholders paid.
| Shares Purchased |
Total Consideration |
Weighted- Average Price Per Share |
||||||||||||||||||
| Number | Percentage | Amount | Percentage | |||||||||||||||||
| Existing stockholders |
% | $ | % | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| New investors purchasing shares in this offering |
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Total |
100.0 | % | $ | 100.0 | % | $ | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
The table above assumes no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares in this offering. If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares of common stock from us in full, our existing stockholders would own %, and new investors purchasing shares of our common stock in this offering would own %, of the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after the completion of this offering.
The number of shares of our common stock that will be outstanding after this offering is based on 121,586,122 shares of common stock (which excludes 486,114 shares of unvested restricted common stock) outstanding as of December 31, 2025, after giving effect to the Preferred Stock Conversion, and excludes:
| | 27,633,144 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2025, which includes 718,500 performance-based awards that have not yet been deemed granted for accounting purposes, under our 2024 Plan, with a weighted-average exercise price of $1.52 per share; |
| | 3,023,510 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options granted after December 31, 2025 pursuant to our 2024 Plan, with a weighted-average exercise price of $3.28 per share; |
109
| | 4,722,667 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance as of December 31, 2025 under the 2024 Plan, which will cease to be available for issuance at the time that our 2026 Plan, becomes effective; |
| | shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise or grant of the IPO Grants, to maintain an aggregate of approximately 12.5% of the number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding upon the closing of this offering calculated on a fully diluted basis (after giving effect to the number of shares of our common stock to be sold in this offering, not including the exercise in full of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares), to be granted to an executive officer and a director under the 2026 Plan; see the sections titled “Executive Compensation—Narrative Disclosure to the 2025 Summary Compensation Table—Equity Incentive Compensation” and “Director Compensation” for more information on such grants, including a description of how the number of shares issuable pursuant to such grants will be determined; |
| | shares of our common stock that will become available for future issuance under our 2026 Plan, including shares reserved for the IPO Grants, which will become effective on the date immediately prior to the 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 the 2026 Plan and any shares underlying outstanding stock awards granted under the 2024 Plan that expire or are repurchased, forfeited, cancelled, or withheld; and |
| | shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our ESPP, which will become effective on the date immediately prior to the 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 the ESPP. |
To the extent any outstanding options are exercised, new options or other equity awards are issued under our equity incentive plans, or we issue additional shares of common stock in the future, there will be further dilution to new investors. In addition, we may choose to raise additional capital because of market conditions or strategic considerations, even if we believe that we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. If we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of these securities could result in further dilution to our stockholders.
110
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes and other financial information included elsewhere in this prospectus. This discussion and analysis and other parts of this prospectus contain forward-looking statements based upon our current plans and expectations that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, such as statements regarding our plans, strategies, objectives, expectations, intentions, and beliefs. Financial results through April 8, 2024, which are included in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, have been prepared on a “carve-out” basis and our full year results for the year ended December 31, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected in the future, nor are our other historical results necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any period in the future. Our actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus. You should carefully read the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus to gain an understanding of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements. Please also see the section titled “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” Unless otherwise indicated, all references in this section to “Seaport,” the “company,” “we,” “our,” “us,” or similar terms refer to Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, or either or all of them, before the Asset Transfer (as defined below) and after the Asset Transfer, as applicable and as the context may require.
Overview
We are a clinical-stage therapeutics company focused on inventing and developing new medicines for patients with depression, anxiety, and other debilitating neuropsychiatric disorders. Through our differentiated approach, we identify clinically validated mechanisms with established efficacy and safety profiles which had historically been limited by high first-pass metabolism, low bioavailability, and/or side effects. We apply our proprietary Glyph platform to overcome those limitations and invent innovative oral therapies. Our lead product candidate, GlyphAllo (SPT-300 or Glyph Allopregnanolone), is a novel, Glyphed oral prodrug of allopregnanolone, an endogenous molecule that has been clinically validated in two third-party trials in the United States for the treatment of postpartum depression, or PPD, a form of major depressive disorder, or MDD, as a rapidly acting antidepressant with anxiolytic and sleep-promoting effects. We have initiated the Phase 2b BUOY-1 trial in patients with MDD with or without anxious distress and anticipate topline data in the first half of 2027. Our second product candidate, GlyphAgo (SPT-320 or Glyph Agomelatine), is a novel, Glyphed oral prodrug of agomelatine, a clinically validated anxiolytic and antidepressant that is approved for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, in Australia and MDD in Australia and the European Union, or EU. In April 2026, we reported topline data from the single-ascending dose, or SAD, and crossover portions of our Phase 1 proof-of concept clinical trial for GlyphAgo. In the head-to-head crossover portion of the trial, GlyphAgo demonstrated a 6.8-fold increase in bioavailability of agomelatine compared to unmodified orally administered agomelatine, and showed significantly lower (10- fold) pharmacokinetic variability compared to unmodified agomelatine. In the SAD portion of the trial, GlyphAgo demonstrated a 9.6 to 14.5-fold increase in dose-normalized exposure compared to agomelatine. GlyphAgo was well-tolerated and no liver-related adverse events were observed. We plan to initiate a Phase 2a proof-of-pharmacology trial designed to evaluate the potential sleep benefit of GlyphAgo in patients with GAD and sleep disturbance, with topline data expected in early 2028 and, in parallel, a Phase 2b trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of GlyphAgo in patients with GAD, with topline data expected by the end of 2028. We are also advancing Glyph2BLSD (SPT-348 or Glyph 2-bromo-LSD), a novel, Glyphed oral prodrug of the non-hallucinogenic LSD analog 2-bromo-LSD, in preclinical studies for depressive disorders, including treatment-resistant depression, or TRD, post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, and headache disorders.
We were incorporated in April 2024 by PureTech LYT Inc., or PureTech LYT, as our sole stockholder, and upon formation we entered into an asset transfer agreement, as amended in December 2025, or the Asset Transfer Agreement, with PureTech LYT and PureTech Health LLC, or PureTech Health, pursuant to which PureTech
111
Health and PureTech LYT agreed to contribute, convey, assign, transfer, and deliver to us all of its right, title, and interest in, to, and under the assets related to its Glyph technology or products, including the Monash License Agreement (as defined below), subject to the terms set forth in the Asset Transfer Agreement or the Asset Transfer. See subsection titled “Asset Transfer Agreement and Financings” below. Our historical consolidated financial statements up to April 8, 2024, or the Asset Transfer Date, have been prepared on a “carve-out” basis and are derived from the financial statements of PureTech Health plc and its consolidated subsidiaries, or PureTech, to represent our financial position and performance as if we had existed on a standalone basis. Prior to the Asset Transfer, our combined financial statements included the assets, liabilities, and expenses of PureTech that management determined were specifically identifiable to us and our related programs, as well as indirect costs that were not specifically identifiable to us or our related programs but were considered necessary to operate as a standalone company. Management believes the assumptions underlying our carve-out financial statements are reasonable. Nevertheless, the carve-out financial statements may not include all of the actual expenses that would have been incurred, and may not reflect our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows, had we operated as a standalone company for the period prior to the Asset Transfer. Effective April 8, 2024, our financial statements are presented on a consolidated basis, as PureTech Health LLC and PureTech LYT completed the transfer of the Glyph platform business, or the Seaport Business, on such date. The audited financial statements presented, including our historical results prior to April 8, 2024, are referred to as the consolidated financial statements. Our consolidated financial statements are presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., or GAAP. For additional information on the preparation and basis of presentation of the consolidated financial statements, see Note 1—Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.
We have devoted substantially all of our efforts to organizing and staffing our company, business planning, research and development activities, building and strengthening our intellectual property portfolio, and providing general and administrative support for these operations. Subsequent to the Asset Transfer Date and to date, we have funded our operations with proceeds from the issuance and sale of convertible preferred stock, including the $100.1 million gross proceeds we received in April 2024 from our Series A-2 Financing (as defined below) and the $226.0 million gross proceeds we received in October 2024 from our Series B Financing (as defined below).
We have incurred significant operating losses since the inception of our business and expect to continue to generate operating losses for the foreseeable future. Our ability to generate product revenue sufficient to achieve profitability will depend on the successful development and eventual commercialization of any product candidates we may develop. During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, we had a net loss of $74.9 million and $46.9 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2025, we had an accumulated deficit of $114.1 million. We expect our expenses and operating losses will increase substantially as we:
| | advance our product candidates through preclinical and clinical development, including advancing GlyphAllo and GlyphAgo through later-stage clinical trials, and other candidates through discovery and clinical and preclinical stages; |
| | seek regulatory approvals for our product candidates that successfully complete clinical trials from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA, and/or other foreign comparable regulatory authorities; |
| | hire additional clinical, quality control, medical, scientific, and other technical personnel to support the clinical development of our product candidates; |
| | expand our internal capabilities to support clinical-stage development; |
| | increase our headcount as we expand our research and development organization, and pre-commercial planning activities; |
| | undertake any activities to establish sales, marketing, and distribution capabilities in preparation for commercialization, as applicable, including hiring additional personnel to support such operations; |
112
| | seek to identify, acquire, and develop additional product candidates where we can leverage our Glyph platform, including through business development efforts to invest in or in-license other technologies or product candidates; |
| | maintain, expand, and protect our intellectual property portfolio; |
| | experience heightened regulatory scrutiny; |
| | make milestone, royalty, or other payments due under the Asset Transfer Agreement and/or the Monash License Agreement (as defined below), and any future in-license or collaboration agreements with third parties; and |
| | incur additional legal, accounting, and other expenses associated with operating as a public company. |
Our net losses may fluctuate significantly from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year, depending on the timing of our preclinical studies and planned clinical trials and our expenditures on other research and development activities.
We do not expect to generate any revenue from product sales unless and until we successfully complete development and obtain regulatory approval for one or more of our potential future product candidates, which may not be for at least the next several years, if ever. If we obtain regulatory approval for any of our existing or future product candidates, we expect to incur significant commercialization expenses related to product sales, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution. Accordingly, until such time as we can generate significant revenue from our existing or future product candidates, if ever, we expect to finance our cash needs through equity offerings, debt financings, or other capital sources, including potential collaborations, licenses, and other similar arrangements. See the section titled “Liquidity and Capital Resources.” However, we may be unable to raise additional funds or enter into such other arrangements when needed on favorable terms or at all. Our inability to raise capital or enter into such other arrangements when needed would have a negative impact on our financial condition and could force us to delay, limit, reduce, or terminate our product development or future commercialization efforts or grant rights to develop and market potential future product candidates that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves.
We believe, based on our current operating plan, 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 through . See sections titled “Use of Proceeds”, “Liquidity and Capital Resources”, and “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Limited Operating History, Financial Condition and Need for Additional Capital.”
Asset Transfer Agreement and Financings
We were incorporated in April 2024 by PureTech LYT, as our sole stockholder, and upon formation issued 1,000 shares of our common stock to PureTech LYT. In April 2024, we entered into an Asset Transfer Agreement, or the Asset Transfer Agreement, with PureTech Health LLC, or PureTech Health and PureTech LYT Inc., or PureTech LYT, pursuant to which PureTech Health and PureTech LYT agreed to contribute, convey, assign, transfer, and deliver to us all of PureTech Health’s and PureTech LYT’s right, title, and interest in, to, and under the assets related to its Glyph technology or products, including the Monash License Agreement, subject to the terms set forth in the Asset Transfer Agreement. In exchange, we issued 40,000,000 shares of our Series A-1 convertible preferred stock and 949,000 shares of our common stock to PureTech LYT.
In connection with the Asset Transfer Agreement, we have agreed to make milestone payments of up to an aggregate of $10.0 million for the first product covered by assets transferred through the Asset Transfer Agreement, or the Seaport Glyph Product, of $2.0 million for the first patient dosed in the first phase 3 clinical trial, $4.0 million for the first commercial sale in the United States, $2.0 million for the first commercial sale in a major European market, and $2.0 million for the first commercial sale in Japan, and for each subsequent Seaport
113
Glyph Product, we have agreed to make milestone payments of $1.0 million for the first patient dosed in the first phase 3 clinical trial, $2.0 million for the first commercial sale in the United States, $1.0 million for the first commercial sale in a major European market, and $1.0 million for the first commercial sale in Japan. In addition, we are obligated to pay royalties between 3% and 5% on the annual net sales of each Seaport Glyph Product and a percentage of net income generated by us from third parties on any products licensed under the Glyph intellectual property which was transferred to us as part of the Asset Transfer Agreement. The royalty term will expire on a country-by-country basis as to each Seaport Glyph Product on the later of the ten year anniversary of the first commercial sale of such Seaport Glyph Product in such country or the date on which the last valid claim of patent rights of such Seaport Glyph Product expires in such country. For additional information, see “Business—Agreements—Asset Transfer Agreement with PureTech.”
Concurrently, upon entry into the Asset Transfer Agreement, we entered into a stock purchase agreement with PureTech LYT and other third-party investors, pursuant to which we issued 26,342,102 shares of our Series A-2 convertible preferred stock, or the Series A Financing, of which 8,421,052 shares were issued and sold to PureTech LYT, at a purchase price of $3.80 per share for gross aggregate proceeds of $100.1 million. PureTech LYT remained a majority investor of Seaport, until the completion of our Series B convertible preferred stock financing, or the Series B Financing, in October 2024, upon which we issued and sold an aggregate amount of 47,578,934 shares of its Series B convertible preferred stock, of which 3,031,578 shares were issued to PureTech LYT, and an aggregate of 494,734 shares issued to certain of our management and Board of Directors, or the Board, at a purchase price of $4.75 per share, for gross aggregate proceeds of $226.0 million.
License and Collaboration Agreements
Monash License Agreement
In April 2024, PureTech Health exclusively assigned to us, and we assumed, all rights and obligations under a license agreement entered into in August 2017 between PureTech Health and Monash University, or the Original License Agreement. In March 2025, we entered into the Monash License Agreement and amended and restated license agreement with Monash University, which amended and restated the Original License Agreement, or the Monash License Agreement. Pursuant to the Monash License Agreement, Monash University has granted us (i) a worldwide, exclusive, sublicensable license under certain Monash University intellectual property rights, including patent rights related to the Glyph platform, or the Licensed Patents, know-how, and intellectual property stemming from joint research and development activities, for the purpose of developing and commercializing products in all fields with one exception, (ii) a worldwide, non-exclusive, sublicensable license under certain background technology and certain other intellectual property strictly to the extent necessary to exercise the license described in subclause (i) above, and (iii) a first right and an exclusive option to obtain an exclusive license to any invention generated by Monash University outside of the Licensed Patents and pertaining to certain prodrug technology. Additionally, we and Monash University agreed to collaborate in conducting research and development activities.
Under the Monash License Agreement, we have agreed to use reasonable commercial endeavors to (i) develop at least one Licensed Product (as defined therein), (ii) seek regulatory approval for at least one Licensed Product, and (iii) after receipt of such regulatory approval in the United States or Europe, promote and develop the sale of at least one Licensed Product in such territory. Monash University has agreed to provide reasonable technical assistance and advice based on Monash University’s know-how relating to the technology licensed under the Monash License Agreement. We have granted Monash University a non-exclusive, perpetual, royalty-free license under the Licensed Patents, related know-how, and intellectual property stemming from joint research and development activities solely for academic, teaching, and non-commercial collaborative research uses, which includes the right to sublicense for non-commercial collaborative research to other academic institutions or non-commercial research entities.
114
For additional discussion around the obligations under the Monash License Agreement, see the subsection titled “—Contractual Obligations and Commitments” and “Business—Agreements—Monash University Exclusive License Agreement” included elsewhere in this prospectus
Components of Results of Operations
Historically, our operations were managed as part of PureTech prior to the Asset Transfer Date. Accordingly, certain shared costs have been allocated to us and reflected as expenses in our standalone consolidated financial statements, as described in greater detail in the notes to our consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. We considered the allocation methodologies used to be a reasonable and appropriate reflection of the historical PureTech expenses attributable to us for purposes of our standalone consolidated financial statements. The expenses reflected in our consolidated financial statements may not be indicative of expenses that will be incurred by us in the future. The following discussion summarizes the key factors we believe are necessary for an understanding of our consolidated financial statements.
Revenue
To date, we have not recognized any revenue and do not expect to generate any revenue from the sale of products in the near term, if at all. If our development efforts for our current or potential future product candidates are successful and result in regulatory approval or if we enter into additional license or collaboration agreements with third parties, we may generate revenue in the future from product sales, payments from such license or collaboration agreements, or any combination thereof. However, there can be no assurance as to when we will generate such revenue, if at all.
Operating Expenses
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development, or R&D, expenses consist primarily of costs incurred in connection with the discovery, non-clinical development, and clinical development of our lead product candidates and potential future product candidates. R&D expenses include direct costs specifically attributable to our programs including external fees to conduct certain clinical and non-clinical research and development activities, preclinical and early discovery assets, such as costs paid to contract research and manufacturing organizations, consulting fees, laboratory services and supplies, and costs incurred in connection with the Monash License Agreement, as well as indirect costs that are not directly attributable to a specific program such as personnel related expenses, including stock-based compensation, facility expenses, depreciation, and information technology costs. Prior to the Asset Transfer Date, R&D expenses also included allocated indirect R&D costs from PureTech, including personnel related expenses, stock-based compensation, facility expenses, depreciation, and information technology costs.
We expense research and development costs as incurred. We recognize direct development costs based on an evaluation of the progress to completion of specific tasks using information provided to us by our vendors or our estimate of the level of service that has been performed at each reporting date. Payments for these activities are based on the terms of the individual agreements, which may differ from the pattern of costs incurred, and are reflected in our consolidated financial statements as prepaid or accrued research and development expenses.
Due to the inherently unpredictable nature of preclinical and clinical development, we do not allocate all of our internal research and development expenses on a program-by-program basis as these expenses primarily relate to personnel and other overhead costs that are deployed across multiple programs under development. Our research and development expenses also include external costs, which we do track on a program-by-program basis following the program’s nomination as a product candidate. We began tracking such external costs upon the nomination for GlyphAllo in 2020, GlyphAgo at the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and Glyph2BLSD at the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.
115
Research and development activities are central to our business model. We expect that our research and development expenses will continue to increase for the foreseeable future as we advance our current and any future product candidates into and through clinical development and as we continue to develop additional product candidates.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses consist of salaries and personnel-related costs, including stock-based compensation expense, for our personnel in executive, business development, legal, finance and accounting, human resources and other administrative functions, consulting fees, facility costs not otherwise included in R&D expenses, fees paid for accounting and tax services, insurance expenses, legal costs consisting of general corporate legal fees and patent legal fees, and allocated expenses from PureTech prior to our formation in April 2024. Allocated PureTech expenses included employee-related costs, including salaries, bonuses, benefits, and stock-based compensation expenses for PureTech personnel and our personnel in executive, finance, accounting, human resources, and other administrative functions. Allocated expenses from PureTech also included corporate overhead expenses and shared costs, such as general management and executive oversight, facilities, compliance, human resources, legal, including intellectual property costs, finance, risk management, and information technology all of which supported the operations of PureTech as a whole.
We anticipate that our general and administrative expenses will increase in the future as we increase our headcount to support the expansion of our business, particularly in support of development of product candidates and our continued research and clinical development activities. We will also incur significant costs associated with being a public company, including increased accounting, audit, legal, regulatory, compliance, and director and officer insurance costs, as well as expenses related to services associated with maintaining compliance with the requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and investor relations costs.
Through the completion of this offering, we continued to grant additional equity awards to certain individuals to maintain in total an aggregate of 12.5% ownership on a fully diluted basis as specified by underlying agreements. Upon the completion of the offering, we will grant equity awards to certain individuals to maintain an aggregate of 12.5% ownership and we will recognize total stock-based compensation expense of $ over the remaining vesting period. In addition, certain individuals have accelerated vesting associated with the completion of an IPO which will result in equity awards vesting and recognition of stock-based compensation expense of .
Other Income (expense), Net
Other income (expense), net consists primarily of interest income earned on our investments and cash and cash equivalents, research and development tax credits from the Australian government’s tax incentive program, and realized and unrealized foreign currency gains and losses.
Provision for Income Taxes
Provision for income taxes consists of United States federal and state income taxes in jurisdictions in which we conduct business and foreign income taxes related to our Australian subsidiary. The provision for income taxes is based on our taxable income. Our loss before income taxes is adjusted for permanent and temporary tax differences, primarily related to capitalized non-U.S. research and development expenses, resulting in taxable income or loss. We recorded a full valuation allowance of our U.S. deferred tax asset position as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 as we believe it was more likely than not that we would not be able to utilize our deferred tax assets.
116
Results of Operations
Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024
The following table summarizes our results of operations (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31 |
||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | $ Change | ||||||||||
| Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||
| Research and development (including stock-based compensation expense of $2.3 million and $0.7 million for 2025 and 2024, respectively) |
$ | 66,313 | $ | 25,070 | $ | 41,243 | ||||||
| General and administrative (including stock-based compensation expense of $4.6 million and $15.2 million for 2025 and 2024, respectively) |
20,981 | 27,346 | (6,365 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| Total operating expenses |
87,294 | 52,416 | 34,878 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| Loss from operations |
(87,294 | ) | (52,416 | ) | (34,878 | ) | ||||||
| Other income (expense), net |
||||||||||||
| Other income, net |
13,186 | 5,537 | 7,649 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| Total other income, net |
13,186 | 5,537 | 7,649 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| Loss before income taxes |
(74,108 | ) | (46,879 | ) | (27,229 | ) | ||||||
| Income tax provision |
773 | — | 773 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| Net loss and comprehensive loss |
$ | (74,881 | ) | $ | (46,879 | ) | $ | (28,002 | ) | |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Research and Development Expenses
The following table summarizes our research and development expenses (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | $ Change | ||||||||||
| Direct costs: |
||||||||||||
| GlyphAllo |
$ | 25,858 | $ | 7,396 | $ | 18,462 | ||||||
| GlyphAgo |
13,546 | 5,204 | 8,342 | |||||||||
| Glyph2BLSD |
6,437 | — | 6,437 | |||||||||
| Preclinical and early discovery assets |
3,856 | 5,903 | (2,047 | ) | ||||||||
| Indirect costs: |
||||||||||||
| Employee compensation (excluding stock-based compensation) |
12,557 | 5,022 | 7,535 | |||||||||
| Stock-based compensation |
2,272 | 677 | 1,595 | |||||||||
| Other research and development |
1,787 | 868 | 919 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| Total research and development expenses |
$ | 66,313 | $ | 25,070 | $ | 41,243 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Research and development expenses increased by $41.2 million from $25.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 to $66.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2025. The increase in research and development expenses was primarily attributable to:
| | $18.5 million of increased costs associated with our lead program GlyphAllo, which was primarily due to commencing our Phase 2b BUOY-1 trial in July 2025; |
| | $8.3 million of increased costs associated with our GlyphAgo program, which was primarily due to commencing our Phase 1 trial in July 2025; |
| | $6.4 million of increased costs associated with our Glyph2BLSD program, which was nominated as a development candidate in late 2024; |
117
| | $7.5 million of increased costs associated with employee compensation primarily due to increased headcount to support our operations; |
| | $1.6 million of increased costs associated with stock-based compensation costs primarily due to additional equity grants under our Plan; and |
| | $0.9 million of increased costs associated with other research and development expenses primarily due to increased facility costs associated with our lab space lease, which commenced in January 2025; |
These increases were partially offset by:
| | $2.0 million of decreased costs associated with preclinical and other early discovery assets as Glyph2BLSD was nominated as a development candidate in late 2024. |
General and Administrative Expenses
The following table summarizes our general and administrative expenses (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | $ Change | ||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation |
$ | 4,611 | $ | 15,181 | $ | (10,570 | ) | |||||
| Employee compensation (excluding stock-based compensation) |
8,189 | 5,480 | 2,709 | |||||||||
| Professional fees |
5,039 | 5,158 | (119 | ) | ||||||||
| Facilities, depreciation, IT, and other |
3,142 | 1,527 | 1,615 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| Total general and administrative expenses |
$ | 20,981 | $ | 27,346 | $ | (6,365 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
General and administrative expenses decreased by $6.4 million from $27.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 to $21.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2025. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to:
| | $10.6 million of decreased stock-based compensation expense primarily due to a one-time charge recorded during the year ended December 31, 2024 due to accelerated vesting of equity awards related to the closing of our Series B Financing; |
These decreases were partially offset by:
| | $2.7 million of increased employee compensation, excluding stock-based compensation due to increased headcount to support our operations; |
| | $1.6 million of increased facilities, depreciation, IT, and other costs primarily due to increased facility costs associated with our corporate office lease which commenced in December 2024. |
Other Income, Net
Other income, net increased by $7.6 million from $5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 to $13.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2025. The increase in other income, net was primarily attributed to a $5.8 million increase in interest income on our investments and cash equivalents due to the amount of funds invested in interest bearing accounts and a $1.9 million increase in our research and development tax credit as a result of qualifying research and development spend in Australia.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources of Liquidity
The primary source of liquidity for our business prior to our formation was funding by PureTech of the expenses allocated to the Seaport Business. Prior to the Asset Transfer Date, transfers of cash to and from
118
PureTech have been reflected in net transfers from PureTech in the statement of cash flows and net parent investment in the statement of convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ deficit. Since the Asset Transfer Date, we have funded our operations with the aggregate gross proceeds of $326.1 million from the Series A and Series B Financings.
Cash Flows
The following table provides information regarding our cash flows for the period presented (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities |
$ | (77,942 | ) | $ | (29,629 | ) | ||
| Net cash used in investing activities |
(184,245 | ) | (113 | ) | ||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities |
(873 | ) | 339,295 | |||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(1) |
3 | — | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash |
$ | (263,057 | ) | $ | 309,553 | |||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| (1) | The balance sheet is affected by spot exchange rates used to translate local currency amounts into U.S. dollars. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we have eliminated the effect of foreign currency throughout our cash flow statement, except for its effect on our cash and cash equivalents. |
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2025 net cash used in operating activities was $77.9 million, compared to $29.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Cash used in operating activities increased by $48.3 million primarily due to increased operating expenses as we continue to advance our product candidates through preclinical and clinical developments.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $184.2 million, compared to net cash used in investing activities of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Cash used in investing activities increased by $184.1 million due to the purchases and maturities of U.S. treasuries during fiscal year 2025.
Net Cash (Used In) Provided by Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $0.9 million, primarily due to payment of deferred offering costs, as compared to cash provided of $339.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Cash provided by financing activities decreased by $340.2 million due to the absence of financing transactions in fiscal year 2025. Financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2024 included $100.1 million of gross proceeds received in April 2024 from our Series A financing and $226.0 million of gross proceeds received in October 2024 from our Series B financing, partially offset by $0.8 million of issuance cost payments. In addition, PureTech managed our cash and financing arrangements through April 8, 2024, and financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 included $14.0 million of net transfers from PureTech.
Future Funding Requirements
As of December 31, 2025, we had cash and cash equivalents, and investments of $233.7 million. We expect that our cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2025, will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and
119
capital expenditure requirements through at least 12 months from the date our consolidated financial statements were available to be issued. We believe, based on our current operating plan, that the net proceeds from this offering, together with our existing cash, cash equivalents, and investments will enable us to fund our operations and capital expenditure requirements through . We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could exhaust our available capital resources sooner than we expect.
Due to the inherently unpredictable nature of preclinical and clinical development and given the early stage of our programs and product candidates, we cannot reasonably estimate the costs we will incur and the timelines that will be required to complete development, obtain any marketing approval, and commercialize our products, if and when approved. For the same reasons, we are also unable to predict when, if ever, we will generate revenue from product sales or whether, or when, if ever, we may achieve profitability. Clinical and preclinical development timelines, the probability of success, and development costs can differ materially from expectations. In addition, we cannot forecast which products, if approved, may be subject to future collaborations, when such arrangements will be secured, if at all, and to what degree such arrangements would affect our development plans and capital requirements. We will need to raise substantial additional capital in the future.
Our primary uses of capital are to fund research and development activities, compensation and related expenses, and general overhead costs. We expect our expenses to increase substantially in connection with our ongoing activities, particularly as we advance our current and future product candidates through discovery, preclinical studies, and clinical trials.
Our funding requirements and timing and amount of our operating expenditures will depend on many factors, including:
| | the scope, timing, progress, costs, and results of discovery, preclinical development and clinical trials for our current or future product candidates and effectiveness of our Glyph platform; |
| | the number of clinical trials required for regulatory approval of our current or future product candidates; |
| | the costs, timing, and outcome of regulatory review of any of our current or future product candidates; |
| | the costs associated with acquiring or licensing additional product candidates, technologies or assets, including the timing and amount of any milestones, royalties, or other payments due in connection with our acquisitions and licenses, as applicable; |
| | the cost of manufacturing clinical and commercial supplies of our current or future product candidates; |
| | the costs and timing of preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications, maintaining and enforcing our intellectual property rights and defending any intellectual property-related claims, including any claims by third parties that we are infringing upon their intellectual property rights; |
| | our ability to maintain existing, and establish new, strategic collaborations or other arrangements and the financial terms of any such agreements, including the timing and amount of any future milestone, royalty or other payments due under any such agreement; |
| | the costs and timing of future commercialization activities, including manufacturing, marketing, sales, and distribution, for any of our product candidates for which we receive marketing approval; |
| | the revenue, if any, received from commercial sales of our product candidates for which we receive marketing approval; |
| | expenses to attract, hire, and retain skilled personnel; |
| | the costs of operating as a public company; |
| | our ability to establish a commercially viable pricing structure and obtain approval for coverage and adequate reimbursement from third-party and government payors; |
120
| | the effect of macroeconomic trends including inflation, tariffs, and fluctuating interest rates; |
| | addressing any potential supply chain interruptions or delays; |
| | the effect of competing technological and market developments; and |
| | the extent to which we acquire or invest in businesses, products, and technologies. |
Until such time, if ever, that we can generate substantial product revenue, we expect to finance our operations through a combination of public and private equity offerings, debt and royalty financings, or other sources of capital, which may include additional collaborations with other companies, or licensing arrangements with third parties, or other similar arrangements. However, we may be unable to raise additional funds or enter into such other arrangements when needed on favorable terms or at all. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership interest of our stockholders will or could be diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect the rights of our common stockholders. Debt or royalty financing and preferred equity financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making acquisitions or capital expenditures, or declaring dividends. If we raise additional funds through additional collaborations, strategic alliances, or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams, research programs, product candidates, or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. If we are unable to raise additional capital or obtain adequate funding when needed or on acceptable terms, we may be required to delay, scale back, or discontinue our research, 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.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
Asset Transfer Agreement with PureTech
As part of the Asset Transfer Agreement, we have agreed to contingent payments to PureTech Health upon successful development and commercialization of products developed using the Glyph platform. For more information, refer to the subsection titled “Asset Transfer Agreement and Financings” above.
Monash License Agreement
Under the Monash License Agreement, we have agreed to use reasonable commercial endeavors to (i) develop at least one Licensed Product, (ii) seek regulatory approval for at least one Licensed Product, and (iii) after receipt of such regulatory approval in the United States or Europe, promote and develop the sale of at least one Licensed Product in such territory. Monash University agrees to provide reasonable technical assistance and advice based on Monash University’s know-how relating to the technology licensed under the Monash License Agreement.
As consideration for the licenses granted by Monash University, we are required to pay Monash University: (i) low-single digit royalties with a rate based on net sales per calendar year (subject to certain reductions); (ii) a low-double digit percentage (within the range of 5-15%) of any net income received under a sublicense (subject to a license payment stacking reduction) with the percentage varying based on the development stage of the licensed products at the time the sublicense is granted during the term of the Monash License Agreement; (iii) an agreed upon research funding amount to progress mutually agreed research and development or commercialization activities; (iv) a mid-five-figure annual maintenance fee during the term of the agreement commencing on the third anniversary of the execution date of the Original License Agreement until the first commercial sale of a Licensed Product creditable against net income sharing, royalties, and milestone payments; (v) milestone payments in the event of successful development milestones of up to $1.075 million per Licensed Product for the first three Licensed Products; and (vi) milestone payments in the event of successful commercial milestones of up to $7.25 million per Licensed Product for the first three Licensed Products. We are also
121
obligated to (a) pay all costs incurred for the prosecution and maintenance of the Licensed Patents and patent filings stemming from collaboration activities and (b) reimburse Monash University for all patent prosecution costs of the Licensed Patents prior to the execution date of the Original License Agreement.
The Monash License Agreement commenced on the execution date of the Original License Agreement and will expire seven years after the last of the Licensed Patents expires, unless terminated earlier. Either party may terminate for due cause, including for material breach and bankruptcy. Monash University may terminate if we fail to meet our diligence requirements. Either party may terminate the Monash License Agreement if we determine that the activities are no longer commercially viable.
As of December 31, 2025, the first two development milestones for a total of $0.2 million were achieved and paid by PureTech as they occurred prior to our formation, and we have paid the third development milestone of $0.1 million as well as annual maintenance fees. No other milestones have occurred or have been paid under the Monash License Agreement as of December 31, 2025.
For additional information see the section titled “Business—Agreements—Monash License Agreement”, included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Purchase and Other Obligations
We enter into contracts in the normal course of business with contract research organizations, or CROs, and other third-party vendors for preclinical and commercial supply manufacturing, support for pre-commercial activities, research, and development activities, and other services and products for our operations. These contracts are generally cancelable upon written notice. Payments due upon cancellation consist generally of payments for services provided and expenses incurred up to the date of cancellation.
Lease Obligations
In November 2024, we entered into a lease agreement with a third party for our corporate office space located in Boston, Massachusetts. The lease commenced in December 2024 and has an initial term of approximately six years, expiring in October 2030. The aggregate payments under the full lease total approximately $6.1 million, which will be recognized over the term of the lease.
In December 2024, we entered into a laboratory license with a third party for lab space located in Boston, Massachusetts. The license commenced in January 2025 and is for an initial term of 24 months from the commencement date. The aggregate payments under the full license total approximately $1.2 million.
For additional information on our contractual obligation and commitments please see Note 8—Monash License Agreement and Note 14—Commitments and Contingencies, to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Critical Accounting Estimates and Significant Judgments
Our management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and expenses and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in our financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experience, known trends and events, and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis. Our actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
122
While our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, we believe that the following accounting policies are those most critical to the judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Accrued Research and Development Expenses
As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our accrued research and development expenses as of each balance sheet date. In accruing service fees, we estimate the time period over which services will be performed and the level of effort to be expended in each period. This process involves reviewing open contracts and purchase orders, communicating with internal 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 our service providers and make adjustments if necessary. The majority of our service providers invoice us monthly in arrears for services performed or when contractual milestones are met. The financial terms of agreements with these service providers are subject to negotiation, vary from contract-to-contract and may result in uneven payment flows. In circumstances where amounts have been paid in excess of costs incurred, we record a prepaid expense.
Although we do not expect our estimates to be materially different from amounts actually incurred, if our estimates of the status and timing of services performed differ from the actual status and timing of services performed, it could result in us reporting amounts that are too high or too low in any particular period. To date, there have been no material differences between our estimates of such expenses and the amounts actually incurred.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation expense represents the cost of the grant date fair value of equity awards recognized that are expected to vest over the requisite service period of the awards, which is usually the vesting period of the respective award. For stock-based awards with service-based vesting conditions, we recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis. For stock-based awards with performance-based vesting conditions, we recognize compensation expense over the requisite service period using the accelerated attribution method, commencing when achievement of the performance condition becomes probable. Subsequent to our formation and the Asset Transfer, we estimated the fair value of stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Estimating the fair value of equity awards as of the grant date using valuation models, such as the Black-Scholes option pricing model, is affected by assumptions regarding a number of variables, including the risk-free interest rate, the expected stock price volatility, the expected term of stock options, the expected dividend yield and the fair value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. These inputs are subjective and generally require significant analysis and judgment to develop. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur. Changes in the assumptions can materially affect the fair value and ultimately how much stock-based compensation expense is recognized. The fair value of time-vesting restricted stock unit awards is equal to the common stock price on the date of grant.
The stock-based compensation expense we recognized in our financial statements prior to our formation and the Asset Transfer Date, and separate from our 2024 Plan, has been determined based on the fair value of the underlying award as determined by PureTech, the total expense calculated for the period under GAAP, and the relative amount allocated to Seaport associated with each employee. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model for these awards were those of PureTech, including the fair value of PureTech’s common stock, expected volatility, expected term, expected dividend yield, and risk-free interest rates as of the grant date. Seaport employees continued to vest in their PureTech equity awards up until the completion of our Series B Financing in October 2024 at which time PureTech no longer maintained a controlling interest.
123
Determination of the Fair Value of Common Stock
As there has been no public market for our common stock subsequent to the Asset Transfer and to date, the estimated fair value of our common stock has been determined by our Board , as of the date of each option grant with input from management, considering our most recently available third-party valuations of common stock, and our Boards’ 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 through the date of the grant. These third-party valuations 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. Our common stock valuation was prepared using a market approach to estimate our enterprise value and either an option pricing method, OPM, or a hybrid method to allocate value to the common stock. The OPM treats common stock and convertible preferred stock as call options on the total equity value of a company, with exercise prices based on the value thresholds at which the allocation among the various holders of a company’s securities changes. Under this method, the common stock has value only if the funds available for distribution to stockholders exceeded the value of the convertible preferred stock liquidation preferences at the time of the liquidity event, such as a strategic sale or a merger. The hybrid method is a probability-weighed expected return method, or PWERM, where the equity value in one or more of the scenarios is calculated using an OPM. The PWERM is a scenario-based methodology that estimates the fair value of common stock based upon an analysis of the future value of our common stock, assuming various outcomes. The value of a share of common stock is based on the probability-weighted present value of expected future investment returns considering each of the possible outcomes available as well as the rights of each class of stock. The future value of the common stock under each outcome is discounted back to the valuation date at an appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate and probability weighted to arrive at an indication of value for the common stock. In each case, a discount for lack of marketability of the common stock is then applied to arrive at an indication of value for the common stock.
These third-party valuations were performed at various dates, which resulted in valuations of our common stock of $2.35 per share as of October 18, 2024, $2.53 per share as of July 16, 2025 and $3.28 per share as of January 14, 2026. Given the absence of a public trading market, our Board, with input from management, considered the results of these third-party valuations in addition to numerous objective and subjective factors to determine the fair value of common stock. The factors included, but were not limited to:
| | the prices at which we sold convertible preferred stock to new and existing investors and the rights and preferences of the convertible preferred stock relative to our common stock at the time of each grant; |
| | our ability to raise future financings; |
| | the progress of our research and development efforts, including the status of clinical development for our product candidates; |
| | the lack of liquidity of our equity as a private company; |
| | our stage of development and business strategy and the material risks related to our business and industry; |
| | the achievement of enterprise milestones, including entering into license agreements; |
| | the valuation of publicly traded companies in the life sciences and biotechnology sectors, as well as recently completed mergers and acquisitions of peer companies; |
| | any external market conditions affecting the biotechnology industry and trends within the biotechnology industry; |
| | the likelihood of achieving a liquidity event for the holders of our convertible preferred stock and holders of our common stock, such as an initial public offering, or a sale of our company, given prevailing market conditions; and |
124
| | the analysis of initial public offerings and the market performance of similar companies in the biopharmaceutical industry. |
The assumptions underlying these valuations were highly complex and subjective and represented management’s best estimates, which involved inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. As a result, if we had used significantly 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 completion of this offering, it will no longer be necessary for our Board 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 quoted market price of our common stock.
The following table summarizes by grant date the number of shares subject to awards granted under our equity incentive plan from January 1, 2025 through the date of this prospectus, the per share exercise price of the awards and weighted average grant date fair value on each grant date:
| Grant Date |
Type of Award | Number of Shares Subject to Award |
Per Share Exercise of Award |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value |
||||||||||||
| January 26, 2025 |
Stock Option | 270,940 | $ | 2.35 | $ | 1.81 | ||||||||||
| February 25, 2025 |
Stock Option | 641,500 | $ | 2.35 | $ | 1.80 | ||||||||||
| March 3, 2025 |
Stock Option | 241,966 | $ | 2.35 | $ | 1.79 | ||||||||||
| March 25, 2025 |
Stock Option | 391,000 | $ | 2.35 | $ | 1.81 | ||||||||||
| May 15, 2025 |
Stock Option | 395,000 | $ | 2.35 | $ | 1.81 | ||||||||||
| June 11, 2025 |
Stock Option | 482,000 | $ | 2.35 | $ | 1.80 | ||||||||||
| October 7, 2025 |
Stock Option | 415,000 | $ | 2.53 | $ | 1.94 | ||||||||||
| January 27, 2026 |
Stock Option | 909,325 | $ | 3.28 | $ | 2.56 | ||||||||||
| February 24, 2026 |
Stock Option | 2,114,185 | $ | 3.28 | $ | 2.54 | ||||||||||
In connection with this offering, we plan to grant equity awards to executive officers and directors. For additional information, see the section titled “Executive Compensation—Narrative Disclosure to the 2025 Summary Compensation Table—Equity Incentive Compensation”, “Executive Compensation—Employee Benefit and Equity Compensation Plans” and “Director Compensation”.
Transition From PureTech and Costs to Operate as an Independent Company
Prior to our formation and the Asset Transfer, the financial statements reflect our operating results and financial position as our business was operated by PureTech, rather than as an independent company. We may incur additional ongoing operating expenses to operate as an independent company. These costs will include the cost of various corporate functions, incremental information technology-related costs and incremental costs to operate standalone accounting, legal and other administrative functions. We may also incur non-recurring expenses and non-recurring capital expenditures.
Transactions with Related Parties
Following the Asset Transfer Date, we began incurring additional operating expenses necessary to operate as an independent company, including various corporate functions and incremental costs to operate standalone accounting, legal, and other administrative functions. These functions were provided to us from PureTech prior to the Asset Transfer Date and continued under the Transition Services Agreement, or the TSA, that we entered into with PureTech. Substantially all of these activities will be performed using our own resources at this time. The terms of the TSA are discussed in the section captioned “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions.” On April 2, 2026, we and PureTech mutually agreed to terminate the TSA in accordance with its terms.
125
Emerging Growth Company and Smaller Reporting Company Status
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, or the JOBS Act. As such, we are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including:
| | being permitted to provide only two years of audited financial statements in addition to any required unaudited interim financial statements and a correspondingly reduced “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” disclosure in this prospectus; |
| | not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements in the assessment of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; |
| | reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation; |
| | exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved; and |
| | exemptions from compliance with the requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the communication of critical audit matters in the auditor’s report on the financial statements. |
Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. We have elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, we, as an emerging growth company, will adopt the new or revised standard whenever such adoption is required for private companies. We may also choose to early adopt any new or revised accounting standards whenever such early adoption is permitted. This may make comparison of our financial statements with another public company, which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company that has opted out of using the extended transition period, difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.
We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this initial public offering, (ii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.235 billion, (iii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates exceeded $700.0 million as of the last business day of the second fiscal quarter of such year, or (iv) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the prior three-year period.
We are also a “smaller reporting company” as defined in the Exchange Act. We may continue to be a smaller reporting company even after we are no longer an emerging growth company. We may take advantage of certain of the scaled disclosures available to smaller reporting companies and will be able to take advantage of these scaled disclosures for so long as (i) the market value of our voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $250.0 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter, or (ii)(a) our annual revenue is less than $100.0 million during the most recently completed fiscal year, and (b) the market value of our voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $700.0 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter.
126
Overview
We are a clinical-stage therapeutics company focused on inventing and developing new medicines for patients with depression, anxiety, and other debilitating neuropsychiatric disorders. Through our differentiated approach, we identify clinically validated mechanisms with established efficacy and safety profiles which had historically been limited by high first-pass metabolism, low bioavailability, and/or side effects. We apply our proprietary GlyphTM platform to overcome those limitations and invent innovative oral therapies. Glyph is a lymphatic-targeting prodrug technology which is designed to bypass first-pass metabolism and thereby enhance a drug’s oral bioavailability and reduce side effects. This process, which we call “Glyphing,” also creates new composition of matter intellectual property. Our experienced team of industry leaders has a proven track record in neuropsychiatry drug discovery and development and delivering successful business outcomes. We aim to develop novel, leading treatment options that will make a significant impact for patients and their families.
We are leveraging our proprietary Glyph platform to advance a pipeline of novel therapies to address the significant unmet needs in depression and anxiety. Our lead product candidate, GlyphAlloTM (SPT-300 or Glyph Allopregnanolone), is a novel, Glyphed oral prodrug of allopregnanolone, an endogenous molecule that has been clinically validated in third-party trials for the treatment of postpartum depression, or PPD, a form of major depressive disorder, or MDD, that shares symptomatology with MDD, as a rapidly acting antidepressant with anxiolytic and sleep-promoting effects. GlyphAllo is designed to overcome bioavailability limitations of allopregnanolone and deliver rapid and durable efficacy in MDD. We have demonstrated in a Phase 1 clinical trial that GlyphAllo reaches therapeutically relevant exposures with oral dosing, and in a Phase 2a clinical trial, GlyphAllo demonstrated initial proof-of-concept with an objective biomarker of stress in healthy volunteers and a favorable tolerability profile. We have initiated the Phase 2b BUOY-1 trial in patients with MDD with or without anxious distress and anticipate topline data in the first half of 2027.
Our second product candidate, GlyphAgoTM (SPT-320 or Glyph Agomelatine), is a novel, Glyphed oral prodrug of agomelatine, a clinically validated anxiolytic and antidepressant that is approved for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, in Australia and MDD in Australia and the European Union, or EU. Due to extensive liver first-pass metabolism, agomelatine can cause dose-dependent liver enzyme elevations, and its use has been limited by the need for frequent liver function testing. Additionally, an oral synthetic analog of allopregnanolone, zuranolone, demonstrated a rapid antidepressant effect that deepened while patients were on drug and met the primary endpoint in five of the six trials in MDD. GlyphAgo is designed to overcome this limitation by avoiding first-pass metabolism and achieving therapeutic exposures of agomelatine while reducing or eliminating the need for liver monitoring. In April 2026, we reported topline data from the single-ascending dose, or SAD, and crossover portions of our Phase 1 proof-of-concept clinical trial for GlyphAgo. In the head-to-head crossover portion of the trial, GlyphAgo demonstrated a 6.8-fold increase in bioavailability of agomelatine compared to unmodified orally administered agomelatine, and showed significantly lower (10-fold) pharmacokinetic variability compared to unmodified agomelatine. In the SAD portion of the trial, GlyphAgo demonstrated a 9.6 to 14.5-fold increase in dose-normalized exposure compared to agomelatine. GlyphAgo was well-tolerated and no liver-related adverse events, or AEs, were observed. We plan to initiate a Phase 2a proof-of-pharmacology trial designed to evaluate the potential sleep benefit of GlyphAgo in patients with GAD and sleep disturbance, with topline data expected in early 2028 and, in parallel, a Phase 2b trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of GlyphAgo in patients with GAD, with topline data expected by the end of 2028.
We are also advancing Glyph2BLSDTM (SPT-348 or Glyph 2-bromo-LSD), a novel, Glyphed oral prodrug of the non-hallucinogenic LSD analog 2-bromo-LSD, in preclinical studies for depressive disorders, including treatment-resistant depression, or TRD, post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, and headache disorders.
Globally, over one billion people are living with mental illness as of 2021, comparable in prevalence to obesity or hypertension. According to the World Health Organization, as of 2021, depression affects approximately
127
332 million people worldwide and anxiety affects approximately 359 million people worldwide, and there is a significant need for novel treatment options. Currently approved drugs for MDD and GAD have significant limitations, including modest efficacy, slow onset of action, and unfavorable side effects. Advancement of novel therapies has been limited by a lack of understanding of disease pathophysiology, poor drug-like properties, and challenges in clinical trial design and execution leading to high clinical development failure rates.
Our Differentiated Approach
We are uniquely positioned to overcome the challenges of developing medicines for depression, anxiety, and other neuropsychiatric disorders by leveraging our differentiated, three-pillar approach:
Identify clinically validated mechanisms held back by issues that can be addressed by our proprietary Glyph platform. We select our product candidates based on well-established clinical data, defined as demonstrated meaningful benefits compared to placebo in multiple randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials in a large number of patients. We identify drugs matching this profile where clinical and commercial potential have been limited by high first-pass metabolism, low bioavailability, and/or side effects. We advance candidates that have the potential to be novel medicines and to impact a large number of patients.
Create novel medicines with strong intellectual property using Glyph. Glyph is our proprietary technology platform which uses the lymphatic system to enable and enhance the oral administration of drugs. Typically, non-Glyphed oral small molecules undergo first-pass metabolism, where the concentration of drug is significantly reduced by metabolic enzymes in the liver prior to systemic circulation. First-pass metabolism can lead to low bioavailability (i.e., reduced concentration of active drug available to target organs) and/or side effects, including liver enzyme elevations or hepatotoxicity. Glyph leverages a separate absorption path taken by dietary fats. A Glyphed molecule uses this alternative route via the intestinal lymphatic system to bypass first-pass metabolism and transit directly into systemic circulation. The Glyph platform has the potential to be widely applied to many therapeutic molecules that have high first-pass metabolism. For each program, we use Glyph to create unique sets of prodrugs with differentiated profiles, and evaluate these prodrugs as potential candidates to advance into preclinical and clinical studies. Glyph has been applied to create novel product candidates for our pipeline resulting in new intellectual property, including composition of matter patents.
Benefits of Our Proprietary Glyph Platform
128
Apply our team’s expertise to optimize the design and execution of clinical trials and drive successful business outcomes. Our team is comprised of industry leaders with a proven track record of building successful companies that have developed and commercialized innovative neuropsychiatric medicines. This includes Zyprexa®, Cymbalta®, Latuda®, Zurzuvae®, and CobenfyTM (xanomeline-trospium or KarXT), which was approved by the FDA in September 2024 and is the first new class of medicines in over 30 years for patients living with schizophrenia. Leveraging our team’s track record of success in neuropsychiatry discovery and clinical development is important as we select new product candidates and as we implement key design elements in our clinical trials to optimize treatment effect and duration and reduce placebo response. In parallel, we apply our deep experience in building successful companies to establish clear goals, drive strategic decision-making, and maintain financial discipline. Drawing on our track record of success in neuropsychiatry, we aim to drive successful outcomes for patients and shareholders.
Our Pipeline
We are developing a pipeline of novel potential treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders with significant unmet need. We retain exclusive, worldwide development and commercialization rights to all of our product candidates and discovery programs.
Glyph aims to unlock the therapeutic potential of drugs in CNS and beyond. In addition to our three lead candidates, we have robust discovery programs and multiple pipeline programs underway.
GlyphAllo: Potential Differentiated Therapy for MDD
GlyphAllo is a novel, Glyphed oral prodrug of allopregnanolone, an endogenous neurosteroid and gamma-aminobutyric acid A, or GABAA, positive allosteric modulator, or PAM. Allopregnanolone is a naturally occurring molecule that reduces stress, with levels that peak during the third trimester of pregnancy. An intravenous infusion formulation of allopregnanolone was approved for the treatment of PPD, a form of MDD. Allopregnanolone has been clinically validated in two third-party trials, which were sponsored by Sage Therapeutics in the United States for the treatment of PPD and powered for statistical significance, as a rapidly acting antidepressant with anxiolytic and sleep-promoting effects. Due to the shared symptomatology between MDD and PPD, we believe data for MDD are relevant from such third-party trials. In each trial, allopregnanolone demonstrated statistically significant results on the primary endpoint of change in baseline at 60 hours in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17, or HAMD-17, a regulatory-standard depression severity rating scale. However, its scope of clinical use has been constrained by oral bioavailability limitations that the Glyph platform is uniquely designed to solve. For example, a previous third-party clinical trial showed that oral administration of allopregnanolone resulted in plasma exposure levels with an AUCinf of 0.7 ng*hr/mL per 1 mg of allopregnanolone dosed, as shown in the figure below.
129
Unmodified Allopregnanolone Oral Systemic Exposure – Third-Party Literature Data
GlyphAllo: Preclinical Results
In our preclinical studies conducted in non-human primates, or NHPs, oral dosing of GlyphAllo resulted in a greater than nine-fold increase in bioavailability compared to oral unmodified allopregnanolone over 24 hours. In these preclinical studies, evaluations of GlyphAllo and unmodified allopregnanolone were conducted simultaneously or sequentially using the same species.
GlyphAllo: Clinical Results
In our Phase 1 clinical trial conducted in Australia in 99 participants, GlyphAllo demonstrated therapeutically relevant exposures with a favorable tolerability profile that supports chronic dosing. No treatment-related severe or serious AEs were reported. Oral administration of GlyphAllo in our Phase 1 trial of GlyphAllo resulted in plasma exposure levels with an AUCinf of 6.6 ng*hr/mL per 1 mg of allopregnanolone dosed, as shown in the figure below.
130
GlyphAllo Oral Systemic Exposure: Phase 1 Data
GlyphAllo has also demonstrated initial proof-of-concept in a Phase 2a randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted in Australia in 80 participants, using the Trier Social Stress Test, or TSST, a validated clinical model of anxiety in healthy volunteers. No severe or serious adverse events were reported. Based on these Phase 1 and Phase 2a data, we believe GlyphAllo has the potential to become a leading treatment for MDD. We advanced GlyphAllo into what we believe is a registration-enabling Phase 2b BUOY-1 trial conducted in the US and EU in July 2025. BUOY-1 is a global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of GlyphAllo in adults with MDD, with or without anxious distress. MDD with anxious distress is a form of MDD characterized by significant anxiety. Approximately 60% of patients with MDD meet the criteria for anxious distress. This trial is expected to enroll up to approximately 360 patients, randomized 1:1 to receive either GlyphAllo or placebo once-daily over a six-week treatment period. This randomized, double-blind, multiregional, placebo-controlled trial is designed to be registration-enabling, subject to review by the FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities, as an adequate and well-controlled investigation that seeks to help provide substantial evidence of effectiveness by assessing GlyphAllo’s efficacy and safety in several hundred patients. Additional clinical trials may be required prior to the submission of a new drug application even if this trial is successful or positive. The primary endpoint of the trial is the change from baseline at six weeks in HAMD-17. Following the initial treatment period, eligible patients may enter an open-label extension trial, in which all participants will receive GlyphAllo for up to six additional weeks.
Previous clinical development of allopregnanolone and its synthetic analog, which has been evaluated by Sage Therapeutics in multiple late-stage clinical trials for the treatment of MDD, has been generally hindered by poor oral bioavailability, safety concerns, and clinical trial design limitations. GlyphAllo is designed to enhance the oral bioavailability of allopregnanolone and achieve systemic exposures comparable to an intravenous infusion of allopregnanolone, with once-daily oral dosing. We believe our ongoing Phase 2b BUOY-1 trial improves upon the design of previous third-party clinical trials that evaluated a synthetic analog of allopregnanolone in several important ways.
We are improving durable efficacy by treating patients for the full six-week duration of the primary endpoint time frame, as opposed to previous trials that treated patients for only the first two weeks and assessed efficacy after six weeks. As allopregnanolone also has an anxiolytic effect, we are also enrolling patients that have MDD with or without anxious distress. To reduce placebo response, we are optimizing the frequency of clinician-administered assessments, as our comprehensive meta-analysis of recent antidepressant trials
131
demonstrated that the frequency of these assessments is positively correlated with the magnitude of the placebo response in MDD trials. We are also including a single treatment arm and will flex dose to a target dose, similar to the strategy implemented at Karuna Therapeutics, since the number of active arms is positively associated with increased placebo response. Additionally, we are scrutinizing site selection and patient enrollment to ensure appropriate diagnosis and exclude inappropriate patients, including those with inflated baseline ratings and those who are concurrently participating in other studies. We expect topline data from the Phase 2b BUOY-1 trial in the first half of 2027.
GlyphAgo: Potential Differentiated Therapy for GAD
GlyphAgo is a novel, Glyphed oral prodrug of agomelatine that we are advancing in a key Phase 1 proof-of-concept trial for the treatment of GAD in Australia, in which we plan to enroll up to approximately 190 participants. Agomelatine, a clinically validated MT1/MT2 melatonin receptor agonist and serotonin 2C (5-HT2C) receptor antagonist, is an effective anxiolytic and antidepressant approved for the treatment of GAD in Australia and MDD in Australia and the EU. In GAD, agomelatine has demonstrated statistically significant separation from placebo in four third-party placebo-controlled studies(1). Based on two of the largest non-head-to-head literature meta-analyses of clinical trials of pharmacological agents for the treatment of GAD, agomelatine has been shown to have favorable efficacy and tolerability relative to other therapeutic agents. Specifically, in the first of these meta-analyses, which included two of the placebo-controlled studies of agomelatine, agomelatine was observed to have better efficacy and tolerability than certain standard-of-care drugs, such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, which can result in sexual dysfunction and weight gain, and benzodiazepines, which can result in dependence and abuse. In the second of these meta-analyses, which included three of the placebo-controlled studies of agomelatine, agomelatine was found to be the most favorable drug in terms of both efficacy and tolerability among the analyzed competitors (venlafaxine, escitalopram, paroxetine, duloxetine, and pregabalin). However, despite this positive profile, over 90% of unmodified agomelatine is lost to first-pass liver metabolism and its use has been limited by dose-dependent liver enzyme elevations. Its label in both Australia and the EU requires liver function testing before initiating treatment, during treatment, and upon increasing the dose. Agomelatine is not approved in the United States.
| (1) | The statements above relating to the placebo-controlled studies of agomelatine in GAD are based on the following, which represents a complete list of all placebo-controlled studies of agomelatine in GAD: Dan J. Stein, et al., Efficacy and safety of agomelatine (10 or 25 mg/day) in non-depressed out-patients with generalized anxiety disorder: A 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, European Neuropsychopharmacology, Volume 27, Issue 5, 2017 (also included in the meta-analyses); Dan J. Stein, et al., Agomelatine in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: An Active Comparator and Placebo-Controlled Study, J Clin Psychiatry 2014;75(4):362-368 (also included in the meta-analyses); Dan J. Stein, et al., Agomelatine Prevents Relapse in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A 6-Month Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Discontinuation Study, J Clin Psychiatry 2012;73(7):1002-1008; Dan J. Stein, et al., Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology 28(5):p 561-566, October 2008 (also included in the meta-analyses). |
132
Agomelatine Significantly Reduces Anxiety in Patients with GAD
Using our proprietary Glyph platform, GlyphAgo is designed to avoid first-pass liver metabolism and increase systemic exposure of agomelatine, enabling exposure levels of agomelatine that are effective in GAD but at a lower dose that reduces liver exposure and reduces or eliminates the need for liver function testing. Based on internal analyses, we believe a two-fold increase in the bioavailability of agomelatine with GlyphAgo dosing will reduce or eliminate liver enzyme elevations. In preclinical studies in NHPs we showed that oral dosing of GlyphAgo increased plasma exposure of agomelatine versus agomelatine alone above this two-fold target. Therefore, based on the data we have generated to date, we believe GlyphAgo has the potential to become a leading treatment for GAD. The ongoing Phase 1 trial will be conducted in multiple parts to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of GlyphAgo and compare the pharmacokinetics of GlyphAgo to agomelatine alone. It will include single- and multiple-ascending dose cohorts, as well as a food-effect crossover portion, using both open-label and placebo-controlled designs. In April 2026, we reported topline data from the SAD and crossover portions of our Phase 1 proof-of-concept clinical trial of GlyphAgo. In the head-to-head crossover portion of the trial, GlyphAgo demonstrated a 6.8-fold increase in bioavailability of agomelatine compared to unmodified orally administered agomelatine. GlyphAgo also showed significantly lower (10-fold) PK variability compared to unmodified agomelatine. The crossover portion included participants who were taking estrogen-containing oral contraceptives that are known to increase agomelatine exposure due to liver drug-drug interaction. In contrast, GlyphAgo exposure was unaffected by oral contraceptives, further supporting the ability of GlyphAgo to bypass first-pass liver metabolism. GlyphAgo demonstrated a 9.6 to 14.5-fold increase in dose-normalized exposure compared to agomelatine in a separate SAD portion of the trial in which no participants were on oral contraceptives. GlyphAgo was well tolerated and no liver-related AEs were observed. We plan to initiate a Phase 2a proof-of-pharmacology trial designed to evaluate the potential sleep benefit of GlyphAgo in patients with GAD and sleep disturbance, with topline data expected in early 2028.
We also plan to initiate in parallel, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2b trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of GlyphAgo in patients with GAD, with topline data expected by the end of 2028. This multiregional trial is designed to be registration-enabling, subject to review by the FDA and other comparable
133
regulatory authorities, as an adequate and well-controlled investigation that seeks to provide substantial evidence of effectiveness by assessing GlyphAgo’s efficacy and safety in several hundred patients. Although this trial is designed to be registration-enabling, additional clinical trials may be required prior to the submission of a new drug application even if this trial is successful or positive.
Although the development and commercialization of GlyphAgo for the treatment of GAD is our primary focus, as part of our longer-term growth strategy, we may evaluate GlyphAgo in other indications as well, including MDD.
Glyph2BLSD and Additional Applications of the Glyph Platform
Glyph2BLSD is our novel, Glyphed oral prodrug of 2-bromo-LSD, a differentiated non-hallucinogenic neuroplastogen. Glyph2BLSD is designed to harness the differentiated and non-hallucinogenic profile of 2-bromo-LSD, which has rapidly acting clinical activity and is not expected to exhibit the fibrosis, cardiovascular effects, or hallucinations characteristic of some other neuroplastogens. Glyph2BLSD is designed to improve the pharmacokinetic and tolerability profile of 2-bromo-LSD while maintaining therapeutic exposure levels. Glyph2BLSD’s non-hallucinogenic profile unlocks the potential to enable convenient outpatient and repeat dosing to improve efficacy. We are advancing Glyph2BLSD through preclinical studies and are developing Glyph2BLSD for the treatment of depressive disorders, including TRD, PTSD, and headache disorders with significant unmet need. We are currently conducting first-in-human-enabling studies of Glyph2BLSD.
We are also leveraging the power of the Glyph platform to explore additional applications in CNS and non-CNS diseases and advance programs that address significant unmet needs in these areas.
Our Team
Seaport was founded by pioneers in the neuropsychiatry field and is led by a team of seasoned industry veterans with a shared mission to transform the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders and improve patients’ lives. We have assembled an experienced group of individuals with a proven track record of building successful companies that have developed and commercialized innovative neuropsychiatric medicines. Members of our leadership team have collaborated successfully over several decades on the discovery, development, and commercialization of neuropsychiatric medicines including Cobenfy, Latuda, Zyprexa, Cymbalta, and Zurzuvae. Our co-founders, Daphne Zohar, and Dr. Steven Paul, were central to the success of Karuna Therapeutics, which invented and advanced the first-in-class medicine Cobenfy, and was acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb in March 2024 for $14 billion. Cobenfy was approved by the FDA in September 2024 and is the first drug to provide a new mechanism of action for schizophrenia in over 30 years. Cobenfy is estimated to achieve annual peak sales of over $5 billion. The core members of our leadership team include:
| | Daphne Zohar, Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member, previously founded and led PureTech Health for 20 years as CEO. She also co-founded PureTech’s entities, including Karuna Therapeutics, which was acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb for $14 billion. Ms. Zohar was a key driver in PureTech’s productive R&D engine, which led to 28 new medicines and a clinical success rate at PureTech and founded entities that was around six times better than the industry average during her tenure. PureTech programs, including Cobenfy (invented at PureTech) and deupirfenidone, met with clinical success pursuing the same three pillar strategy of identifying clinically validated medicines with previous issues that held back their development, applying new technology to address previous limitations, and leveraging the team’s expertise to optimize the design and execution of clinical trials and drive successful business outcomes. |
| | Steven Paul, M.D., Co-founder and the Chair of the board of directors, brings over 40 years of experience as a physician-scientist specializing in CNS drug discovery and development and was previously the President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chair of the Board and Chief Scientific Officer and President of Research and Development at Karuna Therapeutics. He was also formerly the Executive Vice President for Science and Technology and President of the Lilly Research Laboratories |
134
| at Eli Lilly. Prior to his tenure at Eli Lilly, Dr. Paul spent 18 years at the National Institute of Health and served as the Scientific Director of the National Institute of Mental Health. Dr. Paul played a key role in the development of several important neuropsychiatric drugs, including Zyprexa, Cymbalta, Cobenfy, and Zurzuvae. |
| | Antony Loebel, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and President of Clinical Development, brings over 20 years of leadership experience in the biopharmaceutical industry and is a board-certified psychiatrist. He was formerly the President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer of Sunovion Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Loebel was instrumental in the growth of Sunovion to a company with over $3.5 billion in total revenue and played a key role in the development and commercialization of Latuda for the treatment of patients with bipolar depression and schizophrenia. |
| | Michael Chen, Ph.D., Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer, has over 20 years of experience in various research and leadership roles in the neuropsychiatry field. He was formerly the Head of Innovation at PureTech Health where he oversaw the rapid advancement of neuropsychiatric medicines and Glyph platform translation and validation that led to the founding of Seaport Therapeutics. At PureTech, Dr. Chen played a key role in the clinical advancement of deupirfenidone, which recently demonstrated strong and durable efficacy with favorable tolerability as a monotherapy in a Phase 2b trial in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Dr. Chen was previously Co-founder and Head of Research and Strategy at Sonde Health, a leader in voice-based health monitoring developing artificial intelligence powered-vocal biomarkers for depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders. |
| | Lauren White, Chief Financial Officer, has over 22 years of corporate finance, accounting, strategic partnering and investor relations experience. Most recently, she served as the Chief Financial Officer at ImmunoGen prior to and through its acquisition by AbbVie for $10.1 billion in 2024. Before that she was the Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Principal Accounting Officer at C4 Therapeutics, responsible for developing and leading the company’s financial and capital strategies. Prior to that, Ms. White spent ten years at Novartis in various finance roles. Ms. White started her career at General Electric and Boston Consulting Group in strategy and marketing roles. |
| | Lana Gladstein, J.D., General Counsel, has over 25 years of legal expertise including corporate governance and M&A transactions, licensing and partnerships, and intellectual property matters. Most recently, Ms. Gladstein was the Group General Counsel at APRINOIA Therapeutics, a clinical-stage company developing therapeutics and diagnostics for neurodegenerative diseases. Prior to APRINOIA, she was Chief Legal Officer at Arranta Bio and Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Brammer Bio until their acquisitions. |
Our board of directors brings together seasoned leaders in the biopharmaceutical industry, with expertise spanning neuropsychiatry research and development, regulatory affairs, financial operations, and commercialization. Our team is united by a shared commitment to develop transformative treatments for patients to address the significant unmet need in neuropsychiatry. Despite the prior experience of our team, our limited operating history as a standalone company makes any reliance on past performance uncertain.
Since our inception, we have raised $325 million in net proceeds from leading life science investors, including shareholders with holdings greater than 5%: ARCH Venture Partners, General Atlantic, Sofinnova Investments, Third Rock Ventures, and our founder, PureTech. Prospective investors should not rely on the investment decisions of our existing investors, as these investors may have different risk tolerances and in certain cases received their shares in prior offerings at prices lower than the price offered to the public in this offering. See the sections titled “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” and “Principal Stockholders” for more information.
135
Our Strategy
We founded our company with a mission to develop life-changing treatments for patients with depression, anxiety, and other neuropsychiatric disorders. The key elements of our business strategy are to:
| | Successfully advance GlyphAllo through clinical development for the treatment of patients with MDD with or without anxious distress. GlyphAllo is a novel, Glyphed oral prodrug of allopregnanolone, an endogenous molecule that has been clinically validated in two third-party trials as a rapidly acting antidepressant with anxiolytic and sleep-promoting effects. GlyphAllo is designed to overcome bioavailability limitations of allopregnanolone and deliver rapid and durable efficacy in MDD. We have demonstrated in a Phase 1 clinical trial that GlyphAllo reaches therapeutically relevant exposures with oral dosing, and in a Phase 2a clinical trial, GlyphAllo demonstrated initial proof-of-concept with an objective biomarker of stress in healthy volunteers and a favorable tolerability profile that supports chronic dosing. We have initiated the Phase 2b BUOY-1 trial in patients with MDD with or without anxious distress and anticipate topline data in the first half of 2027. |
| | Successfully advance GlyphAgo through clinical development for the treatment of patients with GAD. GlyphAgo is a novel, Glyphed oral prodrug of agomelatine, a clinically validated anxiolytic and antidepressant that is approved for the treatment of GAD in Australia and MDD in Australia and the EU. Due to extensive first-pass metabolism, agomelatine can cause dose-dependent liver enzyme elevations, and its use has been limited by the need for frequent liver function testing. GlyphAgo is designed to overcome this limitation by avoiding first-pass metabolism and achieving therapeutic exposures of agomelatine while reducing or eliminating the need for liver monitoring. In April 2026, we reported topline data from the SAD and crossover portions of our Phase 1 proof-of-concept clinical trial for GlyphAgo. In the head-to-head crossover portion of the trial, GlyphAgo demonstrated a 6.8-fold increase in bioavailability of agomelatine compared to unmodified orally administered agomelatine, and showed significantly lower (10-fold) pharmacokinetic variability compared to unmodified agomelatine. In the SAD portion of the trial, GlyphAgo demonstrated a 9.6 to 14.5-fold increase in dose-normalized exposure compared to agomelatine. GlyphAgo was well-tolerated and no liver-related AEs were observed. We plan to initiate a Phase 2a proof-of-pharmacology trial designed to evaluate the potential sleep benefit of GlyphAgo in patients with GAD and sleep disturbance, with topline data expected in early 2028 and, in parallel, a Phase 2b trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of GlyphAgo in patients with GAD, with topline data expected by the end of 2028. |
| | Develop a robust pipeline of differentiated programs for neuropsychiatric and other CNS disorders by leveraging our Glyph platform. We have used Glyph to create over 24 different small molecules based on the broad compatibility of our platform with a range of small molecule physicochemical properties. Given the novel prodrug modifications to these drugs and resulting improvements in drug properties, we create new composition of matter intellectual property for these therapies. In addition to GlyphAllo and GlyphAgo, we have multiple preclinical programs, including Glyph2BLSD, and are also evaluating the application of our Glyph platform in therapeutic areas beyond neuropsychiatry. Our team has a track record of building revolutionary biopharmaceutical companies that have developed successful medicines for neuropsychiatric disorders, and we believe that our scientific expertise and world-class technical capabilities will enable us to identify and develop high value targets in the future. |
| | Opportunistically pursue strategic partnerships to maximize the value of our Glyph platform. We have exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize our product candidates and pursue various discovery programs using our Glyph platform. We may seek strategic collaborations where we believe the resources and expertise of third-party biopharmaceutical companies could accelerate the clinical development or maximize the commercial potential of our product candidates and/or discovery programs, or where such collaborations could expand the capabilities of our Glyph platform. We may also opportunistically evaluate partnerships in therapeutic areas outside neuropsychiatry where our Glyph platform has demonstrated potential applicability, such as oncology, immunology and inflammation, metabolic disease, and obesity. |
136
Unmet Patient Need in Neuropsychiatry
According to the World Health Organization, as of 2021, depression affects approximately 332 million people worldwide and anxiety affects approximately 359 million people worldwide. Quality of life can be severely impacted and the societal economic burden of MDD totals over $300 billion in the United States alone as of 2023. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, MDD affects approximately 21 million adults in the United States, as of 2021. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 4 in 10 people with MDD do not receive treatment, and for those that do, currently approved drugs often have significant limitations, including modest efficacy, slow onset of action, and unfavorable side effects. Anxiety disorders are even more prevalent than MDD and affect approximately 350 million people worldwide. Of these, approximately 100 million adults suffer from GAD, including more than seven million adults in the United States, according to JAMA Psychiatry, as of 2017. There have been no new therapies approved for GAD in almost two decades, and the medicines currently used for GAD have modest efficacy, slow onset, and/or unfavorable side effects.
Despite the shortcomings of existing therapies, there has been limited innovation in neuropsychiatric treatment options over the last 30 years and there remains a significant need for novel mechanisms and additional treatment options. The unmet need for improved therapies to treat depression and anxiety is so great that even approved drugs with limited efficacy and significant tolerability issues have become widely prescribed drugs. For instance, standard-of-care therapies, such as Zoloft®, Zyprexa, and Cymbalta, have each generated $3 billion to $5 billion in peak annual sales between 2005 and 2012, despite significant limitations, such as modest efficacy, slow onset, and undesirable side effects. SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, both first-line treatments for MDD and GAD, can take weeks to improve symptoms, and often do not lead to complete remission of symptoms. In addition, patients with MDD with anxious distress, a subtype of MDD representing approximately 60% of patients with MDD, have even lower rates of treatment response and remission, and there are no approved therapies indicated for MDD with anxious distress. Patients with MDD have an increased likelihood of both suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, which is further increased in patients with MDD with anxious distress. Even for patients who benefit from standard-of-care drugs, many experience challenging side effects, such as unintended weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and sleep disturbances.
GAD is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry that is difficult to control, and presents with associated symptoms such as restlessness, sleep disturbance, and irritability. More than half of GAD patients are untreated, and of those that are treated, only half respond to standard-of-care treatments like SSRIs and SNRIs. Current therapies provide limited efficacy and can cause significant adverse effects, including weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and sleep disturbances. There is a clear unmet need for novel therapies that provide improved efficacy and reduce unfavorable side effects for patients suffering from GAD.
Challenges in Neuropsychiatric Drug Development
Despite the significant unmet need in neuropsychiatry, over 90% of neuropsychiatry product candidates fail in clinical trials, according to the Biotechnology Innovation Organization. The challenges that have held back the development of novel treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders include:
| | Fundamental pathophysiology is unknown: High failure rates in clinical trials evaluating investigational therapies without prior clinical validation can reflect an incomplete understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of depression and anxiety. Translation of data from animal models to humans is difficult due to the complexity of the CNS. |
| | Poor drug-like properties: Drugs for neuropsychiatric disorders have had low oral bioavailability and/or significant side effects due in part to poor drug-like properties, often due to high first-pass metabolism in the liver. |
| | Challenges with clinical trial design and execution: Suboptimal trial design and execution of neuropsychiatry clinical trials can lead to failed studies and prevent drug approvals. A key challenge in neuropsychiatry clinical development is the placebo effect, which can be impacted by the frequency of |
137
| clinician-administered assessments, the number of treatment arms, the number of sites, and the inclusion of inappropriate patients, including those with inflated baseline ratings and those who are concurrently participating in other studies. |
Our Differentiated Approach
We are uniquely positioned to develop novel medicines that will make a significant impact for patients and their families through our differentiated, three-pillar approach: 1) identify clinically validated mechanisms held back by issues that can be addressed by our proprietary Glyph platform, 2) create novel medicines with strong intellectual property using Glyph, and 3) apply our team’s expertise to optimize the design and execution of clinical trials and drive successful business outcomes. We believe our approach will enable us to develop transformative treatments for patients and build a leading neuropsychiatry company.
1) Identify clinically validated mechanisms held back by issues that can be addressed by our proprietary Glyph platform.
We use our team’s deep expertise in neuropsychiatry drug discovery and development to analyze data generated from prior clinical trials of investigational therapies for depression, anxiety, and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Of the investigational therapies that have demonstrated clinical efficacy, we analyze the factors that have held these molecules back from achieving regulatory or commercial success and identify those that we can address with our Glyph platform, including poor oral bioavailability and/or liver-related adverse events.
We select product candidates that have the potential to become high-impact, leading therapies and design and conduct early proof-of-concept studies that address key development questions and validate the fundamental hypotheses underlying each program. Molecules that meet all the above criteria become candidates for our Glyph platform.
2) Create novel medicines with strong intellectual property using Glyph.
Glyph is a lymphatic-targeting prodrug platform that has shown clinical proof of concept in our Phase 1 and Phase 2a clinical trials of GlyphAllo. We can apply Glyph to molecules to overcome limitations such as low oral bioavailability, liver related adverse events, and other side effects. Importantly, every time we Glyph a molecule, it results in the creation of a novel molecule and, therefore, new composition of matter intellectual property.
The development of the Glyph platform has been a culmination of over 50 years of work since researchers began exploring the potential of lymphatic transport to improve drug delivery. Since the 1970s, research has been conducted on highly lipophilic molecules, or molecules that can be dissolved in lipids or fats, that could take advantage of the lymphatic route to bypass first-pass metabolism and target lymphatic tissues. However, this approach was limited by the need for chemical properties like lipophilicity, which can negatively affect drug absorption and metabolism. To overcome these limitations, Dr. Christopher Porter, the co-inventor of Glyph and Director of the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, advanced cleavable prodrugs with lipophilic moieties to promote lymphatic transport and the release of parent drug. Simple triglyceride-based prodrugs with direct conjugation of a desired drug with a lipophilic moiety were explored but did not fully capture the potential of lymphatic targeting prodrugs.
Dr. Porter, in collaboration with our Head of Chemistry, Dr. Jamie Simpson, then invented our Glyph platform, which advanced the creation of a new type of prodrug that significantly improved lymphatic transport. This proprietary prodrug chemistry is designed to promote enhanced lymphatic uptake while maintaining gut stability and the release of the parent drug. Our Glyph platform enables the design of various linkers, glyceride
138
moieties, and self-immolative groups tailored for each active pharmaceutical ingredient, or API, candidate, to allow for the release of the API. An illustration of an exemplary lymphatic targeting lipid prodrug is below.
When taken orally, conventional small molecule drugs are absorbed in the gut, enter the portal vein, and travel to the liver, where they can undergo high first-pass metabolism before entering systemic circulation. This can result in low bioavailability, or very little of the drug actually circulating in the body or brain and can also increase the risk of liver-related adverse events. In contrast, dietary fats enter systemic circulation through a completely different pathway: they enter the mesenteric lymphatic system of the gut and traffic into the thoracic duct, bypassing the liver on their way into systemic circulation. With Glyph, we cloak drugs so that the body recognizes them as if they were dietary fats, and traffics them through the lymphatic system, avoiding the liver and transporting them directly into the bloodstream. This improves a molecule’s bioavailability and thereby enables drugs that otherwise need to be given intravenously, to be dosed orally. Glyph also helps to overcome other issues—such as liver toxicity—by avoiding the liver on the first pass and reducing dose while maintaining therapeutic exposure levels. Glyph is, to our knowledge, the only clinically validated lymphatic-targeting platform. Previous examples of oral lymphatic-targeting therapies have yet to result in efficient lymphatic transport, generalized across molecules, or translated to humans.
We have pioneered the use of preclinical models to test and validate our lymphatic transport approach. We are able to use a streamlined series of in vitro and in vivo assays, which are efficient, repeatable, and highly translatable, and customize prodrug chemistry to each unique active drug. The translatability of these models is illustrated by our GlyphAllo program, which was predicted to have enhanced bioavailability based on our preclinical data. This was confirmed in a Phase 1 trial of GlyphAllo in healthy volunteers, which demonstrated therapeutically relevant exposures following dosing of GlyphAllo.
We have used Glyph to create over 24 different small molecules based on our Glyph platform’s compatibility with a range of physiochemical properties of small molecules. Our Glyph platform can be used with a range of small molecules, including for indications beyond neuropsychiatry, including oncology, immunology and inflammation, metabolic disease, and obesity.
3) Apply our team’s expertise to optimize the design and execution of clinical trials and drive successful business outcomes.
Our experienced team has a proven track record of building successful companies that have developed and commercialized innovative neuropsychiatric medicines. We are led by the team that discovered and advanced
139
Cobenfy, which was first approved by the FDA in September 2024 and is the first new mechanism in over 30 years for patients living with schizophrenia. Within each of our programs, we are implementing key learnings from our collective experience to improve the probability of success. For instance, to optimize the design and execution of the Phase 2b BUOY-1 trial of GlyphAllo in MDD, we aim to implement learnings from the prior trials of allopregnanolone and its synthetic analogs such as zuranolone. These include key design elements to improve durable efficacy and reduce the placebo effect, namely treating patients for the full duration of the primary endpoint, limiting the frequency of clinical assessments, randomizing patients 1:1 to either a single active treatment arm or placebo, and using rigorous patient inclusion criteria. Our strategy to optimize the frequency of clinical assessments is supported by a recent meta-analysis we conducted of major MDD trials over the last 10 years to identify clinical design factors associated with the magnitude of the placebo response. A key finding from this analysis was that the number and frequency of clinician-administered assessments were significantly associated with greater placebo response. Thus, reducing the number and frequency of clinician-administered assessments may decrease the placebo response in MDD trials.
The table below summarizes the key design elements we are incorporating into our clinical trials to improve durable efficacy and minimize the placebo effect.
Product Candidates
We are leveraging our Glyph platform to advance a pipeline of novel candidates to address the significant unmet need for patients with depression and anxiety. Our lead product candidates include GlyphAllo for the treatment of MDD and GlyphAgo for the treatment of GAD.
GlyphAllo: Potential Differentiated Therapy for MDD
GlyphAllo, is a novel, Glyphed oral prodrug of allopregnanolone, an endogenous neurosteroid and GABAA PAM that has been clinically validated in two third-party trials, which were sponsored by Sage Therapeutics in the United States for the treatment of PPD and powered for statistical significance, as a rapidly acting antidepressant with anxiolytic and sleep-promoting effects. In each trial, allopregnanolone demonstrated statistically significant results on the primary endpoint of change in baseline at 60 hours in the HAMD-17. However, its scope of clinical use has been constrained by oral bioavailability limitations that the Glyph platform is uniquely designed to solve.
140
We are currently advancing GlyphAllo in the Phase 2b BUOY-1 trial in MDD with or without anxious distress, that we believe will be registration-enabling, subject to review by the FDA and/or other comparable regulatory authorities, as the trial is an adequate and well-controlled investigation that seeks to help provide substantial evidence of effectiveness by definitively assessing GlyphAllo’s efficacy and safety in several hundred patients. We believe that GlyphAllo has the potential to be a leading treatment for MDD.
Background on MDD and Market Opportunity
MDD is one of the most disabling neuropsychiatric disorders and ranks among the leading causes of disease burden worldwide. As of 2023, 29% of adults in the United States reported having been diagnosed with depression at some point in their life, more than diabetes (16%) or chronic kidney disease (14%). Depression is often characterized by persistent low mood or anhedonia—loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities—as well as changes in sleep, appetite, cognition, psychomotor function, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, inappropriate guilt, or suicidal ideation. Depression can be debilitating to daily functioning, including school, work, and interpersonal relationships, and it significantly reduces quality of life. Individuals with depression are 20 times more likely to commit suicide than those without depression. In 2022, suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 20-34, and the third leading cause of death for people ages 15-19.
MDD is a highly heterogeneous disease that manifests in myriad ways, with variations in symptoms, severity, and duration. Furthermore, the underlying causes are multifaceted, encompassing genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. For example, according to The American Journal of Psychiatry, more than half of adults diagnosed with MDD also experience notable concurrent anxiety. Individuals with MDD with anxious distress have worse depressive symptoms, higher likelihood of suicidal ideation, and attempted suicide, increased functional and physical impairment, reduced quality of life, and lower response to treatments for MDD. In recognition of the clinical impact of anxious distress, the DSM-5 added in 2013 a specifier for anxious distress in the context of MDD. There are no drugs specifically approved for MDD patients with anxious distress.
Limitations of the Current Standard of Care in MDD
Although there are multiple approved antidepressant therapies, only 61% of adults with MDD in the United States received treatment in 2021, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Of MDD patients who do receive treatment, approximately one-half fail to achieve remission with first-line therapies. Current standard of care for those who respond poorly to initial antidepressant monotherapy treatment relies on polypharmacy and treatment-switching strategies between current options including SSRIs, SNRIs, dopaminergic/noradrenergic drugs, and atypical antipsychotics. Current treatments are also in many cases associated with significant negative side effects such as sexual dysfunction, weight gain, gastrointestinal issues, insomnia, fatigue, nausea, emotional blunting, and others, which limit medication adherence and can negatively impact treatment outcomes. Even when patients achieve symptom remission, standard-of-care therapies may take weeks to yield effect and can even make symptoms like insomnia worse. Therefore, there is a significant unmet need for novel therapies that are more effective and better tolerated for the treatment of people with MDD.
Validation of Allopregnanolone and GABA Modulation in MDD
Allopregnanolone is an endogenous neurosteroid that is synthesized in the periphery and brain and binds selectively with high affinity to GABAA receptors. Allopregnanolone has a rapid onset of action and a well-established, clinically validated antidepressant, anxiolytic, and sleep-promoting effect. GlyphAllo retains the activity and potency of endogenous allopregnanolone in oral form. Levels of allopregnanolone peak during the third trimester of pregnancy, and an intravenous infusion formulation of allopregnanolone was approved for the treatment of PPD.
GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and is a pivotal component of the etiology of depression and anxiety disorders. Reduced GABA levels in the brain are associated with MDD, and cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, GABA levels are highly correlated with anxiety in patients with MDD and tend to
141
normalize with successful treatment. Other drugs that target GABA, such as benzodiazepines, have been investigated for MDD; however, these have been largely ineffective as they lack antidepressant effects driven by specific GABA receptor subtypes and can lead to dependence and abuse. Importantly, allopregnanolone binds to GABAA receptors at distinct sites compared to benzodiazepines and thereby modulates GABAA signaling in a manner distinct from benzodiazepines.
Prior Clinical Studies of Allopregnanolone and its Synthetic Analogs
Allopregnanolone and its synthetic analogs, including zuranolone, have been tested in multiple studies in MDD and PPD and have demonstrated rapidly acting antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. An IV formulation of allopregnanolone, brexanolone, was developed and approved by the FDA in 2019 for the treatment of PPD and marketed under the trade name Zulresso. In two positive Phase 3 trials, brexanolone demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful and rapid reductions in HAMD-17 as compared to placebo in patients with PPD. In addition, brexanolone demonstrated rapid and statistically significant anxiolytic effects and improvement in insomnia symptoms from baseline, according to pooled post-hoc analyses of three placebo-controlled trials of brexanolone in PPD.
After oral administration, unmodified allopregnanolone is rapidly and nearly completely metabolized via liver first-pass metabolism, resulting in only a small percentage reaching the systemic circulation and CNS. As a result, oral administration of allopregnanolone does not produce adequate exposure levels for efficacy and is poorly suited for chronic treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. Due to the poor oral bioavailability of allopregnanolone, brexanolone was only available via a 60-hour IV infusion, requiring the presence of a health care provider to continuously monitor the patient.
To overcome the poor bioavailability of brexanolone and the challenges associated with IV administration, an oral synthetic analog of allopregnanolone, zuranolone, was developed. In two Phase 3 studies in PPD conducted by Sage Therapeutics, zuranolone met the primary endpoint and also demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in symptoms of anxiety. Zuranolone was approved by the FDA for the treatment of PPD in 2023 and is marketed under the trade name Zurzuvae.
In addition to its development in PPD, zuranolone was tested in six placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with MDD. In these trials, patients received either zuranolone or placebo once daily for two weeks. The primary endpoint in these trials was change from baseline in HAMD-17 score at Day 15 or Day 3. Change from baseline in HAMD-17 score was also assessed at Day 42, when patients had not received treatment for four weeks. Zuranolone demonstrated a rapid antidepressant effect that deepened while patients were on drug and met the primary endpoint in five of the six trials. In the trial that did not meet its primary endpoint, zuranolone showed statistically significant reductions in HAMD-17 total score at Days 3, 8 and 12, but not at Day 15. Zuranolone also demonstrated a statistically significant anxiolytic effect in the WATERFALL trial. We believe the negative results of these trials at Day 42 was primarily due to two key factors related to clinical trial design and execution. First, as patients received treatment for only the first two weeks of the study, patients had not received treatment for approximately four weeks when HAMD-17 score was assessed at Day 42. Second, these studies showed a high placebo response, likely driven by the elevated frequency of clinician-administered assessments. Indeed, according to our meta-analysis of recent antidepressant trials, zuranolone’s WATERFALL trial had approximately double the placebo response and double the frequency of clinician-administered assessments compared to typical antidepressant trials. Zuranolone was generally safe and well tolerated in 2,005 treated patients across seven randomized control trials, with the most common treatment-emergent adverse event being somnolence, an on-target effect of GABAA. Despite its demonstrated antidepressant and anxiolytic activity, zuranolone was not approved in MDD by the FDA during its review of the product.
GlyphAllo Overcomes Limitations of Allopregnanolone and its Synthetic Analogs
GlyphAllo is a novel, Glyphed oral prodrug of allopregnanolone designed to increase the oral bioavailability of allopregnanolone. After oral dosing, GlyphAllo is metabolized to the parent API, allopregnanolone, chemically
142
identical to the endogenous neurosteroid, which we believe can overcome safety limitations of synthetic analogs of allopregnanolone. Additionally, we believe GlyphAllo may have additional benefits compared to other MDD drugs, including a rapid onset of action, anxiolytic activity, and sleep-promoting effects. Paired with our expertise in designing and executing neuropsychiatry clinical trials, we believe we can overcome the historical limitations seen in the development of allopregnanolone and its synthetic analogs.
GlyphAllo Phase 1 and Phase 2a Trial in Healthy Volunteers
As initial proof of concept for GlyphAllo, we conducted a trial in 179 healthy volunteers to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of GlyphAllo, which included both Phase 1 and Phase 2a portions. Phase 1 was a multi-part trial with single ascending, multiple ascending, and food effect parts with doses ranging from 70 mg to 1,000 mg daily for up to 7 days. The primary endpoints of the Phase 1 portion of the trial were safety and tolerability. The goal of this trial was to demonstrate that orally dosed GlyphAllo can safely achieve therapeutically relevant exposures and demonstrate pharmacodynamic effects consistent with allopregnanolone activity in the brain.
In the Phase 1 trial, we observed that GlyphAllo resulted in dose-dependent levels of allopregnanolone in plasma with no accumulation and minimal evidence of a clinically meaningful food effect. Across dose groups, the estimated time to peak exposure was between three to four hours, and the terminal half-life after single or multiple doses was approximately 24 hours. Unlike synthetic analogs of allopregnanolone that can exhibit delayed elimination rates compared to endogenous allopregnanolone, levels of allopregnanolone dropped to 15% of Cmax by eight hours post-dose following administration of GlyphAllo, which we believe will reduce or eliminate next-day somnolence or drowsiness. Oral administration of GlyphAllo in the Phase 1 trial of GlyphAllo achieved therapeutic exposure levels comparable to those that occur naturally during the third trimester of pregnancy.
At these therapeutically relevant levels, GlyphAllo also demonstrated pharmacodynamic effects consistent with allopregnanolone activity in the brain. These additional measures include increased beta electroencephalogram, or beta EEG, power versus placebo and reduced saccadic eye velocity, or SEV, at four hours post dose, consistent with the pharmacology of IV allopregnanolone. Both allopregnanolone blood concentrations and brain activity signals peaked at 3-5 hours post-dose and declined by 6-8 hours.
GlyphAllo Provided Therapeutically Relevant Allopregnanolone Exposures and Demonstrated Pharmacodynamic Effects
On the primary endpoints of safety and tolerability, GlyphAllo was generally well-tolerated with no serious or severe adverse events, or AEs, including no events of excessive sedation, altered state of consciousness, loss of
143
consciousness, pre-syncope, syncope, falls, or suicidal ideation or behavior. These data were consistent with the safety profile seen in our extensive non-clinical dog toxicity studies. All treatment-related AEs were transient, mild or moderate, and were consistent with the known pharmacology profile of allopregnanolone. These events were generally dose- and time-dependent, occurring more frequently at high doses and early in dosing. The most common AE was mild and transient somnolence, an on-target effect of GABAA. Furthermore, Stanford Sleepiness Score, or SSS, scores returned to baseline by six hours post-dosing, and this effect decreased after Day 1.
Based on the demonstration of therapeutically relevant plasma exposures of allopregnanolone and pharmacodynamic markers of allopregnanolone activity in the brain observed in Phase 1, we evaluated an active, well-tolerated dose of GlyphAllo in an initial proof-of-concept trial in healthy volunteers. As allopregnanolone is an anti-stress hormone and has demonstrated clinical efficacy in PPD, a form of major depression that is also characterized by high anxiety, we conducted a Phase 2a initial proof-of-concept trial in Australia using a validated clinical model of anxiety in healthy volunteers called the Trier Social Stress Test, or TSST. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated a single dose of GlyphAllo (375 mg) or placebo given in the morning to 80 healthy volunteers. The TSST involves preparing a speech and delivering it in front of a panel of judges, followed by a mental math test judged by the panel. Typically, participants will have a robust increase in salivary cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, in response to the TSST.
Design of Phase 2a Trial of GlyphAllo Using the TSST in Healthy Volunteers
144
In this trial, individuals receiving placebo exhibited a robust increase in salivary cortisol in response to the TSST. In contrast, this increase in the physiological stress response was potently blunted by a single dose of GlyphAllo, with a p-value of 0.0001, meeting the primary endpoint. To date, the only approved or investigational psychiatric medication to demonstrate reduced salivary cortisol levels in response to the TSST is alprazolam, a benzodiazepine that has been marketed as Xanax.
GlyphAllo Potently Blunted Salivary Cortisol Response to the TSST
Self-reported assessments of anxiety were also collected using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory which confirmed that the TSST transiently and modestly increased self-reported anxiety in both the placebo and GlyphAllo groups. These results are consistent with previous data showing that healthy volunteers are less likely to self-report anxiety symptoms following the TSST compared to patients with an anxiety disorder, who may experience a heightened negative psychological response to social stress. These results are also consistent with previously published self-reported assessments during the TSST using known anxiolytic drugs such as alprazolam in healthy volunteers, in which self-reported anxiety increased in both drug and placebo groups in response to the TSST. Treatment-emergent related adverse events occurring at >5% were somnolence (29% GlyphAllo vs. 13% placebo) dizziness (20% GlyphAllo vs. 3% placebo), and headache (7.3% GlyphAllo vs. 7.7% placebo), all of which were transient and mild or moderate in severity. No treatment-related severe or serious AEs were reported. The results of these Phase 1 and Phase 2a trials support the continued development of GlyphAllo as a potential medicine for MDD with or without anxious distress.
GlyphAllo Phase 2b BUOY-1 Trial in MDD
In July 2025, we initiated the Phase 2b BUOY-1 trial of GlyphAllo in the United States and the EU in adults with MDD with or without anxious distress. BUOY-1 is a global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with an open-label extension to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of GlyphAllo. Patients will be randomized to GlyphAllo or placebo during the double-blind period. In the active treatment arm, GlyphAllo will
145
be administered once daily at bedtime at flexible fixed doses ranging from 125 mg to 375 mg. On Day 42, patients completing the double-blind period will be eligible to enter a six-week open label extension, or OLE, trial.
Design of Phase 2b BUOY-1 Trial of GlyphAllo in MDD
We have included a prespecified sample size re-estimation, or SSRE, in BUOY-1 with the aim of optimizing the sample size in the trial. We expect to receive topline data from BUOY-1 in the first half of 2027, and this anticipated timing is based on the full sample size of up to approximately 360 patients.
To further evaluate the safety profile of GlyphAllo in the BUOY-1 trial, we conducted intensive safety monitoring on approximately 40 patients enrolled in the United States with oversight by a data monitoring committee, or DMC, as per protocol. In these patients, no events of loss of consciousness, syncope, excessive sedation, falls, or hypoxia were reported, and intensive safety monitoring in BUOY-1 has been discontinued. There has been no intensive safety monitoring of patients enrolled in the EU. There is a full driving restriction for patients enrolled in the BOUY-1 trial in the United States, and a shorter, six-hour driving restriction for patients enrolled in the EU. As part of the broader GlyphAllo development program, we plan to conduct additional studies, including a driving study, which we plan to initiate by the end of 2026, with data from that study expected ahead of the topline readout of BUOY-1.
We expect topline data from the Phase 2b BUOY-1 trial in the first half of 2027. Based on the results of our Phase 2b clinical trial, we intend to consult with the FDA about the potential to use this trial to support our registrational filing for MDD.
Opportunities to Expand the Potential for GlyphAllo in MDD and Other Indications
While the development and commercialization of GlyphAllo for the treatment of MDD with or without anxious distress is our primary focus, we plan to evaluate GlyphAllo in additional indications as part of our longer-term growth strategy. For instance, since allopregnanolone is a rapidly acting antidepressant with anxiolytic and sleep-promoting effects, we may also evaluate GlyphAllo as a treatment for other stress-related mood and anxiety disorders.
GlyphAgo: Potential Differentiated Therapy for GAD
GlyphAgo is a novel, Glyphed oral prodrug of agomelatine that we are developing for the treatment of GAD. We are currently progressing a key Phase 1 proof-of-concept trial of GlyphAgo in Australia in healthy volunteers in which we plan to enroll up to approximately 190 participants. Agomelatine, a clinically validated melatonin receptor agonist and serotonin 2C receptor antagonist, is an effective anxiolytic and antidepressant approved for the treatment of GAD in Australia and MDD in Australia and the EU. With GlyphAgo, we aim to achieve the exposure levels of agomelatine that are effective in GAD, but at a lower dose that reduces or eliminates the need for liver function testing, while creating new composition of matter IP.
146
Background on GAD and Market Opportunity
According to the World Health Organization, anxiety disorders affect 359 million people worldwide, as of 2021. Of these, 100 million adults suffer from GAD, including more than seven million adults in the United States, according to JAMA Psychiatry as of 2017. As there have been no new approved therapies for GAD in almost two decades, and the current standards of care for GAD are characterized by modest efficacy, slow onset, and/or unfavorable side effects, there is a significant unmet need for novel treatments. GAD results in excessive, obsessive, and continuous stress to the point where patients are incapable of living normal lives or carrying out standard daily routines. GAD patients typically have uncontrollable symptoms of restlessness, fatigue, inability to focus, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbance. GAD places substantial strain on the broader healthcare system, with patients with GAD having more than twice as many health care visits and almost nine times more mental health care visits than those without GAD.
Current Standard of Care and Limitations in GAD
According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, as of 2025, more than approximately half of GAD patients do not receive treatment, and those that do typically are prescribed SSRI or SNRI agents, which can have significant AEs including weight gain, sexual dysfunction, emotional blunting, and insomnia. These AEs, coupled with the observation that only half of patients respond to these medications, lead many patients to pursue augmentation therapies including benzodiazepines, buspirone, gabapentin, mirtazapine, or antipsychotics—each with its own risks. For example, benzodiazepines are widely used and can result in dependence and abuse in just a few weeks. Despite this, approximately 1 in 8 adults in the United States use benzodiazepines each year.
Clinical Validation of Agomelatine in GAD
Agomelatine is a clinically validated anxiolytic and antidepressant and is approved in Australia for the treatment of GAD. Agomelatine has demonstrated clinical efficacy compared to placebo in four out of four third-party, randomized, placebo-controlled studies in GAD, and its efficacy in GAD is better than standard-of-care drugs like benzodiazepines or SSRIs. These studies demonstrate a favorable efficacy and tolerability profile, with the only key exception being dose-dependent elevations in liver enzymes in a small but notable percentage of patients. As a result, frequent liver function testing is required prior to and during use of agomelatine. Agomelatine is also approved in the EU and Australia for the treatment of MDD, but it has never been approved in the United States.
The favorable efficacy and safety profile of agomelatine in GAD is supported by a recent meta-analysis of 22 pharmacological treatments evaluated in randomized trials of adult outpatients with GAD. This non-head-to-head,
147
literature meta-analysis, which was based on data collected from 25,441 patients across 89 trials, including two placebo-controlled trials of agomelatine, found that agomelatine demonstrated superior efficacy compared to SSRIs and benzodiazepines. In addition, agomelatine demonstrated a superior tolerability profile compared to both benzodiazepines, which have abuse potential, and SSRIs, which can have significant AEs, including insomnia, sexual dysfunction, emotional blunting, weight gain, and even withdrawal symptoms in the event of discontinuation.
The favorable efficacy and safety profile of agomelatine in GAD is also supported by a recent systematic review and network meta-analysis that aimed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of agomelatine versus approved medications for the treatment of GAD. This non-head-to-head analysis was based on a total of 25 trials, including three placebo-controlled trials of agomelatine. Using the treatment rankings based on the network meta-analysis results, agomelatine was found to be the most favorable drug in terms of both efficacy (measured by remission rate) and tolerability (measured by discontinuation due to AEs) among the analyzed competitors (venlafaxine, escitalopram, paroxetine, duloxetine, and pregabalin).
Moreover, agomelatine’s favorable tolerability profile consists of no statistically significant difference in overall adverse events or dropout rate and no association with clinically significant somnolence compared to placebo. Agomelatine does not cause sexual dysfunction. Specifically, no deleterious effect on sexual function was observed during agomelatine treatment over 12 or 24-week treatment periods in a specific sexual dysfunction comparative trial in remitted depressed patients. Agomelatine also does not exhibit the “hangover” effects (e.g., lethargy, fatigue, decreased motivation, anxiety, etc.) caused by various antidepressants and antipsychotics. Agomelatine, in a head-to-head study conducted by a third-party, also improves sleep latency, sleep architecture, and daytime sleepiness compared to escitalopram (SSRI), which can worsen sleep and cause insomnia. This makes agomelatine well-suited for GAD, where sleep disturbance is a core symptom.
Agomelatine Improves Sleep Compared to Escitalopram (SSRI)
148
Quera-Salva, Maria-Antonia, et al. (2011) Comparison of agomelatine and escitalopram on nighttime sleep and daytime condition and efficacy in major depressive disorder patients. International clinical psychopharmacology, 26(5), 252-262
Despite the superior tolerability profile of agomelatine, clinical uptake has been limited by the requirement for frequent liver function monitoring. Due to extensive first-pass liver metabolism, the oral bioavailability of agomelatine is very low (~1%), and the frequency of liver transaminase elevations with agomelatine treatment is two to five-fold greater than placebo. As a result, patients in Australia and the EU—where agomelatine is approved—are required to undergo frequent liver function tests. Specifically, liver function tests must be performed before starting treatment, after 3, 6, 12, and 24 weeks, and when increasing dose. This burdensome liver testing, combined with a lack of patent protection, has limited clinical and commercial adoption of agomelatine.
Glyph enables bypass of liver first-pass metabolism, improving oral bioavailability and enabling the potential to achieve therapeutic exposures at a lower dose. As the increases in liver transaminase levels observed with agomelatine are dose-dependent, our goal is to achieve the exposure levels of agomelatine that are effective in GAD, but at a higher bioavailability and thus lower dose that reduces or eliminates the need for liver function testing. Based on internal analyses, we believe a two-fold increase in the bioavailability of agomelatine will reduce or eliminate liver enzyme elevations.
Agomelatine Can Cause Dose-Dependent Liver Enzyme Elevations
GlyphAgo in Preclinical Studies
As validation for GlyphAgo and further validation for our Glyph platform, we conducted in vivo studies in NHPs to evaluate the potential for GlyphAgo to achieve therapeutic exposure levels at a lower dose that may reduce or eliminate the need for liver function testing. In these studies, we dosed NHPs with either GlyphAgo or an equivalent (i.e., equimolar) amount of agomelatine alone (Dose A), or a greater dose of GlyphAgo (Dose B). GlyphAgo was shown to enhance lymphatic absorption and provide significantly higher systemic exposures of agomelatine compared to agomelatine alone. Oral dosing of GlyphAgo in a rat model resulted in over 50% of agomelatine being transported through the mesenteric lymphatics versus less than 1% for orally dosed
149
agomelatine alone. Following administration of agomelatine alone, levels of agomelatine in plasma were below the limit of quantification, consistent with the low oral bioavailability of agomelatine in humans and NHPs (Valdoxan EPAR). In contrast, administration of GlyphAgo substantially increased plasma exposures of agomelatine compared with agomelatine alone, demonstrating the potential of GlyphAgo to achieve therapeutic exposures of agomelatine while minimizing the dose impacting the liver.
GlyphAgo Substantially Increased Plasma Agomelatine Levels in Non-Human Primates
Following the therapeutic exposures achieved with GlyphAgo in our NHP studies, we modelled the clinical implications of these data with respect to potential liver enzyme elevations using DILIsym, an analytical, computational model-based software capable of predicting and explaining Drug-Induced Liver Injury, or DILI. The FDA uses and cites DILIsym in drug approvals as the standard software for the quantitative prediction and investigation of DILI.
One useful output of DILIsym is an eDISH (Evaluation of Drug-Induced Serious Hepatotoxicity) plot. eDISH plots are a standard way that the FDA evaluates liver safety of new drug candidates in clinical trials. eDISH graphs the peak serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT; a liver enzyme) value and peak serum bilirubin value observed in each patient (or simulated patient) in a clinical trial along the x-axis and y-axis, respectively. Each patient (or simulated patient) is represented by a single point on the graph, and liver enzyme elevations (>3x upper limit of normal) are indicated by the presence of points on the right half of the graph. We first simulated the relationship between agomelatine dose and liver enzyme elevations using available clinical data for two approved doses of agomelatine (25 and 50 mg). Next, we simulated potential liver enzyme elevations following administration of GlyphAgo at doses designed to generate comparable systemic exposures of agomelatine, using assumptions derived from our in vivo study in NHPs described above. The results are shown in the four eDISH plots below. The eDISH plots in the upper row represent approved doses of agomelatine (25 mg and 50 mg) and recapitulate the liver enzyme elevations observed in previous clinic trials of agomelatine. The eDISH plots in the lower row represent doses of GlyphAgo with enhanced bioavailability and thus lower doses of agomelatine, which in contrast show no liver enzyme elevations.
150
DILIsym Simulations Demonstrate that GlyphAgo is Not Projected to Cause Liver Enzyme Elevations
Therefore, our DILIsym simulations demonstrated that, with conservative estimates, clinically relevant doses of GlyphAgo are not projected to cause liver enzyme elevations.
Clinical Development Plan of GlyphAgo in GAD
We are advancing a Phase 1 proof-of-concept trial of GlyphAgo in healthy adult volunteers in which we plan to enroll up to approximately 190 participants, that we believe has the potential to be proof of concept, in addition to addressing key development questions for the GlyphAgo program. In this trial, we aim to demonstrate that GlyphAgo can achieve exposure levels that have demonstrated efficacy in GAD at a lower dose that does not cause an increase in liver enzymes and reduces or eliminates the need for liver function testing. This Phase 1 trial will be conducted in multiple parts to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of GlyphAgo compared to agomelatine. The primary endpoints will be safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics. It will include single- and multiple-ascending dose phases, as well as a food-effect crossover portion, using both open-label and placebo-controlled designs.
In April 2026, we reported topline data from the SAD and crossover portions of our Phase 1 proof-of-concept clinical trial of GlyphAgo. In the head-to-head crossover portion of the trial, GlyphAgo demonstrated a 6.8-fold increase in bioavailability of agomelatine compared to unmodified orally administered agomelatine. GlyphAgo also showed significantly lower (10-fold) PK variability compared to unmodified agomelatine. The crossover portion included participants who were taking estrogen-containing oral contraceptives that are known to increase agomelatine exposure due to liver drug-drug interaction. In contrast, GlyphAgo exposure was unaffected by oral contraceptives, further supporting the ability of GlyphAgo to bypass first -pass liver metabolism. GlyphAgo demonstrated a 9.6 to 14.5-fold increase in dose-normalized exposure compared to agomelatine in a separate SAD portion of the trial in which no participants were on oral contraceptives. GlyphAgo was well tolerated and no liver-related AEs were observed. We plan to initiate a Phase 2a proof-of-pharmacology trial designed to evaluate the potential sleep benefit of GlyphAgo in patients with GAD and sleep disturbance, with topline data expected in early 2028.
151
GlyphAgoTM Exceeded Target of Two-Fold Increase in Bioavailability Compared to Unmodified Agomelatine
| Figure 1. Exposure (AUC0-24) of agomelatine produced by agomelatine 25 mg (ago 25 mg) or three dose levels of GlypgAgo (containing 2.5 mg, 5mg, and 10 mg of Agomelatine respectively) from the single ascending dose (SAD) portion of study (SPT-320-2024-101). GlyphAgo demonstrated a 9.6-14.5-fold increase in dose-normalized AUC compared to agomelatine. Horizontal line represents geometric mean. | Figure 2. Exposure (AUC0-24) of agomelatine produced by a single dose of Agomelatine 25 mg (Ago 25 mg) or single dose of GlyphAgo (containing 10mg of Agomelatine) from the crossover portion of study SPT-320-2024-101. In this portion of the trial, exposure provided by GlyphAgo and unmodified agomelatine were compared head-to-head within the same participants. GlyphAgo demonstrated a 6.8-fold increase in does-normalized AUC compared to agomelatine (90% confidence interval, 4.7 to 10.0x; geometric means). Horizontal line represents geometric mean. |
Phase 2a and Phase 2b trials of GlyphAgo
We plan to initiate a Phase 2a proof-of-pharmacology trial designed to evaluate the potential sleep benefit of GlyphAgo in patients with GAD and sleep disturbance, with topline data expected in early 2028.
We also plan to initiate in parallel, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2b trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of GlyphAgo in patients with GAD, with topline data expected by the end of 2028. This multiregional trial is designed to be registration-enabling, subject to review by the FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities, as an adequate and well-controlled investigation that seeks to provide substantial evidence of effectiveness by assessing GlyphAgo’s efficacy and safety in several hundred patients. Although this trial is designed to be registration-enabling, additional clinical trials may be required prior to the submission of a new drug application even if this trial is successful or positive.
Opportunities to Expand the Potential for GlyphAgo in GAD and Other Indications
Although the development and commercialization of GlyphAgo for the treatment of GAD is our primary focus, as part of our longer-term growth strategy, we may evaluate GlyphAgo in other indications as well, including MDD. Indeed, agomelatine is approved for MDD in Australia and the EU, but it is constrained by similar liver function testing requirements in MDD as well. As agomelatine also improves sleep latency, sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness compared to SSRIs, which can worsen sleep and cause insomnia, we may also evaluate GlyphAgo for the treatment of insomnia.
152
Glyph2BLSD: Non-Hallucinogenic Neuroplastogen
Glyph2BLSD is our novel, Glyphed oral prodrug of the non-hallucinogenic neuroplastogen 2-bromo-LSD, which we are developing for the treatment of depressive disorders, including TRD, PTSD, and headache disorders with significant unmet need. Neuroplastogens are compounds that enhance neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form, reorganize, and strengthen neural connections, and include psychedelics and ketamine. They offer the potential to repair disrupted brain circuits and have demonstrated efficacy for treating neuropsychiatric disorders. However, significant challenges remain, including functional unblinding of clinical trials due to the production of hallucinations and sensory disturbances, the accompanying need for supervised administration, and concerns over long-term safety, such as the risk of fibrosis. Leveraging our Glyph platform, we have designed Glyph2BLSD to harness the differentiated and non-hallucinogenic profile of 2-bromo-LSD, which has rapidly acting clinical activity and is not expected to exhibit the risks of fibrosis, cardiovascular effects, or hallucinations characteristic of some other neuroplastogens. With Glyph2BLSD, we aim to improve the pharmacokinetic and tolerability profile of 2-bromo-LSD while maintaining therapeutic exposure levels, and enable the execution of placebo-controlled trials, outpatient dosing, and an enhanced dosing regimen to optimize efficacy.
Development Plan of Glyph2BLSD
This candidate is in the early stages of development. We are currently conducting first-in-human-enabling studies of Glyph2BLSD, including single- and repeat-dose toxicology studies, in addition to in vitro and in vivo assays to further characterize Glyph2BLSD. We expect to complete first-in-human-enabling studies by the end of 2027. We then expect to initiate a Phase 1 trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of Glyph2BLSD in healthy volunteers.
Potential Indications for Glyph2BLSD
Approximately 3 million adults in the United States have TRD, according to The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, as of 2021. Unlike MDD, which, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, as of 2021, impacts an estimated 21 million adults annually, TRD is characterized by the failure to achieve an adequate response after two or more antidepressant treatments. Patients with TRD face severe challenges, including a significantly lower likelihood of responding to subsequent therapies, a reduced quality of life, and an increased risk of attempting suicide, more than double the rate seen in non-resistant depression. Many of these individuals experience chronic disability, relying heavily on social support systems.
PTSD affects approximately 12 million individuals in the United States and is also characterized by significant unmet need. There are currently only two approved therapies for PTSD, both of which are SSRIs. We believe Glyph2BLSD has the potential to restore function and improve outcomes to address the significant unmet medical need in TRD and PTSD.
Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, notably cluster headaches, are severe neurological conditions linked to the trigeminal nerve. Cluster headaches affect approximately 150,000 patients in the United States and cause the most severe pain known to humans, greater than labor pain or gunshot wounds. Individuals with cluster headache experience intense pain and autonomic symptoms including eye watering, swelling, and redness, as well as nose congestion. Headache attacks may last for up to 3 hours per episode and occur up to 8 times a day, disrupting patients’ lives. Cluster headache has also been called “suicide headache” due to the increased risk of suicide during headache periods.
A small trial by Karst et al. showed that three doses of 2-bromo-LSD over a 10-day period significantly reduced the frequency and intensity of chronic cluster headaches, with effects lasting weeks to months. Importantly, the treatment did not induce hallucinations, making it a safer alternative to traditional psychedelics. While the trial was not placebo-controlled, and thus requires additional clinical investigation, we believe that Glyph2BLSD has the potential to optimize the pharmacokinetics of 2-bromo-LSD to ensure precise and sustained dosing, while preserving its non-hallucinogenic profile.
153
Competition
We are a clinical-stage therapeutics company focused on inventing and developing novel medicines for patients with depression, anxiety, and other debilitating neuropsychiatric disorders. While we believe our Glyph platform can produce small molecules that offer an attractive alternative to branded and generic therapeutics treating neuropsychiatric diseases if they are approved, today we face competition from major pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, governmental agencies, consortiums, and public and private research institutions, among others. Many of our potential competitors, either alone or with collaboration partners, have significantly greater financial resources than we do, as well as equal or greater experience in the discovery and development of product candidates, obtaining FDA and other regulatory approvals of products, and the commercialization of those products. Accordingly, our potential competitors may be more successful than we are in achieving regulatory approvals and commercializing their neuropsychiatric products.
We believe the key competitive factors affecting the success of our lead product candidates GlyphAllo and GlyphAgo, that we are developing to address MDD and GAD, respectively, if approved, are likely to be efficacy, safety, and frequency of dosing, convenience, price, the level of generic competition, and the availability of reimbursement from government and other third-party payors.
We are developing GlyphAllo for the treatment of MDD. We believe, if approved, that GlyphAllo would compete with several currently approved therapeutics, including: Caplyta and Spravato (marketed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals), Vraylar (AbbVie and Gideon Richert Plc.), Trintellix (Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Lundbeck), Auvelity (Axsome Therapeutics), and Rexulti and Abilify (Ostuka Pharmaceuticals). We are also aware of multiple potentially competitive late-clinical-stage assets, including azetukalner (Xenon Pharmaceuticals), ALTO-300 and ALTO-203 (Alto Neuroscience) and CYB003 (Cybin). We also face competition from branded and generic atypical antipsychotics and SSRI/SNRIs.
We are developing GlyphAgo for the treatment of GAD. We believe, if approved, that GlyphAgo would compete with several currently marketed therapeutics, including: Lyrica and Buspirone (marketed by Viatris) and marketed generic SSRI/SNRIs and benzodiazepines. In relation to both GlyphAgo and Glyph2BLSD, we are also aware of multiple potentially competitive late-clinical-stage assets, including an LSD program (Mind Medicine, MindMed), ENX-102 (Engrail Therapeutics), CYB004 (Cybin), and non-hallucinogenic neuroplastogens (Gilgamesh Pharma and AbbVie).
Intellectual Property
We strive to protect the proprietary technology, inventions and improvements that are commercially important to the development of our business, by seeking, maintaining and standing ready to defend patent rights, whether developed internally or licensed from third parties. We also rely on trademarks, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights relating to our proprietary Glyph platform and product candidates, and on continuing technological innovation and in-licensing opportunities to develop, strengthen and maintain our proprietary and intellectual property position. We may also rely on regulatory and other protections afforded through data and marketing exclusivities, where available.
We seek to protect the intellectual property and proprietary technology that we consider important to our business by pursuing patent applications that cover our technologies (including the Glyph platform) and product candidates and methods of using the same, as well as any other relevant inventions and improvements that are considered commercially important to the development of our business. We likewise seek to protect the intellectual property to which we obtain rights through licenses and sublicenses and work collaboratively with our licensors to ensure patent prosecution and protection. Our commercial success depends in part upon our ability to obtain and maintain patent and other proprietary protection for our product candidates, commercially important technologies (including the Glyph platform), inventions and trade secrets related to our business, defend and enforce our intellectual property rights, particularly our patent rights and any patents we may own or in-license in the future, preserve the confidentiality of our trade secrets and operate without infringing valid and enforceable intellectual property rights of others.
154
The patent positions for therapeutics companies like us are generally uncertain and can involve complex legal, scientific and factual issues. In addition, the coverage claimed in a patent application can be significantly reduced before a patent is issued, and its scope can be reinterpreted and even challenged after issuance. As a result, we cannot guarantee that any of our product candidates will be protectable or remain protected by enforceable patents that we own or in-license now or in the future. We cannot predict whether the patent applications we are currently pursuing will issue as patents in any particular jurisdiction or whether the claims of any issued patents will provide sufficient proprietary protection from competitors. Any patents that we hold may be challenged, circumvented or invalidated by third parties. Notwithstanding the scope of the patent protection available to us, a competitor could develop competitive technologies and products that are not covered by our patents, and we may be unable to stop such competitor from commercializing such technologies and products.
Our patent portfolio includes a combination of patents and pending patent applications solely owned by us or co-owned with Monash University where Monash University’s rights are exclusively licensed to us, and patents and pending patent applications owned by Monash University that are exclusively licensed to us. As of April 1, 2026, our owned and exclusively licensed patent estate contains eight patent families comprising five issued U.S. patents, fourteen issued patents in Australia, Canada, China, Europe (validated in Great Britain and through a Unitary Patent in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, and Sweden), Japan and New Zealand, eight pending U.S. non-provisional patent applications, two allowed European applications, 40 pending patent applications in various jurisdictions outside of the U.S., as further described below, and three pending PCT international applications.
GlyphAllo Program
In addition to the Glyph platform patents and applications discussed below, as of April 1, 2026, with regard to the GlyphAllo program, we co-own with and exclusively license from Monash University one issued U.S. patent relating to composition of matter coverage of GlyphAllo, which is expected to expire in 2041. We also co-own with and exclusively license from Monash University two pending U.S. non-provisional patent applications, one allowed European application, one issued Japanese patent and 21 pending patent applications in Australia, Canada, China, Europe, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, and Singapore, relating to the composition of matter and methods of treatment which, if issued, will be expected to expire between 2039 and 2041. The foregoing expiration dates may not account for potentially available patent term adjustments or extensions and terminal disclaimers, and assume payment of all appropriate maintenance, renewal, and annuity fees.
We also solely own one international patent application filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) directed to methods of treating MDD with and without anxious distress using our GlyphAllo product candidate. We expect that any issued patents claiming priority to this application will expire in 2044, without taking into account any possible patent term adjustments or extensions and if all maintenance and annuity fees are paid.
Neither we nor any other Company has composition of matter patent protection on the parent molecule or the unmodified, non-glyphed form of allopregnanolone. Allopregnanolone, a naturally occurring neuroactive steroid, has no composition-of-matter patent protection in the United States or globally.
GlyphAgo Program
In addition to the Glyph platform patents and applications discussed below, we also solely own one international patent application filed under the PCT, directed to the composition of matter of our GlyphAgo product candidate and its use. We expect that any issued patents claiming priority to the international patent application will expire in 2044, without taking into account any possible patent term adjustments or extensions and if all maintenance and annuity fees are paid.
155
Neither we nor any other Company has composition of matter patent protection on the parent molecule or the unmodified, non-glyphed form of agomelatine. The composition-of-matter patents for agomelatine have expired in the United States and worldwide between 2010 and 2012.
Glyph2BLSD Program
In addition to the Glyph platform patents and applications discussed below, we also solely own one international patent application filed under the PCT, directed to the composition of matter of our Glyph2BLSD product candidate and its use. We expect that any issued patents claiming priority to this international patent application will expire in 2044, without taking into account any possible patent term adjustments or extensions and if all maintenance and annuity fees are paid.
Glyph Platform
With regard to the Glyph platform, we exclusively license from Monash University two issued U.S. patents, twelve issued patents in Australia, Canada, China, Europe (validated in Great Britain and through a Unitary Patent in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Sweden), Japan, and New Zealand, and one allowed European patent application, relating to platform coverage of GlyphAllo, GlyphAgo and Glyph2BLSD, as well as design-around coverage, which are expected to expire between 2035 and 2037. We also exclusively license from Monash University four pending U.S. non-provisional patent applications and 15 pending patent applications in Australia, Canada, China, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, and New Zealand, relating to platform coverage of GlyphAllo, GlyphAgo and Glyph2BLSD, as well as design-around coverage, which are expected to expire between 2035 and 2036 We also co-own and exclusively license from Monash University two issued U.S. patents, two pending U.S. non-provisional patent applications and four pending patent applications in Australia, Canada, Europe, and Hong Kong, relating to platform coverage of Glyph2BLSD, as well as design-around coverage, which are expected to expire in 2039. The foregoing expiration dates may not account for potentially available patent term adjustments or extensions and terminal disclaimers, and assume payment of all appropriate maintenance, renewal, and annuity fees.
The term of individual patents depends upon the legal term of the patents in the countries in which they are obtained. In most countries in which we file, the patent term is 20 years from the earliest date of filing a non-provisional patent application. In the United States, a patent’s term may be lengthened by patent term adjustment, which compensates a patentee for administrative delays by the United States Patent and Trademark Office in examining and granting a patent, or may be shortened if a patent is terminally disclaimed over an earlier expiring patent. Our patent applications may not issue as patents, and even if issued, the scope or term of any issued patent may not afford sufficient protection or competitive advantage to our existing or future products. See the section titled “Risk Factors—Risks related to our intellectual property” for a more comprehensive description of risks related to our intellectual property.
In the United States, the term of a patent covering an FDA-approved drug may be eligible for a patent term extension under the Hatch-Waxman Act as compensation for the loss of patent term during the FDA regulatory review process. The period of extension may be up to five years beyond the expiration of the patent, but cannot extend the remaining term of a patent beyond a total of 14 years from the date of product approval. Only one patent among those eligible for an extension may be extended, and a given patent may only be extended once. Similar provisions are available in Europe and in certain other jurisdictions to extend the term of a patent that covers an approved drug. If our product candidates receive FDA approval, we intend to apply for patent term extensions, if available, to extend the term of patents that cover the approved product candidates. We also intend to seek patent term extensions in any jurisdictions where they are available, however, there is no guarantee that the applicable authorities, including the FDA, will agree with our assessment of whether such extensions should be granted, and even if granted, the length of such extensions.
156
As of January 15, 2026, we have no outstanding litigation related to our intellectual property nor any threat to initiate claims against us. In the future, we may need to engage in litigation to enforce patents issued or licensed to us, to protect our trade secrets or know-how or to defend against claims of infringement of the rights of others. Such litigation could be costly and could divert our attention from other functions and responsibilities. We may not receive adequate remedies even if we prevail in such litigation and adverse determinations could subject us to significant liabilities to third parties, which could severely harm our business. See the section titled “Risk Factors—Risks related to our intellectual property” for a more comprehensive description of risks related to our intellectual property.
Although we rely on intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks and trade secrets, as well as contractual protections to establish and protect our proprietary rights, we believe that factors such as the technological and creative skills of our personnel, creation of new solutions, features and functionality, and frequent enhancements to our platform are also essential to establishing and maintaining our technology leadership position.
In addition to patent protection, we also rely on know-how and trade secret protection for our proprietary information to develop and maintain our proprietary position. However, trade secrets can be difficult to protect. Although we take steps to protect our proprietary information, including restricting and monitoring access to our premises and our confidential information, as well as entering into agreements with our employees, consultants, advisors and potential collaborators, third parties may independently develop the same or similar proprietary information or may otherwise gain access to our proprietary information. As a result, we may be unable to meaningfully protect our know-how and trade secret information. See the section titled “Risk Factors—Risks related to our intellectual property” for a more comprehensive description of risks related to our intellectual property.
In addition, we plan to rely on regulatory protection based on orphan drug exclusivities, data exclusivities, and market exclusivities. See the section titled “—Government Regulation” for additional information.
Further, we have and will continue to pursue trademark protection for our company name and brand. As of April 6, 2026, we own seventeen pending trademark applications in the United States and foreign jurisdictions, including eight allowed trademarks in the United States, and one registered trademark in Australia.
Agreements
Asset Transfer Agreement with PureTech
In April 2024, we entered into an Asset Transfer Agreement, as amended in December 2025, or the Asset Transfer Agreement, with PureTech Health LLC, or PureTech Health, and PureTech LYT, Inc., or PureTech LYT, pursuant to which PureTech Health and PureTech LYT agreed to contribute, convey, assign, transfer, and deliver to us all of PureTech Health’s and PureTech LYT’s right, title, and interest in, to, and under the assets related to its Glyph technology or products, including the Monash License Agreement and the exclusive patents thereunder, subject to the terms set forth in the Asset Transfer Agreement. In exchange, we issued 40,000,000 shares of our Series A-1 convertible preferred stock and 949,000 shares of our common stock to PureTech LYT.
In connection with the Asset Transfer Agreement, we have agreed to make milestone payments for the first product covered by assets transferred through the Asset Transfer Agreement, or the first Seaport Glyph Product, of $2.0 million for the first patient dosed in the first phase 3 clinical trial, $4.0 million for the first commercial sale in the United States, $2.0 million for the first commercial sale in a major European market, and $2.0 million for the first commercial sale in Japan, and for each subsequent Seaport Glyph Product, we have agreed to make milestone payments of $1.0 million for the first patient dosed in the first phase 3 clinical trial, $2.0 million for the first commercial sale in the United States, $1.0 million for the first commercial sale in a major European market, and $1.0 million for the first commercial sale in Japan. In addition, we are obligated to pay royalties between 3% and 5% on the annual net sales of each Seaport Glyph Product as follows: less than $500 million: 3%;
157
$500 million to $1 billion: 3.5%; $1 billion to $2.5 billion: 4%; $2.5 billion to $3.5 billion: 4.5%; $3.5 billion or greater: 5%. The royalty term will expire on a country-by-country basis as to each Seaport Glyph Product on the later of the ten year anniversary of the first commercial sale of such Seaport Glyph Product in such country or the date on which the last valid claim of patent rights of such Seaport Glyph Product expires in such country. As of the date of this filing, the last-to-expire patents under the Asset Transfer Agreement expire in 2044, not including any patent term extension or patent term adjustment. We may update or revise the year of the last-to-expire patents as the transferred assets under the Asset Transfer Agreement include patents exclusively licensed under the Monash License Agreement which covers, in addition to a prespecified list, any patent or patent application that claims new intellectual property created under any research agreement entered into with Monash University. Please refer to the Monash License Agreement summary below for further information.
In the event we license or sublicense to a third-party a product directed to an indication that is primarily affecting or manifesting in the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nervous system (with the exception of and not including the enteric nervous system), including neurological, psychiatric, neuropsychiatric, pain, mental, and behavioral indications made using our Glyph platform under the Glyph intellectual property, transferred to us through the Asset Transfer Agreement, we have also agreed to pay a percentage of net income we receive from such third party under such a license within the range of 5%-7.5% and adjusted depending on the date such a license is granted, with the amount to be paid subject to certain reductions. Any such amount of net income are creditable against royalty payments.
Under the Asset Transfer Agreement, PureTech may from time to time request that we grant it a license under the Glyph technology to utilize certain products directed to an indication that is not primarily affecting or manifesting in the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nervous system (such as, for example, neurological, psychiatric, neuropsychiatric, pain, mental, and behavioral indications) under license terms that have already been agreed to by PureTech and us in the Asset Transfer Agreement; provided that such products (i) are not subject to an agreement, or we are not actively engaged in negotiations, with a third party that would prevent us from granting such license, (ii) are not the subject of an internal research and development program, and (iii) have not been demonstrated or under experimental investigation by us to be potentially useful as a therapeutic for any disease, disorder, or condition primarily affecting or manifesting in the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nervous system. PureTech’s right to request such a license terminates upon a change of control of either PureTech or us.
Other than the upfront equity grant, we have not made any payments to date pursuant to the Asset Transfer Agreement. Should we sell our first controlled affiliate that has exclusive rights to utilize any Seaport Glyph Product, we will be obligated to pay a low double-digit percentage, within the range of 5% to 15%, of the value of the aggregate amount of all change of control consideration paid to us. We will not be obligated to pay any fee under the Asset Transfer Agreement in the event of a sale of the Company or any other subsequent controlled affiliate. The Asset Transfer Agreement closed on April 8, 2024, and it is not contractually permissible to terminate the Asset Transfer Agreement.
Monash University Exclusive License Agreement
In April 2024, PureTech Health exclusively assigned to us, and we assumed, all rights and obligations under the Original License Agreement. In March 2025, we entered Monash License Agreement. Pursuant to the Monash License Agreement, Monash University grants us (i) a worldwide, exclusive, sublicensable license under certain Monash University intellectual property rights, including patent rights related to the Glyph platform, or the Licensed Patents, know-how, and intellectual property stemming from joint research and development activities, for the purpose of developing and commercializing products in all fields with one exception, (ii) a worldwide, non-exclusive, sublicensable license under certain background technology and certain other intellectual property strictly to the extent necessary to exercise the license described in subclause (i) above, and (iii) a first right and an exclusive option to obtain an exclusive license to any invention generated by Monash University outside of the Licensed Patents and pertaining to certain prodrug technology. Additionally, we and Monash University agreed to collaborate in conducting research and development activities.
158
Under the Monash License Agreement, we have agreed to use reasonable commercial endeavors to (i) develop at least one Licensed Product, (ii) seek regulatory approval for at least one Licensed Product, and (iii) after receipt of such regulatory approval in the United States or Europe, promote and develop the sale of at least one Licensed Product in such territory. Monash University agrees to provide reasonable technical assistance and advice based on Monash University’s know-how relating to the technology licensed under the Monash License Agreement. We grant Monash University a non-exclusive, perpetual, royalty-free license under the Licensed Patents, related know-how, and intellectual property stemming from joint research and development activities solely for academic, teaching, and non-commercial collaborative research uses, which includes the right to sublicense for non-commercial collaborative research to other academic institutions or non-commercial research entities.
As consideration for the licenses granted by Monash University, we are required to pay Monash University: (i) low-single digit royalties with a rate based on net sales per calendar year (subject to certain reductions); (ii) a low-double digit percentage (within the range of 5-15%) of any net income received under a sublicense (subject to a license payment stacking reduction) with the percentage varying based on the development stage of the Licensed Products at the time the sublicense is granted during the term of the Monash License Agreement; (iii) an agreed upon research funding amount to progress mutually agreed research and development or commercialization activities; (iv) a mid-five-figure annual maintenance fee during the term of the agreement commencing on the third anniversary of the execution date of the Original License Agreement until the first commercial sale of a Licensed Product creditable against net income sharing, royalties, and milestone payments; (v) milestone payments in the event of successful development milestones of up to $1.075 million per Licensed Product for the first three Licensed Products; and (vi) milestone payments in the event of successful commercial milestones of up to $7.25 million per Licensed Product for the first three Licensed Products. We are also obligated to (a) pay all costs incurred for the prosecution and maintenance of the Licensed Patents and patent filings stemming from collaboration activities and (b) reimburse Monash University for all patent prosecution costs of the Licensed Patents prior to the execution date of the Original License Agreement.
The Monash License Agreement commenced on the execution date of the Original License Agreement and will expire seven years after the last of the Licensed Patents expires, unless terminated earlier. Although the last-to-expire patent licensed under the Monash License Agreement currently expires in 2041, the year of the last-to-expire patent may change as the Monash License Agreement covers, in addition to a prespecified list, any patent or patent application that claims new intellectual property created under any research agreement entered into with Monash University. Either party may terminate for due cause, including for material breach and bankruptcy. Monash University may terminate if we fail to meet our diligence requirements. Either party may terminate the Monash License Agreement if we determine that the activities are no longer commercially viable.
As of December 31, 2025, the first two development milestones for a total of $0.2 million were achieved and paid by PureTech as they occurred prior to our formation, and we have paid the third development milestone of $0.1 million as well as annual maintenance fees. No other milestones have occurred or have been paid under the Monash License Agreement as of December 31, 2025.
Government Regulation
Government authorities in the United States, at the federal, state, and local level, and in other countries and jurisdictions, including the European Union, or EU, extensively regulate, among other things, the research, development, testing, manufacturing, quality control, safety, effectiveness, approval, packaging, storage, recordkeeping, labeling, advertising, promotion, distribution, marketing, post-approval monitoring and reporting, and import and export of pharmaceutical products. The processes for obtaining regulatory approvals in the United States and in foreign countries and jurisdictions, along with subsequent compliance with applicable statutes and regulations, require the expenditure of substantial time and financial resources.
159
Review and Approval of Drugs in the United States
In the United States, the FDA regulates drugs under the U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or FDCA, and its implementing regulations. The failure to comply with applicable U.S. requirements at any time during the product development process, approval process, or after approval may subject an applicant and/or sponsor to a variety of administrative or judicial sanctions, including refusal by the FDA to approve pending applications, withdrawal of an approval, imposition of a clinical hold, issuance of warning letters, and other types of letters, product seizures, total or partial suspension of production or distribution, injunctions, fines, product recalls, and other post-market actions, refusals of government contracts, restitution, disgorgement of profits, or civil or criminal investigations, and penalties brought by the FDA and the U.S. Department of Justice or other governmental entities.
An applicant seeking approval to market and distribute a new drug product in the United States must typically undertake the following:
| | completion of nonclinical, or preclinical, laboratory tests, animal studies, and formulation studies in compliance with the FDA’s good laboratory practice, or GLP, regulations; |
| | submission to the FDA of an investigational new drug application, or IND, which must take effect before human clinical trials may begin; |
| | approval by an institutional review board, or IRB, representing each clinical site before each clinical trial may be initiated at that site; |
| | performance of adequate and well-controlled human clinical trials in accordance with good clinical practices, or GCPs, to establish the safety and efficacy of the proposed drug product for each indication; |
| | preparation and submission to the FDA of a New Drug Application, or NDA, and payment of user fees; |
| | review of the product by an FDA advisory committee, where appropriate or if applicable; |
| | satisfactory completion of one or more FDA inspections of the manufacturing facility or facilities at which the product, or components thereof, are produced to assess compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices, or cGMP, requirements and to assure that the facilities, methods and controls are adequate to preserve the product’s identity, strength, quality, and purity; |
| | satisfactory completion of FDA audits of clinical trial sites to assure compliance with GCPs and the integrity of the clinical data; and |
| | FDA review and approval of the NDA. |
Preclinical Studies
Before an applicant begins testing a compound in humans, the drug candidate enters the preclinical testing stage. Preclinical studies include, among other things, laboratory evaluation of the purity and stability of the manufactured drug substance or active pharmaceutical ingredient, or API, and the formulated drug or drug product, as well as in vitro and animal studies to assess the potential safety and activity of the drug for initial testing in humans and to establish a rationale for therapeutic use. The conduct of certain preclinical studies is subject to federal regulations and requirements, including GLP regulations. Some long-term preclinical testing, such as animal tests of reproductive adverse effects, or AEs, and carcinogenicity, may continue after the IND is submitted.
The IND and IRB Processes
An IND is an exemption from the FDCA that allows an investigational drug to be shipped in interstate commerce for use in a clinical trial and a request for FDA authorization to administer such investigational drug to humans. Such authorization must be secured prior to interstate shipment and administration of the investigational
160
drug. In an IND, applicants must submit a protocol for each clinical trial and any subsequent protocol amendments. In addition, the results of the preclinical tests, manufacturing information, analytical data, any available clinical data or literature and plans for clinical trials, among other things, are submitted to the FDA as part of an IND. An IND automatically becomes effective 30 days after receipt by the FDA, 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. The FDA also may impose a clinical hold or partial clinical hold after commencement of a clinical trial under an IND. A clinical hold is an order issued by the FDA to the sponsor to delay a proposed clinical investigation or to suspend an ongoing investigation. A partial clinical hold is a delay or suspension of only part of the clinical work requested under the IND. No more than 30 days after imposition of a clinical hold or partial clinical hold, the FDA will provide the sponsor a written explanation of the basis for the hold. Following issuance of a clinical hold or partial clinical hold, an investigation (or full investigation in the case of a partial clinical hold) may only resume after the FDA has notified the sponsor that the investigation may proceed. The FDA will base that determination on information provided by the sponsor correcting the deficiencies previously cited or otherwise satisfying the FDA that the investigation can proceed.
A sponsor may choose, but is not required, to conduct a foreign clinical trial under an IND. When a foreign clinical trial is conducted under an IND, all FDA IND requirements must be met unless waived. When the foreign clinical trial is not conducted under an IND, the sponsor must ensure that the study is conducted in accordance with GCP, among other things, including review and approval by an independent ethics committee and obtaining informed consent from subjects. The GCP requirements are intended to help ensure the protection of human subjects enrolled in non-IND foreign clinical trials, as well as the quality and integrity of the resulting data. FDA must also be able to validate the data from the study through an on-site inspection if necessary.
In addition to the foregoing IND requirements, an IRB representing each institution participating in the clinical trial must review and approve the plan for any clinical trial before it commences at that institution, and the IRB must conduct continuing review of the study at least annually. The IRB must review and approve, among other things, the study protocol and informed consent information to be provided to study subjects. An IRB must operate in compliance with FDA regulations. An IRB can suspend or terminate approval of a clinical trial at its institution, or an institution it represents, if the clinical trial is not being conducted in accordance with the IRB’s requirements or if the product candidate has been associated with unexpected serious harm to patients.
Additionally, some trials are overseen by an independent group of qualified experts organized by the trial sponsor, known as a data safety monitoring board or committee. This group provides advice to the sponsor as to whether or not a trial may move forward at designated check points based on pre-specified criteria and access that only the group maintains to available data from the study. 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 are being exposed to an unacceptable health risk.
Information about certain clinical trials must be submitted within specific timeframes to the National Institutes of Health for public dissemination on its ClinicalTrials.gov website.
Human Clinical Trials in Support of an NDA
Clinical trials involve the administration of the investigational product to human subjects under the supervision of qualified investigators in accordance with GCP requirements, which include, among other things, the requirement that all research subjects, or their legal representative, provide their informed consent in writing before their participation in any clinical trial. Clinical trials are conducted under written study protocols detailing, among other things, the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the objectives of the study, the parameters to be used in monitoring safety and the effectiveness criteria to be evaluated.
Human clinical trials are typically conducted in three sequential phases, which may overlap or be combined:
| | Phase 1. The product candidate is initially introduced into healthy human subjects or, in certain indications such as cancer, patients with the target disease or condition and tested for safety, dosage |
161
| tolerance, absorption, metabolism, distribution, excretion and, if possible, to gain an early indication of its effectiveness, and to determine maximal dosage. |
| | Phase 2. The product candidate is administered to a limited patient population with the specified disease or condition to identify possible AEs and safety risks, to preliminarily evaluate the efficacy of the product for specific targeted diseases or conditions and to determine dosage tolerance and optimal dosage. |
| | Phase 3. The product candidate is administered to an expanded patient population, generally at geographically dispersed clinical trial sites, in well-controlled clinical trials with the intent to generate enough data to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the product for approval, to establish the overall risk-benefit profile of the product candidate and to provide adequate information for the labeling of the product. |
Post-approval studies, sometimes referred to as Phase 4 studies, may be conducted after initial regulatory approval. These studies 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.
While the IND is active, progress reports detailing the results of the clinical trials, among other information, must be submitted at least annually to the FDA. In addition, within 15 calendar days after the sponsor determines that the information qualifies for reporting, IND safety reports must be submitted to the FDA for any of the following: serious and unexpected suspected adverse reactions; findings from other studies or animal or in vitro testing that suggest a significant risk in humans exposed to the drug; and any clinically important increase in the case of a serious suspected adverse reaction over that listed in the protocol or investigator brochure. The sponsor also must notify the FDA of any unexpected fatal or life-threatening suspected adverse reaction within seven calendar days after the sponsor’s initial receipt of the information.
Concurrent with clinical trials, companies often complete additional animal studies and must also develop additional information about the chemistry and physical characteristics of the drug as well as finalize a process for manufacturing the product in commercial quantities in accordance with cGMP requirements. The manufacturing process must be capable of consistently producing quality batches of the drug candidate and, among other things, the applicant must develop methods for testing the identity, strength, quality, purity, and potency of the final drug. Additionally, appropriate packaging must be selected and tested and stability studies must be conducted to demonstrate that the drug candidate does not undergo unacceptable deterioration over its shelf life.
Review of an NDA by the FDA
Assuming successful completion of required clinical testing and other requirements, the results of the preclinical studies and clinical trials, together with detailed information relating to the product’s chemistry, manufacture, controls, and proposed labeling, among other things, are submitted to the FDA as part of an NDA requesting approval to market the drug product for one or more indications. Under federal law, the submission of most NDAs is additionally subject to a significant application user fee as well as annual prescription drug product program fees. These fees are typically increased annually. Certain exceptions and waivers are available for some of these fees.
In addition, the Pediatric Research Equity Act, or PREA, requires a sponsor to conduct pediatric clinical trials for most drugs, for a new active ingredient, new indication, new dosage form, new dosing regimen or new route of administration. Under PREA, NDAs, and certain supplements must contain a pediatric assessment unless the sponsor has received a deferral or waiver. The required assessment must evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the product for the claimed indications in all relevant pediatric subpopulations and support dosing and administration for each pediatric subpopulation for which the product is deemed safe and effective. The sponsor or FDA may request a deferral of pediatric clinical trials for some or all of the pediatric subpopulations. A deferral may be granted for several reasons, including a finding that the product candidate is ready for approval
162
for use in adults before pediatric clinical trials are complete or that additional safety or effectiveness data needs to be collected before any pediatric clinical trials begin. The FDA must send a non-compliance letter to any sponsor that fails to submit the required assessment, keep a deferral current or fails to submit a request for approval of a pediatric formulation.
The FDA conducts a preliminary review of an NDA within 60 days of its receipt, before accepting the NDA for filing, to determine whether the application is 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 a product is safe and effective for its intended use and whether its manufacturing is cGMP compliant to assure and preserve the product’s identity, strength, quality, and purity. Under the performance goals and policies implemented by the FDA under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, or PDUFA, FDA has agreed to specified performance goals in the review process of NDAs. Applications for drugs containing new molecular entities are meant to be reviewed within 10 months from the date of filing, and applications for “priority review” products containing new molecular entities are meant to be reviewed within six months of filing. The review process may be extended by the FDA for three additional months if FDA requests or the applicant otherwise provides additional information or clarification regarding information already provided in the submission within the last three months before the PDUFA goal date or is otherwise deemed a “major amendment” to the application.
During its review of an NDA, the FDA typically will inspect the facility or facilities where the product is or will be manufactured. These pre-approval inspections may cover all facilities associated with an NDA, including drug component manufacturing (such as APIs), finished drug product manufacturing, and control testing laboratories. The FDA will not approve an NDA 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. In addition, the FDA will typically inspect one or more clinical sites to assure compliance with GCP and the integrity of the clinical data submitted.
In addition, as a condition of approval, the FDA may require an applicant to develop a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy, or REMS. REMS use risk minimization strategies beyond the professional labeling to ensure that the benefits of the product outweigh the potential risks. To determine whether a REMS is needed, the FDA will consider the size of the population likely to use the product, seriousness of the disease, expected benefit of the product, expected duration of treatment, seriousness of known or potential AEs, and whether the product is a new molecular entity. REMS can include medication guides, physician communication plans for healthcare professionals, and elements to assure safe use, or ETASU. ETASU may include, but are not limited to, special training or certification for prescribing or dispensing, dispensing only under certain circumstances, special monitoring, and the use of patient registries. The FDA may require a REMS before approval or post-approval if it becomes aware of a serious risk associated with use of the product.
The FDA is required to refer an application for a novel drug to an advisory committee or explain why such referral was not made. Typically, an advisory committee is a panel of independent experts, including clinicians and other scientific experts, that reviews, evaluates, and provides a recommendation as to whether the application should be approved and under what conditions. The FDA is not bound by the recommendations of an advisory committee, but it considers such recommendations carefully when making decisions.
Fast Track, Breakthrough Therapy, and Priority Review
The FDA has a number of programs intended to facilitate and expedite development and review of investigational drugs if they are intended to address an unmet medical need in the treatment of a serious or life-threatening disease or condition. Three of these programs are referred to as Fast Track Designation, Breakthrough Therapy Designation, and priority review designation.
163
First, the FDA may designate a product candidate for Fast Track review if it is intended, whether alone or in combination with one or more other products, for the treatment of a serious or life-threatening disease or condition, and it demonstrates the potential to address unmet medical needs for such disease or condition. For Fast Track product candidates, sponsors may have greater interactions with the FDA and the FDA may initiate review of sections of a Fast Track product candidate’s application before the application is complete. This rolling review may be available if the FDA determines, after preliminary evaluation of clinical data submitted by the sponsor, that a Fast Track product candidate may be effective. The sponsor must also provide, and the FDA must approve, a schedule for the submission of the remaining information and the sponsor must pay applicable user fees. However, the FDA’s time period goal for reviewing a Fast Track application does not begin until the last section of the application is submitted. In addition, the Fast Track Designation may be withdrawn by the FDA if the FDA believes that the designation is no longer supported by data emerging in the clinical trial process.
Second, a product candidate may be designated as a Breakthrough Therapy if it is intended, either alone or in combination with one or more other drugs products, to treat a serious or life-threatening disease or condition and preliminary clinical evidence indicates that the product candidate may demonstrate substantial improvement over existing therapies on one or more clinically significant endpoints, such as substantial treatment effects observed early in clinical development. Breakthrough Therapy Designation includes all of the benefits associated with Fast Track Designation, including the potential for rolling review of an NDA submission. In addition, the FDA may take certain actions with respect to Breakthrough Therapies, including holding meetings with the sponsor throughout the development process; providing timely advice to the product sponsor regarding development and approval; involving more senior staff in the review process; assigning a cross-disciplinary project lead for the review team; and taking other steps to design the clinical trials in an efficient manner.
Third, the FDA may designate an NDA review for a priority review if it is for a product candidate that treats a serious or life-threatening disease or condition and, if approved, would provide a significant improvement in safety or effectiveness compared to available therapies. The FDA determines, on a case-by-case basis, whether the product candidate may represent a significant improvement when compared with other available therapies. Significant improvement may be illustrated, among other things, by evidence of increased effectiveness in the treatment of a condition, elimination or substantial reduction of a treatment-limiting product reaction, documented enhancement of patient compliance that may lead to improvement in serious outcomes, and evidence of safety and effectiveness in a new subpopulation. A priority designation is intended to direct overall attention and resources to the evaluation of such applications, and to shorten the FDA’s goal for taking action on a marketing application from 10 months to six months.
Accelerated Approval Pathway
The FDA may grant accelerated approval to a product candidate intended to treat a serious or life-threatening condition that provides meaningful therapeutic advantage to patients over existing treatments based upon a determination that the product candidate has an effect on a surrogate endpoint that is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit or on an intermediate clinical endpoint that can be measured earlier than an effect on irreversible morbidity or mortality, or IMM, and that is reasonably likely to predict an effect on IMM or other clinical benefit, taking into account the severity, rarity, or prevalence of the condition and the availability or lack of alternative treatments. Products granted accelerated approval must meet the same statutory standards for safety and effectiveness as those granted traditional approval.
For the purposes of accelerated approval, a surrogate endpoint is a marker, such as a laboratory measurement, radiographic image, physical sign, or other measure that is thought to predict clinical benefit, but is not itself a measure of clinical benefit. Surrogate endpoints can often be measured more easily or more rapidly than clinical endpoints. An intermediate clinical endpoint is a measurement of a therapeutic effect that is considered reasonably likely to predict the clinical benefit of a product, such as an effect on IMM. The FDA has limited experience with accelerated approvals based on intermediate clinical endpoints, but has indicated that such endpoints generally may support accelerated approval where the therapeutic effect measured by the endpoint is not itself a clinical benefit and basis for traditional approval, if there is a basis for concluding that the therapeutic effect is reasonably likely to predict the ultimate clinical benefit of a product.
164
The accelerated approval pathway is often used in settings in which the course of a disease is long and an extended period of time is required to measure the intended clinical benefit of a product, even if the effect on the surrogate or intermediate clinical endpoint occurs rapidly.
The accelerated approval pathway is typically contingent on a sponsor’s agreement to conduct, in a diligent manner, additional post-approval confirmatory studies to verify and describe the product’s anticipated clinical benefit. As a result, a product candidate approved on this basis is subject to rigorous post-marketing compliance requirements, including the completion of Phase 4 or other post-approval clinical trials to verify and describe the anticipated the effect on the clinical endpoint. Under the Food and Drug Omnibus Reform Act of 2022, or FDORA, the FDA is permitted to require, as appropriate, that such trials be underway prior to approval or within a specific time period after the date of approval for a product granted accelerated approval. Sponsors are also required to send updates to the FDA every 180 days on the status of such studies, including progress toward enrollment targets, and the FDA must post this information publicly. Under FDORA, the FDA has increased authority for expedited procedures to withdraw approval of a drug or indication approved under accelerated approval if, for example, the sponsor fails to conduct such studies in a timely manner and send the necessary updates to the FDA, or if a confirmatory trial fails to verify the predicted clinical benefit of the product. In addition, the FDA generally requires, unless otherwise informed by the agency, pre-approval of promotional materials for product candidates approved under accelerated regulations, which could adversely impact the timing of the commercial launch of the product.
The FDA’s Decision on an NDA
On the basis of the FDA’s evaluation of the NDA and accompanying information, including the results of any inspections of the manufacturing facilities and select clinical trial sites, the FDA may issue an approval letter or a complete response letter. An approval letter authorizes commercial marketing of the product with specific prescribing information for specific indications. A complete response letter generally outlines the deficiencies in the submission and may require substantial additional testing or information in order for the FDA to reconsider the application. If a complete response letter is issued, the applicant may resubmit the NDA to address all of the deficiencies identified in the letter, withdraw the application, or request a hearing. If the applicant resubmits the NDA, the FDA will issue an approval letter only when the deficiencies have been addressed to the FDA’s satisfaction. The FDA has committed to reviewing such resubmissions in two or six months depending on the type of information included. Even with submission of this additional information, the FDA ultimately may decide that the application does not satisfy the regulatory criteria for approval.
If the FDA approves a product, it may limit the approved indications for use for the product, require that contraindications, warnings, or precautions be included in the product labeling, require that post-approval studies, including Phase 4 clinical trials, be conducted to further assess the drug’s safety or effectiveness after approval, require testing and surveillance programs to monitor the product after commercialization, or impose other conditions, including distribution restrictions or other risk management mechanisms, including REMS, which can materially affect the potential market and profitability of the product. The FDA may prevent or limit further marketing of a product based on the results of post-market studies or surveillance programs.
Post-Approval Requirements
Drugs manufactured or distributed pursuant to FDA approvals are subject to pervasive and continuing regulation by the FDA, including, among other things, requirements relating to recordkeeping, periodic reporting, product sampling and distribution, advertising, and promotion, reporting of adverse experiences with the product and applicable product tracking and tracing requirements. After approval, many 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 annual prescription drug product program fee requirements for certain marketed products.
In addition, drug manufacturers and other entities involved in the manufacture and distribution of approved drugs, and those supplying products, ingredients, and components of them are required to register
165
their establishments with the FDA and state agencies, and are subject to periodic unannounced inspections by the FDA and these state agencies for compliance with cGMP requirements. Changes to the manufacturing process are strictly regulated and often require prior FDA approval before being implemented. FDA regulations also require investigation and correction of any deviations from cGMP and impose reporting and documentation requirements upon the NDA holder and any third-party manufacturers that the NDA holder may decide to use. Manufacturers and other parties involved in the drug supply chain for prescription drug products must also comply with product tracking and tracing requirements and notify the FDA of counterfeit, diverted, stolen, and intentionally adulterated products or products that are otherwise unfit for distribution in the United States. Accordingly, manufacturers must continue to expend time, money, and effort in the area of production and quality control to maintain cGMP compliance.
Once an approval is granted, the FDA may withdraw the approval if compliance with regulatory requirements and standards is not maintained or if problems occur after the product reaches the market. Later discovery of previously unknown problems with a product, including AEs 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 trials to assess new safety risks; or imposition of distribution or other restrictions under a REMS program. Other potential consequences include, among other things:
| | restrictions on the marketing or manufacturing of the product, complete withdrawal of the product from the market, or voluntary product recalls; |
| | fines, warning, or untitled letters or holds on post-approval clinical trials; |
| | refusal of the FDA to approve pending applications or supplements to approved applications, or 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. |
The FDA strictly regulates marketing, labeling, advertising, and promotion of products that are placed on the market. Drugs may be promoted only for the approved indications and in accordance with the provisions of the approved label. However, companies may share truthful and not misleading information that is otherwise consistent with a product’s FDA approved labeling. The FDA and other agencies actively enforce the laws and regulations prohibiting the promotion of off-label uses, and a company that is found to have improperly promoted off-label uses may be subject to significant liability.
In addition, the distribution of prescription pharmaceutical products is subject to the Prescription Drug Marketing Act, or PDMA, which regulates the distribution of drugs and drug samples at the federal level, and sets minimum standards for the registration and regulation of drug distributors by the states. Both the PDMA and state laws limit the distribution of prescription pharmaceutical product samples and impose requirements to ensure accountability in distribution.
Hatch-Waxman Amendments
Section 505 of the FDCA describes three types of marketing applications that may be submitted to the FDA to request marketing authorization for a new drug. A Section 505(b)(1) NDA is an application that contains full reports of investigations of safety and efficacy. A 505(b)(2) NDA is an application that contains full reports of investigations of safety and efficacy but where at least some of the information required for approval comes from investigations that were not conducted by or for the applicant and for which the applicant has not obtained a right of reference or use from the person by or for whom the investigations were conducted. This regulatory pathway enables the applicant to rely, in part, on the FDA’s prior findings of safety and efficacy for an existing product, or published literature, in support of its application. The FDA may also require companies to perform additional
166
studies or measurements, including clinical trials, to support the change from the approved branded reference drug. The FDA may then approve the new product candidate for all, or some, of the labeled indications for which the branded reference drug has been approved, as well as for any new indication sought by the 505(b)(2) applicant. Section 505(j) establishes an abbreviated approval process for a generic version of approved drug products through the submission of an Abbreviated New Drug Application, or ANDA. An ANDA provides for marketing of a generic drug product that has the same active ingredients, dosage form, strength, route of administration, labeling, performance characteristics and intended use, among other things, to a previously approved product, known as a reference listed drug, or RLD. ANDAs are termed “abbreviated” because they are generally not required to include preclinical (animal) and clinical (human) data to establish safety and efficacy. Instead, generic applicants must scientifically demonstrate that their product is bioequivalent to, or performs in the same manner as, the innovator drug through in vitro, in vivo, or other testing. In certain situations, an applicant may obtain ANDA approval of a generic product with a strength or dosage form that differs from a referenced innovator drug pursuant to the filing and approval of an ANDA Suitability Petition. The FDA will approve the generic product as suitable for an ANDA application if it finds that the generic product does not raise new questions of safety and effectiveness as compared to the innovator product.
Non-Patent Exclusivity
Under the Hatch-Waxman Amendments, the FDA may not approve (or in some cases accept) an ANDA or 505(b)(2) application until any applicable period of non-patent exclusivity for the RLD has expired. The FDCA provides a period of five years of non-patent data exclusivity for a new drug containing a new chemical entity, or NCE. For the purposes of this provision, an NCE is a drug that contains no active moiety that has previously been approved by the FDA in any other NDA. An active moiety is the molecule or ion responsible for the physiological or pharmacological action of the drug substance. In cases where such NCE exclusivity has been granted, an ANDA may not be filed with the FDA until the expiration of five years unless the submission is accompanied by a Paragraph IV certification, which states the proposed generic drug will not infringe one or more of the already approved product’s listed patents or that such patents are invalid or unenforceable, in which case the applicant may submit its application four years following the original product approval.
The FDCA also provides for a period of three years of exclusivity for non-NCE drugs if the NDA or a supplement to the NDA includes reports of one or more new clinical investigations, other than bioavailability or bioequivalence studies, that were conducted by or for the applicant and are essential to the approval of the application or supplement. This three-year exclusivity period often protects changes to a previously approved drug product, such as a new dosage form, route of administration, combination, or indication, but it generally would not protect the original, unmodified product from generic competition. Unlike five-year NCE exclusivity, an award of three-year exclusivity does not block the FDA from accepting ANDAs seeking approval for generic versions of the drug as of the date of approval of the original drug product; it only prevents FDA from approving such ANDAs.
A drug product can obtain pediatric market exclusivity in the United States. Pediatric exclusivity, if granted, adds six months to existing exclusivity periods for all formulations, dosage forms, and indications of the active moiety and to patent terms. This six-month exclusivity, which runs from the end of other exclusivity protection and patent term, may be granted based on the voluntary completion of a pediatric study in accordance with an FDA-issued “Written Request” for such a study, provided that at the time pediatric exclusivity is granted there is not less than nine months of term remaining.
Hatch-Waxman Patent Certification and the 30-Month Stay
In seeking approval of an NDA or a supplement thereto, NDA sponsors are required to list with the FDA each patent with claims that cover the applicant’s product or an approved method of using the product. Upon approval of an NDA, each of the patents listed in the application for the drug is published in the FDA’s Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations, commonly known as the Orange Book. Upon
167
submission of an ANDA or 505(b)(2) NDA, an applicant is required to certify to the FDA concerning any patents listed for the RLD in the Orange Book that:
| | no patent information on the drug product that is the subject of the application has been submitted to the FDA; |
| | such patent has expired; |
| | the date on which such patent expires; or |
| | such patent is invalid, unenforceable, or will not be infringed upon by the manufacture, use, or sale of the drug product for which the application is submitted. |
Generally, the ANDA or 505(b)(2) NDA cannot be approved until all listed patents have expired, except where the ANDA or 505(b)(2) NDA applicant challenges a listed patent through the last type of certification, also known as a paragraph IV certification. If the applicant does not challenge the listed patents or indicates that it is not seeking approval of a patented method of use, the ANDA or 505(b)(2) NDA application will not be approved until all of the listed patents claiming the referenced product have expired. If the ANDA or 505(b)(2) NDA applicant has provided a paragraph IV certification, the applicant must send notice of the paragraph IV certification to the NDA and patent holders once the application has been accepted for filing by the FDA. The NDA and patent holders may then initiate a patent infringement lawsuit in response to the notice of the paragraph IV certification. If the paragraph IV certification is challenged by an NDA holder or the patent owner(s) asserts a patent challenge to the paragraph IV certification, the FDA may not approve that application until the earlier of 30 months from the receipt of the notice of the paragraph IV certification, the expiration of the patent, when the infringement case concerning each such patent was favorably decided in the applicant’s favor or settled, or such shorter or longer period as may be ordered by a court. This prohibition is generally referred to as the 30-month stay. In instances where an ANDA or 505(b)(2) NDA applicant files a paragraph IV certification, the NDA holder or patent owner(s) regularly take action to trigger the 30-month stay, recognizing that the related patent litigation may take many months or years to resolve. Thus, approval of an ANDA or 505(b)(2) NDA could be delayed for a significant period of time depending on the patent certification the applicant makes and the reference drug sponsor’s decision to initiate patent litigation. If the drug has NCE exclusivity and the ANDA is submitted four years after approval, the 30-month stay is extended so that it expires seven and a half years after approval of the innovator drug, unless the patent expires or there is a decision in the infringement case that is favorable to the ANDA applicant before then.
Patent Term Restoration and Extension
A patent claiming a new drug product may be eligible for a limited patent term extension under the Hatch-Waxman Amendments, which permits a patent term restoration of up to five years for patent term lost during product development and the FDA regulatory review. The restoration period granted is typically one-half the time between the effective date of an IND and the submission date of an NDA, plus the time between the submission date of an NDA and the ultimate approval date, provided the sponsor acted with diligence. Patent term restoration cannot be used to extend the remaining term of a patent past a total of 14 years from the product’s approval date. Only one patent applicable to an approved drug product is eligible for the extension, and the application for the extension must be submitted prior to the expiration of the patent in question and within 60 days of drug approval. A patent that covers multiple drugs for which approval is sought can only be extended in connection with one of the approvals. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO, reviews and approves the application for any patent term extension or restoration in consultation with the FDA.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Regulation
Certain of our product candidates have the potential to be regulated as controlled substances by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, or DEA. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970, or CSA, establishes registration, security, recordkeeping, reporting, storage, distribution, and other requirements administered by the DEA. The DEA
168
is concerned with the control of handlers of controlled substances, and with the equipment and raw materials used in their manufacture and packaging, in order to prevent loss and diversion into illicit channels of commerce. The DEA regulates controlled substances as Schedule I, II, III, IV, or V substances. Schedule I substances by definition have no established medicinal use, and may not be marketed or sold in the United States. A pharmaceutical product may be listed as Schedule II, III, IV, or V, with Schedule II substances considered to present the highest risk of abuse and Schedule V substances the lowest relative risk of abuse among such substances.
Annual registration is required for any facility that manufactures, distributes, dispenses, imports, or exports any controlled substance. The registration is specific to the particular location, activity, and controlled substance schedule. For example, separate registrations are needed for import and manufacturing, and each registration will specify which schedules of controlled substances are authorized. The DEA typically inspects a facility to review its security measures prior to issuing a registration. Security requirements vary by controlled substance schedule, with the most stringent requirements applying to Schedule I and Schedule II substances. Required security measures include background checks on employees and physical control of inventory through measures such as cages, surveillance cameras and inventory reconciliations. Records must be maintained for the handling of all controlled substances, and periodic reports made to the DEA. Reports must also be made for thefts or losses of any controlled substance, and authorization must be obtained to destroy any controlled substance. In addition, special authorization and notification requirements apply to imports and exports.
To meet its responsibilities, the DEA conducts periodic inspections of registered establishments that handle controlled substances. Failure to maintain compliance with applicable requirements, particularly as manifested in loss or diversion, can result in enforcement action. The DEA may seek civil penalties, refuse to renew necessary registrations, or initiate proceedings to revoke those registrations. In certain circumstances, violations can lead to criminal prosecution. Individual states also regulate controlled substances, and manufacturers are also subject to state regulation on distribution of these products.
Rest of the World Regulation
For other countries outside of the United States, such as those in Europe, Latin America, or Asia, the requirements governing product development, the conduct of clinical trials, product marketing, product licensing, pricing and reimbursement can vary from country to country. Failure to comply with applicable foreign regulatory requirements may subject sponsors, manufacturers, or marketers of pharmaceutical products to, among other things, fines, suspension, or withdrawal of regulatory authorizations and approvals, product recalls, seizure of products, operating restrictions and criminal prosecution.
Review and Approval of Medicinal Products in the European Union
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, obtaining marketing authorization, or MA, 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 trials or marketing of the product in those countries or jurisdictions. Specifically, the process governing approval of medicinal products in the EU generally follows similar lines as in the United States. It entails satisfactory completion of preclinical studies and adequate and well-controlled clinical trials to establish the safety and efficacy of the product for each proposed indication. It also requires the submission to the relevant competent authorities of an MA application, or MAA, and granting of an MA by these authorities before the product can be marketed and sold in the EU.
Non-clinical Studies and Clinical Trials
Similarly to the United States, the various phases of non-clinical and clinical research in the EU are subject to significant regulatory controls.
169
Non-clinical studies are performed to demonstrate the health or environmental safety of new chemical or biological substances. Non-clinical (pharmaco-toxicological) studies must be conducted in compliance with the principles of good laboratory practice, or GLP, as set forth in EU Directive 2004/10/EC (unless otherwise justified for certain particular medicinal products, e.g., radio-pharmaceutical precursors for radio-labeling purposes). These GLP standards reflect the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development requirements.
Clinical trials of medicinal products in the EU must be conducted in accordance with EU and national regulations and the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use, or ICH, guidelines on Good Clinical Practices, or GCP, as well as the applicable regulatory requirements and the ethical principles that have their origin in the Declaration of Helsinki. If the sponsor of the clinical trial is not established within the EU, it must appoint an EU entity to act as its legal representative. The sponsor must take out a clinical trial insurance policy, and in most EU member states, the sponsor is liable to provide ‘no fault’ compensation to any study subject injured in the clinical trial.
The regulatory landscape related to clinical trials in the EU has been subject to recent changes. The EU Clinical Trials Regulation, or CTR, which was adopted in April 2014 and repealed the EU Clinical Trials Directive, became applicable on January 31, 2022. Unlike directives, the CTR is directly applicable in all EU member states without the need for member states to further implement it into national law. The CTR notably harmonizes the assessment and supervision processes for clinical trials throughout the EU via a Clinical Trials Information System, which contains a centralized EU portal and database.
While the EU Clinical Trials Directive required a separate clinical trial application, or CTA, to be submitted in each member state in which the clinical trial takes place, to both the competent national health authority and an independent ethics committee, much like the FDA and IRB respectively, the CTR introduces a centralized process and only requires the submission of a single application for multi-center trials. The CTR allowed sponsors to make a single submission to both the competent authority and an ethics committee in each member state, leading to a single decision per member state. The CTA must include, among other things, a copy of the trial protocol and an investigational medicinal product dossier containing information about the manufacture and quality of the medicinal product under investigation. The assessment procedure of the CTA has been harmonized as well, including a joint assessment by all member states concerned, and a separate assessment by each member state with respect to specific requirements related to its own territory, including ethics rules. Each member state’s decision is communicated to the sponsor via the centralized EU portal. Once the CTA is approved, clinical study development may proceed.
Medicines used in clinical trials must be manufactured in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice, or GMP. Other national and EU-wide regulatory requirements may also apply.
Marketing Authorization
In order to market our product candidates in the EU and many other foreign jurisdictions, we must obtain separate regulatory approvals. More concretely, in the EU, medicinal product candidates can only be commercialized after obtaining an MA. To obtain an MA, an applicant must submit an MAA either under a centralized procedure administered by the European Medicines Agency, or EMA, or one of the procedures administered by competent authorities in the EU member states (decentralized procedure or mutual recognition procedure) for obtaining an MA in multiple EU Member States.
“Centralized MAs” are issued by the European Commission through the centralized procedure based on the opinion of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, or CHMP, of the European Medicines Agency, or EMA, and are valid throughout the EU. Pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 726/2004, the centralized procedure is compulsory for specific products, including for medicines produced by certain biotechnological processes, products designated as orphan medicinal products, advanced therapy medicinal products (gene therapy, somatic cell therapy and tissue-engineered products) and products with a new active substance indicated for the treatment
170
of certain diseases, including products for the treatment of HIV, AIDS, cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, auto-immune and other immune dysfunctions and viral diseases. The centralized procedure is optional for products containing a new active substance not yet authorized in the EU, or for products that constitute a significant therapeutic, scientific, or technical innovation or which are in the interest of public health in the EU.
Under the centralized procedure, the maximum timeframe for the evaluation of an MAA by the EMA 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 asked by the CHMP. Clock stops may extend the timeframe of evaluation of an MAA considerably beyond 210 days. Accelerated evaluation might be granted by the CHMP in exceptional cases, when a medicinal product is of major interest from a public health perspective and in particular from the point of view of therapeutic innovation. If the CHMP accepts such request, the time limit of 210 days will be reduced to 150 days, excluding clock stops, but it is possible that the CHMP can revert to the standard time limit for the centralized procedure if it considers that it is no longer appropriate to conduct an accelerated assessment. At the end of this period, the CHMP provides a scientific opinion on whether or not a marketing authorization should be granted in relation to a medicinal product. Within 67 days from the date of the CHMP opinion, the European Commission will adopt its final decision on the MAA.
“National MAs” are issued by the competent authorities of the EU member states, only cover their respective territory, and are available for product candidates not falling within the mandatory scope of the centralized procedure. Where a product has already been authorized for marketing in an EU member state, this national MA can be recognized in another member state through the mutual recognition procedure. If the product has not received a national MA in any member state at the time of application, it can be approved simultaneously in various member states through the decentralized procedure. Under the decentralized procedure an identical dossier is submitted to the competent authorities of each of the member states in which the MA is sought, one of which is selected by the applicant as the reference member state.
Periods of Authorization and Renewals
A MA has an initial validity of five years. The MA may be renewed after five years on the basis of a re-evaluation of the risk-benefit balance by the EMA or by the competent authority of the relevant EU member state for a nationally authorized product. To this end, the MA holder must provide the EMA or the competent authority with a consolidated version of the file in respect of quality, safety, and efficacy, including all variations introduced since the MA was granted, at least nine months before the MA ceases to be valid. Once renewed, the MA is valid for an unlimited period, unless the European Commission or the competent authorities of the relevant member states decide, on justified grounds relating to pharmacovigilance, to proceed with one further five year renewal period. Any authorization which is not followed by the actual placing of the medicinal product on the EU market (for centrally-authorized products) or on the market of the authorizing EU member state (for nationally-authorized products) within three years after authorization ceases to be valid (the so-called “sunset clause”).
Data and Market Exclusivity
In the EU, innovative medicinal products approved on the basis of a complete and independent data package generally receive eight years of data exclusivity and an additional two years of market exclusivity upon grant of an MA. The data exclusivity period prevents applicants for authorization of generics or biosimilars of these innovative products from referencing the innovator’s preclinical and clinical trial data contained in the dossier of the reference product when applying for a generic or biosimilar (abbreviated) MA, for a period of eight years from the date on which the reference product was first authorized in the EU. During an additional two-year period of market exclusivity, a generic or biosimilar MAA can be submitted, and the innovator’s data may be referenced, but no generic or biosimilar medicinal product can be placed on the EU market until the expiration of the market exclusivity. The overall 10-year period will be extended to a maximum of 11 years if, during the first eight years of those 10 years, the MA holder obtains an authorization for one or more new therapeutic indications which, during the scientific evaluation prior to their authorization, are held to bring a significant clinical benefit
171
in comparison with existing therapies. There is no guarantee that a product will be considered by the EMA to be an innovative medicinal product, and products may not qualify for data exclusivity. Even if a product is considered to be an innovative medicinal product so that the innovator gains the prescribed period of data exclusivity, another company nevertheless could also market another version of the product if such company obtained an MA based on an MAA with a complete and independent data package of pharmaceutical tests, preclinical tests and clinical trials.
Orphan Medicinal Products
The criteria for designating an “orphan medicinal product” in the EU are similar in principle to those in the United States. A medicinal product can be designated as an orphan if its sponsor can establish that: (1) the product is intended for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of a life-threatening or chronically debilitating condition, (2) either (i) such condition affects no more than five in ten thousand persons in the EU when the application is made, or (ii) without the benefits derived from orphan status, it is unlikely that the marketing of the product in the EU would generate sufficient return to justify the necessary investment in its development; (3) there exists no satisfactory method of diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of the condition in question that has been authorized in the EU or, if such method exists, the product would be of significant benefit to those affected by that condition.
An orphan designation provides a number of benefits, including fee reductions, regulatory assistance, and the possibility to apply for a centralized EU MA. Upon grant of an MA, orphan medicinal products are entitled to a ten-year period of market exclusivity, which means that the EMA and the competent authorities of the EU member states cannot accept another MAA, or grant an MA, or accept an application to extend an MA for a similar medicinal product for the same indication for a period of ten years. A “similar medicinal product” is defined as a medicinal product containing a similar active substance or substances as contained in an authorized orphan medicinal product, and which is intended for the same therapeutic indication. The period of market exclusivity is extended by two years for orphan medicinal products that have also complied with an agreed pediatric investigation plan, or PIP. No extension to any supplementary protection certificate, or SPC, can be granted on the basis of pediatric studies for orphan indications. Orphan designation does not convey any advantage in, or shorten the duration of, the regulatory review and approval process.
The orphan exclusivity period may be reduced to six years if, at the end of the fifth year, it is established that the product no longer meets the criteria for which it received orphan destination, including where it is shown that the product is sufficiently profitable not to justify maintenance of market exclusivity or where the prevalence of the condition has increased above the threshold. Additionally, an MA may be granted to a similar product for the same indication as an authorized orphan product at any time if (i) a second applicant can establish that its product, although similar to the authorized orphan product, is safer, more effective or otherwise clinically superior; (ii) the MA holder for the authorized orphan product consents to a second medicinal product application; or (iii) the MA holder for the authorized product cannot supply enough orphan medicinal product.
Pediatric Development
Regulation (EC) No 1901/2006 provides that prior to obtaining an MA in the EU, applicants have to demonstrate compliance with all measures included in a pediatric investigation plan, or PIP, agreed with the EMA’s Pediatric Committee, or PDCO, and covering all subsets of the pediatric population, unless the PDCO has granted (1) a product-specific waiver, (2) a class waiver, or (3) a deferral for one or more of the measures included in the PIP. The PIP sets out the timing and measures proposed to generate data to support a pediatric indication of the product for which an MA is being sought. Products that are granted an MA with the results of the pediatric clinical trials conducted in accordance with the PIP are eligible for a six-month extension of the protection under a SPC provided an application for such extension is made at the same time as filing the SPC application for the product, or at any point up to two years before the SPC expires, even where the trial results are negative. In the case of orphan medicinal products, a two-year extension of the orphan market exclusivity may be available. This pediatric reward is subject to specific conditions and is not automatically available when data in compliance with the PIP are developed and submitted.
172
Post-Approval Requirements
Similar to the United States, both MA holders and manufacturers of medicinal products are subject to comprehensive regulatory oversight by the EMA, the European Commission and/or the competent regulatory authorities of the member states. The holder of an MA must establish and maintain a pharmacovigilance system and appoint an individual qualified person for pharmacovigilance, or QPPV, who is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of that system, and oversees the safety profiles of medicinal products and any emerging safety concerns. Key obligations include expedited reporting of suspected serious adverse reactions and submission of periodic safety update reports, or PSURs.
All new MAA must include a risk management plan, or RMP, describing the risk management system that the company will put in place and documenting measures to prevent or minimize the risks associated with the product.
The regulatory authorities may also impose specific obligations as a condition of the MA. Such risk-minimization measures or post-authorization obligations may include additional safety monitoring, more frequent submission of PSURs, or the conduct of additional clinical trials or post-authorization safety studies.
The advertising and promotion of medicinal products is also subject to laws concerning promotion of medicinal products, interactions with physicians, misleading and comparative advertising, and unfair commercial practices. All advertising and promotional activities for the product must be consistent with the approved summary of product characteristics, and therefore all off-label promotion is prohibited in the EU. Direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription medicines is also prohibited in the EU. Although general requirements for advertising and promotion of medicinal products are established under EU directives, the details are governed by regulations in each member state and can differ from one country to another.
The aforementioned EU rules are generally applicable in the European Economic Area, or EEA, which consists of the EU member states plus Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland.
Failure to comply with EU and member state laws that apply to the conduct of clinical trials, manufacturing approval, authorization of medicinal products and marketing of such products, both before and after grant of the MA, manufacturing of pharmaceutical products, statutory health insurance, bribery and anti-corruption, or with other applicable regulatory requirements may result in administrative, civil, or criminal penalties. These penalties could include delays or refusal to authorize the conduct of clinical trials, or to grant an MA, product withdrawals and recalls, product seizures, suspension, withdrawal or variation of the MA, total or partial suspension of production, distribution, manufacturing, or clinical trials, operating restrictions, injunctions, suspension of licenses, fines, and criminal penalties.
Reform of the Regulatory Framework in the European Union
The EU pharmaceutical legislation is currently undergoing a complete review process, in the context of the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe initiative, launched by the European Commission in November 2020. The European Commission’s proposal for revision of several legislative instruments related to medicinal products (potentially reducing the duration of regulatory data protection, revising the eligibility for expedited pathways, etc.) was published on April 26, 2023. The proposed revisions remain to be agreed and adopted by the European Parliament and Council of the EU and the proposals may therefore be substantially revised before adoption, which is not anticipated before early 2026.
Brexit and the Regulatory Framework in the United Kingdom
Following the end of the Brexit transition period on January 1, 2021 and the implementation of the Windsor Framework on January 1, 2025, the United Kingdom, or UK, is not generally subject to EU laws in respect of medicines. The EU laws that have been transposed into UK law through secondary legislation remain applicable in the UK however, new legislation such as the (EU) CTR is not applicable in the UK.
173
Under the Medicines and Medical Devices Act 2021, the Secretary of State or an ‘appropriate authority’ have delegated powers to amend or supplement existing regulations in the area of medicinal products and medical devices. This allows new rules to be introduced in the future by way of secondary legislation, which aims to allow flexibility in addressing regulatory gaps and future changes in the fields of human medicines, clinical trials, and medical devices.
As of January 1, 2021, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, or MHRA, is the UK’s standalone medicines and medical devices regulator. As a result of the Ireland/Northern Ireland protocol, different rules applied in Northern Ireland than in England, Wales, and Scotland (together, “Great Britain”, or GB), which continued to follow the EU regulatory regime. However, on January 1, 2025 a new arrangement called the “Windsor Framework” came into effect and reintegrated Northern Ireland under the regulatory authority of the MHRA with respect to medicinal products. The Windsor Framework removes EU licensing processes and EU labeling and serialization requirements in relation to Northern Ireland and introduces a UK-wide licensing process for medicines.
The UK regulatory framework in relation to clinical trials is governed by the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004, as amended, which is derived from the CTD, as implemented into UK national law through secondary legislation. In April 2025, the UK introduced the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) (Amendment) Regulations. These changes, which will take full effect from April 2026, aim to create a streamlined, risk-proportionate system that accelerates approvals while maintaining robust safety standards.
In addition, in October 2023, the MHRA announced a new Notification Scheme for clinical trials which enables a more streamlined and risk-proportionate approach to initial clinical trial applications for Phase 4 and low-risk Phase 3 clinical trial applications.
MAs in the UK are governed by the Human Medicines Regulations (SI 2012/1916), as amended. All existing EU MAs for centrally authorized products were automatically converted or grandfathered into UK MAs, effective in GB (only), free of charge on January 1, 2021, unless the MA holder chose to opt-out. Under the terms of the Windsor Framework, these licenses became valid for the whole of the UK from January 1, 2025. In order to use the centralized procedure to obtain an MA that will be valid throughout the EEA, companies must be established in the EEA. Therefore, after Brexit, companies established in the UK can no longer use the EU centralized procedure and instead an EEA entity must hold any centralized MAs. In order to obtain a UK MA to commercialize products in the UK, an applicant must be established in the UK and must follow one of the UK national authorization procedures or one of the remaining post-Brexit international cooperation procedures. The MHRA has introduced changes to national licensing procedures, including procedures to prioritize access to new medicines that will benefit patients, a 150-day assessment (subject to clock-stops) and a rolling review procedure. The rolling-review procedure permits the separate or joint submission of quality, non-clinical, and clinical data to the MHRA which can be reviewed on a rolling basis. After an application under the rolling-review procedure has been validated, the final decision should be received within 100 days (subject to clock-stops). In addition, since January 1, 2024, the MHRA may rely on the International Recognition Procedure, or IRP, when reviewing certain types of MAAs. Pursuant to the IRP, the MHRA will take into account the expertise and decision-making of trusted regulatory partners (e.g. the medicines regulatory authorities in Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Singapore, Japan, the U.S.A. and the EMA in the EU). The MHRA will conduct a targeted assessment of IRP applications but retain the authority to reject applications if the evidence provided is considered insufficiently robust. Applications should be decided within a maximum of 60 days if there are no major objections identified that cannot be resolved within such 60 day period and the approval from the trusted regulatory partner selected has been granted within the previous 2 years. If there are such major objections identified or such approval hasn’t been granted within the previous 2 years, then the relevant timeframe for the MHRA decision is within 110 days. Applicants can submit initial MAAs to the IRP but the procedure can also be used throughout the lifecycle of a product for post-authorization procedures including line extensions, variations, and renewals.
174
In the UK, the initial duration of an MA is five years and following renewal will be valid for an unlimited period unless the MHRA decides on justified grounds relating to pharmacovigilance, to proceed with only one additional five-year renewal. Any authorization which is not followed by the actual placing of the medicine on the market in the UK (or GB, if the MA is only valid in GB) within three (3) years shall cease to be in force.
There is no pre-MA orphan designation in the UK. Instead, the MHRA reviews applications for orphan designation in parallel to the corresponding MA application. The criteria are essentially the same, but have been tailored for the market, i.e., the prevalence of the condition in the UK, rather than the EU, must not be more than five in 10,000. Should an orphan designation be granted, the period or market exclusivity will be set from the date of first approval of the product in the UK.
Other Healthcare Laws
Our business operations and current and future arrangements with investigators, healthcare professionals, consultants, third-party payors, patient organizations and customers may expose us to broadly applicable fraud and abuse and other healthcare laws and regulations. The laws that may affect our ability to operate, and our proposed sales, marketing, and distribution strategies, include, but are not limited to:
| | the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits, among other things, persons from knowingly and willfully soliciting, receiving, offering, or paying any remuneration (including any kickback, bribe, or rebate), directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind, to induce, or in return for, either the referral of an individual, or the purchase, lease, order, or recommendation of any good, facility, item, or service for which payment may be made, in whole or in part, under a federal healthcare program, such as the Medicare and Medicaid programs. A person or entity does not need to have actual knowledge of the statute or specific intent to violate it in order to have committed a violation. Violations are subject to civil and criminal fines and penalties for each violation, plus up to three times the remuneration involved, imprisonment, and exclusion from government healthcare programs. 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 False Claims Act, or FCA (discussed below); |
| | federal civil and criminal false claims laws, including the FCA and civil monetary penalty laws, which impose criminal and civil penalties against individuals or entities for, among other things, knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, claims for payment or approval from Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal healthcare programs that are false or fraudulent; knowingly making or causing a false statement material to a false or fraudulent claim or an obligation to pay money to the federal government; or knowingly concealing or knowingly and improperly avoiding or decreasing such an obligation. 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. The FCA also permits a private individual acting as a “whistleblower” to bring actions on behalf of the federal government alleging violations of the FCA and to share in any monetary recovery; |
| | the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA, which created new federal criminal statutes that prohibit knowingly and willfully executing, or attempting to execute, a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program or obtain, by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises, any of the money or property owned by, or under the custody or control of, any healthcare benefit program, regardless of the payor (e.g., public or private) and knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing, or covering up by any trick or device a material fact or making any materially false statements in connection with the delivery of, or payment for, healthcare benefits, items, or services relating to healthcare matters. Similar to the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, a person or entity can be found guilty of violating these statutes without actual knowledge of the statutes or specific intent to violate them; |
| | failing to take appropriate steps to keep consumers’ personal information secure could constitute an unfair act or practice in or affecting commerce in violation of Section 5(a) of the Federal Trade |
175
| Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. § 45(a) or similar state laws. The Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, and state regulators expect a company’s data security measures to be reasonable and appropriate in light of the sensitivity and volume of consumer information it holds, the size and complexity of its business and the cost of available tools to improve security and reduce vulnerabilities. Individually identifiable health information is considered sensitive data that merits stronger safeguards; |
| | the federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act, created under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, or collectively, the ACA, and its implementing regulations requires manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologicals, and medical supplies for which payment is available under Medicare, Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (with certain exceptions) to report annually to the Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, information related to payments or other transfers of value made to physicians (defined to include doctors, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists, and chiropractors), certain other licensed healthcare professionals (i.e., physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, anesthesiologist assistants, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and certified nurse midwives), and teaching hospitals, as well as ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members; |
| | federal government price reporting laws, which require manufacturers to calculate and report complex pricing metrics in an accurate and timely manner to government programs; |
| | federal consumer protection and unfair competition laws, which broadly regulate marketplace activities and activities that potentially harm consumers; and |
| | analogous state and foreign laws and regulations, such as state and foreign anti-kickback, false claims, consumer protection and unfair competition laws which may apply to pharmaceutical business practices, including but not limited to, research, distribution, sales, and marketing arrangements as well as submitting claims involving healthcare items or services reimbursed by any third-party payor, including commercial insurers; state laws that require pharmaceutical companies to comply with the pharmaceutical industry’s voluntary compliance guidelines and the relevant compliance guidance promulgated by the federal government that otherwise restricts payments that may be made to healthcare providers and other potential referral sources; state laws that require drug manufacturers to file reports with states regarding pricing and marketing information, such as the tracking and reporting of gifts, compensations, and other remuneration and items of value provided to healthcare professionals and entities; and state and local laws requiring the registration of pharmaceutical sales representatives. |
Federal, state, and foreign enforcement bodies are continuing to increase their scrutiny of interactions between healthcare companies and healthcare providers, which has led to a number of investigations, prosecutions, convictions, and settlements in the healthcare industry. If our operations are found to be in violation of any of such laws or any other governmental regulations that apply, we may be subject to significant penalties, including, without limitation, administrative, civil, and criminal penalties, damages, fines, disgorgement, contractual damages, the curtailment or restructuring of operations, integrity oversight and reporting obligations, exclusion from participation in federal and state healthcare programs, reputational harm, diminished profits and future earnings, and individual imprisonment.
Privacy and Data Security
In the ordinary course of business, we and the third parties upon which we rely collect, receive, store, or otherwise process personal data, including information we may collect about participants in our clinical trials. This personal data can also include data that is considered “sensitive” personal data under privacy laws, policies, or agreements to which we are subject. Accordingly, we are, or may be become, subject to numerous, evolving privacy and data security obligations, including global, federal, state, and local laws, regulations, guidance, industry standards, external and internal privacy and security policies, contractual requirements, and other obligations related to privacy and data security.
176
These privacy and data security laws are evolving and may impose potentially conflicting obligations. Such obligations may include, without limitation, federal health information privacy laws, state information security and data breach notification laws, state health information privacy laws, and federal and state consumer protection laws (e.g., the Federal Trade Commission Act). At the state level, numerous U.S. states have enacted comprehensive privacy laws that impose certain obligations on covered businesses, including providing specific disclosures in privacy notices and affording individuals certain rights concerning their personal data. Similar laws are being considered in several other states, as well as at the federal and local levels, and we expect more states to pass similar laws in the future. Additionally, a smaller number of states have passed or are considering laws governing the privacy of consumer health data. While existing state consumer privacy laws provide exemptions for data processed in the context of clinical trials, the continued development of complex requirements at the state level may further complicate compliance efforts and may impact our business activities, including our identification of research subjects, relationships with business partners and ultimately the marketing and distribution of our products, and are examples of the increasingly stringent and evolving regulatory frameworks related to personal data processing, as more fully discussed in the section titled “Risk Factors.”.
Additionally, to the extent we collect personal data outside of the United States, through clinical trials or otherwise, we are, or may become, subject to foreign data and data security laws, such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679, or EU GDPR, and other national data protection legislation in force in relevant EEA Member States, and the EU GDPR as it forms part UK law by virtue of section 3 of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, or UK GDPR. Foreign privacy and data security laws impose significant and complex compliance obligations on entities that are subject to those laws and may impose significant sanctions for non-compliance (including fines of up to the greater of 20 million Euros (17.5 million GBP for the UK) or 4% of worldwide annual revenue), as more fully discussed in the section titled “Risk Factors.”
Coverage and Reimbursement
In the United States and markets in other countries, patients who are prescribed treatments for their conditions and providers performing the prescribed services generally rely on third-party payors to reimburse all or part of the costs associated with their prescription. Therefore, adequate coverage and reimbursement from such third-party payors are critical to new and ongoing product acceptance. Thus, even if a product candidate is approved, sales of the product will depend, in part, on the extent to which third-party payors, including government health programs in the United States such as Medicare and Medicaid, commercial health insurers and managed care organizations, provide coverage, and establish adequate reimbursement levels, for the product. Factors payors consider in determining coverage and reimbursement are based on whether the 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. |
In the United States, no uniform policy of coverage and reimbursement for drug products exists among third-party payors. Therefore, coverage and reimbursement for drug products can differ significantly from payor to payor. The process for determining whether a third-party payor will provide coverage for a product may be separate from the process for setting the price or reimbursement rate that the payor will pay for the product once coverage is approved. A third-party payor’s decision to provide coverage for a product does not imply that an adequate reimbursement rate will be approved. Therefore, even if coverage is provided, the approved reimbursement amount may not be high enough to allow us to establish or maintain pricing sufficient to realize a return on our investment. Further, one payor’s determination to provide coverage for a product does not assure that other payors will also provide coverage and reimbursement for the product, and the level of coverage and reimbursement can differ significantly from payor to payor.
177
Third-party payors are increasingly challenging the prices charged, examining the medical necessity, and reviewing the cost- effectiveness of medical products and services and imposing controls to manage costs.
There may be significant delays in obtaining coverage and reimbursement, as the process of determining coverage and reimbursement is often time consuming and costly. In order to secure coverage and reimbursement for any product that might be approved for sale, a company may need to conduct expensive pharmacoeconomic studies in order to demonstrate the medical necessity and cost-effectiveness of the product, in addition to the costs required to obtain FDA or other comparable regulatory approvals. Moreover, coverage may be more limited than the purposes for which the product is approved by FDA or regulatory authorities in other countries. Additionally, companies may also need to provide discounts to purchasers, private health plans, or government healthcare programs. Third-party payors may limit coverage to specific products on an approved list, also known as a formulary, which might not include all of the approved products for a particular indication. Third-party payors could determine that our product candidates are not medically necessary or cost effective. A decision by a third-party payor not to cover a product could reduce physician utilization once the product is approved and have a material adverse effect on sales, results of operations and our financial condition.
The containment of healthcare costs has become a priority of federal, state, and foreign governments, and the prices of products have been a focus in this effort. There have been a number of federal and state proposals during the last few years regarding the pricing of pharmaceutical products, limiting coverage and the amount of reimbursement for drugs and other medical products, government control, and other changes to the healthcare system in the United States including the relaxation of laws that presently restrict imports of drugs from countries where they may be sold at lower prices than in the United States. Governments have shown significant interest in implementing cost-containment programs, including price controls, restrictions on reimbursement, and requirements for substitution of generic products. Net prices for drugs may be reduced by mandatory discounts or rebates required by government healthcare programs or private payors and by any future relaxation of laws that presently restrict imports of drugs from countries where they may be sold at lower prices than in the United States.
Further, third-party payors are increasingly reducing reimbursements for drugs and services and implementing measures to control utilization of drugs (such as requiring prior authorization or step therapy for coverage, among other things). 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. We cannot be sure that reimbursement will be available for any product candidate that we commercialize and, if reimbursement is available, the level of reimbursement. Even if favorable coverage and reimbursement status is attained for one or more products for which we receive regulatory approval, less favorable coverage policies and reimbursement rates may be implemented in the future. Moreover, payment methodologies may be subject to changes in healthcare legislation and regulatory initiatives. For example, the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, may develop new payment and delivery models, such as bundled payment models. In addition, recently there has been heightened governmental scrutiny over the manner in which manufacturers set prices for their commercial products, which has resulted in several U.S. Congressional inquiries and proposed and enacted state and federal 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 pharmaceutical products. Congress has indicated that it will continue to seek new legislative measures to control drug costs.
In addition, many pharmaceutical manufacturers must calculate and report certain price reporting metrics to the government, such as average sales price, or ASP, and best price. Penalties may apply in some cases when such metrics are not submitted accurately and timely. Further, these prices for drugs may be reduced by mandatory discounts or rebates required by government healthcare programs. Adoption of price controls and cost-containment measures, and adoption of more restrictive policies in jurisdictions with existing controls and measures, could further limit a company’s revenue generated from the sale of any approved products.
Outside the United States, ensuring coverage and adequate payment for a product also involves challenges. Pricing of prescription pharmaceuticals is subject to government control in many countries. Pricing negotiations
178
with government authorities can extend well beyond the receipt of regulatory approval for a product and may require a clinical trial that compares the cost-effectiveness of a product to other available therapies. The conduct of such a clinical trial could be expensive and result in delays in commercialization.
In the EU, pricing and reimbursement schemes vary widely from country to country. Some countries provide that products may be marketed only after a reimbursement price has been agreed. Some countries may require the completion of additional studies that compare the cost-effectiveness of a particular product candidate to currently available therapies or so-called health technology assessments, in order to obtain reimbursement or pricing approval. For example, the EU Member States have the option to restrict the range of products for which their national health insurance systems provide reimbursement and to control the prices of medicinal products for human use. EU Member States may approve a specific price for a product or it may instead adopt a system of direct or indirect controls on the profitability of the company placing the product on the market. Other EU Member States allow companies to fix their own prices for products but monitor and control prescription volumes and issue guidance to physicians to limit prescriptions. Recently, many countries in the EU have increased the amount of discounts required on pharmaceuticals and these efforts could continue as countries attempt to manage healthcare expenditures, especially in light of the severe fiscal and debt crises experienced by many countries in the EU. The downward pressure on healthcare costs in general, particularly prescription products, has become intense. As a result, increasingly high barriers are being erected to the entry of new products. Political, economic, and regulatory developments may further complicate pricing negotiations, and pricing negotiations may continue after reimbursement has been obtained. Reference pricing used by various EU Member States, and parallel trade, i.e., arbitrage between low-priced and high-priced EU Member States, can further reduce prices. There can be no assurance that any country that has price controls or reimbursement limitations for pharmaceutical products will allow favorable reimbursement and pricing arrangements for any products, if approved in those countries.
Current and Future Healthcare Reform
In the United States, there have been, and continue to be, a number of legislative and regulatory changes to the healthcare system that could impact our ability to sell our products profitably. For example, in March 2010, the ACA was enacted, which substantially changed the way healthcare is financed by both governmental and private insurers, and significantly affected the pharmaceutical industry. The ACA contained a number of provisions, including those governing enrollment in federal healthcare programs, reimbursement adjustments, and changes to fraud and abuse laws. For example, the ACA, among other things:
| | increased the minimum level of Medicaid rebates payable by manufacturers of brand name drugs from 15.1% to 23.1% of the average manufacturer price; |
| | required collection of rebates for drugs paid by Medicaid managed care organizations; |
| | required manufacturers to participate in a coverage gap discount program, under which they must agree to offer 50% point-of-sale discount off negotiated prices of applicable brand drugs to eligible beneficiaries during their coverage gap period, as a condition for the manufacturer’s outpatient drugs to be covered under Medicare Part D (later increased to 70%); and |
| | imposed a non-deductible annual fee on pharmaceutical manufacturers or importers who sell “branded prescription drugs” to specified federal government programs. |
Since its enactment, there have been judicial, administrative, executive, and legislative challenges to certain aspects of the ACA as well as executive orders related to the ACA’s implementation. It is unclear how healthcare reform measures of the current presidential administration or other efforts, if any, to challenge repeal or replace the ACA, will impact our business.
In addition, other legislative changes have been proposed and adopted in the United States since the ACA was enacted. These changes included aggregate reductions to Medicare payments to providers and health plans (including Part D prescription drug plans) of up to 2% per fiscal year, effective April 1, 2013, and which will stay
179
in effect through 2032, unless Congress takes additional action. Additionally, American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, 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. Moreover, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was enacted in July 2025, imposes significant reductions in the funding of the Medicaid program. Such reductions are expected to decrease the number of persons enrolled in Medicaid and reduce the services covered by Medicaid. These new laws and regulatory changes may result in additional reductions in Medicare and other healthcare funding, which could have a material adverse effect on prescribers of our drugs, if approved, and accordingly, our financial operations.
There has been increasing legislative and enforcement interest in the United States with respect to drug pricing practices. Specifically, there have been several recent U.S. Congressional inquiries and proposed federal and state legislation designed to, among other things, bring more transparency to drug pricing, reduce the cost of prescription drugs under Medicare, review the relationship between pricing and manufacturer patient programs, and reform government program reimbursement methodologies for drugs. For example, as of January 1, 2024, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 eliminated the statutory Medicaid drug rebate cap of 100% of a drug’s average manufacturer price, for single source and innovator multiple source drugs. More recently, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, or IRA, among other things, directed HHS to negotiate the price of certain high-expenditure, single-source drugs and biologics covered under Medicare, and created civil monetary penalties and an excise tax for manufacturers that fail to comply with the drug price negotiation requirements. The IRA also imposed rebates for certain drugs and biologics covered under Medicare Part B or Medicare Part D to penalize price increases that outpace inflation, and, beginning in 2025, replaced the Part D coverage gap discount program with a new discounting program. The IRA permits HHS to implement many of these provisions through guidance, as opposed to regulation, for the initial years. On August 15, 2024, HHS announced the negotiated prices for the first ten drugs that will be subject to price negotiations, and on January 17, 2025, HHS announced 15 additional drugs subject to negotiations. The Medicare drug price negotiation program is currently subject to multiple legal challenges. The impact of these challenges, as well as any other future challenges, is uncertain, and it is unclear how the IRA will be implemented but is likely to have a significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry.
In addition, the Trump administration is pursuing a two-fold strategy to reduce drug costs in the U.S. While it is unclear whether and how the Trump proposals will be implemented, the Trump policies are likely to have a negative impact on the pharmaceutical industry and on our ability to receive adequate revenues for product candidates, if approved. On the one hand, President Trump has threatened to impose significant tariffs on pharmaceutical manufacturers that do not adopt pricing policies such as most favored nation pricing, which would tie the price for drugs in the U.S. to the lowest price in a group of other countries. In response, multiple manufacturers have reportedly entered into confidential pricing agreements with the federal government. On the other hand, the Trump administration is pursuing traditional regulatory pathways to impose drug pricing policies, although proposed regulations have not yet been published. Even regulatory proposals or executive actions that are ultimately deemed unlawful could negatively impact the U.S. pharmaceutical sector and our business. In addition, pharmaceutical pricing and marketing has long been the subject of considerable discussion in Congress and among policymakers.
In 2020, FDA released its implementing regulations regarding section 804 Importation Programs under the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, which create a pathway for states to submit proposals to import certain drugs from Canada. On January 5, 2024, the FDA authorized a Florida program to import prescription drugs from Canada for a period of two years to help reduce drug costs, provided that Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration meets the requirements set forth by the FDA. If broadly implemented, importation of drugs under this program from Canada may materially and adversely affect the price we receive for any of our product candidates. Additionally, it is unclear what steps the current presidential administration will take with respect to increasing importation of drugs at the state or federal level.
Individual states have also been increasingly active in passing legislation and implementing regulations designed to control pharmaceutical and biological product pricing, including price or patient reimbursement
180
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. In addition, regional health care authorities and individual hospitals are increasingly using bidding procedures to determine what pharmaceutical products and which suppliers will be included in their prescription drug and other healthcare programs. We expect that additional state and federal healthcare reform measures will be adopted in the future, particularly in light of the new presidential administration, any of which could limit the amounts that federal and state governments will pay for healthcare products and services.
Although a number of these and other proposed measures may require authorization through additional legislation to become effective, and the current presidential administration may reverse or otherwise change these measures, both the current presidential administration and Congress have indicated that they will continue to seek new legislative measures to control drug costs.
Similar political, economic, and regulatory developments are occurring in the EU and may affect the ability of pharmaceutical companies to profitably commercialize their products. In addition to continuing pressure on prices and cost containment measures, legislative developments at the EU or member state level may result in significant additional requirements or obstacles. The delivery of healthcare in the EU, including the establishment and operation of health services and the pricing and reimbursement of medicines, is almost exclusively a matter for national, rather than EU, law and policy. National governments and health service providers have different priorities and approaches to the delivery of health care and the pricing and reimbursement of products in that context. In general, however, the healthcare budgetary constraints in most EU member states have resulted in restrictions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines by relevant health service providers. Coupled with ever-increasing EU and national regulatory burdens on those wishing to develop and market products, this could restrict or regulate post-approval activities and affect the ability of pharmaceutical companies to commercialize their products. In international markets, reimbursement and healthcare payment systems vary significantly by country, and many countries have instituted price ceilings on specific products and therapies.
In the EU, potential reductions in prices and changes in reimbursement levels could be the result of different factors, including reference pricing systems, parallel distribution, and parallel trade. It could also result from the application of external reference pricing mechanisms, which consist of arbitrage between low-priced and high-priced countries. Reductions in the pricing of our medicinal products in one EU member state could affect the price in other EU member states and, thus, have a negative impact on our financial results.
Health Technology Assessment, or HTA, of medicinal products in the EU is an essential element of the pricing and reimbursement decision-making process in a number of EU member states. The outcome of HTA has a direct impact on the pricing and reimbursement status granted to the medicinal product. A negative HTA by a leading and recognized HTA body concerning a medicinal product could undermine the prospects to obtain reimbursement for such product not only in the EU member state in which the negative assessment was issued, but also in other EU member states.
In 2011, Directive 2011/24/EU was adopted at the EU level. This Directive establishes a voluntary network of national authorities or bodies responsible for HTA in the individual EU member states. The network facilitates and supports the exchange of scientific information concerning HTAs. Further to this, on December 13, 2021, Regulation No 2021/2282 on HTA, amending Directive 2011/24/EU, was adopted. The Regulation entered into force in January 2022 and has been applicable since January 2025, with phased implementation based on the type of product, i.e. oncology and advanced therapy medicinal products as of 2025, orphan medicinal products as of 2028, and all other medicinal products by 2030. The Regulation intends to boost cooperation among EU member states in assessing health technologies, including new medicinal products, and provide the basis for cooperation at the EU level for joint clinical assessments in these areas. It will permit EU member states to use common HTA tools, methodologies, and procedures across the EU, working together in four main areas, including joint clinical assessment of the innovative health technologies with the highest potential impact for patients, joint scientific
181
consultations whereby developers can seek advice from HTA authorities, identification of emerging health technologies to identify promising technologies early, and continuing voluntary cooperation in other areas. Individual EU member states will continue to be responsible for assessing non-clinical (e.g., economic, social, ethical) aspects of health technology, and making decisions on pricing and reimbursement.
Facilities
We maintain a physical corporate office for administrative purposes and a small non-GxP lab space, which we do not view as material.
We believe our existing facilities arrangements are sufficient for our needs for the foreseeable future. To meet the future needs of our business, we may lease additional or alternate space, and we believe suitable additional or alternative space will be available in the future on commercially reasonable terms.
Employees and Human Capital Resources
As of April 1, 2026, we had 58 full-time employees. Within our workforce, 39 employees are engaged in research and development and 19 are engaged in business development, finance, legal, and general management and administration. Our human capital resources objectives include identifying, recruiting, retaining, incentivizing and integrating our existing and new employees, advisors and consultants. The principal purposes of our equity incentive plans are to attract, retain and reward personnel through the granting of equity-based compensation awards in order to increase shareholder value and the success of our company by motivating such individuals to perform to the best of their abilities and achieve our objectives. None of our employees is represented by a labor union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We consider our relationship with our employees to be good.
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we may become involved in litigation or other legal proceedings. We are not currently a party to any litigation or legal proceedings that, in the opinion of our management, are probable to have a material adverse effect on our business. Regardless of outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources and other factors.
182
Executive Officers and Directors
The following table sets forth information regarding our executive officers and directors as of the date of this prospectus:
| Name |
Age | Position | ||||
| Executive Officers: |
||||||
| Daphne Zohar |
55 | Chief Executive Officer and Director | ||||
| Michael C. Chen, Ph.D. |
42 | Chief Scientific Officer | ||||
| Lana Gladstein, J.D. |
50 | General Counsel | ||||
| Antony Loebel, M.D. |
65 | Chief Medical Officer | ||||
| Lauren A. White |
47 | Chief Financial Officer | ||||
| Non-Employee Directors: |
||||||
| Steven M. Paul, M.D. |
75 | Director and Board Chair | ||||
| Eric Elenko, Ph.D. |
53 | Director | ||||
| James I. Healy, M.D., Ph.D. (3) |
61 | Director | ||||
| Robert J. Hombach (3) |
60 | Director | ||||
| Robert Nelsen |
62 | Director | ||||
| Sandra E. Peterson (1)(2) |
67 | Director | ||||
| Jason Pitts, Ph.D. (1) |
40 | Director | ||||
| Denice Torres, J.D. (1)(2)(3) |
66 | Director | ||||
| David Wheadon, M.D. (2) |
68 | Director | ||||
| Robert Lyne LLB |
42 | Director | ||||
| (1) | Member of the compensation committee. |
| (2) | Member of the nominating and corporate governance committee. |
| (3) | Member of the audit committee. |
Executive Officers
Daphne Zohar. Ms. Zohar was our founder and has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of our board of directors since April 2024. Prior to joining us, Ms. Zohar served as Founder, Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the board of directors of PureTech (Nasdaq/LSE: PRTC), since its formation in June 2015 to April 2024, and since 2005 at PureTech’s predecessor entity. A successful entrepreneur, Ms. Zohar created PureTech, assembling a leading team and scientific network to help implement her vision for the company, and was a key participant in fundraising, business development and establishing the underlying programs and platforms that have resulted in PureTech’s substantial pipeline of products and product candidates. She also co-founded PureTech’s entities, including Karuna Therapeutics, Inc. (formerly Nasdaq: KRTX), which developed the groundbreaking antipsychotic drug, Cobenfy (KarXT). The FDA approval of Cobenfy in September 2024 marked the first new schizophrenia mechanism in 70 years. Following FDA approval of Cobenfy (invented by PureTech), Karuna was acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb for $14 billion. Ms. Zohar was a key driver in PureTech’s productive R&D engine, which led to 28 new medicines and a clinical success rate at PureTech and founded entities that was around six times better than the industry average during her tenure. Ms. Zohar is a founder & co-host of the weekly podcast “Biotech Hangout.” Ms. Zohar received a B.S. from Northeastern University. Our board of directors believes that Ms. Zohar is qualified to serve as a member of our board of directors because of her extensive experience and leadership in the biopharmaceutical industry and her role as our company’s founder and chief executive officer.
Michael C. Chen, Ph.D. Dr. Chen has served as our Chief Scientific Officer since May 2024. Prior to joining us, Dr. Chen served various roles at PureTech from 2016 to May 2024, most recently as Head of
183
Innovation from 2016 to May 2024, where he oversaw the rapid advancement of the neuropsychiatric medicines that led to our launch. From 2016 to 2019, Dr. Chen was also co-founder and Head of Research and Strategy at Sonde Health, Inc., a company developing vocal biomarkers for depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders. He was a postdoctoral fellow at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology. Dr. Chen completed his Ph.D. at Stanford University, focusing on the neurobiological mechanisms of depression and sleep disorders. He received a B.A. from Yale University.
Lana Gladstein, J.D. Ms. Gladstein has served as our General Counsel since June 2024. Prior to joining us, she served as the Group General Counsel at APRINOIA Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: APRI) from May 2023 to June 2024. From June 2022 to May 2023, she also served as Chief Legal Officer of Recipharm AB North America from June 2022 to May 2023, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel of Arranta Bio (acquired by Recipharm) from November 2019 to May 2023 and Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Brammer Bio (acquired by Thermo Fisher Scientific) from March 2017 to October 2019. Prior to that, Ms. Gladstein was a partner at the law firm of Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP and Pepper Hamilton LLP. Ms. Gladstein holds a J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law and a B.A. in Biology from Brandeis University.
Antony Loebel, M.D. Dr. Loebel has served as our Chief Medical Officer and President of Clinical Development since June 2024. He was previously the President and Chief Executive Officer of Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. from April 2019 to June 2023, and served as Chief Medical Officer from 2011 to March 2019. During his tenure at Sunovion, Dr. Loebel played a key role in the company’s growth to over $3.5 billion in total revenue and was instrumental in the development and commercialization of Latuda for the treatment of bipolar depression and schizophrenia. Prior to his time at Sunovion, he held senior roles in research and development and medical affairs at Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma America and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE). Dr. Loebel earned his M.D. from the University of Washington in Seattle, completed his psychiatry residency at the Zucker Hillside Hospital in New York, and is board certified in psychiatry.
Lauren A. White. Ms. White has served as our Chief Financial Officer since November 2024. Prior to joining us, Ms. White served as the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of ImmunoGen, Inc. (formerly Nasdaq: IMGN), or ImmunoGen, from September 2023 to June 2024 prior to its acquisition by AbbVie. Prior to that, she served as Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Principal Accounting Officer at C4 Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CCC) from June 2021 to September 2023, and held roles of increasing responsibility at Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS), most recently as Vice President, Finance, and Global Head of Business Planning and Analysis at Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research from July 2017 to June 2021. Ms. White earned an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and a B.S. from the Carroll School of Management at Boston College.
Non-Employee Directors
Steven M. Paul, M.D. Dr. Paul has been a member and chair of our board of directors since April 2024. Dr. Paul was one of our founders and has also served as our senior advisor since February 2024. From August 2018 to January 2024, Dr. Paul served in senior leadership roles at Karuna Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: KRTX, prior to its recent acquisition by Bristol Myers Squibb Company), including as Chief Scientific Officer and President of Research and Development from January 2023 to January 2024, and President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the board of directors from August 2018 to January 2023. Dr. Paul has also served as a Venture Partner at Third Rock Ventures since 2010. Dr. Paul is also board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Paul has served on the board of directors of Rapport Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: RAPP) since December 2022 and Sage Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SAGE) from September 2011 until June 2024 and is also the chairman of the board of directors of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH). Previously, Dr. Paul served on the boards of directors of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALNY) from September 2010 to April 2022, Voyager Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: VYGR) from September 2014 to June 2022 and Karuna Therapeutics, Inc. from March 2018 to March 2024. Dr. Paul also previously spent 17 years at Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY), during which time he held several leadership roles, including Executive Vice President for Science and Technology, and President of the Lilly Research Laboratories. Prior to Lilly, Dr. Paul
184
spent 18 years at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) where he served as Scientific Director. Dr. Paul received a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology and psychology from Tulane University and Master of Science and Doctor of Medicine degrees from the Tulane University School of Medicine. Our board of directors believes that Dr. Paul is qualified to serve on our board of directors due to his numerous leadership roles and experience in the pharmaceutical industry and his expertise in neuroscience.
James I. Healy, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Healy has been a member of our board of directors since April 2024. Dr. Healy has served as Managing Partner of Sofinnova Investments, Inc. since June 2000. Dr. Healy has served on the boards of directors of Rapport Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: RAPP) since August 2023, ArriVent Biopharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVBP) since March 2023 and BioAge Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: BIOA) since February of 2024. Previously, Dr. Healy served on numerous public company boards of directors including Bolt Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: BOLT) from January 2021 until September 2024, Natera, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTRA) from November 2014 until June 2025, Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: YMAB) from November 2017 until September 2025, Ascendis Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ASND) from November 2014 to May 2022, Amarin Corporation PLC (Nasdaq: AMRN) from May 2008 to December 2016, CinCor Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: CINC, prior to its recent acquisition by AstraZeneca PLC) from May 2019 to February 2023, Coherus BioSciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHRS) from February 2014 to February 2022, Karuna Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: KRTX, prior to its recent acquisition by Bristol Myers Squibb Company) from June 2019 to March 2024, Iterum Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq: ITRM) from November 2015 to February 2020, ObsEva SA (Nasdaq: OBSEF) from August 2013 to May 2021, and NuCana PLC (Nasdaq: NCNA) from March 2014 to April 2022. He also previously served as a director on the Board of the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) and the Board of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). Dr. Healy holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in molecular biology and Scandinavian studies from the University of California, Berkeley, and Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in immunology from Stanford University School of Medicine. Our board of directors believes that Dr. Healy is qualified to serve on our board of directors due to his extensive experience and leadership roles in the biopharmaceutical industry and expertise in healthcare investing.
Robert J. Hombach. Mr. Hombach has been a member of our board of directors since March 2025. Mr. Hombach served as the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer of Baxalta (NYSE: BXLT), a global biopharmaceutical company, until it was acquired by Shire plc. in 2016. Mr. Homach has served on the board of directors of Henry Schein Inc (Nasdaq: HSIC) since February, 2025, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc (Nasdaq: BMRN) since September 2017, Embecta Corp. (Nasdaq: EMBC) since April, 2022, Aptinyx Inc. from April, 2018 to December, 2023, CarMax Inc, (NYSE: KMX) from March, 2018 to June, 2022. He was instrumental in Baxalta’s successful spin off from its parent company, Baxter (NYSE: BAX), where he previously served as Corporate Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. In addition to his board positions at BioMarin and Henry Schein, Mr. Hombach is the Chair of the Audit Committee at Embecta, a global diabetes care company spun out of Becton Dickinson, and has held previous board positions at several other companies including Naurex, Inc., which was acquired by Allergan in 2015. Mr. Hombach received an MBA from Northwestern University’s J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management, and a BS in Finance cum laude from the University of Colorado. Our board of directors believes that Mr. Hombach is qualified to serve on our board of directors due to his significant leadership experience in the biopharmaceutical industry.
Robert Nelsen. Mr. Nelsen has been a member of our board of directors since April 2024. Mr. Nelsen co-founded ARCH Venture Partners, L.P., a venture capital firm focused on early-stage technology companies, in 1986 and has served as a Managing Director of ARCH Venture Partners or its affiliated entities since 1994. Mr. Nelsen has served on the board of directors of Prime Medicine, Inc. (Nasdaq: PRME) since September 2020, and Sana Biotechnology, Inc. (Nasdaq: SANA) since October 2018, each a U.S. publicly traded biotechnology company. Mr. Nelsen has served as the Chairman and as a member of the board of directors of Hua Medicine, Inc., a Hong Kong publicly listed drug development company, since April 2010 and currently serves on the board of directors of a number of private companies. Mr. Nelsen previously served on the board of directors of a number of public biotechnology companies, including Vir Biotechnology, Inc. from 2016 to 2025, Lyell Immunopharma, Inc. from 2018 to 2025, Brii Biosciences, Inc., from 2018 to 2024, Revolution Healthcare
185
Acquisition Corp. from 2021 to 2022, Denali Therapeutics Inc. from 2015 to 2022, Unity Biotechnology, Inc. from 2015 to December 2020, Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from 2007 to June 2017, Syros Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from 2012 to June 2018, Juno Therapeutics, Inc. (acquired by Celgene Corporation in January 2018) from 2013 to March 2018, Sienna Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. from 2015 to September 2018 and Gossamer Bio, Inc. from 2017 to December 2018 (prior to its initial public offering). Mr. Nelsen received his M.B.A. from the University of Chicago and his B.S. from the University of Puget Sound in Economics and Biology. Our board of directors believes that Mr. Nelsen is qualified to serve on the Board due to his significant venture capital experience as a director and investor in the biotechnology industry.
Sandra E. Peterson. Ms. Peterson has been a member of our board of directors since November 2024. She has served as an Operating Partner at Clayton Dubilier & Rice, or CD&R, a private investment firm, since April 2019 where she invests in life sciences and consumer companies and oversees technology initiatives to enhance performance of the firm’s portfolio companies. Prior to joining CD&R, Ms. Peterson was the Group Worldwide Chair for Johnson & Johnson, or J&J, where she led J&J’s consumer and medical devices businesses and was responsible for global operating infrastructure, technology, supply chain, quality, and key strategic initiatives from 2012 to 2018. Ms. Peterson currently serves as Lead Independent Director of Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) since March 2023 and a member of its board of directors since December 2015. She also serves as Executive Chairwoman of the board of directors of Volastra Therapeutics since October 2019. Ms. Peterson received her M.P.A. from Princeton University and a B.A. from Cornell University. Our board of directors believes that Ms. Peterson is qualified to serve on our board of directors due to her extensive knowledge of strategy and business development in the life sciences industry and her wide-ranging experience in leadership positions.
Denice Torres, J.D. Ms. Torres has been a member of our board of directors since May 2024. Ms. Torres is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Ignited Company, a consulting firm she founded in November 2017, and is also the founder of The Mentoring Place, a nonprofit organization established in 2017. From December 2004 to December 2017, Ms. Torres served in senior leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson, including President of J&J Neuroscience, President of J&J Consumer Health, and Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer of the J&J Medical Device Sector. Prior to that, from 1990 to 2004, Ms. Torres held various leadership positions at Eli Lilly and Company, including Executive Director of Global Neuroscience and Director of U.S. Women’s Health. Ms. Torres currently serves on the board of directors of Celldex Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: CLDX), Glaukos Corp. (Nasdaq: GKOS), National Resilience Inc., and ByHeart Inc. Ms. Torres previously served on the boards of Karuna Therapeutics, Inc., 2seventy bio, Inc., Thirty Madison, bluebird bio, Inc., and Surface Oncology, Inc. Ms. Torres holds an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan, a J.D. from Indiana University School of Law, a B.S. in Psychology from Ball State University, and an M.A. in the Study of Happiness from Centenary University. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Happiness Studies at Centenary University. Our board of directors believes that Ms. Torres is qualified to serve on our board of directors due to her extensive leadership experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and consumer health industries and her expertise in neuroscience, strategy, and business operations.
David Wheadon, M.D. Dr. Wheadon has been a member of our board of directors since July 2024. He served as Senior Vice President, Global Regulatory Affairs, Patient Safety, and Quality Assurance for AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals from 2014 to 2019 and as Executive Vice President, Research and Advocacy at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation from 2013 to 2014. From 2009 to 2013, Dr. Wheadon served as Senior Vice President, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs and as a member of the Management Committee of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, or PhRMA. Prior to his joining PhRMA, Dr. Wheadon held senior regulatory and clinical development leader roles at Abbott Laboratories and GlaxoSmithKline plc. Dr. Wheadon began his career as a clinical research physician in neuroscience at Eli Lilly & Company. Dr. Wheadon has served on the board of directors of Indivior, PLC (Nasdaq: INDV) since June 2024, Vaxart, Inc. (Nasdaq: VXRT) since April 2021, and Sotera Health, Inc. (Nasdaq: SHC) since May 2021. He formerly served on the board of directors of Assertio Holdings, Inc. (formerly Assertio Therapeutics, Inc.), Karuna Therapeutics, Inc., and Chemocentryx, Inc. Dr. Wheadon holds an A.B. from Harvard College and an M.D. from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He completed his fellowship training in Psychiatry at the Tufts, New England Medical Center. Our board of directors believes that Dr. Wheadon is qualified to serve as a member of the board of directors due to his leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry and his extensive experience in regulatory affairs.
186
Eric Elenko, Ph.D. Dr. Elenko has been a member of our board of directors since April 2024. Dr. Elenko is the co-founder of PureTech Health (Nasdaq: PRTC) where he has served as the President since April 2024. Prior to his current role, Dr. Elenko previously served as PureTech Health’s Chief Innovation Officer from June 2015 through April 2024. Prior to serving as Chief Innovation Officer, Dr. Elenko held multiple other leadership roles within PureTech. Prior to joining PureTech Health, Dr. Elenko was a consultant with McKinsey and Company. Dr. Elenko has served on the Board of Directors of multiple PureTech portfolio companies during his tenure with PureTech. Dr. Elenko received his Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from the University of California, San Diego and his B.A. in biology from Swarthmore College. Our board of directors believes that Dr. Elenko is qualified to serve on our board of directors because of his extensive understanding of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries and his senior management experience.
Jason Pitts, Ph.D. Dr. Pitts has been a member of our board of directors since October 2024. Dr. Pitts has served as Principal at General Atlantic since December 2024, and prior to such role served in various roles, including Vice President, since March 2021 at General Atlantic, and focuses on investments in the life sciences sector. Prior to joining General Atlantic, he was a Principal at Sofinnova Investments focused on therapeutics investments from June 2019 to January 2021. Dr. Pitts has also served as a board member of Solve Therapeutics since December 2024, CinCor Pharma, Inc. from October 2021 to February 2023 and Bolt Biotherapeutics, Inc. from July 2020 to January 2021. He received his Ph.D. in neuroscience from The Rockefeller University and a B.S. in neuroscience from Cornell University. Our board of directors believes that Dr. Pitts is qualified to serve on our board of directors due to his extensive expertise in healthcare investing and experience as a board member of other biotechnology companies.
Robert Lyne, LLB. Mr. Lyne is the chief executive officer and board member at PureTech. Mr. Lyne is a seasoned executive with deep experience in life sciences, including his prior role as Chief Executive Officer at Arix Bioscience plc, a transatlantic venture capital company focused on investing in innovative biotechnology companies from April 2021 to December 2023. Mr. Lyne brings more than a decade of experience leading London-listed life science companies and portfolio management, with a strong track record in governance and executive team leadership. Mr. Lyne began his career as a lawyer at international law firm Bird & Bird LLP in London before moving to Touchstone Innovations, a London listed biotech and technology investor, which was acquired in 2017. Mr. Lyne has a BA from the University of Oxford and an LLB from Oxford Brookes University. Our board of directors believes that Mr. Lyne is qualified to serve as a member of the board of directors due to his extensive experience and leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships among any of our executive officers or directors.
Composition of Our Board of Directors
Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our board of directors, which currently consists of ten members. The primary responsibilities of our board of directors are to provide oversight, strategic guidance, counseling and direction to our management. Our board of directors meets on a regular basis and additionally as required.
Certain members of our board of directors were elected under the provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and agreements with our stockholders. These board composition provisions will terminate upon the completion of this offering. Upon the termination of these provisions, there will be no further contractual obligations regarding the election of our directors. Our nominating and corporate governance committee and our board of directors may therefore consider a broad range of factors relating to the qualifications and background of nominees. Our nominating and corporate governance committee’s and our board of directors’ priority in selecting board members is the identification of persons who will further the interests of our stockholders through their established record of professional accomplishment, the ability to
187
contribute positively to the collaborative culture among board members, knowledge of our business, understanding of the competitive landscape, professional and personal experiences, and expertise relevant to our growth strategy. Our directors hold office until their successors have been elected and qualified or until the earlier of their resignation or removal. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which will become effective immediately prior to the completion of this offering, and our amended and restated bylaws, which will become effective upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, will also provide that our directors may be removed only for cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the votes that all our stockholders would be entitled to cast in an annual election of directors, and that any vacancy on our board of directors, including a vacancy resulting from an enlargement of our board of directors, may be filled only by vote of a majority of our directors then in office.
Staggered Board
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which will become effective immediately prior to the completion of this offering, and our amended and restated bylaws, which will be effective upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, will permit our board of directors to establish the authorized number of directors from time to time by resolution. Each director serves until the expiration of the term for which such director was elected or appointed, or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal. In accordance with our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, 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 Daphne Zohar, James Healy and Jason Pitts, and their terms will expire at our first annual meeting of stockholders following this offering, to be held in 2027; |
| | the Class II directors will be Denice Torres, Sandra Peterson and David Wheadon, and their terms will expire at our second annual meeting of stockholders following this offering, to be held in 2028; and |
| | the Class III directors will be Steven Paul and Robert Hombach, and their terms will expire at our third annual meeting of stockholders following this offering, to be held in 2029. |
We expect that any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one third of the directors. The division of our board of directors into three classes with staggered three-year terms may delay or prevent a change of our management or a change in control.
Director Independence
Under the listing standards, requirements and rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, or the Nasdaq Listing Rules, independent directors must comprise a majority of our board of directors as a listed company within one year of the listing date. In addition, the Nasdaq Listing Rules require that, subject to specified exceptions, each member of a listed company’s audit, compensation, and nominating and governance committees be independent within twelve months from the date of listing. Audit committee members must also satisfy additional independence criteria, including those set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act, and compensation committee members must also satisfy the independence criteria set forth in Rule 10C-1 under the Exchange Act. Under the Nasdaq Listing Rules, a director will only qualify as an “independent director” if, in the opinion of that company’s 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. In order to be considered independent for purposes of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act, 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: (i) accept, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the listed
188
company or any of its subsidiaries, other than compensation for board service; or (ii) be an affiliated person of the listed company or any of its subsidiaries. In order to be considered independent for purposes of Rule 10C-1 under of the Exchange Act, the board of directors must consider, for each member of a compensation committee of a listed company, all factors specifically relevant to determining whether a director has a relationship to such company which is material to that director’s ability to be independent from management in connection with the duties of a compensation committee member, including, but not limited to: the source of compensation of the director, including any consulting advisory or other compensatory fee paid by such company to the director, and whether the director is affiliated with the company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.
Our board of directors has undertaken a review of the independence of each director. Based on information provided by each director concerning her or his background, employment, and affiliations, including family relationships, our board of directors has determined that each of James Healy, Robert Hombach, Jason Pitts, Sandra Peterson, Denice Torres and David Wheadon does not have relationships 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 Nasdaq Listing Rules. Our board of directors has determined that Daphne Zohar and Steven Paul are not independent under applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the Nasdaq Listing Rules. 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 their independence, including the beneficial ownership of our shares by each non-employee director and the transactions described in the section titled “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions.”
Board Policies
In connection with this offering, we have adopted policies and procedures for director candidates for our nominating and corporate governance committee, which will provide that factors, such as a candidate’s character, judgment, skills, education, expertise, and absence of conflicts of interest should be considered in determining director candidates. Our priority in selection of board members will be identification of members who will further the interests of our stockholders through their established records of professional accomplishment, their ability to contribute positively to the collaborative culture among board members, and their knowledge of our business and understanding of the competitive landscape in which we operate and adherence to high ethical standards.
Board Leadership Structure and Board’s Role in Risk Oversight
Currently, the role of chair of our board of directors is separated from the role of chief executive officer. We believe that separating these positions allows our chief executive officer to focus on our day-to-day business, while allowing the chairman of our board to lead the board of directors in its fundamental role of providing advice to and independent oversight of management. Our board of directors recognizes the time, effort and energy that the chief executive officer is required to devote to her position in the current business environment, as well as the commitment required to serve as our chair of our board of directors, particularly as the board of directors’ oversight responsibilities continue to grow. While our amended and restated bylaws and corporate governance guidelines will not require that our board chair and chief executive officer positions be separate, our board of directors believes that having separate positions is the appropriate leadership structure for us at this time and demonstrates our commitment to good corporate governance. Our board of directors has adopted, effective prior to the completion of this offering, corporate governance guidelines that will provide that the board of directors may appoint a lead independent director. The lead independent director will be responsible for calling and presiding over separate meetings of the independent directors. The lead independent director will preside over periodic meetings of independent directors, serve as a liaison between the chair and the independent directors and perform such additional duties as the board of directors may otherwise determine and delegate.
Risk is inherent with every business, and how well a business manages risk can ultimately determine its success. We face a number of risks, including risks relating to our financial condition, development, and
189
commercialization activities, operations, strategic direction, and intellectual property as more fully discussed in the section titled “Risk Factors.” Management is responsible for the day-to-day management of risks we face, while our board of directors, as a whole and through its committees, has responsibility for the oversight of risk management. In its risk oversight role, our board of directors has the responsibility to satisfy itself that the risk management processes designed and implemented by management are adequate and functioning as designed.
The role of the board of directors in overseeing the management of our risks is conducted primarily through committees of the board of directors, as disclosed in the descriptions of each of the committees below and in the charters of each of the committees. The full board of directors (or the appropriate board committee in the case of risks that are under the purview of a particular committee) discusses with management our major risk exposures, their potential impact on us, and the steps we take to manage them. When a board committee is responsible for evaluating and overseeing the management of a particular risk or risks, the chairperson of the relevant committee reports on the discussion to the full board of directors during the committee reports portion of the next board meeting. This enables the board of directors and its committees to coordinate the risk oversight role, particularly with respect to risk interrelationships.
Committees of Our Board of Directors
Our board of directors will establish upon the completion of this offering an audit committee, a compensation committee, and a nominating and corporate governance committee. The composition and responsibilities of each of the committees of our board of directors are described below. Members serve on these committees until their resignation or until otherwise determined by our board of directors. Each committee will operate under a written charter that satisfies the application rules and regulation of the SEC and the Nasdaq Listing Rules, which we will post to our website at www.seaporttx.com upon the completion of this offering.
Our board of directors has also established a science and technology committee of the board of directors which operates under a charter duly adopted by the board of directors.
Information contained on, or accessible through, our website is not a part of this prospectus, and the inclusion of our website address in this prospectus is only an inactive textual reference. Our board of directors may establish other committees as it deems necessary or appropriate from time to time.
Audit Committee
Upon the completion of this offering, our audit committee will consist of Robert Hombach, Denice Torres and James Healy, and the chair of our audit committee will be Robert Hombach. Our board of directors has determined that each member of the audit committee is independent under Nasdaq Listing Rules and Rule 10A-3(b)(1) of the Exchange Act and can read and understand fundamental financial statements in accordance with applicable requirements. Our board of directors has also determined that Robert Hombach is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of SEC regulations. In arriving at these determinations, our board of directors has examined each audit committee member’s scope of experience and the nature of their employment in the corporate finance sector.
The primary purpose of the audit committee will be to discharge the responsibilities of our board of directors with respect to our corporate accounting and financial reporting processes, systems of internal control and financial-statement audits, and to oversee our independent registered public accounting firm. Specific responsibilities of our audit committee will include:
| | helping our board of directors oversee our corporate accounting and financial reporting processes; |
| | coordinating the oversight and reviewing the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting; |
| | managing the selection, engagement, qualifications, independence, and performance of a qualified firm to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit our financial statements; |
190
| | discussing the scope and results of the audit with the independent registered public accounting firm, and reviewing, with management and the independent accountants, our interim and year-end operating results; |
| | developing procedures for employees to submit concerns anonymously about questionable accounting or audit matters; |
| | reviewing related person transactions; |
| | establishing insurance coverage for our officers and directors; |
| | overseeing the preparation of our annual proxy statement, reviewing with management our financial statements to be included in our quarterly reports to be filed with the SEC, and reviewing with management the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” disclosures in our periodic reports filed with the SEC; |
| | approving, or, as permitted, pre-approving, audit and permissible non-audit services to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm; and |
| | reviewing our major risk exposures, including financial, operational, cybersecurity, competition, legal, and regulatory exposures. |
Our audit committee will operate under a written charter, which will be effective upon the completion of this offering, that satisfies the applicable Nasdaq Listing Rules.
Compensation Committee
Upon the completion of this offering, our compensation committee will consist of Denice Torres, Sandra Peterson and Jason Pitts, and the chair of our compensation committee will be Denice Torres. Our board of directors has determined that each member of the compensation committee is independent under the Nasdaq Listing Rules and is a “non-employee director” as defined in Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.
The primary purpose of our compensation committee will be to discharge the responsibilities of our board of directors in overseeing our compensation policies, plans, and programs and to review and determine the compensation to be paid to our executive officers, directors, and other senior management, as appropriate. Specific responsibilities of our compensation committee will include:
| | reviewing and approving the compensation of our chief executive officer, other executive officers, and senior management; |
| | reviewing and recommending to our board of directors the compensation paid to our directors; |
| | reviewing and approving the compensation arrangements with our executive officers and other senior management; |
| | administering our equity incentive plans and other benefit programs; |
| | reviewing, adopting, amending, and terminating incentive compensation and equity plans, severance agreements, profit sharing plans, bonus plans, change-of-control protections, and any other compensatory arrangements for our executive officers and other senior management; |
| | reviewing, evaluating, and recommending to our board of directors succession plans for our executive officers; and |
| | reviewing and establishing general policies relating to compensation and benefits of our employees, including our overall compensation philosophy. |
Our compensation committee will operate under a written charter, which will be effective upon the completion of this offering, that satisfies the applicable Nasdaq Listing Rules.
191
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Upon the completion of this offering, our nominating and corporate governance committee will consist of Sandra Peterson, Denice Torres and David Wheadon, and the chair of our nominating and corporate governance committee will be Sandra Peterson. Our board of directors has determined that each member of the nominating and corporate governance committee is independent under the Nasdaq Listing Rules, a non-employee director, and free from any relationship that would interfere with the exercise of his or her independent judgment.
The primary purpose of the nominating and corporate governance committee will be to discharge the responsibilities of our board of directors with respect to our corporate governance functions and to identify, communicate with, evaluate and recommend candidates for our board of directors. Specific responsibilities of our nominating and corporate governance committee will include:
| | identifying and evaluating candidates, including the nomination of incumbent directors for reelection and nominees recommended by stockholders, to serve on our board of directors; |
| | considering and making recommendations to our board of directors regarding the composition and chairmanship of the committees of our board of directors; |
| | instituting plans or programs for the continuing education of our board of directors and orientation of new directors; |
| | developing and making recommendations to our board of directors regarding corporate governance guidelines and matters; and |
| | overseeing periodic evaluations of the board of directors’ performance, including committees of the board of directors and management. |
Our nominating and corporate governance committee will operate under a written charter, which will be effective upon the completion of this offering, that satisfies the applicable Nasdaq Listing Rules.
Science and Technology Committee
The science and technology committee, which is chaired by Steven Paul, supports board oversight of our research and development, manufacturing and supply activities, by providing a forum for review of strategic considerations and issues in such areas, as well as to evaluate relevant emerging technology and advances in the field.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
In connection with this offering, we have adopted a written code of business conduct and ethics that applies to all our employees, officers, and directors. This includes our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. The full text of our code of business conduct and ethics will be posted on our website at www.seaporttx.com. We intend to disclose on our website any future amendments of our code of business conduct and ethics or waivers that exempt any principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, persons performing similar functions, or our directors from provisions in the code of business conduct and ethics. Information contained on, or accessible through, our website is not a part of this prospectus, and the inclusion of our website address in this prospectus is only an inactive textual reference.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of the members of the compensation committee is currently, or has been at any time, one of our officers or employees. None of our officers currently serves, or has served during the last calendar year, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving as a member of our board of directors or compensation committee.
192
Compensation Recovery
In connection with this offering, we have adopted a compensation recovery policy that is compliant with the Nasdaq Listing Rules, as required by the Dodd-Frank Act, to be effective in connection with the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
Limitations on Liability and Indemnification Agreements
As permitted by Delaware law, provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, which will become effective immediately prior to the completion of this offering and upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, respectively, limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors and officers for a breach of their fiduciary duty of care as a director or officer. The duty of care generally requires that, when acting on behalf of the corporation, a director and, or officer exercise an informed business judgment based on all material information reasonably available to him or her. Consequently, a director or officer will not be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages or breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer, except for liability for:
| | any breach of the director or officer’s duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders; |
| | any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; |
| | for our directors, unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases, or redemptions as provided in Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or DGCL; |
| | for our officers, any derivative action by or in the right of the corporation; or |
| | any transaction from which the director or officer derived an improper personal benefit. |
These limitations of liability do not limit or eliminate our rights or any stockholder’s rights to seek non-monetary relief, such as injunctive relief or rescission. These provisions will not alter a director or officer’s liability under other laws, such as the federal securities laws or other state or federal laws. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that will become effective upon the closing of this offering also will authorize us to indemnify our officers, directors, and other agents to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law.
As permitted by Delaware law, our amended and restated bylaws to be effective immediately upon effectiveness of the registration statement will provide that:
| | we will indemnify our directors, officers, employees, and other agents to the fullest extent permitted by law; |
| | we must advance expenses to our directors and officers, and may advance expenses to our employees and other agents, in connection with a legal proceeding to the fullest extent permitted by law; and |
| | the rights provided in our amended and restated bylaws are not exclusive. |
If Delaware law is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director or officer, then the liability of our directors or officers will be so eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, as so amended. Our amended and restated bylaws will also permit us to secure insurance on behalf of any officer, director, employee, or other agent for any liability arising out of his or her actions in connection with their services to us, regardless of whether our amended and restated bylaws permit such indemnification. We intend to obtain such insurance.
In addition to the indemnification that will be provided for in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, we plan to enter into separate indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers, which may be broader than the specific indemnification provisions
193
contained in the DGCL. These indemnification agreements may require us, among other things, to indemnify our directors and executive officers for some expenses, including attorneys’ fees, expenses, judgments, fines, and settlement amounts incurred by a director or executive officer in any action or proceeding arising out of his service as one of our directors or executive officers or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at our request. We believe that these provisions and agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve as directors and executive officers.
This description of the indemnification provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our amended and restated bylaws and our indemnification agreements is qualified in its entirety by reference to these documents, each of which is attached as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers, and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act, and is, therefore, unenforceable.
There is no pending litigation or proceeding naming any of our directors or officers as to which indemnification is being sought, nor are we aware of any pending or threatened litigation that may result in claims for indemnification by any director or officer.
194
The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that are based on our current plans, considerations, expectations, and determinations regarding future compensation programs. The actual amount and form of compensation and the compensation policies and practices that we adopt in the future may differ materially from the programs as summarized in this discussion.
As an emerging growth company and a smaller reporting company, we have opted to comply with the executive compensation disclosure rules applicable to “smaller reporting companies,” as such terms are defined in the rules promulgated under the Securities Act. The compensation provided to our named executive officers for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, or Fiscal Year 2025, is detailed in the 2025 Summary Compensation Table and accompanying footnotes and narrative that follow.
Our named executive officers for Fiscal Year 2025 are:
| | Daphne Zohar, our Founder, Chief Executive Officer, President and Board Member; |
| | Michael Chen, Ph.D., our Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer; and |
| | Antony Loebel, M.D., our Chief Medical Officer and President of Clinical Development. |
To date, the compensation of our named executive officers has consisted of a combination of base salary, cash incentive compensation, and long-term incentive compensation, as more fully described below. Our executive officers, like all full-time employees, are eligible to participate in our health, welfare, and retirement benefit plans. As we transition from a private company to a publicly traded company, we intend to evaluate our compensation values and philosophy and compensation plans and arrangements as circumstances require.
2025 Summary Compensation Table
The following table shows the total compensation earned by, or paid to, our named executive officers for services rendered to us in all capacities during Fiscal Year 2025.
| Name and Principal Position |
Year | Salary ($) |
Option Awards (1) ($) |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation (2) ($) |
All Other Compensation (3) ($) |
Total ($) |
||||||||||||||||||
| Daphne Zohar |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Founder, Chief Executive Officer, President and Board Member |
2025 | 768,922 | — | 481,000 | 10,500 | 1,260,422 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Michael Chen, Ph.D. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer |
2025 | 414,000 | 490,462 | 180,000 | 10,500 | 1,094,962 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Antony Loebel, M.D. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chief Medical Officer and President of Clinical Development |
2025 | 465,750 | — | 194,000 | 10,500 | 670,250 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | The amount reported represents the aggregate grant date fair value of a stock option award granted to Dr. Chen in Fiscal Year 2025, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Such grant date fair values do not take into account any estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting. The assumptions used in calculating the grant date fair values of the option awards reported in this column are set forth in Note 10 of our consolidated financial statements for Fiscal Year 2025, included elsewhere in this prospectus. The amounts reported in this column reflect the accounting cost for these option awards and do not correspond to the actual economic value that may be received by Dr. Chen upon the exercise of the option awards or any sale of the underlying securities. |
| (2) | Annual cash incentive bonuses for performance during Fiscal Year 2025. |
| (3) | The amounts reported represent 401(k) employer matching contributions made by us. |
195
Narrative Disclosure to the 2025 Summary Compensation Table
2025 Base Salaries
Our named executive officers each receive a base salary to compensate them for services rendered to us. Base salaries are intended to provide a fixed component of compensation reflecting the executive’s skill set, experience, role, and responsibilities. Base salaries are expected to be reviewed annually, typically in connection with our annual performance review process, approved by our board of directors or the compensation committee of the board of directors, and may be adjusted from time to time to realign salaries with market levels after taking into account individual responsibilities, performance, and experience.
For Fiscal Year 2025, the base salaries for Ms. Zohar, Dr. Chen, and Dr. Loebel were $768,922, $414,000 and $465,750, respectively.
2025 Cash Bonuses
Our named executive officers are eligible to receive annual performance-based cash bonuses, which are designed to provide appropriate incentives to our executives to achieve corporate performance goals and to reward our executives for individual achievement towards these goals. For Fiscal Year 2025, each of the named executive officers was eligible to earn an annual performance bonus based on the achievement of certain corporate performance and individual performance goals, with any such bonus expected to be paid in February 2026. For Fiscal Year 2025, the target annual bonus for Ms. Zohar, Dr. Chen, and Dr. Loebel was 50%, 35% and 35% of base salary, respectively.
Equity Incentive Compensation
Although we do not yet have a formal policy with respect to the grant of equity incentive awards to our executive officers, we believe equity grants provide our executives with a strong link to our long-term performance, create an ownership culture, and help to align the interests of our executives and our stockholders. In addition, we believe equity grants promote executive retention because they incentivize our executive officers to remain in our service during the vesting period.
During Fiscal Year 2024, we granted each of our named executive officers options to purchase common stock of the Company under our 2024 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time, or the 2024 Plan. In addition, Ms. Zohar received a grant of 3,750,000 shares of restricted stock, which vested in full in conjunction with our Series B Convertible Preferred Stock Financing in October 2024, and she paid $1.8 million to cover the tax liability associated with such grant.
During Fiscal Year 2025, we granted Dr. Chen an option to purchase common stock of the Company under the 2024 Plan, but none of our other named executive officers received any equity awards in Fiscal Year 2025. For additional information regarding outstanding equity awards held by our named executive officers as of December 31, 2025, see the “Outstanding Equity Awards at 2025 Fiscal Year End” table below.
401(k) Plan and Health and Welfare Benefits
We currently maintain a tax-qualified 401(k) retirement savings plan, or the 401(k) Plan, for our employees, including our named executive officers, who satisfy certain eligibility requirements. Our named executive officers are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan on the same terms as other full-time employees. Our 401(k) Plan is intended to qualify for favorable tax treatment under Section 401(a) of the Code and contains a cash or deferred feature that is intended to meet the requirements of Section 401(k) of the Code. We provide nondiscretionary contributions under the 401(k) Plan of 3% of the employee’s annual eligible compensation, subject to the safe harbor limit. We believe that providing a vehicle for tax-deferred retirement savings though our 401(k) Plan adds to the overall desirability of our executive compensation package and further incentivizes
196
our employees, including our named executive officers, in accordance with our compensation policies. Other than the 401(k) plan, we do not provide any qualified or non-qualified retirement or deferred compensation benefits to our employees, including our named executive officers.
All of our full-time employees, including our named executive officers, are eligible to participate in our health and welfare plans, including medical dental, and vision benefits, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and basic life and AD&D insurance.
Employment Arrangements for Named Executive Officers
We entered into offer letters with each of our named executive officers in connection with their commencement of employment, which set forth the terms and conditions of their employment, including base salary, target annual bonus opportunity, initial equity awards and eligibility to participate in our employee benefit plans generally offered to our employees.
Daphne Zohar
On April 8, 2024, we entered into an offer letter with Ms. Zohar for the position of Chief Executive Officer, which provides for Ms. Zohar’s at-will employment. Ms. Zohar’s offer letter was amended on September 13, 2024. We refer to the offer letter with Ms. Zohar, as amended, as the Zohar Offer Letter. Pursuant to the Zohar Offer Letter, Ms. Zohar is eligible to receive an annual base salary, subject to annual review for merit increases at the sole discretion of our board of directors, and an annual performance bonus, as determined by our board of directors based on her individual performance and the performance of the Company. Ms. Zohar is also eligible to participate in the employee benefit plans generally available to our employees, subject to the terms of those plans.
Additionally, Ms. Zohar received an initial equity award in the form of an option to purchase a number of shares of our common stock equal to 7.5% of then fully diluted capitalization of the Company. 1/18th of the shares subject to this option vested on April 16, 2024, with the remaining shares vesting in 34 equal monthly installments thereafter. 50% of the then-unvested shares subject to this option accelerated and became fully vested upon the first closing of the Series B preferred stock financing, which occurred on October 18, 2024. The remaining 50% of the unvested shares subject to this option will further accelerate and become fully vested upon the closing of this offering, subject to Ms. Zohar’s continued service relationship as our Chief Executive Officer through such closing. In addition, for so long as Ms. Zohar remains our Chief Executive Officer up to and including our initial public offering (but excluding any shares issued pursuant to any over-allotment option), Ms. Zohar shall be entitled to receive additional equity grants (either in the form of stock options or restricted stock) so that her share ownership shall remain at 7.5% of the fully diluted capitalization of the Company.
Pursuant to the Zohar Offer Letter, in the event that Ms. Zohar’s employment is terminated by us without “cause” or by Ms. Zohar for “good reason” (each as defined in the Zohar Offer Letter), subject to Ms. Zohar’s execution of a general release of claims in favor of us and our affiliates, Ms. Zohar is entitled to receive (i) continuation of her then-current base salary for a period of 12 months, (ii) up to 12 months of COBRA premium payments at the same rate we pay for active and similarly-situated employees, (iii) a prorated portion of her annual performance bonus based on actual performance, or the Prorated Bonus; and (iv) an extension of the exercise period for Ms. Zohar’s outstanding stock options granted pursuant to the Zohar Offer Letter to the one-year anniversary of the termination date.
In addition, in the event that Ms. Zohar’s employment is terminated by us without cause or by Ms. Zohar for good reason, in each case, within 12 months following a “sale event” (as defined in the Zohar Offer Letter), Ms. Zohar shall be entitled to the same payments and benefits set forth above, except that in lieu of the Prorated Bonus, Ms. Zohar shall be entitled to receive a lump sum payment of 100% of her annual performance bonus for the year in which the termination occurs.
197
In addition, the Zohar Offer Letter provides that if any executive officer enters into an employment agreement that provides for any termination or severance benefits that are more favorable, the Company shall seek to amend the Zohar Offer Letter to provide the more favorable benefits.
Michael Chen
On April 29, 2024, we entered into an offer letter with Dr. Chen for the position of Chief Scientific Officer, which provides for Dr. Chen’s at-will employment. We refer to the offer letter with Dr. Chen, as the Chen Offer Letter. Pursuant to the Chen Offer Letter, Dr. Chen is eligible to receive an annual base salary, subject to annual review for merit increases at the sole discretion of our board of directors, and an annual performance bonus, as determined by our board of directors based on his individual performance and the performance of the Company. Dr. Chen is also eligible to participate in the employee benefit plans generally available to our employees, subject to the terms of those plans.
Additionally, Dr. Chen received an initial equity award in the form of an option to purchase 1,258,222 shares of our common stock. 25% of Dr. Chen’s initial equity award vested on April 9, 2025, with the remaining shares vesting in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter.
Pursuant to the Chen Offer Letter, in the event that Dr. Chen’s employment is terminated by us without “cause” or by Dr. Chen for “good reason” (each as defined in the Chen Offer Letter), subject to Dr. Chen’s execution of a general release of claims in favor of us and our affiliates, Dr. Chen is entitled to receive (i) continuation of his then-current base salary for a period of 6 months, and (ii) up to six months of COBRA premium payments at the same rate we pay for active and similarly-situated employees.
In addition, in the event that Dr. Chen’s employment is terminated by us without cause or by Dr. Chen for good reason, in each case, within 12 months following a “change in control” (as defined in the Chen Offer Letter), in lieu of the above benefits, Dr. Chen is entitled to receive (i) continuation of his then-current base salary for a period of 12 months, (ii) up to 12 months of COBRA premium payments at the same rate we pay for active and similarly-situated employees, and (iii) accelerated vesting of the initial equity award.
Antony Loebel, M.D.
On June 11, 2024, we entered into an offer letter with Dr. Loebel, or the Loebel Offer Letter, for the position of Chief Medical Officer and President of Clinical Development, which provides for Dr. Loebel’s at-will employment. Pursuant to the Loebel Offer Letter, Dr. Loebel is eligible to receive an annual base salary, subject to annual review for merit increases at the sole discretion of our board of directors, and an annual performance bonus, as determined by our board of directors based on his individual performance and the performance of our Company. Dr. Loebel is also eligible to participate in the employee benefit plans generally available to our employees, subject to the terms of those plans.
Additionally, Dr. Loebel received an initial equity award in the form of an option to purchase 1,693,760 shares of our common stock. 25% of Dr. Loebel’s initial equity award vested on July 18, 2025, with the remaining shares vesting in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter.
Pursuant to the Loebel Offer Letter, in the event that Dr. Loebel’s employment is terminated by us without “cause” or by Dr. Loebel for “good reason” (each as defined in the Loebel Offer Letter), subject to Dr. Loebel’s execution of a general release of claims in favor of us and our affiliates, Dr. Loebel is entitled to receive (i) continuation of his then-current base salary for a period of 12 months, (ii) up to 12 months of COBRA premium payments at the same rate we pay for active and similarly-situated employees, (iii) a prorated portion of his annual performance bonus, and (iv) if the termination occurs after the first anniversary of his start date and on or prior to the second anniversary of his start date (or 12 months if such termination occurs after the first anniversary of his start date), accelerated vesting of his initial equity award such that he will vest in the portion of
198
the award that would have vested during the six months following his termination date, or, if the termination occurs after the second anniversary of his start date, accelerated vesting of his initial equity award such that he will vest in the portion of the award that would have vested during the nine months following the termination date, in each case as if he had remained employed through such date.
In addition, in the event that Dr. Loebel’s employment is terminated by us without cause or by Dr. Loebel for good reason occurs on or within 12 months following a “change in control” (as defined in the Loebel Offer Letter), subject to Dr. Loebel’s execution of a general release of claims in favor of us and our affiliates, in lieu of the above benefits, Dr. Loebel is entitled to receive (i) 12 months of his then-current base salary, (ii) 12 months of COBRA premium payments at the same rate we pay for active and similarly-situated employees, (iii) a lump sum payment of 100% of his annual performance bonus, and (iv) accelerated vesting of Dr. Loebel’s initial equity grant.
Outstanding Equity Awards at 2025 Fiscal Year-End
The following table sets forth information concerning outstanding equity awards held by each of our named executive officers as of December 31, 2025.
| Option Awards (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Name |
Grant Date | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#) |
Option Exercise Price ($) |
Option Expiration Date |
||||||||||||||||||
| Daphne Zohar |
6/4/2024 | (2) | 5,847,504 | 1,411,468 | 0.97 | 6/3/2034 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 12/29/2024 | (2) | 461,687 | 111,444 | 2.35 | 12/28/2034 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Michael Chen, Ph.D. |
6/4/2024 | (3) | 524,259 | 733,963 | 0.97 | 6/3/2034 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 12/24/2024 | (4) | 170,000 | 2.35 | 12/23/2034 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 01/26/2025 | (5) | — | 270,940 | 2.35 | 01/25/2035 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Antony Loebel, M.D. |
8/12/2024 | (6) | 599,873 | 1,093,887 | 0.97 | 8/11/2034 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 12/24/2024 | (4) | 50,000 | 2.35 | 12/23/2034 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | All option awards were granted under our 2024 Plan, described below. |
| (2) | The shares underlying this stock option vest as follows: 1/18th of the shares vested on April 16, 2024, and the remaining shares vest in 34 equal monthly installments thereafter. Additionally, 50% of the then-unvested shares would accelerate and become fully vested upon the first closing of the Series B preferred stock financing, which occurred on October 18, 2024. The remaining 50% of the unvested shares will further accelerate and become fully vested upon the closing of this offering, subject to Ms. Zohar’s continued service relationship as our Chief Executive Officer through such closing. |
| (3) | The shares underlying this stock option award vest as follows: 25% of the shares vested on April 9, 2025, and the remaining 75% of the shares vest in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter, subject to Dr. Chen’s continued service relationship through the applicable vesting date. |
| (4) | The shares underlying this stock option award vest as follows: 1/3rd of the shares will vest and become exercisable in 2026 based on annual performance metrics (starting with the 2025 annual Company goals) as determined by our Chief Executive Officer in consultation with the Compensation Committee and the remaining shares will vest and become exercisable in 1/3rd increments upon each of the two subsequent annual performance metrics (based on the annual Company goals) as determined by our Chief Executive Officer in consultation with the Compensation Committee. For accounting purposes, this stock option award is not considered granted under FASB ASC Topic 718 as of the date hereof. |
199
| (5) | The shares underlying this stock option award vest as follows: 25% of the shares vest on the first anniversary of January 26, 2025, and the remaining 75% of the shares vest in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter, subject to Dr. Chen’s continued service relationship through the applicable vesting date. |
| (6) | The shares underlying this stock option award vest as follows: 25% of the shares vested on the first anniversary of July 18, 2024, and the remaining 75% of the shares vest in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter, subject to the executive’s continued service relationship through the applicable vesting date. |
Employee Benefit and Equity Compensation Plans
Executive Severance Plan
On April 7, 2026, our board of directors adopted the Executive Severance Plan (the “Severance Plan”), subject to the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, in which our currently employed named executive officers and certain other executives are expected to participate. The benefits provided in the Severance Plan will replace any severance for which such named executive officer may be eligible under their existing agreements (unless otherwise specified).
The Severance Plan provides that upon a termination by us for any reason other than for Cause, death or Disability, or resignation for Good Reason, each as defined in the Severance Plan (a “Qualifying Termination”), in each case outside of the period commencing three months prior to and ending on the first month anniversary following a Change in Control, as defined in the Severance Plan (the “Change in Control Period”), eligible participants will be entitled to receive, subject to the execution and delivery of a release of claims in favor of the company and continued compliance with all applicable restrictive covenants, (a) 12 months of continued base salary (or the annual base salary in effect for the year immediately prior to the year in which the date of termination occurs) (“Base Salary”) for the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Medical Officer, and nine months for each other chief executive other than the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Medical Officer, (b) an amount equal to the monthly employer contribution that we would have made to provide health insurance for the applicable participant if he or she had remained employed by us while receiving payments of Base Salary, (c) a pro-rated annual bonus and (d) for all outstanding and unvested equity awards of the company that are subject to time based vesting held by (i) the Chief Executive Officer, full accelerated vesting of such awards with an additional 12 months for the exercise period and (ii) the Chief Medical Officer, nine months acceleration on vesting of such awards. The Severance Plan also provides that upon a Qualifying Termination within the Change in Control Period, an eligible participant will be entitled to receive, in lieu of the payments and benefits above and subject to the execution and delivery of a release of claims in favor of the company and continued compliance with all applicable restrictive covenants, (a) a lump sum payment equal to the sum of (i) 18 months’ Base Salary for the Chief Executive Officer, 12 months’ Base Salary and bonus for each chief executive other than the Chief Executive Officer (such periods, the “CIC Periods”) and (ii) 1.5 times the target annual bonus in effect immediately prior to the date of termination (or immediately prior to the change in control if higher) for the Chief Executive Officer, 1.0 times for each chief executive other than the Chief Executive Officer, (b) an amount equal to the monthly employer contribution, based on the premiums as of the date of termination, that we would have made to provide health insurance for the applicable participant if he or she had remained employed by us for the duration of the applicable CIC Period and (c) for all outstanding and unvested equity awards of the company that are subject to time-based vesting held by the participant, full accelerated vesting of such awards.
The payments and benefits provided under the Severance Plan in connection with a Change in Control may not be eligible for a federal income tax deduction by us pursuant to Section 280G of the Code. These payments and benefits may also subject an eligible participant, including named executive officers, to an excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code. If the payments or benefits payable in connection with a Change in Control would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code, then those payments or benefits will be reduced if such reduction would result in a higher net after-tax benefit to the participant.
200
Senior Executive Cash Incentive Bonus Plan
On April 7, 2026, our board of directors adopted the Senior Executive Cash Incentive Bonus Plan (the Bonus Plan). The Bonus Plan provides for cash bonus payments based upon company and individual performance targets established by our compensation committee. The payment targets will be related to financial and operational measures or objectives with respect to our company, or the corporate performance goals, as well as individual performance objectives.
Our compensation committee may select corporate performance goals from among the following: developmental, publication, clinical or regulatory milestones; cash flow (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow and free cash flow); revenue; corporate revenue; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; net income (loss) (either before or after interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization); changes in the market price of the Company’s common stock; economic value-added; acquisitions, licenses, collaborations or strategic transactions; financing or other capital raising transactions; operating income (loss); return on capital, assets, equity, or investment; stockholder returns; return on sales; total shareholder return; gross or net profit levels; productivity; expense efficiency; margins; operating efficiency; customer satisfaction; working capital; earnings (loss) per share of the Company’s common stock; bookings, new bookings or renewals; sales or market shares; number of prescriptions or prescribing physicians; coverage decisions; leadership development, employee retention and recruiting and other human resources matters; operating income and/or net annual recurring revenue, or any other performance goal selected by the Compensation Committee, any of which may be (A) measured in absolute terms, as compared to any incremental increase, (B) measured in terms of growth, as compared to results of a peer group, (C) measured against the market as a whole, compared to applicable market indices and/or measured on a pre-tax or post-tax basis.
Each executive officer who is selected to participate in the Bonus Plan will have a target bonus opportunity set for each performance period. The bonus formulas will be adopted in each performance period by the compensation committee and communicated to each executive. The corporate performance goals will be measured at the end of each performance period after our financial reports have been published or such other appropriate time as the compensation committee determines. If the corporate performance goals and individual performance objectives are met, payments will be made as soon as practicable following the end of each performance period. Subject to the rights contained in any agreement between the executive officer and us, an executive officer shall be required to be employed by us on the bonus payment date to be eligible to receive a bonus payment under the Bonus Plan. The Bonus Plan also permits the compensation committee to approve additional bonuses to executive officers in its sole discretion.
2024 Equity Incentive Plan
The 2024 Plan, was approved by the Company’s subsidiary’s Board and Stockholders and became effective for the Company in April 2024 and was subsequently amended in April 2024 and October 2024 to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance thereunder. Under the 2024 Plan, as amended, we have reserved for issuance an aggregate of 38,607,011 shares of our common stock. These numbers are subject to adjustment in the event of a stock dividend, stock split, spin-off, recapitalization, or other similar equity restructuring. Our board of directors has determined not to issue any further awards under the 2024 Plan following the closing of this offering, but all outstanding awards under the 2024 Plan will continue to be governed by their existing terms. In connection with this offering, we intend to adopt a new incentive equity plan under which we will grant equity-based awards following this offering, as described below under “2026 Equity Incentive Plan.” The following summary describes the material terms of the 2024 Plan. This summary is not a complete description of all provisions of the 2024 Plan and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the 2024 Plan, which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
The shares of common stock underlying any awards that are expired, lapsed, terminated, surrendered, cancelled without having been fully exercised, or is forfeited in whole or in part (including repurchased by us at
201
or below the original issuance price), and shares that are withheld upon exercise of an option or settlement of an award to cover the exercise price or tax withholding under our 2024 Plan are currently added back to the shares of common stock available for issuance under our 2024 Plan (and, following the completion of this offering, will be added back to the shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2026 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2026 Plan).
Our board of directors has acted as administrator of the 2024 Plan. The administrator has full power to, among other things, select, from among the individuals eligible for awards, determine the specific terms and conditions of each award, and accelerate at any time the exercisability or vesting of any award, subject to the provisions of the 2024 Plan. Persons eligible to participate in our 2024 Plan are our employees, consultants and directors.
The 2024 Plan permits the granting of (1) options to purchase common stock intended to qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Code and (2) options that do not so qualify. The option exercise price of each option is determined by the administrator but may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant or, in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a 10% owner, the exercise price shall not be less than 110% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. The term of each option is fixed by the administrator and may not exceed ten years from the date of grant (or five years in the case of certain incentive stock option grants). The administrator determines at what time or times each option may be exercised.
The administrator of the 2024 Plan may award restricted shares of common stock and restricted stock units subject to such conditions and restrictions as it determines.
The administrator of the 2024 Plan may also grant other stock-based awards to be delivered in the future. The awards may be paid in shares of common stock, cash, or other forms of property, as determined by the administrator.
In the event of certain equity restructuring, including stock dividend, stock split, spin-off, recapitalization or other similar change to the Company’s capital structure, the administrator of the 2024 Plan shall make appropriate adjustments to the maximum number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2024 Plan, the number and type of securities subject to outstanding awards under the 2024 Plan, and the exercise price of any outstanding awards under the 2024 Plan.
The 2024 Plan provides that in the event of a “change in control” (as defined in the 2024 Plan), the administrator is authorized to take various actions, including, but not limited to: (i) canceling any award in exchange for cash or property, (ii) accelerating the vesting of any award, (iii) providing for the assumption or substitution of awards by the successor entity, (iv) adjusting the number and type of shares subject to outstanding awards, (v) replacing the award with other rights or property selected by the administrator, and (vi) terminating the award.
Our board of directors may amend, suspend or terminate the 2024 Plan at any time, subject to stockholder approval where required by applicable law. The administrator of the 2024 Plan may also amend, modify or terminate any outstanding award. The participant’s consent to such action will be required unless (i) the administrator determines that the action would not materially and adversely affect the participant, or (ii) the change is permitted under the 2024 Plan.
No awards may be granted under our 2024 Plan after the date that is ten years from the date our 2024 Plan was adopted by our board of directors. As described above, our board of directors has determined not to issue any further awards under our 2024 Plan following the completion of this offering.
As of December 31, 2025, options to purchase up to 27,633,144 shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $1.52 per share and 6,250,000 shares of restricted stock were outstanding under the 2024 Plan.
202
2026 Equity Incentive Plan
The 2026 Plan was adopted by our board of directors on April 7, 2026, approved by our stockholders on , 2026 and will become effective on the date immediately preceding the date on which the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part is declared effective by the SEC. The 2026 Plan will allow us to make equity-based and cash-based incentive awards to our officers, employees, directors, and consultants. The following summary describes the material terms of the 2026 Plan. This summary is not a complete description of all provisions of the 2026 Plan and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the 2026 Plan, which will be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
Authorized Shares. We have initially reserved shares of our common stock for the issuance of awards under the 2026 Plan, or the Initial Limit. The 2026 Plan provides that the number of shares reserved and available for issuance under the 2026 Plan will automatically increase on January 1, 2027 and each January thereafter during the term of the 2026 Plan, by % of the outstanding number of shares of our common stock on the immediately preceding December 31 or such lesser number of shares as determined by our compensation committee, or the Annual Increase. The number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2026 Plan will be subject to adjustment in the event of a stock split, stock dividend, or other change in our capitalization.
The shares we issue under the 2026 Plan will be authorized but unissued shares or shares that we reacquire. The shares of common stock underlying any awards under the 2026 Plan and the 2024 Plan that are forfeited, cancelled, held back upon exercise or settlement of an award to satisfy the exercise price or tax withholding, reacquired by us prior to vesting, satisfied without the issuance of stock, expire, or are otherwise terminated (other than by exercise) will be added back to the shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2026 Plan. The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to incentive stock options shall not exceed the Initial Limit, cumulatively increased on January 1, 2027 and on each January 1 thereafter by the lesser of the Annual Increase for such year or shares of common stock.
Non-Employee Director Limit. The grant date fair value of all awards under the 2026 Plan and all other cash compensation paid by us to any non-employee director during any one calendar year for services as a non-employee director may not exceed $ ; provided, however, that such amount shall be $ for the calendar year in which the applicable non-employee director is initially elected or appointed to our board of directors.
Plan Administration. The 2026 Plan will be administered by our compensation committee. Our compensation committee will have full power to select, from among the individuals eligible for awards, the individuals to whom awards will be granted and the number of shares subject to such awards, to make any combination of awards to participants, to accelerate at any time the exercisability or vesting of any award, and to determine the specific terms and conditions of each award, subject to the provisions of the 2026 Plan. The compensation committee is specifically authorized to exercise its discretion to reduce the exercise price of outstanding stock options and stock appreciation rights or effect the repricing of such awards through cancellation and re-grants without stockholder consent.
Eligibility. Persons eligible to participate in the 2026 Plan will be those employees, non-employee directors, and consultants selected from time to time by our compensation committee in its discretion.
Stock Options. The 2026 Plan permits the granting of both options to purchase common stock intended to qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Code and options that do not so qualify. The option exercise price of each option will be determined by our compensation committee but may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant unless the option (i) is granted pursuant to a transaction described in and in a manner consistent with, Section 424(a) of the Code, (ii) is granted to an individual who is not subject to United States income tax, or (iii) complies with or is exempt from Section 409A of the Code. The term of each option will be fixed by our compensation committee and may not exceed ten years from the date of grant (or five years in the case of certain incentive stock options). Our compensation committee will determine at what time or times each option may be exercised.
203
Stock Appreciation Rights. Our compensation committee may award stock appreciation rights under the 2026 Plan subject to such conditions and restrictions as it determines. Stock appreciation rights entitle the recipient to shares of common stock, or cash, equal to the value of the appreciation in our stock price over the exercise price. The exercise price of each stock appreciation right may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant unless the stock appreciation right (i) is granted pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Section 424(a) of the Code, (ii) is granted to an individual who is not subject to United States income tax, or (iii) complies with or is exempt from Section 409A of the Code. The term of each stock appreciation right will be fixed by our compensation committee and may not exceed ten years from the date of grant. Our compensation committee will determine at what time or times each stock appreciation right may be exercised.
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. Our compensation committee may award restricted shares of common stock and restricted stock units to participants subject to such conditions and restrictions as it determines. These conditions and restrictions may include the achievement of certain performance goals and/or continued employment or other service relationship with us through a specified vesting period.
Unrestricted Stock Awards. Our compensation committee may grant shares of common stock that are free from any restrictions under the 2026 Plan. Unrestricted stock may be granted to participants in recognition of past services or for other valid consideration and may be issued in lieu of cash compensation due to such participant.
Dividend Equivalent Rights. Our compensation committee may grant dividend equivalent rights to participants that entitle the recipient to receive credits for dividends that would be paid if the recipient had held a specified number of shares of common stock.
Cash-Based Awards. Our compensation committee may grant cash bonuses under the 2026 Plan to participants, subject to the achievement of certain performance goals.
Sale Event. The 2026 Plan provides that, upon the effectiveness of a “sale event” (as defined in the 2026 Plan), an acquirer or successor entity may assume, continue, or substitute outstanding awards under the 2026 Plan. To the extent that awards granted under the 2026 Plan are not assumed, continued, or substituted by the successor entity, the 2026 Plan and all awards granted under the 2026 Plan will terminate. In such case, except as may be otherwise provided in the relevant award agreement, all awards with time-based vesting, conditions, or restrictions will become fully vested and exercisable or nonforfeitable as of the effective time of the sale event and all awards with conditions and restrictions relating to the attainment of performance goals may become vested and exercisable or nonforfeitable in connection with the sale event in the plan administrator’s discretion or to the extent specified in the relevant award agreement. In the event of such termination, (i) individuals holding options and stock appreciation rights will be permitted to exercise any options and stock appreciation rights (to the extent exercisable) within a specified time period, as determined by the compensation committee, prior to the sale event or (ii) we may make or provide for a payment, in cash or in kind, to participants holding vested and exercisable options and stock appreciation rights equal to the difference between the per share consideration payable to stockholders in the sale event and the exercise price of the options or stock appreciation rights; provided, that any options or stock appreciation rights with exercise prices equal to or greater than such per share consideration will be cancelled for no consideration. In addition, we may make or provide for a payment, in cash or in kind, to the participants holding other awards in an amount equal to the per share consideration payable to stockholders in the sale event multiplied by the number of vested shares of common stock under such awards.
Amendment. Our board of directors may amend or discontinue the 2026 Plan and our compensation committee may amend or cancel outstanding awards for purposes of satisfying changes in law or any other lawful purpose, but no such action may materially and adversely affect rights under an award without the holder’s consent. Certain amendments to the 2026 Plan require the approval of our stockholders. The compensation committee is specifically authorized to exercise its discretion to reduce the exercise price of outstanding stock options and stock appreciation rights or effect the repricing of such awards through cancellation and re-grants without stockholder consent.
204
No awards may be granted under the 2026 Plan after the date that is ten years from the effective date of the 2026 Plan. No awards have been made under the 2026 Plan prior to the date hereof.
2026 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The ESPP was adopted by our board of directors on April 7, 2026, approved by our stockholders on , 2026, and will become effective on the date immediately preceding the date on which the registration statement of which this prospectus is part is declared effective by the SEC. The ESPP has two components: a component intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” within the meaning of Section 423 of the Code, or the 423 Component, and a component that is not intended to so qualify, or the Non-423 Component. Except as otherwise provided, the Non-423 Component will be operated and administered in the same manner as the 423 Component, except where prohibited by law. The following summary describes the material terms of the ESPP. This summary is not a complete description of all provisions of the ESPP and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the ESPP, which will be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
Authorized Shares. The ESPP initially reserves and authorizes the issuance of up to a total of shares of our common stock to participating employees. The ESPP provides that the number of shares reserved and available for issuance will automatically increase on January 1, 2027 and each January 1 thereafter through January 1, 2036, by the least of (i) % of the outstanding number of shares of our common stock on the immediately preceding December 31, (ii) shares of common stock, or (iii) such number of shares of common stock as determined by the administrator of the ESPP. The number of shares reserved under the ESPP is subject to adjustment in the event of a stock split, stock dividend, or other change in our capitalization.
Eligibility. All individuals classified as employees on the payroll records of the Company or a “designated company” (as defined in the ESPP) as of the first day of the applicable offering period are eligible to participate in the ESPP, provided that the ESPP administrator may determine in advance of an offering that employees are eligible only if, as of the first day of the offering, they (a) are customarily employed by us or a designated company for more than 20 hours a week (or such lesser amount determined by the ESPP administrator), (b) are customarily employed by us or a designated company for more than five months per calendar year, (c) have completed a minimum period of employment as determined by the ESPP administrator, provided such service requirement does not exceed two years of employment, and/or (d) they are not highly compensated employees. However, any employee who owns, or as a result of participation in the ESPP would own or hold, 5% or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of our stock will not be eligible to purchase shares of common stock under the ESPP.
Offerings. We may make one or more offerings each year to our employees to purchase shares of our common stock under the ESPP, each of which may consist of one or more purchase periods. Offerings will begin and end on the dates determined by the ESPP administrator, except that no offering will exceed 27 months in duration. Each eligible employee may elect to participate in any offering by submitting an enrollment form by the deadline established by the ESPP administrator.
Each employee who is a participant in the ESPP may purchase shares by authorizing payroll deductions at a minimum of % and up to a maximum of % of such participant’s eligible compensation during an offering period (or such other minimum and maximum as determined by the administrator in advance of an offering). Unless the participating employee has previously withdrawn from the offering, such participant’s accumulated payroll deductions will be used to purchase shares of our common stock on the last day of each purchase period at a price equal to 85% of the fair market value of the shares on the first day or the last day of the purchase period, whichever is lower, provided that no more than the number of shares of common stock determined by dividing $25,000 by the fair market value of our common stock on the first day of such offering period (or such other maximum number of shares as may be established by the administrator) may be purchased by any one employee during any purchase period. Under applicable tax rules, an employee may purchase no
205
more than $25,000 worth of shares of our common stock, valued at the start of the offering period, under the ESPP for each calendar year during which any option granted to the employee is outstanding at any time.
The accumulated payroll deductions of any employee who is not a participant on the last day of an offering period will be refunded. An employee’s rights under the ESPP terminate upon voluntary withdrawal from the plan or when the employee ceases employment with us for any reason.
Sale Event. In the case of and subject to the consummation of a “sale event” (as defined in the ESPP), the administrator of the ESPP, in its discretion, and on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate, is authorized to take any one or more of the following actions under the ESPP or with respect to any right under the ESPP to facilitate such transactions or events: (i) provide for either (A) termination of any outstanding option in exchange for an amount of cash, if any, equal to the amount that would have been obtained upon the exercise of such option had such option been currently exercisable or (B) the replacement of such outstanding option with other options or property selected by the administrator of the ESPP in its sole discretion; (ii) provide that the outstanding options under the ESPP shall be assumed by the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, or shall be substituted for similar options covering the stock of the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and prices; (iii) make adjustments in the number and type of shares of common stock (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding options under the ESPP and/or in terms and conditions of outstanding options and options that may be granted in the future; (iv) provide that the offering with respect to which an option relates will be shortened by setting a new exercise date on which such offering period will end; and (v) provide that all outstanding options shall terminate without being exercised and all amounts in the accounts of participants shall be promptly refunded.
Amendment. The ESPP may be terminated or amended by our board of directors at any time. An amendment that increases the number of shares of our common stock authorized under the ESPP and certain other amendments require the approval of our stockholders.
IPO Grants
On the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, assuming we issue shares in connection with this offering at an assumed public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, we will grant certain executive officers and directors an aggregate of options to purchase shares under the 2026 Plan, subject to continued service through such grant date. Based on an assumed fair value of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, we estimate that the aggregate grant-date fair value of the shares to be granted in connection with this offering is $ million, which is expected to be recognized as stock-based compensation expense over a period of years.
206
2025 Director Compensation Table
The following table presents the compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to each person who served as a non-employee member of our board of directors for their services to us during Fiscal Year 2025. During Fiscal Year 2025, Ms. Zohar served as a member of our board of directors and received no additional compensation for her service as a member of our board of directors. The compensation for Fiscal Year 2025 received by Ms. Zohar as our Founder, Chief Executive Officer, President & Board Member is presented in the “2025 Summary Compensation Table” above.
| Name (1) |
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) (2) |
Option Awards ($) (3)(4) |
All Other Compensation ($) (5) |
Total ($) | ||||||||||||
| Eric Elenko, Ph.D. |
— | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
| James I. Healy, M.D., Ph.D. |
— | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Robert Nelsen |
— | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Sandra E. Peterson |
35,000 | — | — | 35,000 | ||||||||||||
| Jason Pitts, Ph.D. |
— | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Denice Torres, J.D. |
35,000 | — | — | 35,000 | ||||||||||||
| David Wheadon, M.D. |
35,000 | — | — | 35,000 | ||||||||||||
| Steven M. Paul, M.D. (5) |
— | — | 500,000 | 500,000 | ||||||||||||
| Robert J. Hombach (6) |
29,069 | 433,175 | 462,245 | |||||||||||||
| Robert Lyne, LLB |
— | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Bharatt Chowrira, Ph.D., J.D. (7) |
— | — | — | |||||||||||||
| (1) | Each of Ms. Peterson, Ms. Torres, Dr. Wheadon, and Mr. Hombach has entered into a letter agreement with our board pursuant to which he or she is entitled to receive an initial option grant and an annual cash retainer of $35,000. |
| (2) | The amounts reported represent the cash fees each director earned for their services to our board of directors during Fiscal Year 2025. |
| (3) | The amounts reported represent the aggregate grant date fair value of stock option awards granted to our directors in Fiscal Year 2025, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Such grant date fair values do not take into account any estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting. The assumptions used in calculating the grant date fair values of the option awards reported in this column are set forth in Note 10 of our consolidated financial statements for Fiscal Year 2025, included elsewhere in this prospectus. The amounts reported in this column reflect the accounting cost for these option awards and do not correspond to the actual economic value that may be received by our directors upon the exercise of the option awards or any sale of the underlying securities. |
| (4) | The aggregate number of unvested restricted stock and the aggregate number of stock option awards for each non-employee director that were outstanding as of December 31, 2025 are, as follows: |
| Name |
Unvested Restricted Stock(#) |
Unexercised Stock Options (#) |
||||||
| Eric Elenko, Ph.D. |
— | — | ||||||
| James I. Healy, M.D., Ph.D. |
— | — | ||||||
| Robert Nelsen |
— | — | ||||||
| Sandra E. Peterson |
— | 241,966 | ||||||
| Jason Pitts, Ph.D. |
— | — | ||||||
| Denice Torres, J.D. |
— | 241,966 | ||||||
| David Wheadon, M.D. |
— | 241,966 | ||||||
| Steven M. Paul, M.D. |
486,114 | 5,221,402 | ||||||
| Robert J. Hombach |
— | 241,966 | ||||||
| Robert Lyne, LLB |
— | — | ||||||
| Bharatt Chowrira, Ph.D., J.D. |
— | — | ||||||
207
| (5) | Dr. Paul has entered into a Senior Advisor Agreement with us, pursuant to which Dr. Paul spends approximately 2.5 days per week at the company and shall be entitled to an annual fee of $500,000 and received an initial equity grant intended to represent 5.0% of the Company’s fully-diluted capitalization as of the effective date. In addition, Dr. Paul shall receive additional equity grants to maintain Dr. Paul’s ownership at 5.0% of the fully diluted capitalization of the Company through our initial public offering (but excluding any shares issued pursuant to any over-allotment option). 100% of the unvested restricted stock will accelerate and become fully vested upon the closing of this offering, subject to Dr. Paul’s continued service relationship through such closing. |
| (6) | Mr. Hombach was appointed as a director on March 3, 2025. |
| (7) | Dr. Chowrira resigned from the Board on July 16, 2025 in connection with his departure from PureTech. |
Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy
In connection with this offering, we have adopted a new non-employee director compensation policy that will become effective upon the completion of this offering and is designed to enable us to attract and retain, on a long-term basis, highly qualified non-employee directors. Under the policy, each director who is not an employee will be paid cash compensation from and after the completion of this offering, as set forth below, which amounts will be payable quarterly in arrears and prorated for partial years of service:
| Board of Directors: |
Annual Retainer |
|||
| Members |
$ | 40,000 | ||
| Additional retainer for non-executive chair |
$ | 35,000 | ||
| Audit Committee: |
||||
| Members (other than chair) |
$ | 10,000 | ||
| Retainer for chair |
$ | 20,000 | ||
| Compensation Committee: |
||||
| Members (other than chair) |
$ | 7,500 | ||
| Retainer for chair |
$ | 15,000 | ||
| Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee: |
||||
| Members (other than chair) |
$ | 7,500 | ||
| Retainer for chair |
$ | 15,000 | ||
In addition, the non-employee director compensation policy will provide that, upon initial election to our board of directors, each non-employee director will be granted an equity award with a fair market value of $ or an option to purchase 154,000 shares of our common stock, or the Initial Grant. The Initial Grant will vest in equal monthly installments over three years from the date of grant, subject to continued service as a director through the applicable vesting date.
Furthermore, on the date of each annual meeting of stockholders following the completion of this offering, each non-employee director who continues as a non-employee director following such meeting will be granted an annual equity award with fair market value of $ or option to purchase 77,000 shares of our common stock, or the Annual Grant. The Annual Grant will vest in full upon the earlier of (i) the first anniversary of the date of grant or (ii) the date of the next Annual Meeting. These awards are subject to full accelerated vesting upon the sale of the company.
The aggregate amount of compensation, including both equity compensation and cash compensation, paid to any non-employee director for service as a non-employee director in a calendar year period will not exceed $750,000 (or $1,000,000 for the calendar year in which the applicable non-employee director is initially elected or appointed to our board of directors).
We will reimburse all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by non-employee directors in attending meetings of the board of directors and committees thereof.
208
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS
In addition to the compensation arrangements, including employment, termination of employment and change in control arrangements, and indemnification arrangements discussed, when required, in the sections titled “Management,” “Executive Compensation” and “Director Compensation” and the registration rights described in the section titled “Description of Capital Stock—Registration Rights,” the following is a description of all transactions since our date of incorporation in April 2024 and each currently proposed transaction in which:
| | we have been or are to be a participant; |
| | the amounts involved exceeded or will exceed the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years; and |
| | any of our directors, executive officers or holders of more than 5% or more of our outstanding capital stock, or any immediate family member of, or person sharing the household with, any of these individuals or entities or affiliated entities, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest. |
Asset Transfer Agreement with PureTech and Convertible Preferred Stock Financing
In April 2024, we entered into an Asset Transfer Agreement, as amended in December 2025, or the Asset Transfer Agreement, with PureTech Health LLC, or PureTech Health, and PureTech LYT, Inc., or PureTech LYT, pursuant to which PureTech Health and PureTech LYT agreed to contribute, convey, assign, transfer, and deliver to us all of PureTech Health and PureTech LYT’s right, title and interest in, to, and under the assets related to its Glyph technology or products, including the Monash License Agreement, subject to the terms set forth in the Asset Transfer Agreement. In exchange, we issued 40,000,000 shares of our Series A-1 convertible preferred stock and 949,000 shares of our common stock to PureTech LYT.
In connection with the Asset Transfer Agreement, we have agreed to make milestone payments of up to an aggregate of $10.0 million for the first product covered by assets transferred through the Asset Transfer Agreement, or the Seaport Glyph Product, and up to an aggregate of $5.0 million for each subsequent Seaport Glyph Product that achieves certain developmental and commercial milestones. In addition, we are obligated to pay royalties between 3% and 5% on the annual net sales of each Seaport Glyph Product as follows: less than $500 million: 3%; $500 million to $1 billion: 3.5%; $1 billion to $2.5 billion: 4%; $2.5 billion to $3.5 billion: 4.5%; $3.5 billion or greater: 5%. The royalty term will expire on a country-by-country basis as to each Seaport Glyph Product on the later of the ten year anniversary of the first commercial sale of such Seaport Glyph Product in such country or the date on which the last valid claim of patent rights of such Seaport Glyph Product expires in such country. For additional information, see “Business-Agreements—Asset Transfer Agreement with PureTech.”
Concurrently, upon entry into the Asset Transfer Agreement, we entered into a stock purchase agreement with PureTech LYT and other third-party investors, in which we issued 26,342,102 shares of our Series A-2 convertible preferred stock, or the Series A Financing, of which 8,421,052 shares were issued and sold to PureTech LYT. PureTech LYT remained a majority investor of Seaport, until the completion of our Series B convertible preferred stock financing, or the Series B Financing, in October 2024, upon which we issued and sold an aggregate amount of 47,578,934 shares of its Series B convertible preferred stock, of which 3,031,578 shares were issued to PureTech LYT, and an aggregate of 494,734 shares issued to certain of our management and board of directors.
Transition Services Agreement with PureTech
In connection with entry into the Asset Transfer Agreement, we also entered into a Transition Services Agreement, or the TSA, with PureTech pursuant to which PureTech agreed to provide us certain services relating to the orderly transition and continued operation on a transitional basis for one year following the entry into the TSA (unless extended by mutual agreement of the parties or the earlier termination of all services provided under
209
the TSA) in consideration of our payment of all fees associated with the transitioned services. Pursuant to the TSA, we made an upfront payment of $0.5 million to reimburse PureTech for work performed by certain third-parties prior to the closing and have paid an aggregate of $14.2 million of expenses since entering into the Asset Transfer Agreement to advance our programs and activities. In 2025, the TSA was amended to extend through July 2026 to provide ad hoc support as needed; however, the services to be provided under the amended TSA are expected to be de minimis. On April 2, 2026, we and PureTech mutually agreed to terminate the TSA in accordance with its terms.
Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock Financing
In April 2024, we issued and sold to certain investors an aggregate of 26,342,102 of Series A-2 convertible preferred stock at a price per share of $3.80, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $100.1 million. Each outstanding share of Series A-2 convertible preferred stock will convert into one share of common stock immediately prior to the completion of this offering. The following table summarizes the shares of our Series A-2 convertible preferred stock issued to our related parties:
|
Purchasers (1) |
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock |
Total Purchase Price | ||||||
| PureTech LYT, Inc. (2) |
8,421,052 | $ | 31,999,998 | |||||
| ARCH Venture Fund XII, L.P. (3) |
7,894,736 | $ | 29,999,997 | |||||
| Sofinnova Venture Partners XI, L.P. (4) |
6,052,631 | $ | 22,999,998 | |||||
| Third Rock Ventures VI, L.P. (5) |
3,947,368 | $ | 14,999,998 | |||||
| (1) | Additional details regarding these stockholders and their equity holdings are included in the section titled “Principal Stockholders.” |
| (2) | PureTech LYT beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock. Dr. Elenko and Mr. Lyne, members of our board of directors, were designated to our board of directors by PureTech LYT and are executive officers at PureTech. |
| (3) | ARCH Venture Fund XII, L.P. beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock. Mr. Nelsen, a member of our board of directors, was designated to our board of directors by ARCH Venture Fund XII, L.P. and is a Managing Director of ARCH Venture Partners. |
| (4) | Sofinnova beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock. Dr. Healy, a member of our board of directors, was designated to our board of directors by Sofinnova and is a Managing Director of Sofinnova. |
| (5) | Third Rock Ventures beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock. |
210
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock Financing
In October 2024 and November 2024, we issued and sold to certain investors an aggregate of 47,578,934 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock at a price per share of $4.75, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $226.0 million. Each outstanding share of Series B convertible preferred stock will convert into one share of common stock immediately prior to the completion of this offering. The following table summarizes the shares of our Series B convertible preferred stock issued to our related parties:
|
Purchasers (1) |
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock |
Total Purchase Price |
||||||
| General Atlantic (SP), L.P. (2) |
10,526,315 | $ | 49,999,996 | |||||
| ARCH Venture Fund XII, L.P. (3) |
8,421,052 | $ | 39,999,997 | |||||
| PureTech LYT, Inc. (4) |
3,031,578 | $ | 14,399,996 | |||||
| Sofinnova Venture Partners XI, L.P. (5) |
2,526,315 | $ | 11,999,996 | |||||
| Third Rock Ventures VI, L.P. (6) |
2,526,315 | $ | 11,999,996 | |||||
| Steven M. Paul (7) |
210,526 | $ | 999,999 | |||||
| Lana Gladstein (8) |
105,263 | $ | 499,999 | |||||
| Antony Loebel (9) |
63,157 | $ | 299,996 | |||||
| Eric D. Green and Jessica Santiago-Green, Trustees, or their Successors in interest, of the Eric D. Green Living Trust dated November 12, 2010 (10) |
42,105 | $ | 199,999 | |||||
| Denice M. Torres Revocable Trust (11) |
42,105 | $ | 199,999 | |||||
| (1) | Additional details regarding these stockholders and their equity holdings are included in the section titled “Principal Stockholders.” |
| (2) | General Atlantic beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock. Dr. Pitts, a member of our board of directors, was designated to our board of directors by General Atlantic and is a Principal of General Atlantic. |
| (3) | ARCH Venture Fund XII, L.P. beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock. Mr. Nelsen, a member of our board of directors, was designated to our board of directors by ARCH Venture Fund XII, L.P. and is a Managing Director of ARCH Venture Partners. |
| (4) | PureTech LYT beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock. Dr. Elenko and Mr. Lyne, members of our board of directors, were designated to our board of directors by PureTech LYT and are executive officers at PureTech. |
| (5) | Sofinnova beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock. Dr. Healy, a member of our board of directors, was designated to our board of directors by Sofinnova and is a Managing Director of Sofinnova. |
| (6) | Third Rock Ventures beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock. |
| (7) | Steven M. Paul is Chairman and a member of our board of directors and a senior advisor to the Company. |
| (8) | Lana Gladstein is our General Counsel. |
| (9) | Antony Loebel is our Chief Medical Officer. |
| (10) | Eric Green is our former Chief Operating Officer. |
| (11) | Denice Torres is a member of our board of directors. |
Agreements with Stockholders
In connection with our Series A-2 and Series B convertible preferred stock financings, we entered into investors’ rights, voting, and right of first refusal and co-sale agreements containing registration rights and information rights, among other things, with certain holders of our preferred stock and certain holders of our common stock, including holders of more than 5% of our capital stock and entities with which certain of our directors or officers are affiliated. These agreements will terminate upon the closing of this offering, except for the registration rights granted under our amended and restated investors’ rights agreement, as more fully described in “Description of Capital Stock—Registration Rights.”
211
During the year-ended December 31, 2024, we made payments of $0.2 million to Third Rock Ventures for professional fees. During the year ended December 31, 2025, amounts paid to Third Rock Ventures were not material.
Management Rights and Side Letters
In connection with the initial issuance and sale of our convertible preferred stock, we entered into management rights and side letters with certain purchasers of our convertible preferred stock, including holders of more than 5% of our capital stock and entities with which certain of our directors or officers are affiliated, pursuant to which such entities were granted certain management rights, among other things, including the right to consult with and advise our management on significant business issues, review our operating plans, examine our books, and records and inspect our facilities. These management rights letters will terminate upon completion of this offering.
Steven M. Paul Advisor Agreement
In February 2024, we entered into a senior advisor agreement with Steven M. Paul, the chair of our board of directors, whereby we pay Dr. Paul an annual fee of $500,000 and agreed that if at any time while Dr. Paul is providing services to us up to and including the closing of an initial public offering, Dr. Paul’s ownership reduces to below 5% of our total outstanding capital on a fully diluted basis including all outstanding options and restricted common stock, we will grant him an additional equity award to maintain his ownership at the 5% threshold.
Employment and Benefit Arrangements
We have entered into offer letter or employment agreements with certain of our executive officers, and granted restricted stock and stock options to our executive officers, including an agreement with our Chief Executive Officer pursuant to which we have agreed to maintain our Chief Executive Officer’s ownership at a certain percentage of our shares on a fully diluted basis and an agreement pursuant to which we’ve extended additional benefits to our Chief Executive Officer, as more fully described in the section titled “Executive Compensation.”
Equity Grants
We have granted restricted stock and options to purchase shares of our common stock to certain of our executive officers and directors. For more information regarding the options granted to our executive officers and directors, see the sections titled “Executive Compensation” and “Director Compensation.”
Indemnification Agreements
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will contain provisions limiting the liability of directors and officers, and our amended and restated bylaws will provide that we will indemnify each of our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws will also provide our board of directors with discretion to indemnify our employees and other agents when determined appropriate by our board of directors. In addition, we have entered into or intend to enter into an indemnification agreement with each of our directors and executive officers, which will require us to indemnify them. For more information regarding these agreements, see the section titled “Management—Limitations on Liability and Indemnification Agreements.”
Directed Share Program
At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to approximately shares of our common stock being offered hereby (approximately %) for
212
directors, executive officers, employees and business associates. The directed share program will not limit the ability of our directors, officers, and their family members, or holders of more than 5% of our capital stock, to purchase more than $120,000 in value of our common stock. We do not currently know the extent to which these related persons will participate in our directed share program, if at all, or the extent to which they will purchase more than $120,000 in value of our common stock.
Policies and Procedures for Transactions with Related Persons
We have adopted a written policy that our executive officers, directors, nominees for election as a director, beneficial owners of more than 5% of any series of our common stock, and any members of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons are not permitted to enter into a related person transaction with us without the approval or ratification of our board of directors or our audit committee. Any request for us to enter into a transaction with an executive officer, director, nominee for election as a director, beneficial owner of more than 5% of any series of our common stock, or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons, in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000 (or, if less, 1% of the average of our total assets in a fiscal year) and such person would have a direct or indirect interest, must be presented to our board of directors or our audit committee for review, consideration, and approval. In approving or rejecting any such proposal, our board of directors or our audit committee is to consider the material facts of the transaction, 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 person’s interest in the transaction.
213
The following table sets forth information regarding beneficial ownership of our capital stock as of April 1, 2026 by:
| | each person, or group of affiliated persons, known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock; |
| | each of our directors; |
| | each of our named executive officers; and |
| | all of our current executive officers and directors as a group. |
We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC. Under these rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares of common stock as to which the individual or entity has sole or shared voting power or investment power. Unless otherwise indicated below, to our knowledge the persons and entities named in the table have sole voting and sole investment power with respect to all shares that they beneficially owned, subject to community property laws where applicable. We have deemed shares of common stock subject to options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of April 1, 2026 to be outstanding and to be beneficially owned by the person holding the option for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of that person but have not treated them as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.
Applicable percentage ownership before the offering is based on an aggregate of 122,072,236 shares of common stock (which includes 381,948 shares of restricted common stock) deemed to be outstanding as of April 1, 2026 after giving effect to the Preferred Stock Conversion.
Applicable percentage ownership after the offering is based on shares of common stock assumed to be outstanding immediately after the completion of this offering (assuming the sale of shares of common stock in this offering based on an initial public offering price of $ per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares).
The following table does not reflect any shares of common stock that may be purchased pursuant to our directed share program described under “Underwriting—Directed Share Program.” If any shares are purchased by our existing principal stockholders, directors or their affiliated entities, the number and percentage of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by them after this offering will differ from those set forth in the following table.
Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each beneficial owner listed in the table below is c/o Seaport Therapeutics, Inc., 101 Seaport Blvd., Floor 12, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.
| Percentage of Shares Beneficially Owned |
||||||||||||
| Name of Beneficial Owner |
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned |
Before Offering |
After Offering |
|||||||||
| Greater than 5% Holders |
||||||||||||
| PureTech LYT, Inc. (1) |
52,402,630 | 42.93 | % | |||||||||
| ARCH Venture Fund XII, L.P. (2) |
16,315,788 | 13.37 | % | |||||||||
| General Atlantic (SP), L.P. (3) |
10,526,315 | 8.62 | % | |||||||||
| Sofinnova Venture Partners XI, L.P. (4) |
8,578,946 | 7.03 | % | |||||||||
| Third Rock Ventures VI, L.P. (5) |
6,473,683 | 5.30 | % | |||||||||
| Named Executive Officers and Directors |
||||||||||||
| Daphne Zohar, Chief Executive Officer and Director(6) |
10,656,441 | 8.26 | % | |||||||||
| Michael C. Chen(7) |
825,328 | * | % | |||||||||
214
| Percentage of Shares Beneficially Owned |
||||||||||||
| Name of Beneficial Owner |
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned |
Before Offering |
After Offering |
|||||||||
| Antony Loebel, M.D.(8) |
868,629 | * | % | |||||||||
| Steven M. Paul, M.D.(9) |
7,279,244 | 5.75 | % | |||||||||
| Eric Elenko, Ph.D. |
950,000 | * | % | |||||||||
| James I. Healy, M.D., Ph.D.(10) |
8,578,946 | 7.03 | % | |||||||||
| Robert J. Hombach(11) |
94,097 | * | % | |||||||||
| Robert Nelsen |
— | * | % | |||||||||
| Sandra E. Peterson(12) |
114,261 | * | % | |||||||||
| Jason Pitts, Ph.D. |
— | * | % | |||||||||
| Denice Torres, J.D.(13) |
210,136 | * | % | |||||||||
| David Wheadon, M.D.(14) |
141,146 | * | % | |||||||||
| Robert Lyne, LLB |
— | * | % | |||||||||
| All executive officers and directors as a group (15 persons)(15) |
30,856,646 | 22.57 | % | |||||||||
| * | Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%. |
| (1) | Consists of (i) 950,000 shares of common stock, (ii) 40,000,000 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series A-1 preferred stock, (iii) 8,421,052 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series A-2 preferred stock and (iv) 3,031,578 of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series B preferred stock held by PureTech LYT, Inc. Voting and investment power over the shares held by PureTech LYT, Inc. is exercised by its parent entity, PureTech Health plc. The board of directors of PureTech Health plc consists of Ms. Sharon Barber-Lui, Dr. Michele Holcomb, Dr. John LaMattina, Dr. Robert Langer, Ms. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Robert Lyne. None of the members of the board of directors of PureTech Health plc or PureTech Health LLC has individual voting or investment power with respect to such shares. The address for PureTech Health LLC and the individuals listed above is c/o PureTech Health LLC, 6 Tide Street, Boston, MA 02210. |
| (2) | Consists of (i) 7,894,736 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series A-2 preferred stock and (ii) 8,421,052 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series B preferred stock held by ARCH Venture Fund XII, L.P (“ARCH XII”). ARCH Venture Partners XII, L.P. (AVP XII LP) is the general partner of ARCH XII. ARCH Venture Partners XII, LLC (AVP XII LLC) is the general partner of AVP XII LP. Keith Crandell, Kristina Burow, Steven Gillis and Robert Nelsen comprise the investment committee of AVP XII LLC (the AVP XII LLC Committee Members). Each of AVP XII LP and AVP XII LLC may be deemed to beneficially own the shares held by ARCH XII, and each of the AVP XII LLC Committee Members may be deemed to share the power to direct the disposition and vote of the shares held by ARCH XII. Each of AVP XII LP, AVP XII LLC and the AVP XII LLC Committee Members disclaims beneficial ownership except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein, if any. The address for ARCH Ventures Partners, L.P. and the individuals listed above is c/o ARCH Ventures Partners L.P., 8755 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 1025, Chicago, IL 60631. |
| (3) | Consists of 10,526,315 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series B preferred stock held by General Atlantic (SP), L.P., or General Atlantic SP. The limited partners that share beneficial ownership of the shares held by General Atlantic SP, or the GA Funds, are General Atlantic Partners 100, L.P., or GAP 100, General Atlantic Partners (Lux), SCSp, or GAP Lux, GAP Coinvestments III, LLC, or GAPCO III, GAP Coinvestments IV, LLC, or GAPCO IV, GAP Coinvestments V, LLC, or GAPCO V, and GAP Coinvestments CDA, L.P., or GAPCO CDA. The general partner of GAP 100 is General Atlantic GenPar, L.P., or GA GenPar. General Atlantic, L.P., or GA LP, which is controlled by the Partnership Committee of GASC MGP, LLC (the “Partnership Committee”), is the managing member of GAPCO III, GAPCO IV and GAPCO V, the general partner of GAPCO CDA and GA GenPar, and the sole member of General Atlantic (SPV) GP, LLC, or GA SPV. The general partner of GAP Lux is General Atlantic GenPar, (Lux) SCSp, or GA GenPar Lux, and the general partner of GA GenPar Lux is General Atlantic (Lux) S.à r.l., or GA Lux. The sole shareholder of GA Lux is General Atlantic GenPar (Bermuda), L.P., or GenPar Bermuda. GAP (Bermuda) L.P., or GAP Bermuda, which is ultimately controlled by the Partnership Committee, is the |
215
| general partner of GenPar Bermuda. There are six members of the Partnership Committee. The Partnership Committee is comprised of senior Managing Directors of General Atlantic: Mr. William E. Ford (CEO and Chairman), Martin Escobari, Gabriel Caillaux, David Hodgson, Torbjorn Caesar, and Christopher G. Lanning. By virtue of the foregoing, the Reporting Persons may be deemed to share voting power and the power to direct the disposition of the shares that each owns of record. Each of the members of the Partnership Committee disclaims ownership of the shares of common stock reported herein except to the extent he or she has a pecuniary interest therein. GA LP, GAP Bermuda, GA Lux, GA GenPar Lux, GA SPV, and the GA Funds are a “group” within the meaning of Rule 13d-5 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The mailing address of each of the foregoing entities (other than GAP Lux, GA Lux, GA GenPar Lux, GAP Bermuda and GenPar Bermuda) is c/o General Atlantic Service Company, L.P., 55 East 52nd Street, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10055. The mailing address of GenPar Bermuda and GAP Bermuda is Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda. The mailing address of GAP Lux, GA GenPar Lux, and GA Lux is 412F, Route d’Esch, L-1471 Luxembourg. |
| (4) | Consists of (i) 6,052,631 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series A-2 preferred stock and (ii) 2,526,315 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series B preferred stock held by Sofinnova Venture Partners XI, L.P. (“SVP XI”), except that Sofinnova Management XI, L.P. (“SM XI LP”), the general partner of SVP XI, may be deemed to have sole voting power, Sofinnova Management XI, L.L.C. (“SM XI LLC”), the general partner of SM XI LP, may be deemed to have sole voting power, and James I. Healy, M.D., Ph.D. and Maha Katabi, Ph.D., the managing members of SM XI LLC, may be deemed to have shared power to vote these shares. Each of SM XI LP, SM XI LLC, Dr. Healy and Dr. Katabi disclaim beneficial ownership of the shares held by SVP XI, except to the extent of their respective pecuniary interest therein. The principal address for the entities and individuals named in this paragraph is 3000 Sand Hill Road, Building 3-Suite 150, Menlo Park, CA 94025. |
| (5) | Consists of (i) 3,947,368 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series A-2 preferred stock and (ii) 2,526,315 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series B preferred stock held by Third Rock Ventures VI, L.P., or TRV VI. The sole general partner of TRV VI is Third Rock Ventures GP VI, L.P., or TRV GP VI. The sole general partner of TRV GP VI is TRV GP VI, LLC, or TRV GP VI LLC. Abbie Celniker, Ph.D.; Robert Tepper, M.D.; Reid Huber, Ph.D.; Jeffrey Tong, Ph.D.; Kevin Gillis; and David Kaufman, M.D., Ph.D. are the managing members of TRV GP VI LLC and collectively make voting and investment decisions with respect to shares held by TRV VI. The principal address for the entities and individuals named in this paragraph is 201 Brookline Avenue, Suite 1401, Boston, MA 02215. |
| (6) | Consists of (i) 3,750,000 shares of common stock and (ii) 6,906,441 shares of common stock underlying outstanding stock options that are immediately exercisable within 60 days of April 1, 2026. |
| (7) | Consists of (i) 10,526 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series B preferred stock and (ii) 814,802 shares of common stock underlying outstanding stock options that are immediately exercisable within 60 days of April 1, 2026. |
| (8) | Consists of (i) 63,157 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series B preferred stock and (ii) 805,472 shares of common stock underlying outstanding stock options that are immediately exercisable within 60 days of April 1, 2026. |
| (9) | Consists of (i) 2,500,000 shares of common stock, (ii) 210,526 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series B preferred stock and (iii) 4,568,718 shares of common stock underlying outstanding stock options that are immediately exercisable within 60 days of April 1, 2026. |
| (10) | Consists of the shares described in footnote (4) above. |
| (11) | Consists of 94,097 shares of common stock underlying outstanding stock options that are immediately exercisable within 60 days of April 1, 2026. |
| (12) | Consists of 114,261 shares of common stock underlying outstanding stock options that are immediately exercisable within 60 days of April 1, 2026. |
| (13) | Consists of (i) 42,105 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series B preferred stock held by the Denice M. Torres Revocable Trust and (ii) 168,031 shares of common stock underlying outstanding stock options that are immediately exercisable within 60 days of April 1, 2026. Ms. Torres exercises voting and dispositive power over the shares beneficially owned by the Denice M. Torres Revocable Trust. |
216
| (14) | Consists of 141,146 shares of common stock underlying outstanding stock options that are immediately exercisable within 60 days of April 1, 2026. |
| (15) | Consists of (i) 7,200,000 shares of common stock, (ii) 6,052,631 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series A-2 preferred stock, (iii) 2,978,944 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series B preferred stock and (iii) 14,625,071 shares of common stock underlying outstanding stock options that are immediately exercisable within 60 days of April 1, 2026 held by all of our directors and executive officers as a group. |
217
General
The following description 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, which will become effective immediately prior to the completion of this offering, and the amended and restated bylaws, which will become effective upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Copies of these documents have been filed with the SEC as exhibits to our registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The descriptions of the common stock and preferred stock reflect changes to our capital structure that will be in effect on the completion of this offering.
Upon filing of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the completion of this offering, our authorized capital stock will consist of 700,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, including (i) 500,000,000 shares of voting common stock and (ii) 200,000,000 shares of non-voting common stock and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, all of which shares of preferred stock will be undesignated.
As of December 31, 2025, there were 8,151,200 shares of common stock outstanding (which includes 486,114 shares of unvested restricted common stock), held of record by 5 stockholders, 40,000,000 shares of Series A-1 preferred stock, 26,342,102 shares of Series A-2 preferred stock and 47,578,934 shares of Series B preferred stock outstanding and held of record by 34 stockholders.
Voting Common Stock and Non-Voting Common Stock
We will have two series of common stock authorized immediately following this offering: voting common stock and non-voting common stock. We are offering voting common stock in this offering and unless otherwise noted, all references in this prospectus to our “common stock” refer to our voting common stock. The non-voting common stock will not be listed for trading on any securities exchange. Immediately after consummation of this offering, no shares of non-voting common stock will be outstanding, and we have no present intention to issue any shares of non-voting common stock.
The holders of our common stock and non-voting common stock have identical rights, provided that, (i) except as otherwise expressly provided in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or as required by applicable law, on any matter that is submitted to a vote by our stockholders, holders of our voting common stock are entitled to one vote per share of common stock, and holders of our non-voting common stock are not entitled to any votes per share of non-voting common stock, including for the election of directors, and (ii) holders of our voting common stock have no conversion rights, while holders of our non-voting common stock shall have the right to convert each share of our non-voting common stock into one share of voting common stock at such holder’s election, provided that as a result of such conversion, such holder, together with its affiliates and any members of a Schedule 13(d) group with such holder, would not beneficially own in excess of 9.99% of our common stock immediately prior to and following such conversion, unless otherwise as expressly provided for in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. However, this ownership limitation may be increased or decreased to any other percentage (not to exceed 19.99%) designated by such holder of non-voting common stock upon 61 days’ notice to us. Unless otherwise expressly stated, all references to “common stock” in this prospectus refer to our voting common stock.
Holders of our voting common stock and non-voting common stock are entitled to receive ratably any dividends declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for that purpose, subject to any preferential dividend rights of any outstanding preferred stock and the terms of our certificate of incorporation. Our voting common stock and non-voting common stock have no preemptive rights or other subscription rights or redemption or sinking fund provisions.
218
In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of our common stock and non-voting common stock will be entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of all debts and other liabilities and any liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred stock subject to the terms of our certificate of incorporation. The shares to be issued by us in this offering will be, when issued and paid for, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
Preferred Stock
Immediately prior to the completion of this offering, all outstanding shares of our convertible preferred stock will be converted into shares of our common stock. Upon the consummation of this offering, our board of directors will have the authority, without further action by our stockholders, to issue up to shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions thereof. These rights, preferences, and privileges could include dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preferences, sinking fund terms, and the number of shares constituting, or the designation of, such series, any or all of which may be greater than the rights of common stock. The issuance of our preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power of holders of common stock and the likelihood that such holders will receive dividend payments and payments upon our liquidation. In addition, the issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of our Company or other corporate action. Immediately after consummation of this offering, no shares of preferred stock will be outstanding, and we have no present plan to issue any shares of preferred stock.
Stock Options
As of December 31, 2025, 27,633,144 shares of common stock were issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options under the 2024 Plan, at a weighted-average exercise price of $1.52 per share; no shares of common stock were issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options outside of our 2024 Plan; and shares of our common stock that will become available for future issuance under our 2026 Plan, including shares reserved for the IPO Grants, which will become effective on the date immediately prior to the 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 the 2026 Plan and any shares underlying outstanding stock awards granted under the 2024 Plan that expire or are repurchased, forfeited, cancelled, or withheld; and For additional information regarding terms of our equity incentive plans, see the section titled “Executive Compensation—Employee Benefit and Equity Compensation Plans.”
Registration Rights
Upon the completion of this offering and subject to the lock-up agreements entered into in connection with this offering and federal securities laws, certain holders of shares of our common stock, including those shares of our common stock that will be issued upon the Preferred Stock Conversion in connection with this offering, will initially be entitled to certain rights with respect to registration of such shares under the Securities Act. These shares are referred to as registrable securities. The holders of these registrable securities will possess these registration rights pursuant to the terms of our second amended and restated investors’ rights agreement and are described in additional detail below. The registration of shares of our common stock pursuant to the exercise of the registration rights described below would enable the holders to trade these shares without restriction under the Securities Act when the applicable registration statement is declared effective. We will pay all registration expenses, other than underwriting discounts, selling commissions, and stock transfer taxes, of the shares registered pursuant to the demand, piggyback and Form S-3 registrations described below.
Generally, in an underwritten offering, the managing underwriter, if any, has the right, subject to specified conditions and limitations, to limit the number of shares the holders may include. The demand, piggyback and Form S-3 registration rights described below will expire no later than four years after the completion of this offering.
219
Demand Registration Rights
Upon the completion of this offering, holders of shares of our common stock, including those issuable upon the Preferred Stock Conversion, will be entitled to certain demand registration rights pursuant to that certain Investors’ Rights Agreement, by and between us and the investors party thereto, dated as of October 18, 2024, or the investors’ rights agreement. At any time beginning 180 days after the completion of this offering, the holders of at least 9% of these registrable securities may request that we register all or a portion of their shares. We are not required to effect more than two registration statements which are declared or ordered effective pursuant to these demand registration rights. Such request for registration must cover shares with an anticipated aggregate offering price of at least $15 million, net of any underwriting discounts, selling commissions, and other related expenses. With certain exceptions, we are not required to effect the filing of a registration statement during the period starting with the date of the filing of, and ending on a date 60 days following the effective date of the registration statement for this offering.
Piggyback Registration Rights
In connection with this offering, holders of 113,921,036 shares of our common stock, including those issuable upon the Preferred Stock Conversion, were entitled to, and the necessary percentage of holders waived, their rights to notice of this offering and to include their shares of registrable securities in this offering pursuant to the investors’ rights agreement. After this offering, in the event that we propose to register any of our securities under the Securities Act, either for our own account or for the account of other security holders, the holders of these registrable securities will be entitled to certain piggyback registration rights allowing such holders to include their shares in such registration, subject to certain marketing and other limitations.
Form S-3 Registration Rights
Upon the completion of this offering, holders of shares of our common stock, including those issuable upon the Preferred Stock Conversion, will be entitled to certain Form S-3 registration rights pursuant to the investors’ rights agreement. Holders of at least 9% of these registrable securities can make a request that we register their shares on Form S-3 if we are qualified to file a registration statement on Form S-3 (which qualification may occur no sooner than twelve calendar months after the date of this offering) and if the reasonably anticipated aggregate net proceeds of the shares offered would equal or exceed $5 million, net of any underwriting discounts, selling commissions and other related expenses. We will not be required to effect more than two registrations on Form S-3 within any twelve-month period. The right to have such shares registered on Form S-3 is further subject to other specified conditions and limitations.
Expiration of Registration Rights
The demand registration rights and Form S-3 registration rights granted under our Investor Rights Agreement will terminate upon the earliest of (i) the closing of a “Deemed Liquidation Event,” as such term is defined in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation (as currently in effect), (ii) such date after the completion of this offering when each holder (A) together with its affiliates (as determined under Rule 144 of the Securities Act) holds less than 1% of our outstanding capital stock and (B) may immediately sell all registrable securities held by such holder pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act without any volume limitations, or another similar exemption, during any three month period without registration, and (iii) the third anniversary of the completion of this offering.
Anti-Takeover Effects of Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and Delaware Law
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws will include a number of provisions that may have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing another party from acquiring control of us and encouraging persons considering unsolicited tender offers or other unilateral takeover proposals to negotiate with our board of directors rather than pursue non-negotiated takeover attempts. These provisions include the items described below.
220
Board Composition and Filling Vacancies
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide for the division of our board of directors into three classes serving staggered three-year terms, with one class being elected each year. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation also will provide that directors may be removed only for cause and then only by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds or more of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of directors. Furthermore, any vacancy on our board of directors, however occurring, including a vacancy resulting from an increase in the size of our board, may only be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of our directors then in office even if less than a quorum. The classification of directors, together with the limitations on removal of directors and treatment of vacancies, has the effect of making it more difficult for stockholders to change the composition of our board of directors.
No Written Consent of Stockholders
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that all stockholder actions are required to be taken by a vote of the stockholders at an annual or special meeting, and that stockholders may not take any action by written consent in lieu of a meeting. This limit may lengthen the amount of time required to take stockholder actions and would prevent the amendment of our amended and restated bylaws or removal of directors by our stockholders without holding a meeting of stockholders.
Meetings of Stockholders
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws will provide that only a majority of the members of our board of directors then in office may call special meetings of stockholders and only those matters set forth in the notice of the special meeting may be considered or acted upon at a special meeting of stockholders. Our amended and restated bylaws will limit the business that may be conducted at an annual meeting of stockholders to those matters properly brought before the meeting.
Advance Notice Requirements
Our amended and restated bylaws will establish advance notice procedures with regard to stockholder proposals relating to the nomination of candidates for election as directors or new business to be brought before meetings of our stockholders. These procedures will provide that notice of stockholder proposals must be timely given in writing to our corporate secretary prior to the meeting at which the action is to be taken. Generally, to be timely, notice must be received at our principal executive offices not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary date of the annual meeting for the preceding year. Our amended and restated bylaws will specify the requirements as to form and content of all stockholders’ notices. These requirements may preclude stockholders from bringing matters before the stockholders at an annual or special meeting.
Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
Any amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation must first be approved by a majority of our board of directors and, if required by law or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, must thereafter be approved by a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the amendment and a majority of the outstanding shares of each class entitled to vote thereon as a class, except that the amendment of the provisions relating to stockholder action, board composition, and limitation of liability must be approved by not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the amendment, and not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of each class entitled to vote thereon as a class. Our amended and restated bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, subject to any limitations set forth in the amended and restated bylaws; and may also be amended by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the amendment, voting together as a single class, except that the amendment of the provisions relating to notice of stockholder business and nominations and
221
special meetings must be approved by not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the amendment, and not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of each class entitled to vote thereon as a class, or, if our board of directors recommends that the stockholders approve the amendment, by the affirmative vote of the majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the amendment, in each case voting together as a single class.
Undesignated Preferred Stock
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide for 10,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock. The existence of authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock may enable our board of directors to discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest, or otherwise. For example, if in the due exercise of its fiduciary obligations, our board of directors were to determine that a takeover proposal is not in the best interests of our stockholders, our board of directors could cause shares of preferred stock to be issued without stockholder approval in one or more private offerings or other transactions that might dilute the voting or other rights of the proposed acquirer or insurgent stockholder or stockholder group. In this regard, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will grant our board of directors broad power to establish the rights and preferences of authorized and unissued shares of preferred stock. The issuance of shares of preferred stock could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to holders of shares of common stock. The issuance may also adversely affect the rights and powers, including voting rights, of these holders and may have the effect of delaying, deterring, or preventing a change in control of us.
Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law
Upon completion of this offering, we will be subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a three-year period following the time that this stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. Under Section 203, a business combination between a corporation and an interested stockholder is prohibited unless it satisfies one of the following conditions:
| | before the stockholder became interested, our board of directors approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; |
| | upon consummation of the transaction which 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 commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding, shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers, and employee stock plans, in some instances, but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder; or |
| | at or after the time the stockholder became interested, the business combination was approved by our board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder. |
Section 203 defines a business combination to include:
| | any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder; |
| | any sale, transfer, lease, pledge, or other disposition involving the interested stockholder of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation; |
| | subject to exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder; |
| | subject to exceptions, any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; and |
222
| | the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges, or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation. |
In general, Section 203 defines an interested stockholder as any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by the entity or person.
Choice of Forum
Our amended and restated bylaws will provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the sole and exclusive forum for the following claims or causes of action under the Delaware statutory or common law: (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of, or a claim based on, a breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our current or former directors, officers, or other employees or stockholders to us or our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws (including the interpretation, validity, or enforceability thereof) or as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine.
However, Section 27 of the Exchange Act creates exclusive federal jurisdiction over all claims brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. Consequently, this choice of forum provision would not apply to claims or causes of action brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction or the Securities Act. Moreover, Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all claims brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder.
In addition, our amended and restated bylaws will provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause or causes of action arising under the Securities Act, including all causes of action asserted against any defendant to such complaint. For the avoidance of doubt, this provision is intended to benefit and may be enforced by us, our officers and directors, the underwriters to any offering giving rise to such complaint, and any other professional entity whose profession gives authority to a statement made by that person or entity and who has prepared or certified any part of the documents underlying the offering.
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, and there can be no assurance that such provisions will be enforced by a court in those other jurisdictions. We note that investors cannot waive compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Additionally, our amended and restated bylaws will provide that any person or entity holding, owning or otherwise acquiring any interest in any of our securities shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to these provisions.
Limitations on Liability and Indemnification
See the section titled “Management—Limitations on Liability and Indemnification Agreements.”
223
Exchange Listing
Our common stock is currently not listed on any securities exchange. We have applied to have our common stock approved for listing on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “SPTX.” The non-voting common stock will not be listed for trading on any securities exchange.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The Transfer Agent and Registrar for our common stock will be Computershare Trust Company, N.A. The transfer agent’s address is 150 Royall Street, Suite 101, Canton, MA 02021.
224
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. Future sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, including shares issued on the exercise of outstanding options, in the public market after this offering, or the possibility of these sales or issuances occurring, could adversely affect the prevailing market price for our common stock or impair our ability to raise equity capital. Although we have applied to list our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market, we cannot assure you that there will be an active public market for our common stock.
Following the completion of this offering, based on our shares outstanding as of December 31, 2025, a total of shares of common stock will be outstanding, assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares and no exercise of outstanding options. Of the outstanding shares, all of the shares sold in this offering will be freely tradable, except that any shares held by our affiliates, as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, may only be sold in compliance with the limitations described below.
Rule 144
In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, once we have been subject to public company reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act for at least 90 days, an eligible stockholder is entitled to sell such shares without complying with the manner of sale, volume limitation, or notice provisions of Rule 144, subject to compliance with the public information requirements of Rule 144. To be an eligible stockholder under Rule 144, such stockholder must not be deemed to have been one of our affiliates for purposes of the Securities Act at any time during the 90 days preceding a sale and must have beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least six months, including the holding period of any prior owner other than our affiliates. If such a person has beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least one year, including the holding period of any prior owner other than our affiliates, then such person is entitled to sell such shares without complying with any of the requirements of Rule 144, subject to the expiration of the lock-up agreements described below.
In general, under Rule 144, as currently in effect, our affiliates or persons selling shares on behalf of our affiliates are entitled to sell shares on expiration of the lock-up agreements described below. Beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, within any three-month period, such stockholders may sell a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of:
| | 1% of the number of shares of common stock then outstanding, which will equal approximately shares immediately after this offering, assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of common stock from us; or |
| | the average weekly trading volume of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to such sale. |
Sales under Rule 144 by our affiliates or persons selling shares on behalf of our affiliates are also subject to certain manner of sale provisions and notice requirements and to the availability of current public information about us.
Rule 701
Rule 701 under the Securities Act, or Rule 701, generally allows a stockholder who was issued shares under a written compensatory plan or contract and who is not deemed to have been an affiliate of our company during the immediately preceding 90 days, to sell these shares in reliance on Rule 144, but without being required to comply with the public information, holding period, volume limitation, or notice provisions of Rule 144. Rule 701 also permits affiliates of our company to sell their Rule 701 shares under Rule 144 without complying with the holding period requirements of Rule 144. All holders of Rule 701 shares, however, are required by that rule to wait until 90 days after the date of this prospectus before selling those shares under Rule 701, subject to the expiration of the lock-up agreements described below.
225
Form S-8 Registration Statements
We intend to file one or more registration statements on Form S-8 under the Securities Act with the SEC to register the offer and sale of shares of our common stock that are issuable under the 2024 Plan, the 2026 Plan, and the ESPP. These registration statements will become effective immediately upon filing. Shares covered by these registration statements will then be eligible for sale in the public markets, subject to vesting restrictions, any applicable lock-up agreements described below, and Rule 144 limitations applicable to affiliates.
Lock-up Arrangements
We, all of our directors and executive officers, and the holders of substantially all of our capital stock and securities convertible into or exchangeable for our capital stock have entered into lock-up agreements with the underwriters and/or are subject to market standoff agreements or other agreements with us, which prevents them from selling any of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock for a period of not less than 180 days from the date of this prospectus without the prior written consent of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and the Company, subject to certain exceptions. For more information, see the section titled “Underwriting.”
Registration Rights
Upon completion of this offering, certain holders of our securities will be entitled to various rights with respect to registration of their shares under the Securities Act. Registration of these shares under the Securities Act would result in these shares becoming fully tradable without restriction under the Securities Act immediately upon the effectiveness of the registration. For more information, see the section titled “Description of Capital Stock—Registration Rights.”
226
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES FOR NON-U.S. HOLDERS
The following discussion is a summary of material U.S. federal income tax consequences to non-U.S. holders (as defined below) of the purchase, ownership, and disposition of our common stock issued pursuant to this offering. This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, published rulings, and administrative pronouncements of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, and judicial decisions, all as in effect on the date hereof. These authorities are subject to differing interpretations and may change, possibly with retroactive effect, resulting in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below. We have not requested a ruling from the IRS with respect to the statements made and the conclusions reached in the following summary, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will agree with such statements and conclusions.
This discussion is limited to non-U.S. holders who purchase our common stock pursuant to this offering and who hold our common stock as a “capital asset” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). This discussion is not a complete analysis of all potential U.S. federal income tax consequences relating thereto, does not address the potential application of the Medicare contribution tax on net investment income, the alternative minimum tax, or the special tax accounting rules under Section 451(b) of the Code, and also does not address any U.S. federal non-income tax consequences, such as estate or gift tax consequences, or any tax consequences arising under any state, local, or non-U.S. tax laws. This discussion does not address all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to a non-U.S. holder in light of such non-U.S. holder’s particular circumstances. This discussion also does not consider any specific facts or circumstances that may be relevant to non-U.S. holders subject to special rules under the U.S. federal income tax laws, including:
| | certain former citizens, or long-term residents of the United States; |
| | partnerships or other entities or arrangements treated as pass-through or disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and investors therein); |
| | “controlled foreign corporations”; |
| | “passive foreign investment companies”; |
| | corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax; |
| | banks, mutual funds, financial institutions, investment funds, insurance companies, brokers, dealers, or traders in stock, securities, commodities or currencies; |
| | tax-exempt organizations and governmental organizations; |
| | tax-qualified retirement plans; |
| | persons who acquire our common stock through the exercise of an option or otherwise as compensation; |
| | qualified foreign pension funds as defined in Section 897(l)(2) of the Code and entities all of the interests of which are held by qualified foreign pension funds; |
| | persons that own, or have owned, actually or constructively, more than 5% of our common stock; |
| | persons who have elected to mark securities to market; and |
| | persons holding our common stock as part of a hedging or conversion transaction or straddle, or synthetic security or a constructive sale, or other risk reduction strategy or integrated investment. |
If an entity or arrangement that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our common stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner, the activities of the partnership and certain determinations made at the partner level. Partnerships holding our common stock and the partners in such partnerships are urged to consult their tax advisors about the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences to them of owning and disposing of our common stock.
227
THIS DISCUSSION IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TAX ADVICE. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE PARTICULAR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF ACQUIRING, OWNING AND DISPOSING OF OUR COMMON STOCK, AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER ANY STATE, LOCAL, OR NON-U.S. TAX LAWS AND ANY OTHER U.S. FEDERAL TAX LAWS OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE INCOME TAX TREATY.
Definition of Non-U.S. Holder
For purposes of this discussion, a non-U.S. holder is any beneficial owner of our common stock that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
| | a non-resident alien individual; |
| | a corporation or any organization taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income taxes that is not created or organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia; or |
| | a foreign trust or estate, the income of which is not subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis. |
Distributions on Our Common Stock
As described under “Dividend Policy,” we do not currently anticipate declaring or paying, for the foreseeable future, any distributions on our capital stock. However, if we were to distribute cash or other property on our common stock, 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 determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Amounts not treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes will then constitute a return of capital and will first be applied against and reduce a holder’s tax basis in our common stock, but not below zero. Any excess will be treated as gain realized on the sale or other disposition of our common stock and will be treated as described under “—Gain on sale or other taxable disposition of our common stock” below.
Subject to the discussions below regarding effectively connected income, backup withholding and FATCA (as defined below), dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder of our common stock generally will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30% of the gross amount of the dividends or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty. To receive the benefit of a reduced treaty rate, a non-U.S. holder must furnish to us or our withholding agent with a timely and valid IRS Form W-8BEN (in the case of individuals) or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (in the case of entities), or other appropriate form, certifying such holder’s qualification for the reduced rate. This certification must be provided to us or our withholding agent before the payment of the dividends and must be updated periodically. If the non-U.S. holder holds our common stock through a financial institution or other agent acting on the non-U.S. holder’s behalf, the non-U.S. holder will be required to provide appropriate documentation to the agent, which then will be required to provide certification to us or our withholding agent, either directly or through other intermediaries.
If a non-U.S. holder holds our common stock in connection with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States, and dividends paid on our common stock are effectively connected with such holder’s U.S. trade or business (and, if required by an applicable tax treaty, are attributable to such holder’s permanent establishment or fixed base in the United States), such non-U.S. holder generally will be exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax. To claim the exemption, the non-U.S. holder generally must furnish a valid IRS Form W-8ECI (or applicable successor form), certifying that the dividends are effectively connected with the non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States to the applicable withholding agent.
However, any such effectively connected dividends paid on our common stock generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at the regular U.S. federal income tax rates in the same manner as
228
if such holder were a resident of the United States. A non-U.S. holder that is a corporation also may be subject to an additional branch profits tax equal to 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) of its effectively connected dividends, as adjusted for certain items.
Non-U.S. holders that do not provide the required certification on a timely basis, but that qualify for a reduced treaty rate, may obtain a refund or credit of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim with the IRS. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding any applicable income tax treaties that may provide for different rules.
Gain on Disposition of Our Common Stock
Subject to the discussions below regarding backup withholding and FATCA (as defined below), a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized on the sale or other taxable disposition of our common stock, unless:
| | the gain is effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States; |
| | the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the taxable year of the disposition, and certain other requirements are met; or |
| | our common stock constitutes a “United States real property interest” by reason of our status as a United States real property holding corporation, or USRPHC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes at any time within the shorter of the five-year period preceding the disposition or the non-U.S. holder’s holding period for our common stock, and our common stock is not “regularly traded” on an “established securities market” within the meaning of applicable Treasury Regulations, during the calendar year in which the sale or other disposition occurs. |
Gain described in the first bullet point above generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at the regular U.S. federal income tax rates in the same manner as if such holder were a resident of the United States. A non-U.S. holder that is a corporation also may be subject to an additional branch profits tax equal to 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) of its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, as adjusted for certain items.
Gain described in the second bullet point above will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a flat 30% rate (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty), but may be offset by certain U.S.- source capital losses of the non-U.S. holder (even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States), provided that the non-U.S. holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses.
Determining whether we are a USRPHC depends on the fair market value of our United States real property interests relative to the fair market value of our worldwide real property interests and our other trade or business assets. We believe that we are not currently and we do not anticipate becoming a USRPHC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, although there can be no assurance we have not been, are not currently or will not in the future become a USRPHC. Even if we are treated as a USRPHC, gain realized by a non-U.S. holder on a disposition of our common stock will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax so long as (1) the non-U.S. holder owned, directly, indirectly and constructively, no more than 5% of our common stock at all times within the shorter of (a) the five-year period preceding the disposition or (b) the holder’s holding period and (2) our common stock is “regularly traded” on an “established securities market,” within the meaning of applicable Treasury Regulations. There can be no assurance that our common stock qualifies as regularly traded on an established securities market for purposes of the rules described above. Prospective investors are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible consequences to them if we have been, are or were to become a USRPHC.
229
Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding any applicable income tax treaties that may provide for different rules.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Annual reports are required to be filed with the IRS and provided to each non-U.S. holder indicating the amount of distributions on our common stock paid to such holder and the amount of any tax withheld with respect to those distributions. These information reporting requirements apply even if no withholding was required because the distributions were effectively connected with the holder’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business, or withholding was reduced or eliminated by an applicable income tax treaty. This information also may be made available under a specific treaty or agreement with the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides or is established. Backup withholding, currently at a 24% rate, generally will not apply to payments to a non-U.S. holder of distributions on or the gross proceeds of a disposition of our common stock provided the non-U.S. holder furnishes the required certification for its non-U.S. status, such as by providing a valid IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E, or IRS Form W-8ECI, or otherwise establishes an exemption, and if the payor does not have actual knowledge, or reason to know, that the holder is a U.S. person who is not an exempt recipient.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. If any amount is withheld under the backup withholding rules, the non-U.S. holder should consult with a U.S. tax advisor regarding the possibility of and procedure for obtaining a refund or a credit against the non-U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any.
Withholding on Foreign Entities
Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, which are commonly referred to as FATCA, impose a U.S. federal withholding tax of 30% on certain payments made to a “foreign financial institution” (as specially defined under these rules) unless such institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. government to withhold on certain payments and to collect and provide to the U.S. tax authorities substantial information regarding certain U.S. account holders of such institution (which includes certain equity and debt holders of such institution, as well as certain account holders that are foreign entities with U.S. owners) or an exemption applies. FATCA also generally imposes a U.S. federal withholding tax of 30% on certain payments made to a “non-financial foreign entity” (as specially defined under these rules) unless such entity provides the withholding agent a certification that it does not have any “substantial United States owners” or provides information identifying certain direct and indirect U.S. owners of the entity or an exemption applies. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country may modify these requirements. Under certain circumstances, a non-U.S. holder might be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes. FATCA currently applies to dividends paid on our common stock and would have applied also to payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our common stock. However, proposed regulations under FATCA provide for the elimination of the federal withholding tax of 30% applicable to gross proceeds of a sale or other disposition of from property of a type that can produce U.S.-source dividends or interest. Under these proposed Treasury Regulations (which may be relied upon by taxpayers prior to finalization), FATCA withholding does not apply to gross proceeds from sales or other dispositions of our common stock.
Prospective investors are encouraged to consult with their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of FATCA on their investment in our common stock.
EACH PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR SHOULD CONSULT ITS TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF ACQUIRING, OWNING, AND DISPOSING OF OUR COMMON STOCK, INCLUDING THE CONSEQUENCES OF ANY RECENT AND PROPOSED CHANGE IN APPLICABLE LAW, AS WELL AS TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER ANY STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S., OR U.S. FEDERAL NON-INCOME TAX LAWS.
230
We and the underwriters named below have entered into an underwriting agreement with respect to the shares being offered. Subject to certain conditions, each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase the number of shares indicated in the following table. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, and Leerink Partners LLC are the representatives of the underwriters.
| Underwriters |
Number of Shares | |||
| Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC |
||||
| J.P. Morgan Securities LLC |
||||
| Leerink Partners LLC |
||||
| Citigroup Global Markets Inc. |
||||
| Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated |
||||
|
|
|
|||
| Total |
||||
|
|
|
|||
The underwriters are committed to take and pay for all of the shares being offered, if any are taken, other than the shares covered by the option described below unless and until this option is exercised.
The underwriters have an option to buy up to an additional shares of our common stock from us to cover sales by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than the total number set forth in the table above. They may exercise that option for 30 days. If any shares are purchased pursuant to this option, the underwriters will severally purchase shares in approximately the same proportion as set forth in the table above.
The following table shows the per share and total estimated underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid to the underwriters by us. Such amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of our common stock from us.
| No Exercise | Full Exercise | |||||||
| Per Share |
$ | $ | ||||||
| Total |
$ | $ | ||||||
Shares sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus. Any shares sold by the underwriters to securities dealers may be sold at a discount of up to $ per share from the initial public offering price. After the initial offering of the shares, the representatives may change the offering price and the other selling terms. The offering of the shares by the underwriters is subject to receipt and acceptance and subject to the underwriters’ right to reject any order in whole or in part.
We and our officers, directors, and holders of substantially all of our common stock and securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock have agreed or will agree with the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions, not to dispose of or hedge any of our or their common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock, or collectively, the Lock-Up Securities, during the period from the date of this prospectus continuing through the date 180 days after the date of this prospectus, except with the prior written consent of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and the Company. This agreement does not apply to any existing employee benefit plans. See the section titled “Shares Available for Future Sale” for a discussion of certain transfer restrictions.
Prior to the offering, there has been no public market for the shares of our common stock. The initial public offering price has been negotiated among us and the representatives. Among the factors to be considered in determining the initial public offering price of the shares, in addition to prevailing market conditions, will be our historical performance, estimates of the business potential and earnings prospects of us, an assessment of our management and the consideration of the above factors in relation to market valuation of companies in related businesses.
231
We have applied to list our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “SPTX.”
In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell shares of our common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering, and a short position represents the amount of such sales that have not been covered by subsequent purchases. A “covered short position” is a short position that is not greater than the amount of additional shares for which the underwriters’ option described above may be exercised. The underwriters may cover 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 cover 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 the price at which they may purchase additional shares pursuant to the option described above. “Naked” short sales are any short sales that create a short position greater than the amount of additional shares for which the option described above may be exercised. The underwriters must cover any such 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 the 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 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.
Purchases to cover a short position and stabilizing transactions, as well as other purchases by the underwriters for their own accounts, may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our common stock, and together with the imposition of the penalty bid, may stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the market price of our common stock. As a result, the price of the common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time. These transactions may be effected on the Nasdaq Global Market, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.
We estimate that our share of the total expenses of the offering, excluding the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $ . We have agreed to reimburse the underwriters for certain of their expenses in an amount up to $ .
We have agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
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. Certain of the underwriters and their respective affiliates have provided, and may in the future provide, a variety of these services to us and to persons and entities with relationships with us, for which they received or will receive customary fees and expenses.
In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters, and their respective affiliates, officers, directors, and employees may purchase, sell, or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps, and other financial instruments for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and trading activities may involve or relate to assets, securities and/or instruments of ours (directly, as collateral securing other obligations or otherwise) and/or persons and entities with relationships with us. The underwriters and their respective affiliates
232
may also communicate independent investment recommendations, market color, or trading ideas and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such assets, securities, or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they should acquire, long and/or short positions in such assets, securities, and instruments.
Directed Share Program
At our request, the underwriters have reserved up to % of the common stock offered by this prospectus for sale at the initial public offering price for sale at the initial public offering price to our directors, officers, certain employees and certain other persons associated with us. The sales will be made by Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC through a directed share program. We do not know if these persons will choose to purchase all or any portion of these reserved shares, but any purchases they do make will reduce the number of shares of common stock available to the general public. Any reserved shares not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same terms as the other shares of common stock. Except for reserved shares purchased by our executive officers and directors, these reserved shares will not be subject to the lock-up restrictions described elsewhere in this prospectus. We have agreed to indemnify Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC against certain liabilities and expenses, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, in connection with the sales of the directed shares.
Selling Restrictions
Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area
In relation to each Member State of the EEA, or, each, a Relevant Member State, an offer to the public of any shares may not be made in that Relevant Member State, except that an offer to the public in that Relevant Member State of any shares may be made at any time under the following exemptions under the EU Prospectus Regulation:
| a) | to any legal entity which is a “qualified investor” as defined under the EU Prospectus Regulation; |
| b) | to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than “qualified investors” as defined under the EU Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the underwriters for any such offer; or |
| c) | in any other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the EU Prospectus Regulation, |
provided that no such offer of shares shall result in a requirement for the Company or any of the underwriters to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation or a supplemental prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the Prospectus Regulation and each person who initially acquires any shares or to whom any offer is made will be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed to and with each of the underwriters and the Company that it is a qualified investor within the meaning of Article 2 of the EU Prospectus Regulation.
In the case of any shares being offered to a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 1(4) of the EU Prospectus Regulation, each financial intermediary will also be deemed to have represented, warranted, 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 of any shares to the public, other than their offer or resale in a Relevant Member State to qualified investors as so defined or in circumstances in which the prior consent of the underwriters has been obtained to each such proposed offer or resale.
The Company, the underwriters and their affiliates will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations, warranties, and agreements. Notwithstanding the above, a person who is not a “qualified investor” and who has notified the underwriters of such fact in writing may, with the prior consent of the Notwithstanding the above, a person who is not a “qualified investor” and who has notified the underwriters of such fact in writing may, with the prior consent of the underwriters, be permitted to acquire shares in the offer.
233
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in relation to any shares in any Relevant Member 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 “EU Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom
An offer to the public of any shares may not be made in the UK, except that an offer to the public in the UK of any shares may be made at any time under the following exemptions under the UK Prospectus Regulation:
| a) | to any legal entity which is a “qualified investor” as defined under the UK Prospectus Regulation; |
| b) | to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than “qualified investors” as defined under the UK Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the underwriters for any such offer; or |
| c) | in any other circumstances falling within section 86 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended, or the FSMA, |
provided that no such offer of shares shall result in a requirement for the Company or any Bookrunner to publish a prospectus pursuant to section 85 of the FSMA or a supplemental prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the UK Prospectus Regulation and each person who initially acquires any shares or to whom any offer is made will be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed to and with each of the underwriters and the Company that it is a qualified investor within the meaning of Article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation.
In the case of any shares being offered to a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 1(4) of the UK Prospectus Regulation, each financial intermediary will also be deemed to have represented, warranted, 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 of any shares to the public, other than their offer or resale in the UK to qualified investors as so defined or in circumstances in which the prior consent of the underwriters has been obtained to each such proposed offer or resale.
The Company, the underwriters and their affiliates will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations, warranties, and agreements. Notwithstanding the above, a person who is not a “qualified investor” and who has notified the underwriters of such fact in writing may, with the prior consent of underwriters, be permitted to acquire shares in the offer.
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in relation to any shares in the UK 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.
This Prospectus is only being distributed to and is only directed at: (A) persons who are outside the UK; or (B) qualified investors who are also (i) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the FSMA (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, or the Order, or (ii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order, or, all such persons falling within (1)-(3) together being referred to as, relevant persons. The shares are only available to, and any invitation, offer, or agreement to subscribe, purchase, or otherwise acquire the shares will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this Prospectus or any of its contents.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Canada
The shares may be sold in Canada 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
234
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 form, 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 offering memorandum (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 purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.
Pursuant to section 3A.3 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.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong
The shares may not be offered or sold in Hong Kong by means of any document other than (i) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32 of the Laws of Hong Kong), or the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance, or which do not constitute an invitation to the public within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong), or the Securities and Futures Ordinance, or (ii) to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made thereunder, or (iii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance, and no advertisement, invitation, or document relating to the shares may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case 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 in 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” in Hong Kong as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made thereunder.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Singapore
This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the shares may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor (as defined under Section 4A of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore, or the SFA, under 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, in each case subject to conditions set forth in the SFA.
Where the shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is 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, the securities (as defined in Section 239(1) of the SFA) of that corporation shall not be transferable for 6 months after that corporation has acquired the shares under Section 275 of the SFA except: (1) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a relevant person (as defined in
235
Section 275(2) of the SFA), (2) where such transfer arises from an offer in that corporation’s securities pursuant to Section 275(1A) of the SFA, (3) where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer, (4) where the transfer is by operation of law, (5) as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA, or (6) as specified in Regulation 32 of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Shares and Debentures) Regulations 2005 of Singapore, or Regulation 32.
Where the shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an accredited investor, the beneficiaries’ rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferable for 6 months after that trust has acquired the shares under Section 275 of the SFA except: (1) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA), (2) where such transfer arises from an offer that is made on terms that such rights or interest are acquired at a consideration of not less than $200,000 (or its equivalent in a foreign currency) for each transaction (whether such amount is to be paid for in cash or by exchange of securities or other assets), (3) where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer, (4) where the transfer is by operation of law, (5) as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA, or (6) as specified in Regulation 32.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Japan
The shares have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act of Japan (Act No. 25 of 1948, as amended), or the FIEA. The shares may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to or for the benefit of any resident of Japan (including any person resident in Japan or any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan) or to others for reoffering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to or for the benefit of any resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the FIEA and otherwise in compliance with any relevant laws and regulations of Japan.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the Dubai International Financial Centre
This prospectus relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Markets Rules 2012 of the Dubai Financial Services Authority, or the DFSA. This prospectus is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Markets Rules 2012 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 of common stock to which this prospectus relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the shares of common stock offered should conduct their own due diligence on the shares of common stock. 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 of common stock may only be made to persons, 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 of common stock without disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.
236
The shares of common stock 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 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 of common stock 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 Israel
This document does not constitute a prospectus under the Israeli Securities Law, 5728-1968, or the Israeli Securities Law, and has not been filed with or approved by the Israel Securities Authority. In Israel, this prospectus is being distributed only to, and is directed only at, and any offer of the shares of common stock is directed only at, (i) a limited number of persons in accordance with the Israeli Securities Law and (ii) investors listed in the first addendum, or the Addendum, to the Israeli Securities Law, consisting primarily of joint investment in trust funds, provident funds, insurance companies, banks, portfolio managers, investment advisors, members of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, underwriters, venture capital funds, entities with equity in excess of NIS 50 million and “qualified individuals,” each as defined in the Addendum (as it may be amended from time to time), collectively referred to as qualified investors (in each case, purchasing for their own account or, where permitted under the Addendum, for the accounts of their clients who are investors listed in the Addendum). Qualified investors are required to submit written confirmation that they fall within the scope of the Addendum, are aware of the meaning of same and agree to it.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Brazil
The offer and sale of the shares have not been and will not be registered with the Brazilian securities commission (Comissão de Valores Mobiliários, or CVM) and, therefore, will not be carried out by any means that would constitute a public offering in Brazil under CVM Resolution No. 160, dated 13 July 2022, as amended, or CVM Resolution 160, or unauthorized distribution under Brazilian laws and regulations. The shares may only be offered to Brazilian professional investors (as defined by applicable CVM regulation), who may only acquire the shares through a non-Brazilian account, with settlement outside Brazil in non-Brazilian currency. The trading of these shares on regulated securities markets in Brazil is prohibited.
237
The validity of the shares of our common stock being offered in this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Goodwin Procter LLP. Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Latham & Watkins LLP, New York, New York.
The financial statements as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 and for the years then ended included in this prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 (File Number 333- ) 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 the information set forth in the registration statement, some of which is contained in exhibits to the registration statement as permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information with respect to us and our common stock, we refer you to the registration statement, including the exhibits filed as a part of the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus concerning the contents of any contract or any other document are not necessarily complete. If a contract or document has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, please see the copy of the contract or document that has been filed. Each statement in this prospectus relating to a contract or document filed as an exhibit is qualified in all respects by the filed exhibit. The SEC also maintains an internet website that contains reports and other information about issuers, like us, that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that website is www.sec.gov/edgar.
We currently do not file periodic reports with the SEC. On the completion of this offering, we will be subject to the information reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and we will file reports, proxy statements, and other information with the SEC. These reports, proxy statements and other information will be available for review at the website of the SEC referred to above.
We also maintain a website at www.seaporttx.com. Information contained in, or accessible through, our website is not a part of this prospectus, and the inclusion of our website address in this prospectus is only as an inactive textual reference. Upon completion of this offering, you may access, free of charge, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.
238
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| F-2 | ||||
| Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 |
F-3 | |||
| F-4 | ||||
| F-5 | ||||
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 |
F-6 | |||
| F-7 | ||||
F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, of convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ deficit and of cash flows for the years then ended, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated 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 of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated 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 consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 27, 2026
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2024.
F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Assets |
||||||||
| Current assets: |
||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 46,042 | $ | 309,099 | ||||
| Short-term investments |
169,941 | — | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
7,247 | 1,053 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total current assets |
223,230 | 310,152 | ||||||
| Property and equipment, net |
412 | 240 | ||||||
| Right-of-use assets—operating leases |
4,813 | 4,931 | ||||||
| Long-term investments |
17,670 | — | ||||||
| Other non-current assets |
2,884 | 454 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total assets |
$ | 249,009 | $ | 315,777 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Liabilities, convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ deficit |
||||||||
| Current liabilities: |
||||||||
| Accounts payable |
$ | 2,007 | $ | 4,733 | ||||
| Related party payable |
7 | 351 | ||||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
9,131 | 5,208 | ||||||
| Operating lease liability |
1,637 | 857 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total current liabilities |
12,782 | 11,149 | ||||||
| Operating lease liability, net of current portion |
3,444 | 4,149 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total liabilities |
16,226 | 15,298 | ||||||
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 14) |
||||||||
| Series A-1 convertible preferred stock, par value $0.0001; 40,000,000 shares authorized, issued, and outstanding; liquidation preference of $4,000 as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 |
— | — | ||||||
| Series A-2 convertible preferred stock, par value $0.0001; 26,342,102 shares authorized, issued and outstanding; liquidation preference of $100,100 as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 |
99,757 | 99,757 | ||||||
| Series B convertible preferred stock, par value $0.0001; 47,578,938 shares authorized; 47,578,934 shares issued and outstanding; liquidation preference of $226,000 as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 |
225,571 | 225,571 | ||||||
| Stockholders’ deficit |
||||||||
| Common stock, par value $0.0001; 159,070,000 shares authorized; 8,151,200 and 8,150,000 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively |
1 | 1 | ||||||
| Additional paid-in capital |
21,262 | 14,378 | ||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income |
301 | — | ||||||
| Accumulated deficit |
(114,109 | ) | (39,228 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total stockholders’ deficit |
(92,545 | ) | (24,849 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total liabilities, convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ deficit |
$ | 249,009 | $ | 315,777 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Operating expenses: |
||||||||
| Research and development (1) (including stock-based compensation expense of $2.3 million and $0.7 million for 2025 and 2024, respectively) |
$ | 66,313 | $ | 25,070 | ||||
| General and administrative (2) (including stock-based compensation expense of $4.6 million and $15.2 million for 2025 and 2024, respectively) |
20,981 | 27,346 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total operating expenses |
87,294 | 52,416 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Loss from operations |
(87,294 | ) | (52,416 | ) | ||||
| Other income (expense), net |
||||||||
| Interest income, net |
11,403 | 5,537 | ||||||
| Research and development tax credit |
1,898 | — | ||||||
| Other (expense), net |
(115 | ) | — | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total other income, net |
13,186 | 5,537 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Loss before income taxes |
(74,108 | ) | (46,879 | ) | ||||
| Income tax provision |
773 | — | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net loss |
$ | (74,881 | ) | $ | (46,879 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: |
||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustment |
(9 | ) | — | |||||
| Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities |
310 | — | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Comprehensive loss |
$ | (74,580 | ) | $ | (46,879 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net loss per share, basic and diluted |
$ | (10.04 | ) | $ | (15.83 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted |
7,456,011 | 2,961,543 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| (1) | Includes related-party amounts of $0.3 million and $14.2 million for research and development expenses for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. See Note 17—Related Parties. |
| (2) | Includes related-party amounts of $0.1 million and $5.8 million for general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. See Note 17—Related Parties. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
Consolidated Statements of Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Deficit
(In thousands, except share amounts)
| Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock |
Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock |
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock |
Common Stock | Net Parent Investment |
Additional Paid-In Capital |
Accumulated Deficit |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
Total Stockholders’ Deficit |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2023 |
— | $ | — | — | $ | — | — | $ | — | — | $ | — | $ | (6,462 | ) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (6,462 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to Seaport |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (9,714 | ) | — | — | — | (9,714 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net transfers from PureTech Health plc prior to formation |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 13,967 | — | — | — | 13,967 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense allocated from PureTech Health plc |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 146 | — | — | — | 146 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock to PureTech Health plc upon formation |
— | — | — | — | — | — | 1,000 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock and Series A-1 convertible preferred stock to PureTech Health plc upon Asset Transfer |
40,000,000 | — | — | — | — | — | 949,000 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification of net investments from PureTech Health plc |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2,063 | — | (2,063 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of Series A-2 convertible preferred stock, net of issuance costs of $343 |
— | — | 26,342,102 | 99,757 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of Series B convertible preferred stock, net of issuance costs of $429 |
— | — | — | — | 47,578,934 | 225,571 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock |
— | — | — | — | — | — | 950,000 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of restricted stock |
— | — | — | — | — | — | 6,250,000 | 1 | — | — | — | — | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 14,378 | — | — | 14,378 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (37,165 | ) | — | (37,165 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2024 |
40,000,000 | $ | — | 26,342,102 | $ | 99,757 | 47,578,934 | $ | 225,571 | 8,150,000 | $ | 1 | $ | — | $ | 14,378 | $ | (39,228 | ) | $ | — | $ | (24,849 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of stock options |
— | — | — | — | — | — | 1,200 | — | — | 1 | — | — | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 6,883 | — | — | 6,883 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gain on investments |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 310 | 310 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cumulative translation adjustment |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (9 | ) | (9 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (74,881 | ) | — | (74,881 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2025 |
40,000,000 | $ | — | 26,342,102 | $ | 99,757 | 47,578,934 | $ | 225,571 | 8,151,200 | $ | 1 | $ | — | $ | 21,262 | $ | (114,109 | ) | $ | 301 | $ | (92,545 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Operating activities |
||||||||
| Net loss |
$ | (74,881 | ) | $ | (46,879 | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense |
6,883 | 14,524 | ||||||
| Depreciation expense |
173 | 166 | ||||||
| Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
11 | — | ||||||
| Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets |
1,232 | 48 | ||||||
| Net amortization of premiums and discounts on investments |
(3,430 | ) | — | |||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
(6,212 | ) | (508 | ) | ||||
| Other non-current assets |
(1,556 | ) | — | |||||
| Accounts payable |
(2,726 | ) | 1,723 | |||||
| Related party payable |
(344 | ) | 351 | |||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
3,947 | 919 | ||||||
| Operating lease liability |
(1,039 | ) | 27 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net cash used in operating activities |
(77,942 | ) | (29,629 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Investing activities |
||||||||
| Purchases of investments |
(396,389 | ) | — | |||||
| Proceeds from maturities of investments |
212,500 | — | ||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment |
(356 | ) | (113 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net cash used in investing activities |
(184,245 | ) | (113 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Financing activities |
||||||||
| Payment of deferred offering costs |
(874 | ) | — | |||||
| Proceeds from exercise of stock options |
1 | — | ||||||
| Net transfers from PureTech Health plc |
— | 13,967 | ||||||
| Proceeds from the issuance of Series A-2 convertible preferred stock (1) |
— | 100,100 | ||||||
| Payment of issuance costs associated with issuance of Series A-2 convertible preferred stock |
— | (343 | ) | |||||
| Proceeds from the issuance of Series B convertible preferred stock (2) |
— | 226,000 | ||||||
| Payment of issuance costs associated with issuance of Series B convertible preferred stock |
— | (429 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities |
(873 | ) | 339,295 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents |
3 | — | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
(263,057 | ) | 309,553 | |||||
| Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period |
309,553 | — | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period |
$ | 46,496 | $ | 309,553 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Supplemental disclosure of non-cash operating, financing, and investing information: |
||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities |
$ | 1,114 | $ | 4,979 | ||||
| Cash paid for income taxes |
$ | 258 | $ | — | ||||
| Deferred offering costs included in accounts payable and accrued expenses |
$ | 365 | $ | — | ||||
| Fixed assets recorded in accounts payable |
$ | 12 | $ | — | ||||
| (1) | Includes proceeds from certain related parties of $32.0 million. See Note 17—Related Parties. |
| (2) | Includes proceeds from certain related parties of $16.7 million. See Note 17—Related Parties. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. NATURE OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Background
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc., and its consolidated subsidiaries, Seaport or the Company, is a clinical-stage therapeutics company focused on inventing and developing medicines for patients with depression, anxiety, and other debilitating neuropsychiatric disorders using the Company’s proprietary Glyph Platform.
The accompanying financial statements include the historical financial position, results of operations, and comprehensive loss, convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ deficit, and cash flows of the Glyph platform business, or the Seaport Business, which was a business of PureTech Health plc and its consolidated subsidiaries, or PureTech, a public company incorporated, domiciled and registered in the United Kingdom. The Seaport Business was historically managed as part of PureTech prior to the completion of the spin-off of the Seaport Business from PureTech in April 2024, pursuant to the Asset Transfer Agreement (as defined below). The Company, which holds the assets, liabilities, and operations associated with the Seaport Business, was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware as SP Therapeutics, Inc. on April 1, 2024, and changed its name to Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. on April 2, 2024. Its wholly owned subsidiary, SPTX, Inc., or SPTX, was a previously created entity in February 2024 under the laws of the State of Delaware under the name Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. and changed its name to SPTX, Inc. in April 2024. In April 2024, the Company entered into a share exchange agreement with SPTX, which resulted in SPTX becoming the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary. See Note 10—Common Stock, for further disclosure regarding the share exchange with SPTX.
The Company is subject to risks and uncertainties common to early-stage companies in the biotechnology industry, including, but not limited to, completion of preclinical studies and clinical trials, obtaining regulatory approvals for product candidates, dependence on key personnel, protection of intellectual property, compliance with government regulations, and ability to secure capital necessary to fund operations. Product candidates currently under development by the Company will require significant additional research and development efforts, including preclinical and clinical development, and regulatory approval prior to commercialization. There can be no assurance that the Company’s research and development efforts will be successfully completed, that any product candidates developed will obtain necessary government regulatory approval, or that any products, if approved, will be commercially viable. The Company operates in an environment of rapid technological innovation and substantial competition from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Even if the Company’s product development efforts are successful, it is uncertain when, if ever, the Company will realize significant product revenue from product sales.
The Asset Transfer and Series A Financing
The Company was incorporated in April 2024 by PureTech LYT Inc., or PureTech LYT, a wholly owned subsidiary of PureTech, as the sole stockholder, and the Company issued 1,000 shares of its common stock to PureTech LYT. On April 8, 2024, or the Asset Transfer Date, the Company entered into an asset transfer agreement, as amended in December 2025, or the Asset Transfer Agreement with PureTech Health LLC, or PureTech Health, and PureTech LYT, pursuant to which PureTech Health and PureTech LYT, agreed to contribute, convey, assign, transfer, and deliver to the Company all of its right, title, and interest in, to and under the assets related to its Glyph technology and products, or the Asset Transfer. As consideration, the Company issued to PureTech LYT 40,000,000 shares of its Series A-1 convertible preferred stock and 949,000 shares of its common stock on the Asset Transfer Date, and also agreed to contingent payments to PureTech upon successful development and commercialization of products developed using the Glyph platform, each of which is referred to as a Seaport Glyph Product, including; milestone payments of up to an aggregate of $10.0 million for the first product covered by assets transferred through the Asset Transfer Agreement, or the Seaport Glyph Product, of $2.0 million for the first patient dosed in the first phase 3 clinical trial, $4.0 million for the first commercial sale
F-7
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
in the United States, $2.0 million for the first commercial sale in a major European market, and $2.0 million for the first commercial sale in Japan, and for each subsequent Seaport Glyph Product, the Company has agreed to make milestone payments of $1.0 million for the first patient dosed in the first phase 3 clinical trial, $2.0 million for the first commercial sale in the United States, $1.0 million for the first commercial sale in a major European market, and $1.0 million for the first commercial sale in Japan. In addition, the Company is obligated to pay royalties between 3% and 5% on the annual net sales of each Seaport Glyph Product and a percentage of net income generated by the Company from third parties on any products licensed under the Glyph intellectual property which was transferred as part of the Asset Transfer Agreement.
The Company determined that the Asset Transfer and related spin-off transaction represented the transfer of a business between entities under common control. As a result, the net liabilities were transferred from PureTech to the Company at PureTech’s carrying amounts on the Asset Transfer Date, and the Company ascribed a nil value to the Series A-1 convertible preferred stock and common stock issued to PureTech Health and PureTech LYT. The consolidated financial statements for the period prior to the Asset Transfer Date, were prepared on a “carve-out” basis from the consolidated financial statements of PureTech to represent Seaport Business’ financial position, results of operations, changes in net parent investment and cash flows as if the Seaport Business existed on a standalone basis. Effective April 8, 2024, the Company’s financial statements are presented on a consolidated basis, as PureTech Health and PureTech LYT completed the transfer of the Seaport Business on such date. The audited financial statements for the year presented, including the historical results of the Company prior to April 8, 2024, are referred to as the consolidated financial statements.
Concurrently, upon entry into the Asset Transfer Agreement, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with PureTech LYT and other third-party investors, pursuant to which the Company issued and sold shares of its Series A-2 convertible preferred stock, or the Series A Financing, and together with the Asset Transfer, the Transaction. Subsequent to the Transaction, PureTech LYT remained the controlling investor of the Company, until the completion of the Company’s Series B convertible preferred stock financing, or the Series B Financing (as further discussed herein), in October 2024. The Series B Financing resulted in a decrease to PureTech LYT’s fully diluted ownership, resulting in PureTech LYT no longer maintaining a controlling interest in the Company. See Note 9—Convertible Preferred Stock, for further disclosure regarding issuances of the Company’s convertible preferred stock.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP. These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
For the period prior to the Transaction, the accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared on a standalone basis and are derived from PureTech’s consolidated financial statements and accounting records. The consolidated financial statements reflect PureTech’s historical accounting policies, adjusting for differences between International Financial Reporting Standards and GAAP as appropriate. These consolidated financial statements do not purport to reflect what the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or cash flows would have been had the Company operated as a standalone company during the period prior to the Transaction, nor are they indicative of the Company’s future results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.
As the Company’s operations were not historically conducted by a single legal entity, net parent investment is shown in lieu of stockholders’ equity in the historical consolidated financial statements for the period prior to
F-8
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
the Transaction. Net parent investment represents the cumulative investment by PureTech in the Seaport Business through the Transaction date, inclusive of operating results. All transactions between the Seaport Business and PureTech were effectively settled in the consolidated financial statements at the time the Transaction was recorded. The effects of the settlement of such transactions between the Seaport Business and PureTech are reflected in the consolidated statements of cash flows as “Net transfers from PureTech Health plc” within financing activities and in the statement of convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ deficit as “Net parent investment” for the year ended December 31, 2024.
The Company was dependent upon PureTech for all of its working capital and financing requirements through the date of the Transaction. PureTech used a centralized approach for cash management and the financing of its operations. There were no cash amounts specifically attributable to the Seaport Business prior to the Transaction; therefore, cash and cash equivalents were excluded in the consolidated financial statements prior to the Transaction.
The consolidated financial statements of the Company include, for the period prior to the Transaction, the assets, liabilities, and expenses of PureTech that Seaport management determined were specifically identifiable to the Seaport Business and its related programs, as well as indirect costs that are not specifically identifiable to the Seaport Business or its related programs but are deemed necessary to operate as a standalone entity. The assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements for the period prior to the Transaction were recorded based on their legal title or related to the exclusive use of the Seaport Business. Shared assets were not included on the consolidated balance sheet, but costs reflecting the use of such assets by the Seaport Business were reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2024. Indirect costs are the costs of support functions that are provided on a centralized basis by PureTech prior to the Transaction, which include, but are not limited to, facilities, information technology, insurance, quality, compliance, finance, human resources, legal, corporate strategy, corporate governance, and other general and administrative type functions.
The consolidated financial statements of the Company also include, for the period prior to the Transaction, indirect costs that have been allocated to the Seaport Business for the purposes of preparing the consolidated financial statements based on proportional cost allocation methods using headcount, proportional time spent, and other organizational activities, as applicable, which were considered to be reasonable reflections of the utilization of services provided to or benefit received by the Seaport Business for the period prior to the Transaction. Seaport management considers that such allocations were made on a reasonable basis; however, these allocations may not necessarily be indicative of the costs that would have been incurred if the Seaport Business had operated on a standalone basis for the full year ended December 31, 2024 and, therefore, may not be indicative of the Company’s results of operations, financial position, and cash flows had the Company operated as a standalone entity prior to the Transaction. See Note 17—Related Parties, for additional information regarding related-party transactions with PureTech.
As of December 31, 2025, PureTech continued to provide various research and development and corporate services under the transition services agreement, or the TSA, which was initially set to terminate one year following the date of the Asset Transfer Agreement. In 2025, the TSA was amended to extend through July 2026 to provide ad-hoc support; however, the total value of the incremental services are not material.
Going Concern
Management has evaluated whether there are certain conditions and events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the consolidated financial statements were available to be issued.
F-9
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company has incurred losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception, including net losses of $74.9 million and $46.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and cash used in operations of $77.9 million and $29.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The Company expects to continue to generate operating losses and negative cash flows for the foreseeable future as the Company continues to develop its product candidates. The Company’s future operations will be dependent on its ability to raise additional capital to finance such operations.
The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming it will continue as a going concern, which presumes it will continue in operation for the foreseeable future and will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities and commitments in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes its cash and cash equivalents and investments of $233.7 million as of December 31, 2025 will be sufficient to fund its expected operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements for at least 12 months from the date these consolidated financial statements were available to be issued.
Until such time that the Company can generate significant product revenue, if ever, the Company expects to fund its operations through equity offerings or debt financings, credit or loan facilities, collaborations, out-license arrangements, other capital resources, or a combination of one or more of these funding sources. The terms of any financing may adversely affect the holdings or the rights of the Company’s stockholders. The Company’s failure to raise or secure capital as and when needed could have a negative impact on its financial condition and its ability to pursue its business strategies. If adequate funds are not available to the Company, the Company may be required to delay, reduce, or eliminate clinical programs, obtain funds through arrangements with collaborators on terms unfavorable to the Company, or pursue merger or acquisition strategies. There can be no assurances the Company will be successful in obtaining sufficient capital on acceptable terms to fund continuing operations, if at all.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting year presented. Management of the Company evaluates its estimates which include, but are not limited to, accrued research and development expenses and stock-based compensation expense for periods after the Transaction. For the period before the Transaction, Management included allocations of direct expenses and indirect expenses, such as personnel-related expenses, including stock-based compensation, facility, information technology, or IT, and other general overhead expenses from PureTech. The Company based its estimates on the historical experience of PureTech and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Foreign Currency
The financial statements of the Company’s foreign subsidiary are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated from their functional currency to their U.S. dollar equivalents at balance sheet date exchange rates and revenue and expenses are translated from functional currency to U.S. dollar equivalents at average exchange rates in effect during the year. Any gain or loss from these translations are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Realized foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in other expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
F-10
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
The Company considers all highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. The Company invests excess cash primarily in overnight cash sweeps and money market funds which are highly liquid and have high credit ratings. Such investments are subject to minimal credit and market risks. The Company classifies all cash of which use is limited by contractual provisions as restricted cash. Restricted cash is recorded on the consolidated balance sheet within other non-current assets and includes amounts held as a security deposit for a letter of credit in connection with leased facilities and its corporate card program.
The following table summarizes the Company’s cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (in thousands):
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 46,042 | $ | 309,099 | ||||
| Restricted cash within other non-current assets |
454 | 454 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash per the consolidated statements of cash flows |
$ | 46,496 | $ | 309,553 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Investments
Short-term investments consist of investments in United States treasuries with original maturities greater than ninety days and less than one year from the balance sheet date. Long-term investments consist of investments in United States treasuries with maturities of greater than one year from the balance sheet date and are not expected to be used to fund current operations. The Company classifies all of its investments as available-for-sale securities. Accordingly, these investments are recorded at fair value. Realized gains and losses, amortization and accretion of discounts and premiums are included in other income, net. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included in other comprehensive income as a component of stockholders’ equity until realized.
The Company assesses its available-for-sale securities under the available-for-sale debt security impairment model in ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses, as of each reporting date in order to determine if a portion of any decline in fair value below carrying value recognized on its available-for-sale debt securities is the result of a credit loss. For any available-for-sale debt securities that may be in an unrealized net loss position, the Company does not intend to sell, and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell, such securities before recovery of their amortized cost bases. The Company records credit losses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss as a component of other income, net, which is limited to the difference between the fair value and the amortized cost of the security. To date, the Company has not recorded any credit losses on its available-for-sale debt securities.
Accrued interest receivable related to the Company’s available-for-sale securities is presented within prepaid and other current assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company has elected the practical expedient available to exclude accrued interest receivable from both the fair value and the amortized cost basis of available-for-sale debt securities for the purposes of identifying and measuring any impairment. The Company writes off accrued interest receivable once it has determined that the asset is not realizable. Any write offs of accrued interest receivable are recorded by reversing interest income, recognizing credit loss expense, or a combination of both. To date, the Company has not written off any accrued interest receivable associated with its investments.
F-11
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk primarily consist of cash, cash equivalents and investments. The Company invests its excess cash, in line with its investment policy. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalent balances with high-quality financial institutions and, consequently, the Company believes that such funds are subject to minimal credit risk. At times, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents may be uninsured or in deposit accounts that exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limits. The Company’s cash equivalents and investments are comprised of money market funds and investments that are invested in U.S. Treasury obligations. The Company has no significant off-balance sheet risk such as foreign exchange contracts, option contracts or other foreign hedging arrangements.
Deferred Offering Costs
The Company capitalizes certain legal, professional, accounting and other third-party fees that are directly associated with in-process equity financings as deferred offering costs until such financings are consummated. After consummation of an equity financing, these costs are recorded as a reduction of the proceeds from the offering, either as a reduction of the carrying value of the convertible preferred stock or in stockholders’ equity (deficit) as a reduction of additional paid-in capital generated as a result of the offering. Should the in-process equity financing be abandoned or delayed the deferred offering costs would be expensed immediately as a charge to operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company recorded deferred offering costs of $1.2 million within other non-current assets as of December 31, 2025. There were no deferred offering costs as of December 31, 2024.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, or ASC 820, identifies fair value as the exchange price, or exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the investment or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, ASC 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy that gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
| | Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
| | Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. |
| | Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. |
To the extent that the valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation, and consists of lab equipment, furniture and fixtures, and leasehold improvements. Depreciation of property and equipment are calculated using
F-12
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Significant replacements and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs, which do not improve or extend the life of the respective assets, are charged to expense as incurred. The estimated useful lives of the Company’s respective assets are as follows:
| Estimated Useful Life | ||
| Lab equipment |
5 years | |
| Furniture and fixtures |
5 years | |
| Leasehold improvements |
The lesser of 5 years or the remaining term of the lease |
Upon retirement or disposal of property and equipment, the cost, and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the consolidated balance sheet and any gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Factors that the Company considers in deciding when to perform an impairment review include significant underperformance of the business in relation to expectations, significant negative industry or economic trends and significant changes or planned changes in the use of the assets. If an impairment review is performed to evaluate a long-lived asset group for recoverability, the recoverability of the asset group to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If the carrying amounts of the asset group is less than its future undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is then measured by comparing the fair value of the asset group to its respective carrying amount. There have been no impairments of long-lived assets recorded for the years ended December 31, 2025 or 2024.
Leases
The Company accounts for leases in accordance with ASC 842, Leases. At the inception of an arrangement, the Company determines whether the arrangement is or contains a lease based on the relevant facts and circumstances present in the arrangement. Leases with a term greater than one year are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet as right-of-use assets and short-term and long-term lease liabilities, as applicable. The Company typically only includes an initial lease term in its assessment of a lease arrangement, and options to renew a lease are not included in the Company’s assessment unless there is reasonable certainty that the Company will renew. The Company has elected not to recognize leases with an original term of one year or less on the consolidated balance sheet.
Leases contain both lease and non-lease components. Non-lease components may include common area maintenance, utilities, and other operating costs. The Company combines the lease and non-lease components in its lease arrangements as a single lease component. Variable costs are not included in the measurement of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities and are expensed when incurred.
Operating lease liabilities and their corresponding right-of-use assets are initially recorded at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments measured over the expected remaining lease term. Certain adjustments to right-of-use assets may be required for items such as prepaid lease payments or any incentives received. The Company measures the net present value of lease payments using a discount rate based on the interest rate implicit in the lease or an incremental borrowing rate if the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable. The interest rate implicit in the lease contracts is typically not readily determinable, and as a result, the Company estimates an incremental borrowing rate, which reflects the fixed rate at which the
F-13
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Company could borrow on a collateralized basis the amount of the lease payments in the same currency, for a similar term, in a similar economic environment. To estimate the incremental borrowing rate, a credit rating applicable to the Company is estimated using a synthetic credit rating analysis since the Company does not currently have any outstanding third-party debt or a rating agency-based credit rating. Operating lease costs are expensed using the straight-line method over the lease term and are classified within research and development or general and administrative expense based on the use of the underlying facility or using a reasonable allocation method.
Assumptions that the Company made at the commencement date are re-evaluated upon occurrence of certain events, including a lease modification.
Convertible Preferred Stock
The Company has classified its convertible preferred stock as temporary equity on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets due to the terms that allow for redemption of the shares in cash upon certain deemed liquidation events that are not solely within the control of the Company. The Company initially recorded its Series A-2 and Series B convertible preferred stock at fair value, net of issuance costs. The occurrence of such deemed liquidation event is not currently probable and thus the carrying values of the convertible preferred stock are not being adjusted to their redemption values. Subsequent adjustments to the carrying values of the convertible preferred stock would be made only when a deemed liquidation event becomes probable.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development, or R&D, costs are expensed as incurred. Internal costs include personnel related expenses, stock-based compensation, facility and IT costs, and depreciation. External costs include fees for goods and services to conduct clinical and non-clinical activities, such as costs paid to contract research organizations, consulting fees, laboratory services and supplies, and costs incurred in connection with license agreements. Prior to the Transaction, these expenses included allocations from PureTech.
The Company is required to estimate its accrued R&D costs as of the end of the reporting period. In accruing R&D costs, the Company estimates the period over which services will be performed or goods will be provided and the level of effort to be performed in each period. The financial terms of the R&D contracts vary and may result in payments that do not match the periods over which the goods or services are provided. The Company accrues costs under its contracts based on analyzing the work performed and amounts paid. In circumstances where amounts have been paid in excess of costs incurred, the Company records the excess as prepaid expense and recognizes research and development expense as the goods are received or the related services are rendered.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses are primarily comprised of employee-related expenses, including stock-based compensation and occupancy costs, depreciation, and third-party expenses related to finance, legal and other general and administrative functions. Prior to the Transaction, these expenses included allocations from PureTech.
Intellectual Property Matters
The Company expenses costs associated with intellectual property-related matters as incurred and classifies such costs as general and administrative expenses within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
F-14
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Asset Acquisitions and Acquired In-Process Research and Development Expenses
The Company accounts for acquisitions of assets or a group of assets that do not meet the definition of a business as asset acquisitions based on the cost to acquire the asset or group of assets, which include certain transaction costs. In an asset acquisition, the cost to acquire is allocated to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their relative fair values as of the acquisition date. No goodwill is recorded in an asset acquisition. Assets that are acquired in an asset acquisition for use in research and development activities that have an alternative future use are capitalized as in-process research and development, or IPR&D. Acquired IPR&D that has no alternative future use as of the acquisition date is recognized as research and development expense as of the acquisition date. The Company will recognize additional research and development expenses in the future or capitalize such amounts for completed technology if and when the Company becomes obligated to make contingent milestone payments under the terms of the agreements by which it acquired the IPR&D assets.
Contingent consideration in asset acquisitions is measured and recognized when payment becomes probable and reasonably estimable. Subsequent changes in the accrued amount of contingent consideration are measured and recognized at the end of each reporting period and upon settlement as an adjustment to the cost basis of the acquired asset or group of assets, or, if related to IPR&D with no alternative future use, charged to expense. The Company did not recognize any IPR&D expense during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.
Stock-Based Compensation
Employees of the Company participate in the Company’s stock-based compensation plans and prior to the Transaction, participated in PureTech’s stock-based compensation plans.
Stock-based compensation expense allocated to the Company for the period prior to the Transaction relates to equity awards issued by PureTech, including stock options, service-based restricted stock unit awards and performance-based restricted stock unit awards with both market and performance conditions. Stock-based compensation expense recorded during the period prior to the Transaction was recognized through allocations, based on the proportion of time the employee spent on the Seaport Business during the year presented and PureTech’s estimate of fair value. Stock-based compensation expense associated with service-based awards granted by PureTech was recognized over the requisite service period of the awards, which is generally the vesting period, on a straight-line basis. Service-based awards granted to employees under the PureTech plans generally vest in four equal annual installments, commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant, provided the employee remains continuously employed during the applicable vesting period. Performance-based restricted stock unit awards granted under the PureTech plans to its executives included both performance and market conditions, and did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.
Stock-based compensation expense of the Company for periods subsequent to the Transaction relates to equity awards issued by the Company to its employees and non-employees under its 2024 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2024 Plan, including stock options and restricted stock awards with both service and performance-based vesting conditions. Stock-based compensation expense is measured at estimated fair value on the grant date and is recognized as compensation expense over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period during which an employee provides service in exchange for the award. Compensation expense for awards to non-employees is recognized in the same manner as if the Company had paid cash in exchange for the goods or services, which is generally over the vesting period of the award. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur. Stock-based compensation expense for service-only based awards is recognized on a straight-line basis. Stock-based compensation expense for awards with both performance and service-based vesting conditions is recognized over the requisite service period using an accelerated attribution method, commencing once the performance conditions are considered probable of being achieved, using management’s best estimates.
F-15
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The fair value of each stock option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which requires inputs based on certain subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility, the expected term of the award, the risk-free interest rate, and expected dividends. The fair value of each restricted stock award granted is measured on the date of grant at the estimated fair value of the common stock.
Because there has not historically been a public market for the Company’s common stock, the estimated fair value of common stock was determined by the Company’s Board of Directors as of the date of each option grant, with inputs from management, considering third-party valuations of its common stock as well as the Company’s Board of Directors’ assessment of additional objective and subjective factors that it believed were relevant. These third-party valuations 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.
The Company estimates its expected stock price volatility based on the historical volatility of publicly traded peer companies. The expected term of the Company’s stock options has been determined utilizing the “simplified” method. The risk-free interest rate is determined by reference to the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for time periods approximately equal to the expected term of the award. There is no expected dividend yield since the Company has never paid cash dividends on common stock and does not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
The Company classifies stock-based compensation expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss in the same manner in which the award recipients’ payroll costs are classified or in which the award recipients’ service payments are classified. See Note 11—Stock-Based Compensation, for more information.
Australia Research and Development Tax Credit
The Company is eligible to obtain certain research and development tax credits, through its wholly owned Australian subsidiary, as part of a program administered by the Australian Tax Office. The Company recognizes the research and development incentive as income within other income (expense), net within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss as it incurs costs eligible for reimbursement under the Australia R&D credit program when it is reasonably assured that the cash incentive will be received, as evidenced through enrollment in the program and when the applicable conditions under the program have been met.
Income Taxes
Prior to the Transaction, the Company was included in PureTech’s income tax returns, and all income taxes were paid by PureTech. Income tax expense and other income tax related information contained in these consolidated financial statements prior to the Transaction are presented on a separate return approach as if the Company filed its own tax return for those periods. Under this approach, the provision for income taxes represents income tax paid or payable (or received or receivable) for the current year plus the change in deferred taxes during the year calculated as if the Company were a standalone taxpayer filing hypothetical income tax returns. Current income tax liabilities were assumed to be immediately settled with PureTech and were relieved through the “Net parent investment” account and were reflected as “Net transfers from PureTech Health plc” within financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
The Company recognizes income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes are recognized for differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities at enacted
F-16
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
statutory tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates are recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. In evaluating the Company’s ability to recover its deferred tax assets, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence including its past operating results, the existence of cumulative losses in the most recent fiscal years, changes in the business in which the Company operates and its forecast of future taxable income. In determining future taxable income, the Company is responsible for assumptions utilized, including the amount of pre-tax operating income, the reversal of temporary differences and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment about the forecasts of future taxable income and are consistent with the plans and estimates that the Company is using to manage the underlying business.
The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions using a more-likely-than-not threshold for recognizing and resolving uncertain tax positions. The evaluation of uncertain tax positions is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in tax law, the measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns, the effective settlement of matters subject to audit, new audit activity, and changes in facts or circumstances related to a tax position. The Company also accrues for potential interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had no tax reserves accrued for uncertain tax positions.
Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive loss is comprised of net loss and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) consists of unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities and foreign currency translation adjustments.
Net Loss per Share
The Company applies the two-class method when computing net loss per share attributable to common stockholders as the Company has issued shares that meet the definition of participating securities. The two-class method determines net loss per share for each class of common and participating securities according to dividends declared or accumulated and participation rights in undistributed earnings. The two-class method requires income (loss) available to common stockholders for the period to be allocated between common and participating securities based upon their respective rights to share in the undistributed earnings as if all income (loss) for the period had been distributed. The Company considers its convertible preferred stock to be participating securities as, in the event a dividend is paid on common stock, the holders of convertible preferred stock would be entitled to receive dividends on a basis consistent with the common stockholders. There is no allocation required under the two-class method during periods of loss since the participating securities do not have a contractual obligation to share in the losses.
Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss in each period by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during such period, excluding potentially dilutive common shares. Diluted net loss per share is computed similarly to basic net loss per share except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional shares of common stock that would have been outstanding if the potential shares of common stock had been issued and if the additional shares of common stock were dilutive. The shares of common stock and convertible preferred stock distributed to PureTech upon the formation of the Company and on the effective date of the Asset Transfer were considered as outstanding in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the period prior to the formation of the Company and the Asset Transfer, as the formation and Asset Transfer were deemed to be common control transactions. Additionally, the SPTX March 2024 Shares were considered outstanding in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share as of
F-17
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
their date of issuance and the SPTX February 2024 Shares were considered outstanding in the calculation of diluted earnings per share as of their date of issuance (See Note 10—Common Stock, for definitions and further disclosure regarding these SPTX shares). The Company had no additional shares of common stock outstanding or any potentially dilutive equity instruments other than described above prior to its formation and the Asset Transfer Date. See Note 16—Net Loss per Share for definitions and further disclosure.
Segment Information
Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate and discrete information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision-maker, or CODM, in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company has one operating and reportable segment, which is the business focused on advancing the development of neuropsychiatric medicines in areas of high unmet patient needs using the Company’s proprietary Glyph Platform. The Company’s CODM, its chief executive officer, manages the Company’s operations on a consolidated basis for the purpose of allocating resources. All of the Company’s long-lived assets are held in the United States. See Note 15—Segments, for further disclosure regarding the Company’s segment information.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, or ASU 2023-09. Additionally, the amendments in the ASU 2023-09 update require entities to disclose certain information about income taxes paid, income tax disaggregation, disclosures around unrecognized tax benefits, and the removal of disclosures related to temporary differences surrounding deferred tax liabilities to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. For public entities, the amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and for entities other than public entities, the amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2025. Early adoption is permitted for any annual periods for which financial statements have not been issued or made available for issuance. The Company elected to early adopt the standard in 2025 on a retrospective basis. See Note 12- Income Taxes, for further disclosure.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Updates
From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB, or other standard-setting bodies that are adopted by Seaport as of the specified effective date. The Company qualifies as an ‘‘emerging growth company’’ as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 and has elected not to ‘‘opt out’’ of the extended transition related to complying with new or revised accounting standards, which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public and non-public companies, the Company can adopt the new or revised standard at the time non-public companies adopt the new or revised standard and can do so until such time that the Company either (i) irrevocably elects to ‘‘opt out’’ of such extended transition period or (ii) no longer qualifies as an emerging growth company. The Company may choose to early adopt any new or revised accounting standards whenever such early adoption is permitted for non-public companies. Unless otherwise discussed, the Company believes that the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations upon adoption.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses, or ASU 2024-03, which is intended to provide more detailed information about specified categories of expenses (purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, and amortization) included in certain
F-18
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
expense captions presented on the statement of operations. The guidance in ASU 2024-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments may be applied either (1) prospectively to financial statements issued for periods after the effective date of ASU 2024-03 or (2) retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2024-03 may have on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026.
3. PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Prepaid research and development |
$ | 3,026 | $ | 389 | ||||
| Interest receivable |
1,733 | — | ||||||
| Australia research and development tax credit receivable |
1,296 | — | ||||||
| Prepaid other |
1,175 | 393 | ||||||
| Prepaid employee compensation and benefits |
17 | 271 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
$ | 7,247 | $ | 1,053 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the financial assets, and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
| December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) |
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) |
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) |
|||||||||||||
| Cash equivalents: |
||||||||||||||||
| Money market funds |
$ | 45,710 | $ | 45,710 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
| Investments: |
||||||||||||||||
| U.S. treasuries |
187,611 | — | 187,611 | — | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Total financial assets |
$ | 233,321 | $ | 45,710 | $ | 187,611 | $ | — | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) |
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) |
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) |
|||||||||||||
| Cash equivalents: |
||||||||||||||||
| Money market funds |
$ | 308,849 | $ | 308,849 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Total financial assets |
$ | 308,849 | $ | 308,849 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company’s cash equivalents consisted of money market funds which are classified as Level 1 financial assets, as these assets are valued using quoted market prices in active markets without any valuation adjustment. As of December 31, 2025, the Company’s investments consisted of
F-19
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
United States treasuries, which are classified as Level 2 financial assets. The Company estimates the fair value of the investments by taking into consideration valuations obtained from third-party pricing sources. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had no financial liabilities that required fair value measurement.
During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, there were no transfers or reclassifications between fair value measurement levels of assets. The carrying amounts reflected in the consolidated balance sheets for prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, related party payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate fair value due to their short-term nature.
5. INVESTMENTS
The following table summarizes the Company’s investments held as of December 31, 2025.
| December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost |
Unrealized Holding Gains |
Unrealized Holding Losses |
Fair Value | |||||||||||||
| Short-term investments: |
||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasuries |
$ | 169,662 | $ | 279 | $ | — | $ | 169,941 | ||||||||
| Long-term investments: |
||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasuries |
17,639 | 31 | — | 17,670 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Total financial assets |
$ | 187,301 | $ | 310 | $ | — | $ | 187,611 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
As of December 31, 2025, the Company’s investments were in net unrealized gain position of $0.3 million. These amounts are included in other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. As of December 31, 2025, there were no investments in an unrealized loss position. The Company determined that there was no material credit risk associated with its investments as of December 31, 2025. As a result, the Company did not record any charges for credit-related impairments for its investments during the year ended December 31, 2025. As of December 31, 2025, the Company’s investments had remaining maturities of two years or less. The Company did not have any investments as of December 31, 2024.
6. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property and equipment, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Lab equipment |
$ | 943 | $ | 976 | ||||
| Leasehold improvements |
432 | 101 | ||||||
| Furniture and fixtures |
26 | — | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total |
1,401 | 1,077 | ||||||
| Less: Accumulated depreciation |
(989 | ) | (837 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Property and equipment, net |
$ | 412 | $ | 240 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Depreciation expense was $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The depreciation expense recorded for the year ended December 31, 2024 consisted of $0.2 million of depreciation expense on the Company’s assets included on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024 and $0.1 million of allocated depreciation expense from PureTech associated with shared assets.
F-20
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
7. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Accrued research and development expense |
$ | 2,639 | $ | 1,567 | ||||
| Accrued personnel and bonus expense |
5,192 | 2,915 | ||||||
| Accrued professional and legal fees |
260 | 384 | ||||||
| Accrued other |
1,040 | 342 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
$ | 9,131 | $ | 5,208 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
8. MONASH LICENSE AGREEMENT
In April 2024, PureTech Health exclusively assigned to the Company, and the Company assumed all rights and obligations under a license agreement entered into in August 2017 between PureTech Health and Monash University, or the Original License Agreement. In March 2025, the Company entered into an amended and restated license agreement with Monash University, which amended and restated the Original License Agreement, or the Monash License Agreement.
Pursuant to the Monash License Agreement, Monash University grants the Company (i) a worldwide, exclusive, sublicensable license under certain Monash University intellectual property rights, including patent rights related to the Glyph platform, or the Licensed Patents, know-how, and intellectual property stemming from joint research and development activities, for the purpose of developing and commercializing products in all fields with one exception, (ii) a worldwide, non-exclusive, sublicensable license under certain background technology and certain other intellectual property strictly to the extent necessary to exercise the license described in subclause (i) above, and (iii) a first right and an exclusive option to obtain an exclusive license to any invention generated by Monash University outside of the Licensed Patents and pertaining to certain prodrug technology. Additionally, the Company and Monash University agreed to collaborate in conducting research and development activities.
Under the Monash License Agreement, the Company has agreed to use reasonable commercial endeavors to (i) develop at least one Licensed Product, (ii) seek regulatory approval for at least one Licensed Product, and (iii) after receipt of such regulatory approval in the United States or Europe, promote, and develop the sale of at least one Licensed Product in such territory. Monash University agrees to provide reasonable technical assistance and advice based on Monash University’s know-how relating to the technology licensed under the Monash License Agreement. The Company granted Monash University a non-exclusive, perpetual, royalty-free license under the Licensed Patents, related know-how, and intellectual property stemming from joint research and development activities solely for academic, teaching, and non-commercial collaborative research uses, which includes the right to sublicense for non-commercial collaborative research to other academic institutions or non-commercial research entities.
As consideration for the licenses granted by Monash University, the Company is required to pay Monash University: (i) between 3% and 5% on net sales per calendar year (subject to certain reductions); (ii) a low-double digit percentage of any net income received under a sublicense (subject to a license payment stacking reduction) with the percentage varying based on the development stage of the Licensed Products at the time the sublicense is granted during the term of the Monash License Agreement; (iii) an agreed upon research funding amount to progress mutually agreed research and development or commercialization activities; (iv) a mid-five-figure annual maintenance fee during the term of the agreement commencing on the third anniversary of the
F-21
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
execution date of the Original License Agreement until the first commercial sale of a Licensed Product creditable against net income sharing, royalties, and milestone payments; (v) milestone payments in the event of successful development milestones of up to $1.075 million per Licensed Product for the first three Licensed Products; and (vi) milestone payments in the event of successful commercial milestones of up to $7.25 million per Licensed Product for the first three Licensed Products. The Company is also obligated to (a) pay all costs incurred for the prosecution and maintenance of the Licensed Patents and patent filings stemming from collaboration activities and (b) reimburse Monash University for all patent prosecution costs of the Licensed Patents prior to the execution date of the Original License Agreement.
The Monash License Agreement commenced on the execution date of the Original License Agreement and will expire seven years after the last of the Licensed Patents expires, unless terminated earlier. Either party may terminate for due cause, including for material breach and bankruptcy. Monash University may terminate if the Company fails to meet its diligence requirements. Either party may terminate the Monash License Agreement if the Company determines that the activities are no longer commercially viable.
The Monash License Agreement was determined to represent an asset acquisition, as the acquired licenses and intellectual property did not meet the definition of a business. All upfront consideration paid in exchange for the Monash License Agreement was expensed as research and development upon execution of the agreement, as the Licensed Patents and intellectual property was determined to represent in-process research and development with no alternative future use.
Prior to the formation of the Company, PureTech paid $0.2 million in development milestones under the Monash License Agreement. During the year ended December 31, 2025 the Company paid $0.1 million in development milestones under the agreement. No milestones were paid by the Company under the Monash License Agreement during the year ended December 31, 2024.
9. CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
The Company has issued Series A-1 convertible preferred stock, or the Series A-1 Preferred Stock, Series A-2 convertible preferred stock, or the Series A-2 Preferred Stock, and Series B convertible preferred stock, or the Series B Preferred Stock, and collectively with the Series A-1 Preferred Stock and Series A-2 Preferred Stock, the Preferred Stock.
Series A-1 and Series A-2 Preferred Stock
In April 2024, the Company issued to PureTech LYT, a wholly owned subsidiary of PureTech, 40,000,000 shares of its Series A-1 Preferred Stock, as part of the consideration for the assets contributed to the Company as part of the Asset Transfer Agreement. No value was assigned to the Series A-1 Preferred Stock as it represented consideration paid as part of a common control transaction. See Note 1—Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation, for further disclosure of the Asset Transfer Agreement.
Concurrently, upon the issuance of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock to PureTech LYT, the Company entered into a Series A-2 Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, or the Series A-2 Financing, with PureTech LYT and other third-party investors pursuant to which the Company issued and sold 26,342,102 shares of its Series A-2 Preferred Stock at a price of $3.80 per share for gross aggregate proceeds of $100.1 million. See Note 17—Related Parties, for further disclosure of the issuances of the Company’s Series A-2 Preferred Stock to related parties.
F-22
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Series B Preferred Stock
In October 2024, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with new and existing investors, or the Series B Financing, pursuant to which the Company issued and sold an aggregate amount of 47,578,934 shares of its Series B Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $4.75 per share, for gross aggregate proceeds of $226.0 million. See Note 17—Related Parties, for further disclosure around the issuances of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock to related parties.
Upon issuance of the Preferred Stock, the Company assessed the embedded conversion and liquidation features of the securities and determined that such features did not require the Company to separately account for these features.
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, Preferred Stock consisted of the following (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
| Preferred Stock Authorized |
Preferred Stock Issued and Outstanding |
Carrying Value |
Liquidation Preference |
Conversion Price per Share |
Common Stock Issuable Upon Conversion |
|||||||||||||||||||
| Series A-1 Preferred Stock |
40,000,000 | 40,000,000 | $ | — | $ | 4,000 | $ | 0.10 | 40,000,000 | |||||||||||||||
| Series A-2 Preferred Stock |
26,342,102 | 26,342,102 | 99,757 | 100,100 | $ | 3.80 | 26,342,102 | |||||||||||||||||
| Series B Preferred Stock |
47,578,938 | 47,578,934 | 225,571 | 226,000 | $ | 4.75 | 47,578,934 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
| Total Preferred Stock |
113,921,040 | 113,921,036 | $ | 325,328 | $ | 330,100 | 113,921,036 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2025, the holders of the Preferred Stock have the following rights and preferences:
Voting
The holders of the Preferred Stock are entitled to vote, together with the holders of common stock, as a single class, on all matters submitted to the shareholders for a vote and are entitled to the number of votes equal to the number of shares of common stock into which the Preferred Stock would convert on the record date for determination of shareholders entitled to vote. The holders of the Preferred Stock generally vote together as a single class with holders of common stock except that, (i) the holders of Series A-1 Preferred Stock, exclusively and voting together as a separate class on an as converted basis, shall be entitled to elect two (2) directors of the Company, each, a Series A-1 Director, (ii) the holders of record of the shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock, exclusively and voting together as a separate class on an as converted basis, shall be entitled to elect two (2) directors of the Company, each, a Series A-2 Director, (iii) the holders of record of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock, exclusively and voting together as a separate class on an as converted basis, shall be entitled to elect one (1) director of the Company, or the Series B Director and, together with the Series A-1 Directors and Series A-2 Directors, each, a Preferred Director.
Further, a majority vote of the holders of the Company’s Preferred Stock is required to, among others, liquidate or dissolve the Company, amend the certificate of incorporation or bylaws, reclassify common stock or establish another class of capital stock, create shares that would rank senior to or authorize additional shares of Preferred Stock, declare a dividend or make a distribution, or change the authorized number of directors constituting the board of directors.
Dividends
The holders of the Preferred Stock are entitled to participate in any dividends payable to common stockholders on an as converted basis and have priority over the payment of dividends to holders of common stock.
F-23
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In the case of a dividend on common stock or any class of stock that is convertible into common stock, the dividend per share of Preferred Stock would equal the product of (A) the dividend payable on each share of such class or series as if all shares of such class or series had been converted into common stock and (B) the number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of such share of Preferred Stock. In the case of a dividend on any class or series that is not convertible into common stock, the dividend per share of Preferred Stock would be determined by (A) dividing the amount of dividend payable on each share of such class or series of capital stock by the original issue price of such class or series and (B) multiplying such fraction by the original issue price of the applicable class or series of Preferred Stock.
Conversion
Each outstanding share of Preferred Stock is convertible, at any time, at its holder’s discretion, and without the payment of additional consideration, into such whole number of fully paid, non-assessable shares of common stock, at the applicable conversion ratio then in effect. The conversion price for each share of Preferred Stock shall initially be equal to the original issuance price for such series of Preferred Stock and is subject to standard anti-dilutive adjustments for share splits and similar transactions. In the event certain conditions are not met prior to March 31, 2026, the conversion price of the Series B Preferred Stock will be reduced to $3.80. During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company satisfied the applicable condition, thereby eliminating the conversion price reduction contingency.
Each outstanding share of Preferred Stock shall automatically be converted into fully-paid, non-assessable shares of common stock upon the earliest to occur of (i) the consummation of a qualified initial public offering at a public offering price of at least $5.70 per share, in a firm commitment resulting in at least $100.0 million of gross proceeds or (ii) the date specified by vote or written consent of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of the Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class on an as-converted basis, and the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock, which majority must include at least one new investor from the Series B Financing that holds at least 2,100,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class on an as-converted basis, or the Requisite Holders, and the holders of at least 65% of the then-outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock, or the Series B Majority.
There shall be no adjustment in the conversion price of the Preferred Stock as a result of the issuance or deemed issuance of additional shares of the Company’s common stock if the Company receives written notice from the holders of at least a majority of the then outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class, and, solely in the respect of an adjustment in the conversion price of the Series B Preferred Stock, the Series B Majority, agreeing that no such adjustment shall be made as the result of the issuance or deemed issuance of additional shares of the Company’s common stock.
Liquidation
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Company, or upon the occurrence of a Deemed Liquidation Event (as defined below), the holders of shares of Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be entitled, on a pari passu basis among the series of Preferred Stock, to be paid out of the assets or funds of the Company available for distribution to stockholders before any payment is made to the holders of common stock. The holders of Preferred Stock are entitled to an amount per share equal to the greater of (i) the original issue price for such series, plus any dividends declared but unpaid thereon, or (ii) the amount that would have been payable had all shares of each series of Preferred Stock been converted into common stock immediately prior to such liquidation, dissolution, winding up or Deemed Liquidation Event. After the payment in full of the Preferred Stock preference amount, the remaining assets of the Company available for distribution to stockholders shall be distributed among the holders of common stock on a pro rata basis.
F-24
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Each of the following events shall be considered a “Deemed Liquidation Event,” unless the Requisite Holders, elect otherwise; a merger, consolidation, statutory conversion, transfer, domestication, continuance involving the Company or a subsidiary, or a sale, lease, or transfer of substantially all of the assets of the Company.
Redemption
The Preferred Stock does not have any redemption rights, except for the contingent redemption upon the occurrence of a Deemed Liquidation Event.
10. COMMON STOCK
The voting, dividend, and liquidation rights of the holders of the Company’s common stock are subject to and qualified by the rights, powers, and preferences of the holders of the Preferred Stock set forth above. Each share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote, together with the holders of the Preferred Stock, on all matters submitted to the stockholders for a vote. The holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends, if any, as declared by the Company’s board of directors, subject to the preferential dividend rights of Preferred Stock. As of December 31, 2025, no dividends have been declared or paid.
As of December 31, 2025, the Company had authorized 159,070,000 shares of common stock, of which 8,151,200 were issued and outstanding, including 486,114 unvested shares of restricted common stock that are subject to service-based vesting as of December 31, 2025.
Concurrent with the Transaction, the Company issued 2,500,000 shares of restricted common stock in exchange for shares of restricted common stock of SPTX. Such shares were originally issued upon the formation of SPTX in February 2024, or the SPTX February 2024 Shares. SPTX subsequently became a subsidiary of the Company upon the formation date. See Note 11—Stock-Based Compensation for further disclosure of restricted common stock issued by the Company.
Concurrent with the Transaction, the Company issued 950,000 shares of common stock to a board member in exchange for shares of common stock of SPTX issued in March 2024, or the SPTX March 2024 Shares, and together with the SPTX February 2024 Shares, or the Exchange Shares. SPTX had no other material activity beyond its previously issued shares.
In connection with the SPTX March 2024 Shares, the Company recognized $0.9 million of stock-based compensation expense in its consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2024.
The Company had no shares of common stock outstanding or any potentially dilutive equity instruments for any period prior to its formation and the Asset Transfer.
11. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
PureTech Stock-based Compensation Plan
PureTech has stock-based compensation plans which provide for granting equity awards, including non-qualified and incentive stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, cash-based awards, and performance shares to employees, officers, and directors of, and consultants to, PureTech. All stock-based compensation plans were managed on a consolidated basis by PureTech. Stock-based compensation expense was
F-25
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
allocated to the Company based on the proportion of time each employee or non-employee spent on the Seaport Business in the period. Accordingly, the amounts presented are not necessarily indicative of future stock-based compensation of Seaport and do not necessarily reflect the amount that Seaport would have issued as an independent company for the year presented.
Under PureTech’s stock-based compensation plan, the Company’s employees transferred pursuant to the Asset Transfer were granted 22,500 stock options during the year ended December 31, 2024. During the year ended December 31, 2025, there were no stock options granted to the Company’s employees under PureTech’s stock-based compensation plan.
PureTech utilized the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for estimating the fair value of the stock options issued under PureTech’s stock-based compensation plans on each grant date. The following table presents the assumptions used by PureTech in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model during the year ended December 31, 2024:
| December 31, 2024 |
||||
| Expected term (in years) |
6.16 | |||
| Risk-free interest rate |
4.21 | % | ||
| Volatility |
44.93 | % | ||
| Dividend yield |
— | |||
The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted by PureTech during the year ended December 31, 2024 was $1.02. The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price and the market price of PureTech’s common stock at December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, all outstanding stock options issued by PureTech to the Company’s employees were fully vested.
Seaport employees continued to vest in their PureTech equity awards until the completion of the Company’s Series B Financing (as discussed in Note 9) in October 2024 at which time PureTech no longer maintained a controlling interest in the Company. Accordingly, Seaport employees forfeited their unvested awards in October 2024 as the employees were no longer deemed to be continuing service providers under PureTech’s plan, except for restricted stock units granted to an employee of Seaport for services performed to PureTech. As of December 31, 2024, Seaport employees held 873,617 of outstanding vested options that Seaport employees had 90 days to exercise from October 2024.
2024 Equity Incentive Plan
The 2024 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2024 Plan, was approved by the Company’s subsidiary’s Board and Stockholders and became effective for the Company in April 2024 and was subsequently amended in April 2024 and October 2024.
Under the 2024 Plan, the Company can issue incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other stock-based awards to employees, directors, and consultants of the Company. The 2024 Plan is administered by the Company’s Board of Directors, or by a committee at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The exercise prices, vesting, and other restrictions are determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors, or its committee if so delegated, except that exercise prices of each stock option shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock and that each stock option term cannot exceed 10 years. The Company’s Board of Directors determines the fair market value of the Company’s common stock, taking into consideration its most recently available valuation of common stock performed by third parties as well as additional factors which may have changed since the date of the most recent contemporaneous valuation through the date of grant.
F-26
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
A total of 10,000,000 shares of common stock were initially reserved for issuance under the 2024 Plan, and it was subsequently amended to allow for the issuance of up to 38,607,011 shares of common stock. As of December 31, 2025, there were 4,722,667 awards available for future grants under the 2024 Plan. Shares of common stock underlying any awards that are forfeited, canceled, or reacquired by the Company prior to vesting will again be available for the grant of awards under the 2024 Plan. Through the completion of an Initial Public Offering, the Company will continue to grant additional equity awards to certain individuals to maintain in total a 12.5% ownership on a fully diluted basis as specified by underlying agreements.
The vesting periods for stock options issued under the 2024 Plan generally vest over four years with a one-year cliff and equal monthly installments thereafter and may be subject to accelerated vesting. Performance-based options vest in three annual installments that are contingent upon the achievement of the Company’s annual goals. For restricted stock awards, the vesting periods can vary and may contain accelerated vesting that would result in unvested shares becoming fully vested upon the occurrence of certain events.
2024 Plan Stock Option Activity
The following is a summary of the Company’s stock option award activity under the 2024 Plan during the year ended December 31, 2025:
| Number of Stock Options |
Weighted- Average Exercise Price |
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) |
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) |
|||||||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2024 |
24,535,828 | $ | 1.37 | 9.60 | $ | 23,999 | ||||||||||
| Granted |
2,837,406 | 2.38 | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Exercised |
(1,200 | ) | 0.97 | — | — | |||||||||||
| Forfeited |
(438,931 | ) | 2.18 | — | — | |||||||||||
| Expired |
(18,459 | ) | 0.97 | — | — | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2025 |
26,914,644 | $ | 1.46 | 8.67 | $ | 28,669 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2025 |
26,914,644 | $ | 1.46 | 8.67 | $ | 28,669 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Exercisable at December 31, 2025 |
15,728,318 | $ | 1.31 | 8.58 | $ | 19,208 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
The table above excludes the 718,500 performance-based options which have an exercise price of $2.35 per share, that were approved to be issued by the Company’s Board of Directors in December 2024, but have not yet been deemed granted from an accounting perspective as of December 31, 2025.
The Company utilized the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for estimating the fair value of the stock options issued under the 2024 Plan on each grant date. The following table presents the ranges of assumptions used by the Company in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model during the years ended:
| December 31, | ||||
| 2025 |
2024 | |||
| Expected term (in years) |
5.19 - 6.08 | 5.19 - 6.08 | ||
| Risk-free interest rate |
3.73% - 4.39% | 3.70% - 4.39% | ||
| Volatility |
89.40% - 91.67% | 87.10% - 92.33% | ||
| Dividend yield |
0.00% | 0.00% | ||
F-27
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 was $1.82 and $1.02 per share, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price and the fair value of the Company’s common stock as of each period end or exercise date. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2025 was not material. There were no stock options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2024.
As of December 31, 2025, there was $14.0 million in unrecognized stock-based compensation expense associated with issued and outstanding service-based stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years and is partially subject to future accelerated vesting upon the close of an initial public offering.
2024 Plan Restricted Stock Awards
The Company has granted restricted stock awards to certain members of the Company’s Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer. Of the total 6,250,000 restricted stock awards granted: (i) 2,500,000 have service-based vesting in equal monthly installments over a three-year period, of which 50% of the unvested amount was subject to accelerated vesting upon the close of the Series B Financing and 50% of any unvested amounts is subject to future acceleration upon the close of an initial public offering; and (ii) 3,750,000 have performance based vesting which vested in full upon the close of the Series B Financing.
The following is a summary of the Company’s restricted stock award activity under the 2024 Plan during the year ended December 31, 2025:
| Number of Units |
Weighted- Average Fair Value |
|||||||
| Unvested at December 31, 2024 |
902,778 | $ | 0.97 | |||||
| Vested |
(416,664 | ) | 0.97 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Unvested at December 31, 2025 |
486,114 | $ | 0.97 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
The total fair value of restricted stock awards granted during the year ended December 31, 2024 was $6.1 million. No restricted stock awards were granted during the year ended December 31, 2025. The total fair value of the restricted stock awards that vested during the year ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 was $0.4 million and $5.2 million, respectively, and the total stock-based compensation associated with the restricted stock awards during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 was $0.4 million and $5.2 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2025, there was $0.5 million in unrecognized stock-based compensation expense associated with issued and outstanding restricted stock awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.6 years.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
The following table represents stock-based compensation expense recorded in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Research and development |
$ | 2,272 | $ | 562 | ||||
| General and administrative |
4,611 | 13,962 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Stock-based compensation expense |
$ | 6,883 | $ | 14,524 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
F-28
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Total stock-based compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 of $14.5 million included $14.4 million of stock-based compensation expense for Seaport employees, of which $9.6 million was due to accelerated vesting of certain awards upon the close of the Series B Financing, and $0.1 million of stock-based compensation expense associated with awards issued to Seaport employees prior to the Asset Transfer under PureTech’s stock-based compensation plans. Seaport employees continued to vest in their PureTech equity awards until October 2024, at which time PureTech no longer maintained a controlling interest and the Seaport employees ceased to vest in their PureTech awards. No related tax benefits from stock-based compensation expense were recognized for the years ended 2025 or 2024.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company allocated stock-based compensation of $1.3 million, associated with PureTech employee’s equity awards who spent a proportion of time providing services to the Company through the Asset Transfer, which is excluded from the table above.
12. INCOME TAXES
Prior to the Transaction, income taxes and related income tax accounts have been calculated using the separate return method as if the Company filed income tax returns on a standalone basis. Prior to the Transaction, the Company’s operations were calculated on a carve-out basis and included certain hypothetical tax attributes. Following the Transaction, these hypothetical tax attributes are not available for future utilization by the Company and were removed from the tax provision. Furthermore, the Company operated as part of PureTech until the completion of the Asset Transfer on April 8, 2024, and therefore the Company will be included in PureTech’s U.S. Federal consolidated income tax return until that date.
The following table presents the components of loss before income taxes (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| U.S. |
$ | (76,365 | ) | $ | (46,879 | ) | ||
| Foreign |
2,257 | — | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Loss before the provision for income taxes |
$ | (74,108 | ) | $ | (46,879 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Current |
||||||||
| Federal |
$ | — | $ | — | ||||
| State |
146 | — | ||||||
| Foreign |
627 | — | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total Current |
773 | — | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Deferred |
||||||||
| Federal |
— | — | ||||||
| State |
— | — | ||||||
| Foreign |
— | — | ||||||
| Total Deferred |
— | — | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total Provision |
$ | 773 | $ | — | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
F-29
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective tax rate, in accordance with the guidance in ASU 2023-09 which the Company has elected to retrospectively adopt, is as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| U.S. Federal statutory tax rate |
$ | (15,563 | ) | 21.0 | % | $ | (9,845 | ) | 21.0 | % | ||||||
| State and local income tax, net of federal income tax effect(1) |
93 | (0.1 | )% | 3 | — | % | ||||||||||
| Tax credits |
||||||||||||||||
| Research and development tax credits |
(2,149 | ) | 2.9 | % | (1,043 | ) | 2.4 | % | ||||||||
| Effect of cross border transactions |
458 | (0.6 | )% | — | — | % | ||||||||||
| Nontaxable or nondeductible item |
||||||||||||||||
| Stock compensation |
571 | (0.8 | )% | 779 | (1.7 | )% | ||||||||||
| Changes in valuation allowance |
17,129 | (23.1 | )% | 10,106 | (21.7 | )% | ||||||||||
| Other |
234 | (0.3 | )% | — | — | % | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Effective Tax Rate |
$ | 773 | (1.0 | )% | $ | — | (0.0 | )% | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| (1) | The state that contributes to the majority (greater than 50%) of the tax effect in this category is Massachusetts. |
The effective income tax rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0% primarily as a result of the valuation allowance maintained against the Company’s U.S. net deferred tax assets.
The amounts of cash taxes paid, net of refunds, by Seaport are as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| US Federal |
$ | — | $ | — | ||||
| US State and local: |
||||||||
| Massachusetts |
155 | — | ||||||
| Foreign: |
||||||||
| Australia |
103 | — | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total |
$ | 258 | $ | — | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
F-30
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Deferred tax assets: |
||||||||
| Net operating losses |
$ | 14,616 | $ | 1,940 | ||||
| Tax credits |
3,674 | 946 | ||||||
| Lease liability |
1,360 | 1,349 | ||||||
| Accrued expenses |
1,272 | 751 | ||||||
| Research and development expenses |
9,456 | 4,505 | ||||||
| Stock-based compensation |
3,397 | 2,293 | ||||||
| Other temporary differences |
19 | — | ||||||
| Less: valuation allowance |
(32,506 | ) | (10,447 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total deferred tax assets |
$ | 1,288 | $ | 1,337 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Deferred tax liabilities: |
||||||||
| Right of use lease asset |
(1,288 | ) | (1,329 | ) | ||||
| Property and equipment |
— | (8 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total deferred tax liabilities |
$ | (1,288 | ) | $ | (1,337 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net deferred tax assets |
$ | — | $ | — | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
The Company’s change in its valuation allowance account with respect to deferred tax assets is as follows (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Beginning Balance |
$ | 10,447 | $ | 15,850 | ||||
| Additions |
22,059 | 13,039 | ||||||
| Reductions |
— | (18,442 | ) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Ending Balance |
$ | 32,506 | $ | 10,447 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
The valuation allowance increased during the year ended December 31, 2025 primarily as a result of the increase to the Company’s taxable loss. The valuation allowance decreased during the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily as a result of the hypothetical tax attributes which are not available for future utilization by the Company as a result of the Transaction, partially offset by U.S. operating losses incurred, research credits generated, and capitalized research and other expenses generated after the Transaction.
In determining the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considers the cumulative income or loss position. The Company has assessed, on a jurisdictional basis, the available means of recovering deferred tax assets, including the ability to carryback net operating losses, or NOLs, the existence of reversing taxable temporary differences, the availability of tax planning strategies, and forecasted future taxable income. At December 31, 2025, the Company maintained a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets, as it has concluded that it is more likely than not that the deferred assets will not be utilized.
F-31
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had U.S. federal NOLs of $53.4 million and $7.2 million, respectively. The U.S. federal NOLs do not expire. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had U.S. federal tax credit carryforwards of $2.9 million and $0.7 million, respectively, that begin to expire in 2044.
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had $53.7 million and $6.9 million, of state NOLs, respectively. These NOLs were generated in Massachusetts and that begin to expire in 2044. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had U.S. state tax credit carryforwards of $1.0 million and $0.3 million, respectively, that begin to expire in 2039.
Under Sections 382 and 383 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, if a corporation undergoes an ownership change, the corporation’s ability to use its pre-ownership change NOLs and other pre-ownership change tax attributes, such as research tax credits, to offset its post-change income and taxes may be limited. In general, an ownership change will occur if there is a cumulative change in the Company’s ownership by 5% shareholders that exceeds 50 percentage points over a rolling three-year period. Similar rules may apply under U.S. state tax laws. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the use of federal NOLs arising in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 is limited to 80% of current year taxable income and NOLs arising in taxable years ending after December 31, 2017 may not be carried back (though any such NOLs may be carried forward indefinitely).
The Company may have experienced an ownership change in the current period and may experience ownership changes in the future as a result of future transactions in its share capital, some of which may be outside of the control of the Company. As a result, if the Company earns net taxable income, its ability to use its pre-ownership change NOLs, or other pre-ownership change tax attributes, to offset U.S. federal and state taxable income and taxes may be subject to significant limitations.
Undistributed earnings of Seaport’s foreign subsidiary are indefinitely invested outside the U.S. The majority of Seaport’s cash flow is generated from domestic operations, and the Company is not dependent on foreign cash or earnings to meet funding requirements, nor does the Company intend to repatriate these undistributed foreign earnings to fund U.S. operations. As a result, the Company has not provided U.S. deferred taxes on these undistributed earnings because it intends that it will remain indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S. and, therefore unavailable for use in funding U.S. operations. The Company estimates the income taxes that would be payable on the repatriation of the unremitted earnings would not be material.
The Company is subject to taxation in the United States and Australia. At December 31, 2025, the Company is subject to examination by taxing authorities in the United States and Australia for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.
For the years ended December 31, 2025, and 2024, the Company had no tax reserves accrued for uncertain tax positions.
On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act H.R. 1 was signed into law in the U.S. The legislation has multiple effective dates, with certain provisions effective in 2025 and others implemented through 2027. The bill did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
13. LEASES
In October 2024, the Company entered into an operating lease for office space in Boston, Massachusetts, which commenced in December 2024 and has an initial lease term that continues through October 20, 2030, with no options to extend. In conjunction with entering into the lease, the Company paid a security deposit of $0.2 million in the form of a letter of credit, which is recorded as restricted cash within other non-current assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024.
F-32
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In December 2024, the Company entered into a laboratory license agreement with a third party for lab space located in Boston, Massachusetts. The license commenced in January 2025 and is for an initial term of 24 months from the commencement date, with no renewal option.
Prior to entering into the lease and laboratory license agreement, the Company did not have any leases as it shared office and lab space with PureTech and made payments to PureTech under the TSA. See Note 17—Related Parties for further disclosure of transactions with PureTech.
The following table contains a summary of the components of lease costs recognized pertaining to the Company’s operating leases (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Operating lease cost |
$ | 1,593 | $ | 75 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total lease cost |
$ | 1,593 | $ | 75 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
The following table contains a summary of other supplemental lease information pertaining to the Company’s operating lease for the year ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Other Lease Information |
||||||||
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liability—operating leases (in thousands) |
$ | 1,400 | $ | — | ||||
| Weighted-average remaining lease term—operating leases |
4.3 | 5.8 | ||||||
| Weighted-average discount rate—operating leases |
6.53 | % | 6.61 | % | ||||
The table below reconciles future minimum payments under non-cancellable operating leases as of December 31, 2025 (in thousands):
| Operating Leases |
||||
| 2026 |
$ | 1,635 | ||
| 2027 |
1,100 | |||
| 2028 |
1,079 | |||
| 2029 |
1,112 | |||
| 2030 |
918 | |||
| Thereafter |
— | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Total lease payments |
5,844 | |||
| Less: interest |
(763 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|||
| Total lease liabilities |
$ | 5,081 | ||
|
|
|
|||
F-33
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Legal Matters
The Company, from time to time, may be involved with lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company is not involved in any pending legal proceedings that it believes could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Contracts
The Company enters into contracts in the normal course of business with various third parties for preclinical research studies, clinical trials, testing, manufacturing, and other services. These contracts generally provide for termination upon notice and are cancellable without significant penalty or payment, and do not contain any minimum purchase commitments.
License and Other Agreements
The Company is obligated to make fixed and contingent payments under the Asset Transfer Agreement and Monash License Agreement. See Note 1—Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation, for further disclosure of the Asset Transfer Agreement and see Note 8—Monash License Agreement, for further disclosure of the Monash license agreement.
Guarantees and Indemnification
In the ordinary course of business, the Company may provide indemnification of varying scope and terms to vendors, lessors, business partners and other parties with respect to certain matters including, but not limited to, losses arising out of breach of such agreements or from intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties. In addition, the Company has entered into indemnification agreements with all board of directors that will require the Company, among other things, to indemnify them against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is, in many cases, unlimited. To date, the Company has not incurred any material costs as a result of such indemnifications. The Company is not aware of any claims under indemnification arrangements that could have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows, and it has not accrued any liabilities related to such obligations in its consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2025 and 2024.
401(k) Plan
The Company has a defined-contribution savings plan under Section 401(k) of the IRC (the “401(k) Plan”). The 401(k) Plan covers all employees who meet defined minimum age and service requirements and allows participants to defer a portion of their annual compensation on a pretax basis. The Company will make a contribution of 3% of each employee’s annual compensation up to annual safe harbor limits. The Company has expensed $0.4 million and $0.1 million in 401(k) contributions for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The Company participated in the PureTech defined-contribution plan through July 2025. Beginning in August 2025, the Company implemented its own defined-contribution plan for eligible employees.
Leases
See Note 13—Leases, for information related to the Company’s lease obligations.
15. SEGMENTS
The Company has one operating and reportable segment focused on inventing and developing novel medicines for patients with depression, anxiety, and other debilitating neuropsychiatric disorders using the Company’s proprietary Glyph Platform.
F-34
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The CODM manages the Company’s operations on a consolidated basis, and assesses performance based on consolidated net loss that is reported on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The CODM makes decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance for the entire company. The measure of segment assets is reported on the consolidated balance sheet as total consolidated assets.
The following table presents certain significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the CODM (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Research and development expenses: |
||||||||
| GlyphAllo direct research and development expenses |
$ | 25,858 | $ | 7,396 | ||||
| GlyphAgo direct research and development expenses |
13,546 | 5,204 | ||||||
| Glyph2BLSD direct research and development expenses |
6,437 | — | ||||||
| Preclinical and early discovery assets |
3,856 | 5,903 | ||||||
| Personnel-related (including stock-based compensation expense of $2.3 million and $0.7 million for 2025 and 2024, respectively) |
14,829 | 5,699 | ||||||
| Other indirect research and development expenses |
1,787 | 868 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total research and development expenses |
66,313 | 25,070 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| General and administrative expenses: |
||||||||
| Personnel-related (including stock-based compensation expense of $4.6 million and $15.2 million for 2025 and 2024, respectively) |
12,800 | 20,661 | ||||||
| Other general and administrative expenses |
8,181 | 6,685 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total general and administrative expenses(1) |
20,981 | 27,346 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Other segment items(2) |
(12,413 | ) | (5,537 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net loss and comprehensive loss |
$ | 74,881 | $ | 46,879 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| (1) | Other general and administrative expenses include professional fees, facilities, depreciation, IT, and other expenses. |
| (2) | Other segment items include interest income, net, research and development tax credit, income tax provision, and other (expense), net. |
16. NET LOSS PER SHARE
Upon the Company’s formation on April 1, 2024, the Company issued 1,000 shares of its common stock to PureTech and on April 8, 2024, the effective date of the Asset Transfer, an additional 949,000 shares of its common stock were issued to PureTech. The aggregate 950,000 shares were considered outstanding for the full year and the Exchange Shares were considered outstanding based on their issuance or vesting dates, as applicable, in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2024, as the formation, Asset Transfer and Exchange Shares were deemed to be common control transactions. There were no shares of the Company outstanding prior to the Company’s formation and the Asset Transfer Date.
Under the two-class method, basic net loss per share is calculated by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period, without consideration for potentially dilutive securities. The net loss available to common stockholders was not allocated to the Preferred Stock as the holders did not have a contractual obligation to share in losses. Diluted net loss per share is the same as basic net loss per share for the years presented since the effects of any potentially dilutive securities, would be antidilutive given the net loss of the Company.
F-35
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Basic and diluted net loss per share is calculated as follows (in thousands except share and per share amounts):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Net loss |
$ | (74,881 | ) | $ | (46,879 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Net loss per share, basic and diluted |
$ | (10.04 | ) | $ | (15.83 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic and diluted |
7,456,011 | 2,961,543 | ||||||
For accounting purposes, the computation of basic and diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, excludes all shares of unvested restricted common stock as such shares are not considered outstanding. See Note 11—Stock-Based Compensation, for more information.
The following outstanding potentially dilutive securities have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, as their effect is antidilutive:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||||
| Stock options to purchase common stock (1) |
26,914,644 | 24,535,828 | ||||||
| Unvested restricted stock awards |
486,114 | 902,778 | ||||||
| Series A-1 Preferred Stock (as converted to common stock) |
40,000,000 | 40,000,000 | ||||||
| Series A-2 Preferred Stock (as converted to common stock) |
26,342,102 | 26,342,102 | ||||||
| Series B Preferred Stock (as converted to common stock) |
47,578,934 | 47,578,934 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total |
141,321,794 | 139,359,642 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| (1) | The table above excludes the performance-based options, as they were not yet been deemed granted from an accounting perspective. See Note 11—Stock-Based Compensation, for more information. |
17. RELATED PARTIES
During the year ended December 31, 2024, there was $5.5 million of corporate expense allocations from PureTech Health plc prior to the Transaction and $14.2 million of expenses incurred pursuant to the TSA after the Asset Transfer Date.
Prior to the Transaction, the Company historically operated as part of PureTech and not as a separate entity. Accordingly, for the period prior to the Transaction, certain corporate expenses represent shared costs of PureTech that were allocated to the Company based on a systematic and rational methodology and are reflected as expenses in these consolidated financial statements. These amounts include, but are not limited to, items such as payroll, general management and executive oversight, costs to support Seaport’s information technology infrastructure, facilities, compliance, human resources, legal, and finance functions, risk management, and stock-based compensation, all of which supported the operations of PureTech as a whole. Corporate expense and shared cost allocations are generally allocated to the Company based on proportional cost allocation methods using headcount or proportional time worked supporting the Seaport Business and other organizational activities, as applicable, which were considered to be reasonable reflections of the utilization of services provided or benefit received by the Company during the periods presented prior to the Transaction. Total corporate expense allocations were $1.7 million in research and development and $3.8 million in general and administrative
F-36
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
expenses during the year ended December 31, 2024. Net transfers from PureTech Health plc within financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows and the consolidated statements of convertible preferred stock and stockholders’ deficit consist of the following (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, |
||||
| 2024 | ||||
| Corporate cost allocations from PureTech |
$ | 5,459 | ||
| General finance activities |
8,508 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Net transfers from PureTech |
$ | 13,967 | ||
|
|
|
|||
As disclosed in Note 1—Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation, the Company entered into the Asset Transfer Agreement with PureTech and issued 40,000,000 shares of its Series A-1 Preferred Stock to PureTech LYT. In connection with entering into the Asset Transfer Agreement, the Company entered into the TSA with PureTech, under which the Company made an up-front payment of $0.5 million to reimburse PureTech for work performed by certain third-parties prior to the closing of the Asset Transfer Agreement to advance the Company’s programs and activities. During the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company incurred $0.4 million of expenses from PureTech under the TSA of which $0.3 million related to research and development and $0.1 million related to general and administrative expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company incurred $14.2 million of expenses from PureTech under the TSA of which $12.4 million related to research and development and $1.8 million related to general and administrative expenses.
In April 2024, as part of its Series A-2 Financing, the Company issued and sold 8,421,052 shares of its Series A-2 Preferred Stock to PureTech LYT, at a purchase price of $3.80 per share for gross aggregate proceeds of $32.0 million. Subsequent to the Series A-2 financing, PureTech LYT remained the controlling investor of the Company.
In October 2024, as part of its Series B Financing, the Company issued and sold an aggregate 3,031,578 and 494,734 shares of its Series B Preferred Stock to PureTech LYT and to certain of the Company’s management and board of directors, respectively, at a purchase price of $4.75 per share, for gross aggregate proceeds of $14.4 million and $2.3 million, respectively. Subsequent to the Series B Financing, PureTech LYT was no longer a controlling investor of the Company.
During the year ended December 31, 2024 the Company paid $0.2 million, to Third Rock Ventures for professional fees. Such amounts were included in general and administrative expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2025, amounts paid to Third Rock Ventures were not material.
18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company has evaluated subsequent events through February 27, 2026, the date these consolidated financial statements were available to be issued. In January and February 2026, the Company granted 3,023,510 stock options, under the 2024 Plan, at an exercise price of $3.28 to the Company’s board of directors and employees, which vest over a one year and four-year period, respectively. The aggregate grant date fair value of these stock options granted by the Company was determined to be approximately $7.6 million. There were no other subsequent events that require adjustments to or disclosure in the financial statements.
F-37
Shares
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Common Stock
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
J.P. Morgan
Leerink Partners
Citigroup
Stifel
Through and including , 2026 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in our common stock, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This delivery requirement is in addition to a dealer’s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Unless otherwise indicated, all references to “Seaport,” the “company,” “we,” “our,” “us”, or similar terms refer to Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. and its wholly owned, consolidated subsidiaries, or either or both of them as the context may require.
Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The following table sets forth all expenses to be paid by us, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, in connection with this offering. All amounts shown are estimates except for the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, registration fee, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., or FINRA, filing fee and the Nasdaq Global Market, or Nasdaq, listing fee.
| SEC registration fee |
$ | 13,810.00 | ||
| FINRA filing fee |
15,500.00 | |||
| Nasdaq listing fee |
* | |||
| Printing and mailing expenses |
* | |||
| Legal fees and expenses |
* | |||
| Accounting fees and expenses |
* | |||
| Custodian transfer agent and registrar fees and expenses |
* | |||
| Miscellaneous expenses |
* | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Total |
$ | * | ||
|
|
|
| * | To be provided by amendment. |
Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or the DGCL, authorizes a corporation to indemnify its directors and officers against liabilities arising out of actions, suits, and proceedings to which they are made or threatened to be made a party by reason of the fact that they have served or are currently serving as a director or officer to a corporation. The indemnity may cover expenses (including attorneys’ fees) judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the director or officer in connection with any such action, suit, or proceeding. Section 145 permits corporations to pay expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by directors and officers in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit, or proceeding. In addition, Section 145 provides that a corporation has the power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of its directors and officers against any liability asserted against them and incurred by them in their capacity as a director or officer, or arising out of their status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify the director or officer against such liability under Section 145.
We will adopt provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which will become effective immediately prior to the completion of this offering, and the amended and restated bylaws, which will become effective upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, that will limit or eliminate the personal liability of our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as it now exists or may in the future be amended. Consequently, our directors and officers will not be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages or breach of fiduciary duty as directors or officers, except for liability for:
| | any breach of their duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders; |
| | any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; |
II-1
| | for our directors, any unlawful payments related to dividends or unlawful stock purchases, redemptions or other distributions; |
| | any transaction from which they derived an improper personal benefit; or |
| | for our officers, any derivative action by or in the right of the corporation. |
These limitations of liability do not alter director and officer liability under the federal securities laws and do not affect the availability of equitable remedies such as an injunction or rescission.
In addition, our amended and restated bylaws will provide that:
| | we will indemnify our directors, officers and, in the discretion of our board of directors, certain employees to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as it now exists or may in the future be amended; and |
| | we will advance reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ fees, to our directors and, in the discretion of our board of directors, to our officers and certain employees, in connection with legal proceedings relating to their service for or on behalf of us, subject to limited exceptions. |
We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and intend to enter into such agreements with our executive officers. These agreements provide that we will indemnify each of our directors, our executive officers, and, at times, their affiliates to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. We will advance expenses, including attorneys’ fees (but excluding judgments, fines, and settlement amounts), to each indemnified director, executive officer, or affiliate in connection with any proceeding in which indemnification is available and we will indemnify our directors and officers for any action or proceeding arising out of that person’s services as a director or officer brought on behalf of us or in furtherance of our rights. Additionally, certain of our directors or officers may have certain rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses, or insurance provided by their affiliates or other third parties, which indemnification relates to and might apply to the same proceedings arising out of such director’s or officer’s services as a director referenced herein. Nonetheless, we have agreed in the indemnification agreements that our obligations to those same directors or officers are primary and any obligation of such affiliates or other third parties to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for the expenses or liabilities incurred by those directors are secondary.
We also maintain general liability insurance which covers certain liabilities of our directors and officers arising out of claims based on acts or omissions in their capacities as directors or officers, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Securities Act.
The underwriting agreement filed as Exhibit 1.1 to this registration statement provides for indemnification of us and our directors and officers by the underwriters against certain liabilities under the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.
Set forth below is information regarding securities we have issued within the past three years that were not registered under the Securities Act.
(a) Preferred Stock Issuances
In April 2024, we issued an aggregate of 40,000,000 shares of Series A-1 convertible preferred stock in connection with entry into an asset transfer agreement, dated as of April 8, 2024, or the Asset Transfer Agreement, with PureTech LYT.
We also issued and sold to accredited investors an aggregate of 26,342,102 shares of Series A-2 convertible preferred stock at a price per share of $3.80, for an aggregate purchase price of $100.1 million.
II-2
In October and November 2024, we issued and sold to accredited investors an aggregate of 47,578,934 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock at a price per share of $4.75, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $226.0 million.
(b) Common Stock Issuances
In April 2024, we issued an aggregate of 1,000 shares of common stock to PureTech LYT in connection with our formation.
In April 2024, we issued an aggregate of 949,000 shares of common stock to PureTech LYT in connection with the Asset Transfer Agreement.
Since April 2024, we have sold or issued by exchange to our founders an aggregate of 7,200,000 shares of restricted common stock under our 2024 Plan or pursuant to agreement, at a purchase price of $0.0 million.
(c) Grants and exercises of stock options
Since April 2024, we have granted certain employees, consultants, and directors options to purchase an aggregate of 31,144,262 shares of our common stock under our 2024 Plan and 2026 Plan, at exercise prices ranging from $0.97 to $3.28 per share.
Since April 2024, 1,200 stock options have been exercised under our 2024 Plan and 2026 Plan at a weighted average purchase price of $0.97 per share.
None of the foregoing transactions involved any underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering. Unless otherwise specified above, the Registrant believes these transactions were exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act (and Regulation D or Regulation S promulgated thereunder) or Rule 701 promulgated under Section 3(b) of the Securities Act as transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering or under benefit plans and contracts relating to compensation as provided under Rule 701. The recipients of the securities in each of these transactions represented their intentions to acquire the securities for investment only and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof, and appropriate legends were placed on the share certificates issued in these transactions. All recipients had adequate access, through their relationships with the Registrant, to information about the Registrant. The sales of these securities were made without any general solicitation or advertising.
Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) Exhibits.
| Exhibit |
Description | |
| 1.1* | Form of Underwriting Agreement. | |
| 3.1 | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, as currently in effect. | |
| 3.2* | Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended. | |
| 3.3* | Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, to be in effect immediately prior to the completion of this offering. | |
| 3.4 | Bylaws, as currently in effect. | |
| 3.5* | Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws, to be in effect as of the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. | |
II-3
| * | To be filed by amendment. |
| # | Indicates a management contract or any compensatory plan, contract or arrangement. |
| | Certain portions of this document that constitute confidential information have been redacted pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K. |
| + | Certain exhibits and schedules to these agreements have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) and (6) of Regulation S-K. The registrant will furnish copies of any of the exhibits and schedules to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request. |
(b) Financial Statement Schedules.
All financial statement schedules are omitted because the information required to be set forth therein is not applicable or is shown in the financial statements or the notes thereto.
II-4
Item 17. Undertakings.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 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 Securities and Exchange Commission 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 registrant hereby undertakes that:
| (a) | For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the information omitted from a form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the 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. |
| (b) | 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 on Form S-1 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Boston, Massachusetts, on the 10th of April, 2026.
| SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Daphne Zohar | |
| Name: Daphne Zohar | ||
| Title: Chief Executive Officer and Director | ||
POWER OF ATTORNEY AND SIGNATURES
Each individual whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Daphne Zohar and Lauren A. White as such person’s true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for such person in such person’s name, place, and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement (or any Registration Statement for the same offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933), and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as such person might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that any said attorney-in-fact and agent, or any substitute or substitutes of any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement and Power of Attorney has been signed by the following person in the capacities and on the date indicated.
| Signature |
Title |
Date | ||
| /s/ Daphne Zohar Daphne Zohar |
Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) |
April 10, 2026 | ||
| /s/ Lauren A. White Lauren A. White |
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | April 10, 2026 | ||
| /s/ Steven M. Paul Steven M. Paul, M.D. |
Director and Chairman | April 10, 2026 | ||
| /s/ Robert J. Hombach Robert J. Hombach |
Director | April 10, 2026 | ||
| /s/ Eric Elenko Eric Elenko, Ph.D. |
Director | April 10, 2026 | ||
| /s/ James I. Healy James I. Healy, M.D., Ph.D. |
Director | April 10, 2026 | ||
II-6
| Signature |
Title |
Date | ||
| /s/ Robert Nelsen Robert Nelsen |
Director |
April 10, 2026 | ||
| /s/ Jason Pitts Jason Pitts, Ph.D. |
Director |
April 10, 2026 | ||
| /s/ Sandra E. Peterson Sandra E. Peterson |
Director |
April 10, 2026 | ||
| /s/ Denice Torres Denice Torres, J.D. |
Director |
April 10, 2026 | ||
| /s/ David Wheadon David Wheadon, M.D. |
Director |
April 10, 2026 | ||
| /s/ Robert Lyne Robert Lyne, LLB |
Director |
April 10, 2026 | ||
II-7
Exhibit 3.1
AMENDED AND RESTATED
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC.
(Pursuant to Sections 242 and 245 of the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware)
Seaport Therapeutics, 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:
1. That the name of this corporation is Seaport Therapeutics, Inc., and that this corporation was originally incorporated pursuant to the General Corporation Law on April 1, 2024 under the name SP Therapeutics, Inc.
2. That the Board of Directors of this corporation (the “Board of Directors”) duly adopted resolutions proposing to further amend and restate the Amended and Restated 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 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of this corporation be further amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
FIRST: The name of this corporation is Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Corporation”).
SECOND: The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, 19801. The name of its registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.
THIRD: 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.
FOURTH: The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the Corporation shall have the authority to issue is 272,991,040. The Corporation has two classes of stock, referred to as Common Stock and Preferred Stock. There are 159,070,000 shares of authorized Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (“Common Stock”), and 113,921,040 shares of authorized Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (“Preferred Stock”), 40,000,000 of which are hereby designated as “Series A-1 Preferred Stock”, 26,342,102 of which are hereby designated as “Series A-2 Preferred Stock”, and 47,578,938 of which are hereby designated as “Series B Preferred Stock”.
1
The following is a statement of the designations and the powers, preferences and special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof in respect of each class of capital stock of the Corporation.
A. COMMON STOCK
1. General. The voting, dividend and liquidation rights of the holders of the Common Stock are subject to and qualified by the powers, preferences and special rights of the holders of the Preferred Stock set forth herein.
2. Voting. Except as otherwise provided herein or by applicable law, the holders of the Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held as of the applicable record date for each meeting of stockholders (and written actions in lieu of meetings); 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 this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (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 with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this 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 (in addition to any vote of the holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock that may be required by the terms of this Certificate of Incorporation) the affirmative vote of the holders of shares of capital stock of the Corporation representing a majority of the votes represented by all outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the General Corporation Law.
B. PREFERRED STOCK
The shares of the Preferred Stock shall have the powers, preferences and special rights set forth in this Part B of this Article Fourth. Unless otherwise indicated, references to “sections” or “Sections” in this Part B of this Article Fourth refer to sections of Part B of this Article Fourth. References to “Preferred Stock” mean, together, the Series A-1 Preferred Stock, the Series A-2 Preferred Stock, and the Series B Preferred Stock.
1. Dividends.
The Corporation shall not declare, pay or set aside any dividends on shares of any other class or series of capital stock of the Corporation (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 Certificate of Incorporation) the holders of the Preferred Stock then outstanding shall, on a pari passu basis, first receive, or simultaneously receive, a dividend on each outstanding share of Preferred Stock in an amount at least equal to (i) in the case of a dividend on Common Stock, the product of (A) the dividend declared, paid or set aside on such Common Stock and (B) the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of a share of such
2
Preferred Stock; (ii) in the case of a dividend on a class or series of capital stock that is convertible into Common Stock, the product of (A) the dividend declared, paid or set aside per share of such class or series of capital stock and (B) the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of a share of such Preferred Stock, divided by the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of a share of such class or series of capital stock; or (iii) in the case of a dividend on any class or series that is not convertible into Common Stock, the product of (A) the amount of the dividend payable on each share of such class or series of capital stock divided by the original issuance price of such class or series of capital stock (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or other similar recapitalization with respect to such class or series) and (B) the applicable Original Issue Price (as defined below); provided that, if the Corporation declares, pays or sets aside, on the same date, a dividend on shares of more than one class or series of capital stock of the Corporation, the dividend payable to the holders of Preferred Stock pursuant to this Section 1 shall be calculated based upon the dividend on the class or series of capital stock that would result in the highest Preferred Stock dividend for the applicable series of Preferred Stock, The “Original Issue Price” shall mean, with respect to the Series A-1 Preferred Stock, $0.10 per share, with respect to the Series A-2 Preferred Stock, $3.80 per share, and with respect to the Series B Preferred Stock, $4.75 per share, subject to, in each case, appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or other similar recapitalization with respect to the applicable Preferred Stock.
2. Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up; Certain Mergers, Consolidations and Asset Sales.
2.1 Preferential Payments to Holders of Preferred Stock. In the event of (a) any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, the holders of shares of each series of Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders, and (b) a Deemed Liquidation Event (as defined below), the holders of shares of each series of Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid out of the consideration payable to stockholders in such Deemed Liquidation Event or out of the Available Proceeds (as defined below), as applicable, on a pari passu basis based on their respective Liquidation Amounts (as defined below) and before any payment shall be made to the holders of Common Stock by reason of their ownership thereof, an amount per share of each such series of Preferred Stock equal to the greater of (i) the Original Issue Price for such series, plus any dividends declared but unpaid thereon, and (ii) such amount per share as would have been payable had all shares of such series of Preferred Stock (and all shares of all other series of Preferred Stock that would receive a larger distribution per share if such series of Preferred Stock were converted into Common Stock) been converted into Common Stock pursuant to Section 4 immediately prior to such liquidation, dissolution, winding up or Deemed Liquidation Event (the amount payable pursuant to this sentence is hereinafter referred to, for each series of Preferred Stock, as applicable, as the “Liquidation Amount”). If upon any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation or Deemed Liquidation Event, the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders shall be insufficient to pay the holders of shares of Preferred Stock the full amount to which they shall be entitled under this Section 2.1, the holders of shares of Preferred Stock shall share ratably in any distribution of the assets available for distribution in proportion to the respective amounts which would otherwise be payable in respect of the shares held by them upon such distribution if all amounts payable on or with respect to such shares were paid in full.
3
2.2 Payments to Holders of Common Stock. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, after the payment in full of all Liquidation Amounts required to be paid to the holders of shares of Preferred Stock, the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders or, in the case of a Deemed Liquidation Event, the consideration not payable to the holders of shares of Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 2.1 or the remaining Available Proceeds, as the case may be, shall be distributed among the holders of shares of Common Stock, pro rata based on the number of shares of Common Stock held by each such holder.
2.3 Deemed Liquidation Events.
2.3.1 Definition. Each of the following events shall be considered a “Deemed Liquidation Event” unless (x) the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class on an as-converted to Common Stock basis, and (y) the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class on an as-converted to Common Stock basis, which majority must include at least one New Series B Investor (as defined in the Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement, dated on or about the Original Issue Date (as defined below), by and among the Corporation and the other parties thereto, as such agreement may be amended and/or restated from time to time (the “Investors’ Rights Agreement”)) (together, the “Requisite Holders”), elect otherwise by written notice sent to the Corporation at least 10 days prior to the effective date of any such event:
(a) a merger, consolidation, statutory conversion, transfer, domestication, or continuance in which
| (i) | the Corporation is a constituent party or |
| (ii) | a subsidiary of the Corporation is a constituent party and the Corporation issues shares of its capital stock pursuant to such merger, consolidation, statutory conversion, transfer, domestication, or continuance, |
except any such merger, consolidation, statutory conversion, transfer, domestication, or continuance involving the Corporation or a subsidiary in which the shares of capital stock of the Corporation outstanding immediately prior to such merger, consolidation, statutory conversion, transfer, domestication, or continuance continue to represent, or are converted into or exchanged for shares of capital stock or other equity interests that represent, immediately following such merger, consolidation, statutory conversion, transfer, domestication, or continuance, a majority, by voting power, of the capital stock or other equity interests of (1) the surviving or resulting corporation or entity; or (2) if the surviving or resulting corporation or entity is a wholly owned subsidiary of another corporation or entity immediately following such merger, consolidation, statutory conversion, transfer, domestication, or continuance, the parent corporation or entity of such surviving or resulting corporation or entity; or
4
(b) (i) the sale, lease, transfer, exclusive license or other disposition, in a single transaction or series of related transactions, by the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation of all or substantially all the assets of the Corporation and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, or (ii) the sale, lease, transfer, exclusive license or other disposition (whether by merger, consolidation, statutory conversion, domestication, continuance or otherwise, and whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions) of one or more subsidiaries of the Corporation if substantially all of the assets of the Corporation and its subsidiaries taken as a whole are held by such subsidiary or subsidiaries, except where such sale, lease, transfer, exclusive license or other disposition is to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation.
2.3.2 Effecting a Deemed Liquidation Event.
(a) The Corporation shall not have the power to effect a Deemed Liquidation Event referred to in Section 2.3.1(a)(i) unless the agreement or plan with respect to such transaction, or terms of such transaction (any such agreement, plan or terms, the “Transaction Document”), provide that the consideration payable to the stockholders of the Corporation in such Deemed Liquidation Event shall be allocated to the holders of capital stock of the Corporation in accordance with Sections 2.1 and 2.2.
(b) In the event of a Deemed Liquidation Event referred to in Section 2.3.1(a)(ii) or 2.3.1(b), if the Corporation does not effect a dissolution of the Corporation under the General Corporation Law within 90 days after such Deemed Liquidation Event, then (i) the Corporation shall send a written notice to each holder of Preferred Stock no later than the 90th day after the Deemed Liquidation Event advising such holders of their right (and the requirements to be met to secure such right) to require the redemption of such shares of Preferred Stock, and (ii) if the Requisite Holders so request in a written instrument delivered to the Corporation not later than 120 days after such Deemed Liquidation Event, the Corporation shall use the consideration received by the Corporation for such Deemed Liquidation Event (net of any retained liabilities associated with the assets sold or technology licensed, any other expenses reasonably related to such Deemed Liquidation Event or any other expenses incident to the dissolution of the Corporation as provided herein, in each case as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors), together with any other assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders, all to the extent permitted by Delaware law governing distributions to stockholders (the “Available Proceeds”) on the 150th day after such Deemed Liquidation Event (the “DLE Redemption Date”), to redeem all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock at a price per share equal to the applicable Liquidation Amount; provided, that if the definitive agreements governing such Deemed Liquidation Event contain contingent indemnification obligations on the part of the Corporation and prohibit the Corporation from distributing all or a portion of the Available Proceeds while such indemnification obligations remain outstanding, then the DLE Redemption Date shall automatically be extended to the date that is ten business days following the date on which such prohibition expires. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a redemption pursuant to the preceding sentence, if the Available Proceeds are not sufficient to redeem all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, the Corporation shall redeem a pro rata portion of each holder’s shares of Preferred Stock to the fullest extent of such Available Proceeds, based on the respective amounts which would otherwise be payable in respect of the shares to be redeemed if the Available Proceeds were sufficient to redeem all such shares, and shall redeem the remaining shares as soon as it may lawfully do so under Delaware law governing distributions to
5
stockholders. Prior to the distribution or redemption provided for in this Section 2.3.2(b), the Corporation shall not expend or dissipate the Available Proceeds for any purpose, except to discharge expenses incurred in connection with such Deemed Liquidation Event. In connection with a distribution or redemption provided for in Section 2.3.2, the Corporation shall send written notice of the redemption (the “Redemption Notice”) to each holder of record of Preferred Stock. Each Redemption Notice shall state:
| (i) | the number of shares of Preferred Stock held by the holder that the Corporation shall redeem on the date specified in the Redemption Notice; |
| (ii) | the redemption date and the price per share at which the shares of Preferred Stock are being redeemed; and |
| (iii) | for holders of shares in certificated form, that the holder is to surrender to the Corporation, in the manner and at the place designated, his, her or its certificate or certificates representing the shares of Preferred Stock to be redeemed. |
If the Redemption Notice shall have been duly given, and if payment is tendered or deposited with an independent payment agent so as to be available therefor in a timely manner, then notwithstanding that any certificates evidencing any of the shares of Preferred Stock so called for redemption shall not have been surrendered, all rights with respect to such shares shall forthwith after the date terminate, except only the right of the holders to receive the payment without interest upon surrender of any such certificate or certificates therefor.
2.3.3 Amount Deemed Paid or Distributed. The amount deemed paid or distributed to the holders of capital stock of the Corporation upon any such merger, consolidation, sale, transfer, exclusive license, other disposition or redemption shall be the cash or the value of the property, rights or securities to be paid or distributed to such holders pursuant to such Deemed Liquidation Event. The value of such property, rights or securities shall be determined in good faith by the Board of Directors.
2.3.4 Allocation of Escrow and Contingent Consideration. In the event of a Deemed Liquidation Event pursuant to Section 2.3.1(a)(i), if any portion of the consideration payable to the stockholders of the Corporation is payable only upon satisfaction of contingencies (the “Additional Consideration”), the Transaction Document shall provide that (a) the portion of such consideration that is not Additional Consideration (such portion, the “Initial Consideration”) shall be allocated among the holders of capital stock of the Corporation in accordance with Sections 2.1 and 2.2 as if the Initial Consideration were the only consideration payable in connection with such Deemed Liquidation Event; and (b) any Additional Consideration which becomes payable to the stockholders of the Corporation upon satisfaction of such contingencies shall be allocated among the holders of capital stock of the Corporation in accordance with Sections 2.1 and 2.2 after taking into account the previous payment of the Initial Consideration as part of the same transaction. For the purposes of this Section 2.3.4, consideration placed into escrow or retained as a holdback to be available for satisfaction of indemnification or similar obligations in connection with such Deemed Liquidation Event shall be deemed to be Additional Consideration.
6
3. Voting.
3.1 General. On any matter presented to the stockholders of the Corporation for their action or consideration at any meeting of stockholders of the Corporation (or by written consent of stockholders in lieu of a meeting), each holder of outstanding shares of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to cast the number of votes equal to the number of whole shares of Common Stock into which the shares of Preferred Stock held by such holder are convertible (as provided in Section 4 below) as of the record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote on such matter. Except as provided by law or by the other provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation, holders of Preferred Stock shall vote together with the holders of Common Stock as a single class and on an as-converted to Common Stock basis.
3.2 Election of Directors.
3.2.1 (i) At all times when at least 10,000,000 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock remain outstanding (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination, or other similar recapitalization with respect to the Series A-1 Preferred Stock), the holders of record of the shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock, exclusively and voting together as a separate class, shall be entitled to elect two (2) directors of the Corporation (each, a “Series A-1 Director”), (ii) at all times when at least 6,578,947 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock remain outstanding (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination, or other similar recapitalization with respect to the Series A-2 Preferred Stock), the holders of record of the shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock, exclusively and voting together as a separate class, shall be entitled to elect two (2) directors of the Corporation (each, a “Series A-2 Director”), (iii) at all times when at least 11,894,734 shares of Series B Preferred Stock remain outstanding (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination, or other similar recapitalization with respect to the Series B Preferred Stock), the holders of record of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock, exclusively and voting together as a separate class, shall be entitled to elect one (1) director of the Corporation (the “Series B Director” and, together with the Series A-1 Directors and Series A-2 Directors, each, a “Preferred Director”), and (iv) the holders of record of the shares of Common Stock and of any other class or series of voting stock (including the Preferred Stock), exclusively and voting together as a single class on an as-converted to Common Stock basis, shall be entitled to elect the balance of the total number of directors of the Corporation (the “At-Large Directors”); provided, however, for administrative convenience, the initial Series B Director may also be appointed by the Board of Directors in connection with the approval of the initial issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock without a separate action by the holders of Preferred Stock.
7
3.2.2 Any director elected as provided in Sections 3.2.1(i), 3.2.1(ii) or Section 3.2.1(iii) may be removed without cause by, and only by, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of the class or series of capital 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.
3.2.3
| (i) | If the holders of shares of Preferred Stock fail to elect a sufficient number of directors to fill all directorships for which they are entitled to elect directors pursuant to Section 3.2.1 (and to the extent any of such directorships is not otherwise filled by a director appointed in accordance with the proviso in Section 3.2.1), then any directorship not so filled shall remain vacant until such time as the holders of the Preferred Stock fill such directorship in accordance with Section 3.2.1. |
| (ii) | A vacancy in any At-Large Director seat can be filled by either the vote or written consent in lieu of a meeting of the stockholders entitled to elect the At-Large Directors. |
At any meeting held for the purpose of electing a director, the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of the class or series of capital stock entitled to elect such director shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of electing such director.
3.2.4 The “Requisite Directors” shall mean a majority of the Board of Directors, including a majority of the Preferred Directors then seated (or three (3) Preferred Directors if greater), and including at least two (2) Preferred Directors that are not Series A-1 Directors,
3.3 Preferred Stock Protective Provisions. At any time when at least 28,480,260 shares of Preferred Stock (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or other similar recapitalization with respect to the Preferred Stock and calculated on an as-converted to Common Stock basis) are outstanding, the Corporation shall not, either directly or indirectly by amendment, merger, consolidation, domestication, transfer, continuance, recapitalization, reclassification, waiver, statutory conversion, or otherwise, effect any of the following acts or transactions without (in addition to any other vote required by law or this Certificate of Incorporation) the written consent or affirmative vote of the Requisite Holders and any such act or transaction that has not been approved by such consent or vote prior to such act or transaction being effected shall be null and void ab initio, and of no force or effect:
3.3.1 liquidate, dissolve or wind-up the business and affairs of the Corporation or effect any Deemed Liquidation Event or any other merger, consolidation, statutory conversion, transfer, domestication or continuance;
8
3.3.2 amend, alter or repeal any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Corporation in a manner that adversely affects the special rights, powers and preferences of the Preferred Stock (or any series thereof);
3.3.3 create, or authorize the creation of, or issue, or obligate itself to issue, shares of, or reclassify, any capital stock or any security convertible into or exercisable for any equity security, in each case, unless the same ranks junior to the Preferred Stock with respect to its special rights, powers and preferences;
3.3.4 increase or decrease the authorized number of shares of Preferred Stock or of any series of Preferred Stock;
3.3.5 without the approval of the Requisite Directors, sell, issue, sponsor, create or distribute, or cause or permit any of its subsidiaries to sell, issue, sponsor, create or distribute, any digital tokens, cryptocurrency or other blockchain-based assets (collectively, “Tokens”), including through a pre-sale, initial coin offering, token distribution event or crowdfunding, or through the issuance of any instrument convertible into or exchangeable for Tokens;
3.3.6 purchase or redeem (or permit any subsidiary to purchase or redeem) or pay or declare any dividend or make any distribution on, any shares of capital stock of the Corporation other than: (i) redemptions of or dividends or distributions on the Preferred Stock as expressly authorized herein; (ii) dividends or other distributions payable on the Common Stock solely in the form of additional shares of Common Stock; (iii) repurchases of stock from former employees, officers, directors, consultants or other persons who performed services for the Corporation or any subsidiary in connection with the cessation of such employment or service, at no greater than the original purchase price thereof; and (iv) as otherwise approved by the Requisite Directors;
3.3.7 without the approval of the Requisite Directors, (i) adopt, amend, terminate or repeal any equity (or equity-linked) compensation plan, or (ii) amend any such plan to increase the number of shares authorized for issuance thereunder;
3.3.8 unless the aggregate indebtedness of the Corporation and its subsidiaries for borrowed money following such action would not exceed $1,000,000, create, or issue, any debt security, create any lien or security interest (except for purchase money liens or statutory liens of landlords, mechanics, materialmen, workmen, warehousemen and other similar persons arising or incurred in the ordinary course of business), or incur other indebtedness for borrowed money, including but not limited to obligations and contingent obligations under guarantees, or permit any subsidiary to take any such action with respect to any debt security lien, security interest or other indebtedness for borrowed money, unless approved by the Requisite Directors in each case, and other than equipment leases, bank lines of credit or trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business and approved by the Requisite Directors;
9
3.3.9 create, or hold capital stock in, any subsidiary that is not wholly owned (either directly or through one or more other subsidiaries) by the Corporation, or permit any subsidiary to create, or issue or obligate itself to issue, any shares of any class or series of capital stock, or sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any capital stock of any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Corporation, or permit any direct or indirect subsidiary to sell, lease, transfer, exclusively license or otherwise dispose (in a single transaction or series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of the assets of such subsidiary; or
3.3.10 increase or decrease the authorized number of directors constituting the Board of Directors, change the number of votes entitled to be cast by any director or directors on any matter, or adopt any provision inconsistent with Article Sixth.
3.4 Series A-1 Preferred Stock Protective Provisions. At any time when at least 10,000,000 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock are outstanding (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or other similar recapitalization with respect to the Preferred Stock and calculated on an as-converted to Common Stock basis), the Corporation shall not, either directly or indirectly by amendment, merger, consolidation, domestication, transfer, continuance, recapitalization, reclassification, waiver, statutory conversion, or otherwise, effect any of the following acts or transactions without (in addition to any other vote required by law or this Certificate of Incorporation) the written consent or affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the then-outstanding shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock and any such act or transaction that has not been approved by such consent or vote prior to such act or transaction being effected shall be null and void ab initio, and of no force or effect:
3.4.1 amend, alter or repeal any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Corporation in a manner that adversely affects the special rights, powers and preferences of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock; or
3.4.2 increase or decrease the authorized number of shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock.
3.5 Series A-2 Preferred Stock Protective Provisions. At any time when at least 6,578,947 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock are outstanding (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or other similar recapitalization with respect to the Preferred Stock and calculated on an as-converted to Common Stock basis), the Corporation shall not, either directly or indirectly by amendment, merger, consolidation, domestication, transfer, continuance, recapitalization, reclassification, waiver, statutory conversion, or otherwise, effect any of the following acts or transactions without (in addition to any other vote required by law or this Certificate of Incorporation) the written consent or affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the then-outstanding shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock and any such act or transaction that has not been approved by such consent or vote prior to such act or transaction being effected shall be null and void ab initio, and of no force or effect:
3.5.1 amend, alter or repeal any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Corporation in a manner that adversely affects the special rights, powers and preferences of the Series A-2 Preferred Stock; or
10
3.5.2 increase or decrease the authorized number of shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock.
3.6 Series B Preferred Stock Protective Provisions. At any time when at least 11,894,734 shares of Series B Preferred Stock are outstanding (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or other similar recapitalization with respect to the Preferred Stock and calculated on an as-converted to Common Stock basis), the Corporation shall not, either directly or indirectly by amendment, merger, consolidation, domestication, transfer, continuance, recapitalization, reclassification, waiver, statutory conversion, or otherwise, effect any of the following acts or transactions without (in addition to any other vote required by law or this Certificate of Incorporation) the written consent or affirmative vote of the holders of at least 65% of the then-outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock (the “Series B Majority”) and any such act or transaction that has not been approved by such consent or vote prior to such act or transaction being effected shall be null and void ab initio, and of no force or effect:
3.6.1 amend, alter or repeal any provision of this Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Corporation in a manner that adversely affects the special rights, powers and preferences of the Series B Preferred Stock; or
3.6.2 increase or decrease the authorized number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock.
4. Optional Conversion. The holders of the Preferred Stock shall have conversion rights as follows (the “Conversion Rights”):
4.1 Right to Convert.
4.1.1 Conversion Ratio. Each share of Preferred Stock shall be convertible, at the option of the holder thereof, at any time, and without the payment of additional consideration by the holder thereof, into such whole number of fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock (calculated as provided in Section 4.2 below), as is determined by dividing the applicable Original Issue Price by the applicable Conversion Price (as defined below) in effect at the time of conversion. The “Conversion Price” applicable to the Series A-1 Preferred Stock, the Series A-2 Preferred Stock, and the Series B Preferred Stock as of the Original Issue Date shall be equal to $0.10, $3.80, and $4.75, respectively, per share. Such initial Conversion Price for the Series A-1 Preferred Stock, the Series A-2 Preferred Stock, and the Series B Preferred Stock, and the rate at which shares of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock, the Series A-2 Preferred Stock, and the Series B Preferred Stock may be converted into shares of Common Stock, shall be subject to adjustment as provided in this Section 4. In the event that, on or prior to March 31, 2026, the first patient is not dosed in a placebo-controlled phase 2 study for SPT-300 in major depressive disorder (which study includes activated sites in the United States) and the Conversion Price for the Series B Preferred Stock at such time exceeds $3.80 per share, then the Conversion Price for the Series B Preferred Stock will be automatically reduced to $3.80 per share (in each case, subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or other similar recapitalization with respect to the Common Stock and calculated on an as-converted to Common Stock basis).
11
4.1.2 Termination of Conversion Rights. In the event of a notice of redemption of any shares of Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 2.3.2(b), the Conversion Rights of the shares designated for redemption shall terminate at the close of business on the last full day preceding the date fixed for redemption, unless the redemption price is not fully paid on such redemption date, in which case the Conversion Rights for such shares shall continue until such price is paid in full. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation or a Deemed Liquidation Event, the Conversion Rights shall terminate at the close of business on the last full day preceding the date fixed for the payment of any such amounts distributable on such event to the holders of Preferred Stock; provided that the foregoing termination of Conversion Rights shall not affect the amount(s) otherwise paid or payable in accordance with Section 2.1 to the holders of Preferred Stock pursuant to such liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation or a Deemed Liquidation Event.
4.2 Number of Shares Issuable Upon Conversion. The number of shares of Common Stock issuable to a holder of Preferred Stock upon conversion of such Preferred Stock shall be rounded to the nearest whole share, after aggregating all fractional interests in shares of Common Stock that would otherwise be issuable upon conversion of all shares of that same series of Preferred Stock being converted by such holder (with any fractional interests after such aggregation representing 0.5 or greater of a whole share being entitled to a whole share). For the avoidance of doubt, no fractional interests in shares of Common Stock shall be created or issuable as a result of the conversion of the Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 4.1.1.
4.3 Mechanics of Conversion.
4.3.1 Notice of Conversion. In order for a holder of Preferred Stock to voluntarily convert shares of Preferred Stock into shares of Common S tock, such holder shall (a) provide written notice to the Corporation’s transfer agent at the office of the transfer agent for the Preferred Stock (or at the principal office of the Corporation if the Corporation serves as its own transfer agent) that such holder elects to convert all or any number of such holder’s shares of Preferred Stock and, if applicable, any event on which such conversion is contingent and (b), if such holder’s shares are certificated, surrender the certificate or certificates for such shares of Preferred Stock (or, if such registered holder alleges that such certificate has been lost, stolen or destroyed, a lost certificate affidavit and agreement reasonably acceptable to the Corporation to indemnify the Corporation against any claim that may be made against the Corporation on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of such certificate), at the office of the transfer agent for the Preferred Stock (or at the principal office of the Corporation if the Corporation serves as its own transfer agent). Such notice shall state such holder’s name or the names of the nominees in which such holder wishes the shares of Common Stock to be issued. If required by the Corporation, any certificates surrendered for conversion shall be endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer, in form satisfactory to the Corporation, duly executed by the registered holder or his, her or its attorney duly authorized in writing. Unless a later time and date is otherwise specified by the Corporation, the close of business on the date of receipt by the transfer agent (or by the Corporation if the Corporation serves as its own transfer agent) of such notice and, if applicable, certificates (or lost certificate affidavit and agreement) shall be the time of conversion (the “Conversion Time”), and the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the specified shares shall be deemed to be outstanding of record as of such date. The Corporation shall, as soon as practicable after the Conversion Time (i) issue and deliver to such holder of Preferred Stock, or to his, her or its nominees, a certificate or certificates for the number of full shares of Common Stock issuable upon such conversion in accordance with the provisions hereof and, a certificate for the number (if any) of the shares of Preferred Stock represented by the surrendered certificate that were not converted into Common Stock, and (ii) pay all declared but unpaid dividends on the shares of Preferred Stock converted.
12
4.3.2 Reservation of Shares. The Corporation shall at all times when the Preferred Stock shall be outstanding, reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued capital stock, for the purpose of effecting the conversion of the Preferred Stock, such number of its duly authorized shares of Common Stock as shall from time to time be sufficient to effect the conversion of all outstanding 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, the Corporation shall take such corporate action as may 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 Certificate of Incorporation. Before taking any action that would cause an adjustment reducing the Conversion Price for any series of Preferred Stock below the then par value of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such series of Preferred Stock, the Corporation will take any corporate action which may, in the opinion of its counsel, be necessary in order that the Corporation may validly and legally issue fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock at such adjusted Conversion Price.
4.3.3 Effect of Conversion. All shares of Preferred Stock which shall have been surrendered for conversion as herein provided shall no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all rights with respect to such shares shall immediately cease and terminate at the Conversion Time, except only the right of the holders thereof to receive shares of Common Stock in exchange therefor and to receive payment of any dividends declared but unpaid thereon.
4.3.4 No Further Adjustment. Upon any such conversion, no adjustment to the applicable Conversion Price shall be made for any declared but unpaid dividends on the Preferred Stock surrendered for conversion or on the Common Stock delivered upon conversion.
4.3.5 Taxes. The Corporation shall pay any and all issue and other similar taxes that may be payable in respect of any issuance or delivery of shares of Common Stock upon conversion of shares of Preferred Stock pursuant to this Section 4. The Corporation shall not, however, be required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issuance and delivery of shares of Common Stock in a name other than that in which the shares of Preferred Stock so converted were registered, and no such issuance or delivery shall be made unless and until the person or entity requesting such issuance has paid to the Corporation the amount of any such tax or has established, to the satisfaction of the Corporation, that such tax has been paid.
13
4.4 Adjustments to Preferred Stock Conversion Price for Diluting Issues.
4.4.1 Special Definitions. For purposes of this Article Fourth, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) “Additional Shares of Common Stock” means all shares of Common Stock issued (or, pursuant to Section 4.4.3 below, deemed to be issued) by the Corporation after the Original Issue Date (as defined below), other than (1) the following shares of Common Stock and (2) shares of Common Stock deemed issued pursuant to the following Options and Convertible Securities (clauses (1) and (2), collectively, “Exempted Securities”):
| (i) | as to any series of Preferred Stock, shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued as a dividend or distribution on such series of Preferred Stock (including dividends payable in connection with dividends on other classes or series of stock) or Common Stock issued upon conversion of such series of Preferred Stock; |
| (ii) | shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued by reason of a dividend, stock split, split-up or other distribution on shares of Common Stock that is covered by Section 4.5, 4.6, 4.7 or 4.8; |
| (iii) | shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued to banks, equipment lessors or other financial institutions, or to real property lessors, pursuant to a debt financing, equipment leasing or real property leasing transaction approved by the Requisite Directors; |
| (iv) | shares of Common Stock or Options issued to employees or directors of, or consultants or advisors to, the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to a plan, agreement or arrangement approved by the Requisite Directors; |
| (v) | shares of Common Stock or Convertible Securities actually issued upon the exercise of Options or shares of Common Stock actually issued upon the conversion or exchange of Convertible Securities, in each case provided such issuance is pursuant to the terms of such Option or Convertible Security; |
14
| (vi) | shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued as acquisition consideration pursuant to the acquisition of another corporation by the Corporation by merger, purchase of substantially all of the assets or other reorganization or to a joint venture agreement, provided that such issuances are approved by the Requisite Directors; |
| (vii) | shares of Common Stock issued in connection with an IPO; |
| (viii) | shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities issued in connection with sponsored research, collaboration, technology license, development, OEM, marketing or other similar agreements, or strategic partnerships approved by the Requisite Directors; and |
| (ix) | shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities deemed at the time of issuance to be Exempted Securities by the consent of the Requisite Holders. |
(b) “Convertible Securities” means any evidences of indebtedness, shares or other securities directly or indirectly convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock, but excluding Options.
(c) “IPO” means the Corporation’s first underwritten public offering of its Common Stock under the Securities Act.
(d) “Option” means any rights, options or warrants to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire Common Stock or Convertible Securities.
(e) “Original Issue Date” means the date on which the first share of Series B Preferred Stock is issued.
4.4.2 No Adjustment of Preferred Stock Conversion Price. No adjustment in the Conversion Price of a series of Preferred Stock shall be made as the result of the issuance or deemed issuance of Additional Shares of Common Stock if the Corporation receives written notice from the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of such series of Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class, and, solely in respect of an adjustment in the Conversion Price of the Series B Preferred Stock, the Series B Majority, agreeing that no such adjustment shall be made as the result of the issuance or deemed issuance of such Additional Shares of Common Stock.
15
4.4.3 Deemed Issue of Additional Shares of Common Stock.
(a) If the Corporation at any time or from time to time after the Original Issue Date shall issue any Options or Convertible Securities (excluding Options or Convertible Securities which are themselves Exempted Securities) or shall fix a record date for the determination of holders of any class of securities entitled to receive any such Options or Convertible Securities, then the maximum number of shares of Common Stock (as set forth in the instrument relating thereto, assuming the satisfaction of any conditions to exercisability, convertibility or exchangeability but without regard to any provision contained therein for a subsequent adjustment of such number) issuable upon the exercise of such Options or, in the case of Convertible Securities and Options therefor, the conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities, shall be deemed to be Additional Shares of Common Stock issued as of the time of such issue or, in case such a record date shall have been fixed, as of the close of business on such record date.
(b) If the terms of any Option or Convertible Security, the issuance of which resulted in an adjustment to the Conversion Price of any series of Preferred Stock pursuant to the terms of Section 4.4.4, are revised as a result of an amendment to such terms or any other adjustment pursuant to the provisions of such Option or Convertible Security (but excluding automatic adjustments to such terms pursuant to anti-dilution or similar provisions of such Option or Convertible Security) to provide for either (1) any increase or decrease in the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise, conversion and/or exchange of any such Option or Convertible Security or (2) any increase or decrease in the consideration payable to the Corporation upon such exercise, conversion and/or exchange, then, effective upon such increase or decrease becoming effective, the Conversion Price of such series of Preferred Stock computed upon the original issue of such Option or Convertible Security (or upon the occurrence of a record date with respect thereto) shall be readjusted to such Conversion Price for such series of Preferred Stock as would have obtained had such revised terms been in effect upon the original date of issuance of such Option or Convertible Security. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no readjustment pursuant to this Section 4.4.3(b) shall have the effect of increasing the Conversion Price applicable to a series of Preferred Stock to an amount which exceeds the lower of (i) the Conversion Price for such series of Preferred Stock in effect immediately prior to the original adjustment made as a result of the issuance of such Option or Convertible Security, or (ii) the Conversion Price for such series of Preferred Stock that would have resulted from any issuances of Additional Shares of Common Stock (other than deemed issuances of Additional Shares of Common Stock as a result of the issuance of such Option or Convertible Security) between the original adjustment date and such readjustment date.
(c) If the terms of any Option or Convertible Security (excluding Options or Convertible Securities which are themselves Exempted Securities), the issuance of which did not result in an adjustment to the Conversion Price of a series of Preferred Stock pursuant to the terms of Section 4.4.4 (either because the consideration per share (determined pursuant to Section 4.4.5) of the Additional Shares of Common Stock subject thereto was equal to or greater than the applicable Conversion Price then in effect, or because such Option
16
or Convertible Security was issued before the Original Issue Date), are revised after the Original Issue Date as a result of an amendment to such terms or any other adjustment pursuant to the provisions of such Option or Convertible Security (but excluding automatic adjustments to such terms pursuant to anti-dilution or similar provisions of such Option or Convertible Security) to provide for either (1) any increase in the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise, conversion or exchange of any such Option or Convertible Security or (2) any decrease in the consideration payable to the Corporation upon such exercise, conversion or exchange, then such Option or Convertible Security, as so amended or adjusted, and the Additional Shares of Common Stock subject thereto determined in the manner provided in Section 4.4.3(a) shall be deemed to have been issued effective upon such increase or decrease becoming effective.
(d) Upon the expiration or termination of any unexercised Option or unconverted or unexchanged Convertible Security (or portion thereof) which resulted (either upon its original issuance or upon a revision of its terms) in an adjustment to the Conversion Price of any series of Preferred Stock pursuant to the terms of Section 4.4.4, the Conversion Price of such series of Preferred Stock shall be readjusted to such Conversion Price for such series of Preferred Stock as would have obtained had such Option or Convertible Security (or portion thereof) never been issued.
(e) If the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise, conversion and/or exchange of any Option or Convertible Security, or the consideration payable to the Corporation upon such exercise, conversion and/or exchange, is calculable at the time such Option or Convertible Security is issued or amended but is potentially subject to adjustment based upon subsequent events, any adjustment to the Conversion Price of a series of Preferred Stock provided for in this Section 4.4.3 shall be effected at the time of such issuance or amendment based on such number of shares or amount of consideration without regard to any provisions for subsequent adjustments (and any subsequent adjustments shall be treated as provided in clauses (b) and (c) of this Section 4.4.3). If the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise, conversion and/or exchange of any Option or Convertible Security, or the consideration payable to the Corporation upon such exercise, conversion and/or exchange, cannot be calculated at all at the time such Option or Convertible Security is issued or amended, any adjustment to the Conversion Price of a series of Preferred Stock that would result under the terms of this Section 4.4.3 at the time of such issuance or amendment shall instead be effected at the time such number of shares and/or amount of consideration is first calculable (even if subject to subsequent adjustments), assuming for purposes of calculating such adjustment to the Conversion Price for such series of Preferred Stock that such issuance or amendment took place at the time such calculation can first be made. In the event an Option or Convertible Security contains alternative conversion terms, such as a cap on the valuation of the Corporation at which such conversion will be effected, or circumstances where the Option or Convertible Security may be repaid in lieu of conversion, then the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise, conversion and/or exchange of such Option or Convertible Security shall be deemed not calculable until such time as the applicable conversion terms are determined.
17
4.4.4 Adjustment of Conversion Price Upon Issuance of Additional Shares of Common Stock. In the event the Corporation shall at any time after the Original Issue Date issue Additional Shares of Common Stock (including Additional Shares of Common Stock deemed to be issued pursuant to Section 4.4.3), without consideration or for a consideration per share less than the Conversion Price of a series of Preferred Stock in effect immediately prior to such issuance or deemed issuance, then the Conversion Price for such series of Preferred Stock shall be reduced, concurrently with such issue, to a price (calculated to the nearest one-hundredth of a cent) determined in accordance with the following formula:
CP2 = CP1 * ((A + B) / (A + C)).
For purposes of the foregoing formula, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) “CP2” shall mean the Conversion Price of such series of Preferred Stock in effect immediately after such issuance or deemed issuance of Additional Shares of Common Stock;
(b) “CP1” shall mean the Conversion Price of such series of Preferred Stock in effect immediately prior to such issuance or deemed issuance of Additional Shares of Common Stock;
(c) “A” shall mean the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such issuance or deemed issuance of Additional Shares of Common Stock (treating for this purpose as outstanding all shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of Options outstanding immediately prior to such issuance or deemed issuance or upon conversion or exchange of Convertible Securities (including the Preferred Stock) outstanding (assuming exercise of any outstanding Options therefor) immediately prior to such issue);
(d) “B” shall mean the number of shares of Common Stock that would have been issued if such Additional Shares of Common Stock had been issued or deemed issued at a price per share equal to CP1 (determined by dividing the aggregate consideration received by the Corporation in respect of such issue by CP1); and
(e) “C” shall mean the number of such Additional Shares of Common Stock issued in such transaction.
4.4.5 Determination of Consideration. For purposes of this Section 4.4.5, the consideration received by the Corporation for the issuance or deemed issuance of any Additional Shares of Common Stock shall be computed as follows:
(a) Cash and Property. Such consideration shall:
| (i) | insofar as it consists of cash, be computed at the aggregate amount of cash received by the Corporation, excluding amounts paid or payable for accrued interest; |
| (ii) | insofar as it consists of property other than cash, be computed at the fair market value thereof at the time of such issue, as determined in good faith by the Requisite Directors; and |
18
| (iii) | in the event Additional Shares of Common Stock are issued together with other shares or securities or other assets of the Corporation for consideration which covers both, be the proportion of such consideration so received, computed as provided in clauses (i) and (ii) above, as determined in good faith by the Requisite Directors. |
(b) Options and Convertible Securities. The consideration per share received by the Corporation for Additional Shares of Common Stock deemed to have been issued pursuant to Section 4.4.4, relating to Options and Convertible Securities, shall be determined by dividing:
| (i) | The total amount, if any, received or receivable by the Corporation as consideration for the issue of such Options or Convertible Securities, plus the minimum aggregate amount of additional consideration (as set forth in the instruments relating thereto, without regard to any provision contained therein for a subsequent adjustment of such consideration) payable to the Corporation upon the exercise of such Options or the conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities, or in the case of Options for Convertible Securities, the exercise of such Options for Convertible Securities and the conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities, by |
| (ii) | the maximum number of shares of Common Stock (as set forth in the instruments relating thereto, without regard to any provision contained therein for a subsequent adjustment of such number) issuable upon the exercise of such Options or the conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities, or in the case of Options for Convertible Securities, the exercise of such Options for Convertible Securities and the conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities. |
19
4.4.6 Multiple Closing Dates. In the event the Corporation shall issue on more than one date Additional Shares of Common Stock that are a part of one transaction or a series of related transactions and that would result in an adjustment to the Conversion Price of a series of Preferred Stock pursuant to the terms of Section 4.4.4, and such issuance dates occur within a period of no more than 180 days from the first such issuance to the final such issuance, then, upon the final such issuance, the Conversion Price for such series of Preferred Stock shall be readjusted to give effect to all such issuances as if they occurred on the date of the first such issuance (and without giving effect to any additional adjustments as a result of any such subsequent issuances within such period).
4.5 Adjustment for Stock Splits and Combinations. If the Corporation shall at any time or from time to time after the Original Issue Date effect a subdivision of the outstanding Common Stock, the Conversion Price of each series of Preferred Stock in effect immediately before that subdivision shall be proportionately 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 in the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. If the Corporation shall at any time or from time to time after the Original Issue Date combine the outstanding shares of Common Stock, the Conversion Price of each series of Preferred Stock in effect immediately before the combination shall be proportionately 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 the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. Any adjustment under this Section 4.5 shall become effective at the close of business on the date the subdivision or combination becomes effective.
4.6 Adjustment for Certain Dividends and Distributions. In the event the Corporation at any time or from time to time after the Original Issue Date shall make or issue, or fix a record date for the determination of holders of Common Stock entitled to receive, a dividend or other distribution payable on the Common Stock in additional shares of Common Stock, then and in each such event the Conversion Price of each series of Preferred Stock in effect immediately before such event shall be decreased as of the time of such issuance or, in the event such a record date shall have been fixed, as of the close of business on such record date, by multiplying the Conversion Price of each such series of Preferred Stock then in effect by a fraction:
(1) the numerator of which shall be the total number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the time of such issuance or the close of business on such record date, and
(2) the denominator of which shall be the total number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the time of such issuance or the close of business on such record date plus the number of shares of Common Stock issuable in payment of such dividend or distribution.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) if such record date shall have been fixed and such dividend is not fully paid or if such distribution is not fully made on the date fixed therefor, the Conversion Price of each series of Preferred Stock shall be recomputed accordingly as of the close of business on such record date and thereafter the Conversion Price of each series of Preferred Stock shall be adjusted pursuant to this Section 4.6 as of the time of actual payment of such dividends or distributions; and (b) no such adjustment shall be made if the holders of such series of Preferred Stock simultaneously receive a dividend or other distribution of shares of Common Stock in a number equal to the number of shares of Common Stock as they would have received if all outstanding shares of such series of Preferred Stock had been converted into Common Stock on the date of such event.
20
4.7 Adjustments for Other Dividends and Distributions. In the event the Corporation at any time or from time to time after the Original Issue Date shall make or issue, or fix a record date for the determination of holders of Common Stock entitled to receive, a dividend or other distribution payable in securities of the Corporation (other than a distribution of shares of Common Stock in respect of outstanding shares of Common Stock) or in other property and the provisions of Section 1 do not apply to such dividend or distribution, then and in each such event the holders of Preferred Stock shall receive, simultaneously with the distribution to the holders of Common Stock, a dividend or other distribution of such securities or other property in an amount equal to the amount of such securities or other property as they would have received if all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock had been converted into Common Stock on the date of such event.
4.8 Adjustment for Merger or Reorganization, etc. Subject to the provisions of Section 2.3, if there shall occur any reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, consolidation or merger involving the Corporation in which the Common Stock (but not the Preferred Stock) is converted into or exchanged for securities, cash or other property (other than a transaction covered by Sections 4.5, 4.6 or 4.7), then, following any such reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, consolidation or merger, each share of Preferred Stock shall thereafter be convertible in lieu of the Common Stock into which it was convertible prior to such event into the kind and amount of securities, cash or other property which a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock of the Corporation issuable upon conversion of one share of such Preferred Stock immediately prior to such reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, consolidation or merger would have been entitled to receive pursuant to such transaction; and, in such case, appropriate adjustment (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors) shall be made in the application of the provisions in this Section 4 with respect to the rights and interests thereafter of the holders of the Preferred Stock, to the end that the provisions set forth in this Section 4 (including provisions with respect to changes in and other adjustments of the Conversion Price of each series of Preferred Stock) shall thereafter be applicable, as nearly as reasonably may be, in relation to any securities or other property thereafter deliverable upon the conversion of the Preferred Stock.
4.9 Certificate as to Adjustments. Upon the occurrence of each adjustment or readjustment of the Conversion Price of a series of Preferred Stock pursuant to this Section 4, the Corporation at its expense shall, as promptly as reasonably practicable but in any event not later than ten days thereafter, compute such adjustment or readjustment in accordance with the terms hereof and furnish to each holder of such series of Preferred Stock a certificate setting forth such adjustment or readjustment (including the kind and amount of securities, cash or other property into which such series of Preferred Stock is convertible) and showing in detail the facts upon which such adjustment or readjustment is based. The Corporation shall, as promptly as reasonably practicable after the written request at any time of any holder of Preferred Stock (but in any event not later than 10 days thereafter), furnish or cause to be furnished to such holder a certificate setting forth (i) the Conversion Price then in effect for each series of Preferred Stock held by such holder, and (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock and the amount, if any, of other securities, cash or property which then would be received upon the conversion of each such series of Preferred Stock.
21
4.10 Notice of Record Date. In the event:
(a) the Corporation shall take a record of the holders of its Common Stock (or other capital stock or securities at the time issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Stock) for the purpose of entitling or enabling them to receive any dividend or other distribution, or to receive any right to subscribe for or purchase any shares of capital stock of any class or series or any other securities, or to receive any other security; or
(b) of any capital reorganization of the Corporation, any reclassification of the Common Stock of the Corporation, or any Deemed Liquidation Event; or
(c) of the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding-up of the Corporation,
then, and in each such case, the Corporation will send or cause to be sent to the holders of the Preferred Stock a notice specifying, as the case may be, (i) the record date for such dividend, distribution or right, and the amount and character of such dividend, distribution or right, or (ii) the effective date on which such reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, transfer, dissolution, liquidation or winding-up is proposed to take place, and the time, if any is to be fixed, as of which the holders of record of Common Stock (or such other capital stock or securities at the time issuable upon the conversion of the Preferred Stock) shall be entitled to exchange their shares of Common Stock (or such other capital stock or securities) for securities or other property deliverable upon such reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, transfer, dissolution, liquidation or winding-up, and the amount per share and character of such exchange applicable to the Preferred Stock and the Common Stock, Such notice shall be sent at least 10 days prior to the record date or effective date for the event specified in such notice.
5. Mandatory Conversion.
5.1 Trigger Events. All outstanding shares of Preferred Stock shall automatically be converted into shares of Common Stock, at the then effective conversion rate as calculated pursuant to Sections 4.1.1 and 4.2, upon the earliest to occur of (the time of such conversion is referred to herein as the “Mandatory Conversion Time”):
(a) immediately prior to the closing of the sale of shares of Common Stock to the public at a price of at least $5.70 per share (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or other similar recapitalization with respect to the Common Stock), in a firm-commitment underwritten public offering pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), resulting in at least $100,000,000 of gross proceeds to the Corporation and in connection with such offering the shares of Common Stock are listed for trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market, the New York Stock Exchange or another exchange or marketplace approved by the Requisite Directors; and
22
(b) the date and time, or upon the occurrence of an event, specified by vote or written consent of the Requisite Holders and the Series B Majority.
5.2 Procedural Requirements. All holders of record of shares of Preferred Stock shall be sent written notice of the Mandatory Conversion Time and the place designated for mandatory conversion of all such shares of Preferred Stock pursuant to this Section 5. Such notice need not be sent in advance of the occurrence of the Mandatory Conversion Time. Upon receipt of such notice, each holder of shares of Preferred Stock being converted that holds such shares of Preferred Stock in certificated form shall surrender his, her or its certificate or certificates for all such shares (or, if such holder alleges that such certificate has been lost, stolen or destroyed, a lost certificate affidavit and agreement reasonably acceptable to the Corporation to indemnify the Corporation against any claim that may be made against the Corporation on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of such certificate) to the Corporation at the place designated in such notice. If so required by the Corporation, any certificates surrendered for conversion shall be endorsed or accompanied by written instrument or instruments of transfer, in form satisfactory to the Corporation, duly executed by the registered holder or by his, her or its attorney duly authorized in writing. All rights with respect to the Preferred Stock converted pursuant to Section 5.1, including the rights, if any, to receive notices and vote (other than as a holder of Common Stock), will terminate at the Mandatory Conversion Time (notwithstanding the failure of the holder or holders thereof to surrender any certificates at or prior to such time), except only the rights of the holders thereof, upon surrender of any certificate or certificates of such holders (or lost certificate affidavit and agreement) therefor, to receive the items provided for in the next sentence of this Section 5.2. As soon as practicable after the Mandatory Conversion Time and, if applicable, the surrender of any certificate or certificates (or lost certificate affidavit and agreement) for Preferred Stock, the Corporation shall (a) issue and deliver to such holder of Preferred Stock, or to his, her or its nominees, a certificate or certificates for the number of full shares of Common Stock issuable upon such conversion in accordance with the provisions hereof, and (b) pay any declared but unpaid dividends on the shares of Preferred Stock converted.
6. Redemption. Other than as set forth in Article Fourth, Part B, Section 2.3.2(b), the Preferred Stock is not redeemable at the option of the holder or the Corporation.
7. Redeemed or Otherwise Acquired Shares. Unless approved by the Board of Directors and the Requisite Holders, any shares of Preferred Stock that are redeemed, converted or otherwise acquired by the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries shall be automatically and immediately cancelled and retired and shall not be reissued, sold or transferred. Neither the Corporation nor any of its subsidiaries may exercise any voting or other rights granted to the holders of Preferred Stock following redemption, conversion or acquisition. The Corporation may thereafter take such appropriate action (without the need for stockholder action) as may be necessary to reduce the authorized number of shares of Preferred Stock accordingly.
8. Waiver. Except as otherwise set forth herein, (a) any of the rights, powers, preferences and other terms of the Preferred Stock set forth herein may be waived on behalf of all holders of Preferred Stock by the affirmative written consent or vote of the holders that would otherwise be required to amend such right, powers, preferences, and other terms and (b) at any time more than one series of Preferred Stock is issued and outstanding, any of the rights, powers, preferences and other terms of any series of Preferred Stock set forth herein may be waived on behalf of all holders of such series of Preferred Stock by the affirmative written consent or vote of the holders of such series that would otherwise be required to amend such right, power, preference, or other term.
23
9. Notices. Any notice required or permitted by the provisions of this Article Fourth to be given to a holder of shares of Preferred Stock shall be mailed, postage prepaid, to the post office address last shown on the records of the Corporation, or given by electronic transmission in compliance with the provisions of the General Corporation Law, and shall be deemed sent upon such mailing or electronic transmission.
FIFTH: Subject to any additional vote required by this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation, 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 the Corporation.
SIXTH: Subject to any additional vote required by this Certificate of Incorporation, the number of directors of the Corporation shall be determined in the manner set forth in the Bylaws of the Corporation, Each director shall be entitled to one vote on each matter presented to the Board of Directors; provided, however, that, for so long as the holders of Preferred Stock are entitled to elect a Preferred Director, the approval of the Requisite Directors shall be required hereunder for the authorization by the Board of Directors of any matter that requires the Requisite Director Vote under the terms of the Investors’ Rights Agreement, to the extent that Preferred Directors are then serving.
SEVENTH: Elections of directors need not be by written ballot unless the Bylaws of the Corporation shall so provide.
EIGHTH: Meetings of stockholders may be held within or outside of the State of Delaware, as the Bylaws of the Corporation may provide. The books of the Corporation may be kept (subject to any provision of applicable law) outside of the State of Delaware at such place or places or in such manner or manners as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors or in the Bylaws of the Corporation.
NINTH: To the fullest extent permitted by law, a director or officer of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer. If the General Corporation Law or any other law of the State of Delaware is amended after approval by the stockholders of this Article Ninth to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors or officers, then the liability of a director or officer of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law as so amended.
Any amendment, repeal or elimination of the foregoing provisions of this Article Ninth by the stockholders of the Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director or officer of the Corporation existing at the time of, or increase the liability of any director or officer of the Corporation with respect to any acts or omissions of such director or officer occurring prior to, such amendment, repeal or elimination.
24
TENTH: To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Corporation is authorized to provide indemnification of (and advancement of expenses to) directors, officers and agents of the Corporation (and any other persons to which the General Corporation Law permits the Corporation to provide indemnification) through Bylaw provisions, agreements with such agents or other 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, modification or elimination of the foregoing provisions of this Article Tenth shall not (a) adversely affect any right or protection of any director, officer or other agent of the Corporation existing at the time of such amendment, repeal, modification or elimination; or (b) increase the liability of any director, officer or agent of the Corporation with respect to any acts or omissions of such director, officer or agent occurring prior to such amendment, repeal, modification or elimination.
ELEVENTH: The Corporation renounces, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any interest or expectancy of the 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 the Corporation who is not an employee of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, or (ii) any holder of Preferred Stock or any partner, member, director, stockholder, employee, affiliate or agent of any such holder, other than someone who is an officer or employee of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries (collectively, the persons referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) are “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 Person’s capacity as a director of the Corporation while such Covered Person is performing services in such capacity. Any repeal or modification of this Article Eleventh will only be prospective and will not affect the rights under this Article Eleventh in effect at the time of the occurrence of any actions or omissions to act giving rise to liability. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained elsewhere in this Certificate of Incorporation, in addition to any other vote required by law or this Certificate of Incorporation, the affirmative vote of (i) the Requisite Holders and (ii) the holders of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock, will be required to amend or repeal, or to adopt any provisions inconsistent with this Article Eleventh.
TWELFTH: Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for any stockholder (including a beneficial owner) to bring (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation; (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders; (iii) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation, its directors, officers or employees arising pursuant to any provision of the General Corporation Law or the Corporation’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws; or (iv) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation, its directors, officers or employees governed by the internal affairs doctrine or that otherwise relates to the internal affairs of the Corporation, 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 patty 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 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,
25
THIRTEENTH: If any provision or provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation 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 Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each portion of any sentence 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) and the application of such provision to other persons or entities and circumstances shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby,
* * *
3. That the foregoing amendment and restatement was approved by the holders of the requisite number of shares of this corporation in accordance with Section 228 of the General Corporation Law.
4. That this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which restates and integrates and further amends the provisions of the Corporation’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, has been duly adopted in accordance with Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law.
[Signature Page Follows]
26
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation has been executed by a duly authorized officer of this corporation on October 17, 2024.
| By: |
| |
| Name: Daphne Zohar | ||
| Title: President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
Exhibit 3.4
BYLAWS
OF
SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC.
(a Delaware corporation)
Adopted as of April 1, 2024
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | ||||||
| ARTICLE I IDENTIFICATION; OFFICES |
1 | |||||
| SECTION 1. |
NAME | 1 | ||||
| SECTION 2. |
PRINCIPAL AND BUSINESS OFFICES | 1 | ||||
| SECTION 3. |
REGISTERED AGENT AND OFFICE | 1 | ||||
| SECTION 4. |
CORPORATE RECORDS | 1 | ||||
| ARTICLE II STOCKHOLDERS |
1 | |||||
| SECTION 1. |
ANNUAL MEETING | 1 | ||||
| SECTION 2. |
SPECIAL MEETING | 1 | ||||
| SECTION 3. |
PLACE OF STOCKHOLDER MEETINGS | 1 | ||||
| SECTION 4. |
NOTICE OF MEETINGS | 2 | ||||
| SECTION 5. |
QUORUM | 2 | ||||
| SECTION 6. |
ADJOURNED MEETINGS | 2 | ||||
| SECTION 7. |
FIXING OF RECORD DATE. | 3 | ||||
| SECTION 8. |
VOTING LIST | 3 | ||||
| SECTION 9. |
VOTING | 4 | ||||
| SECTION 10. |
PROXIES | 4 | ||||
| SECTION 11. |
RATIFICATION OF ACTS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS | 4 | ||||
| SECTION 12. |
CONDUCT OF MEETINGS. | 5 | ||||
| SECTION 13. |
ACTION WITHOUT MEETING. | 5 | ||||
| ARTICLE III DIRECTORS |
6 | |||||
| SECTION 1. |
GENERAL POWERS | 6 | ||||
| SECTION 2. |
NUMBER AND TENURE OF DIRECTORS | 6 | ||||
| SECTION 3. |
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS | 6 | ||||
| SECTION 4. |
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD; VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD | 7 | ||||
| SECTION 5. |
QUORUM | 7 | ||||
| SECTION 6. |
VOTING | 7 | ||||
| SECTION 7. |
VACANCIES | 7 | ||||
| SECTION 8. |
REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS | 7 | ||||
| SECTION 9. |
RESIGNATION | 7 | ||||
| SECTION 10. |
REGULAR MEETINGS | 7 | ||||
| SECTION 11. |
SPECIAL MEETINGS | 8 | ||||
| SECTION 12. |
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS | 8 | ||||
| SECTION 13. |
WRITTEN ACTION BY DIRECTORS | 8 | ||||
| SECTION 14. |
PARTICIPATION BY CONFERENCE TELEPHONE | 8 | ||||
| SECTION 15. |
COMMITTEES | 8 | ||||
| SECTION 16. |
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS | 9 | ||||
| ARTICLE IV OFFICERS |
9 | |||||
| SECTION 1. |
GENERAL PROVISIONS | 9 | ||||
| SECTION 2. |
ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE | 9 | ||||
| SECTION 3. |
RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL OF OFFICERS | 10 | ||||
| SECTION 4. |
VACANCIES | 10 | ||||
ii
| SECTION 5. |
THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | 10 | ||||
| SECTION 6. |
THE PRESIDENT | 10 | ||||
| SECTION 7. |
THE VICE PRESIDENT | 11 | ||||
| SECTION 8. |
THE SECRETARY | 11 | ||||
| SECTION 9. |
THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY | 11 | ||||
| SECTION 10. |
THE TREASURER | 11 | ||||
| SECTION 11. |
THE ASSISTANT TREASURER | 12 | ||||
| SECTION 12. |
OTHER OFFICERS, ASSISTANT OFFICERS AND AGENTS | 12 | ||||
| SECTION 13. |
ABSENCE OF OFFICERS, DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY | 12 | ||||
| SECTION 14. |
COMPENSATION | 12 | ||||
| ARTICLE V CAPITAL STOCK |
12 | |||||
| SECTION 1. |
ISSUANCE OF STOCK | 12 | ||||
| SECTION 2. |
CERTIFICATES OF SHARES; UNCERTIFICATED SHARES. | 12 | ||||
| SECTION 3. |
SIGNATURES OF FORMER OFFICER, TRANSFER AGENT OR REGISTRAR | 13 | ||||
| SECTION 4. |
TRANSFER OF SHARES | 13 | ||||
| SECTION 5. |
LOST, DESTROYED OR STOLEN CERTIFICATES | 14 | ||||
| SECTION 6. |
REGULATIONS | 14 | ||||
| ARTICLE VI RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL. |
14 | |||||
| SECTION 1. |
TRANSFERS | 14 | ||||
| SECTION 2. |
CONSENT TO TRANSFER | 14 | ||||
| SECTION 3. |
RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL. | 15 | ||||
| SECTION 4. |
EXCEPTIONS. | 16 | ||||
| SECTION 5. |
TERMINATION | 17 | ||||
| SECTION 6. |
VOID TRANSFERS | 17 | ||||
| SECTION 7. |
LEGENDS | 17 | ||||
| ARTICLE VII INDEMNIFICATION |
18 | |||||
| SECTION 1. |
RIGHT TO INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS | 18 | ||||
| SECTION 2. |
PREPAYMENT OF EXPENSES OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS | 18 | ||||
| SECTION 3. |
CLAIMS BY DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS | 18 | ||||
| SECTION 4. |
INDEMNIFICATION OF EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS | 18 | ||||
| SECTION 5. |
ADVANCEMENT OF EXPENSES OF EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS | 19 | ||||
| SECTION 6. |
NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS | 19 | ||||
| SECTION 7. |
OTHER INDEMNIFICATION | 19 | ||||
| SECTION 8. |
INSURANCE | 19 | ||||
| SECTION 9. |
AMENDMENT OR REPEAL | 19 | ||||
| ARTICLE VIII DIVIDENDS |
19 | |||||
| SECTION 1. |
DECLARATIONS OF DIVIDENDS | 19 | ||||
| SECTION 2. |
SPECIAL PURPOSES RESERVES | 19 | ||||
| ARTICLE IX NOTICE BY ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION |
20 | |||||
| SECTION 1. |
NOTICE BY ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION | 20 | ||||
| SECTION 2. |
DEFINITION OF ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION; ELECTRONIC MAIL; ELECTRONIC MAIL ADDRESS | 21 | ||||
| SECTION 3. |
INAPPLICABILITY | 21 | ||||
iii
| ARTICLE X GENERAL PROVISIONS |
21 | |||||
| SECTION 1. |
FISCAL YEAR | 21 | ||||
| SECTION 2. |
SEAL | 21 | ||||
| SECTION 3. |
WRITTEN WAIVER OF NOTICE | 21 | ||||
| SECTION 4. |
ATTENDANCE AS WAIVER OF NOTICE | 21 | ||||
| SECTION 5. |
WAIVER OF SECTION 1501 | 21 | ||||
| SECTION 6. |
CONTRACTS | 21 | ||||
| SECTION 7. |
LOANS | 22 | ||||
| SECTION 8. |
CHECKS, DRAFTS, ETC | 22 | ||||
| SECTION 9. |
DEPOSITS | 22 | ||||
| SECTION 10. |
ANNUAL STATEMENT | 22 | ||||
| SECTION 11. |
VOTING OF SECURITIES | 22 | ||||
| SECTION 12. |
EVIDENCE OF AUTHORITY | 22 | ||||
| SECTION 13. |
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION | 22 | ||||
| SECTION 14. |
SEVERABILITY | 22 | ||||
| SECTION 15. |
PRONOUNS | 22 | ||||
| ARTICLE XI AMENDMENTS |
23 | |||||
| SECTION 1. |
BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS | 23 | ||||
| SECTION 2. |
BY THE STOCKHOLDERS | 23 | ||||
iv
ARTICLE I
IDENTIFICATION; OFFICES
SECTION 1. NAME. The name of the corporation is Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Corporation”).
SECTION 2. PRINCIPAL AND BUSINESS OFFICES. The Corporation may have such principal and other business offices, either within or outside of the state of Delaware, as the Board of Directors may designate or as the Corporation’s business may require from time to time.
SECTION 3. REGISTERED AGENT AND OFFICE. The Corporation’s registered agent may be changed from time to time by or under the authority of the Board of Directors. The address of the Corporation’s registered agent may change from time to time by or under the authority of the Board of Directors, or the registered agent. The business office of the Corporation’s registered agent shall be identical to the registered office. The Corporation’s registered office may be but need not be identical with the Corporation’s principal office in the state of Delaware. The Corporation’s initial registered office shall be in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, State of Delaware.
SECTION 4. CORPORATE RECORDS. Any records and documents required by law to be kept by the Corporation permanently or administered by the Corporation in the regular course of business may be kept on, or by means of, or be in the form of, any information storage device, method, or one more electronic networks or databases, provided that the records so kept can be converted into clearly legible paper form within a reasonable time and, with respect to the stock ledger, the records so kept comply with Section 224 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. The Corporation shall so convert any records so kept upon the request of any person entitled to inspect such records pursuant to applicable law.
ARTICLE II
STOCKHOLDERS
SECTION 1. ANNUAL MEETING. An annual meeting of the stockholders shall be held on such date as may be designated by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President. At each annual meeting, the stockholders shall elect directors to hold office for the term provided in Section 2 of Article III of these Bylaws and transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.
SECTION 2. SPECIAL MEETING. A special meeting of the stockholders for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time only by the President, the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or any other person designated by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may postpone or reschedule any previously scheduled special meeting of 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.
SECTION 3. PLACE OF STOCKHOLDER MEETINGS. The Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the President may designate any place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as the place of meeting for any annual meeting or for any special meeting. If no such place is designated by the Board of Directors, the place of meeting will be the principal business office of the Corporation or the Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, determine that the meeting shall not be held at any place, but will instead be held solely by means of remote communication as provided under Section 211 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.
SECTION 4. NOTICE OF MEETINGS. Except as otherwise provided by law or waived as herein provided, whenever stockholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, whether annual or special, notice of the meeting shall be given stating the place, if any, date and hour of the meeting, the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called. Such notice shall be given unless otherwise required by law not less than 10 days nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting.
When a meeting is adjourned to reconvene at the same or another place, if any, or by means of remote communications, if any, in accordance with Section 6 of Article II of these Bylaws, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time and place thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken.
SECTION 5. QUORUM. Unless otherwise provided by law, the Corporation’s 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, present by means of remote communication in a manner, if any, authorized by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion, 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, present by means of remote communication in a manner, if any, authorized by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion, or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to the vote on such matter. If a quorum is present in person or represented by proxy at such meeting, such stockholders may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of such number of stockholders as may leave less than a quorum.
SECTION 6. ADJOURNED MEETINGS. Any meeting of stockholders may be adjourned from time to time to any other time and to any other place (or by means of remote communications, if any) at which a meeting of stockholders may be held under these Bylaws by the chairman of the meeting or by a majority of the stockholders present or represented at the meeting and entitled to vote, although less than a quorum. It shall not be necessary to notify any stockholder of any adjournment of less than 30 days if the time and place, if any, of the adjourned meeting, and the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such adjourned meeting, are announced at the meeting at which adjournment is taken, unless after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting. At the adjourned meeting, the Corporation may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting.
2
SECTION 7. FIXING OF RECORD DATE.
(a) The Board of Directors may fix in advance a date as a record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof. Such record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall not be more than 60 days nor less than 10 days before the date of such meeting. If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, 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 of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.
(b) For the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is established by the Board of Directors, and which date shall not be more than 10 days after the date on which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors. If no record date has been fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, when no prior action by the Board of Directors is required by law, shall be the first date on which a signed written consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal office, or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which the proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery to the Corporation’s registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. If no record date has been fixed by the Board of Directors and prior action by the Board of Directors is required by law, the record date for determining stockholders’ consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting shall be the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution taking such prior action.
(c) For the purpose of determining the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect to any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix the record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than 60 days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining the stockholders for any such purpose shall be the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.
SECTION 8. VOTING LIST. The officer who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make, at least 10 days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, 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 10 days prior to the meeting, (i) by a reasonably
3
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 the 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. Except as otherwise provided by law, such list shall be the only evidence as to the identity of stockholders entitled to examine the list of stockholders required by this Section 8 or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of the stockholders. The Corporation shall not be required to include electronic mail addresses or other electronic contact information on such list.
SECTION 9. VOTING. Unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation, each stockholder shall be entitled to one vote for each share of capital stock held by each stockholder. When a quorum is present at any meeting, in all matters other than the election of directors, the affirmative vote of the majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter shall be the act of the stockholders, except when a different vote is required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws. When a quorum is present at any meeting, directors shall be elected by plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or represented by a proxy at the meeting entitled to vote on the election of directors.
SECTION 10. PROXIES. Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders or to express consent or dissent to corporate action in writing without a meeting (including by means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting) may authorize another person or persons to act for him or her by proxy (executed or transmitted in a manner permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law), but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. A duly executed 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 proxy may remain irrevocable regardless of whether the interest with which it is coupled is an interest in the stock itself or an interest in the Corporation generally.
SECTION 11. RATIFICATION OF ACTS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. Except as otherwise provided by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, any transaction or contract or act of the Corporation or of the directors or the officers of the Corporation may be ratified by the affirmative vote of the holders of the number of shares which would have been necessary to approve such transaction, contract or act at a meeting of stockholders, or by the written consent of stockholders in lieu of a meeting.
4
SECTION 12. CONDUCT OF MEETINGS.
(a) Chairman of Meeting. Meetings of stockholders shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board, if any, or in the Chairman’s absence by the Vice Chairman of the Board, if any, or in the Vice Chairman’s absence by the Chief Executive Officer, or in the Chief Executive Officer’s absence, by the President, or in the President’s absence by a Vice President, or in the absence of all of the foregoing persons by a chairman designated by the Board of Directors, or in the absence of such designation by a chairman chosen by vote of the stockholders at the meeting. The Secretary shall act as secretary of the meeting, but in the Secretary’s absence the chairman of the meeting may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting.
(b) Rules, Regulations and Procedures. The Board of Directors 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 of Directors, the chairman of any meeting of stockholders shall have the right and authority 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 of Directors 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 of Directors or the chairman of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure.
SECTION 13. ACTION WITHOUT MEETING.
(a) Any action required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be delivered to the Corporation signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum 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.
(b) Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing and who, if the action had been taken at a meeting, would have been entitled to notice of the meeting if the record date for such meeting had been the date that written consents signed by a sufficient number of holders to take the action were delivered to the Corporation.
5
(c) An electronic transmission consenting to an action to be taken and transmitted by a stockholder or proxy holder, or by a person or persons authorized to act for a stockholder or proxy holder, shall be deemed to be written, signed and dated for the purposes of this section, provided that any such electronic transmission sets forth or is delivered with information from which the Corporation can determine (i) that the electronic transmission was transmitted by the stockholder or proxy holder or by a person or persons authorized to act for the stockholder or proxy holder and (ii) the date on which such stockholder or proxy holder or authorized person or persons transmitted such electronic transmission. A consent given by electronic transmission is delivered to the Corporation upon the earliest of: (i) when the consent enters an information processing system, if any, designated by the Corporation for receiving consents, so long as the electronic transmission is in a form capable of being processed by that system and the Corporation is able to retrieve that electronic transmission; (ii) when a paper reproduction of the consent is delivered to the Corporation’s principal place of business or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders or members are recorded; (iii) when a paper reproduction of the consent is delivered to the Corporation’s registered office in this State by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested; or (iv) when delivered in such other manner, if any, provided by resolution of the Board of Directors or governing body of the Corporation. Any copy, facsimile or other reliable reproduction of a consent in writing may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing for any and all purposes for which the original writing could be used, provided that such copy, facsimile or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire original writing.
ARTICLE III
DIRECTORS
SECTION 1. GENERAL POWERS. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of a Board of Directors, who may exercise all of the powers of the Corporation except as otherwise provided by law or the Certificate of Incorporation.
SECTION 2. NUMBER AND TENURE OF DIRECTORS. Subject to the rights of holders of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation to elect directors, the number of directors of the Corporation shall be determined from time to time by the stockholders or the Board of Directors in a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors. Each director shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until such director’s successor is elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.
SECTION 3. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. Except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, directors shall be elected at the annual meeting of stockholders by such stockholders as have the right to vote on such election. Directors need not be residents of the State of Delaware. Directors need not be stockholders of the Corporation. Elections of directors need not be by written ballot.
6
SECTION 4. CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD; VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. The Board of Directors 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 of Directors appoints a Chairman of the Board, such Chairman shall perform such duties and possess such powers as are assigned by the Board of Directors. If the Board of Directors appoints a Vice Chairman of the Board, such Vice Chairman shall perform such duties and possess such powers as are assigned by the Board of Directors. Unless otherwise provided by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or, in the Chairman’s absence, the Vice Chairman of the Board, if any, shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 5. 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 pursuant to Section 2 of Article III of these Bylaws shall constitute a quorum of the Board of Directors. If less than a quorum are present at a meeting of the Board of Directors, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice other than announcement at the meeting, until such quorum shall be present.
SECTION 6. VOTING. The vote of the majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors, unless the Delaware General Corporation Law or the Certificate of Incorporation requires a vote of a greater number.
SECTION 7. VACANCIES. Subject to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect directors, unless and until filled by the stockholders, any vacancy or newly-created directorship on the Board of Directors, however occurring, may be filled by vote of a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. A director elected to fill a vacancy shall be elected for the unexpired term of such director’s predecessor in office, and a director chosen to fill a position resulting from a newly-created directorship shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until a successor is elected and qualified, or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.
SECTION 8. REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS. Except as otherwise provided by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, a director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed, with or without cause, by the holders of a majority of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of directors, except that the directors elected by the holders of a particular class or series of stock may be removed without cause only by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of such class or series.
SECTION 9. RESIGNATION. Any director may resign by delivering a resignation in writing or by electronic transmission to the Corporation at its principal office or to the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Secretary. 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.
SECTION 10. REGULAR MEETINGS. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice at such time, place and manner as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors; 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 of Directors may be held without notice immediately after and at the same place as the annual meeting of stockholders.
7
SECTION 11. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of 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. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board of Directors may fix any time, date or place, either within or without the State of Delaware, for holding any special meeting of the Board of Directors called by them.
SECTION 12. NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Notice of the date, place, if any, and time of any special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be given to each director by the Secretary or by the officer or one of the directors calling the meeting. Notice shall be duly given to each director (a) in person, by telephone, fax or by electronic transmission at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, (b) by sending written notice by reputable overnight courier or delivering written notice by hand, to such director’s last known business, home or facsimile address at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting, or (c) by sending written notice by first-class mail to such director’s last known business or home address at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. A notice or waiver of notice of a meeting of the Board of Directors need not specify the purposes of the meeting.
SECTION 13. WRITTEN ACTION BY DIRECTORS. 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. Without limiting the manner by which consent may be given, members of the Board of Directors may consent by delivery of an electronic transmission when such transmission is directed to a facsimile number or electronic mail address at which the Corporation has consented to receive such electronic transmissions, and copies of the electronic transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee. After an action is taken, the consent or consents relating thereto shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board of Directors, or the committee thereof, in the same paper or electronic form as the minutes are maintained.
SECTION 14. PARTICIPATION BY CONFERENCE TELEPHONE. Members of the Board of Directors, or any committee designated by such board, may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors, or committee thereof, by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment as long as all persons participating in the meeting can speak with and hear each other, and participation by a director pursuant to this section shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
SECTION 15. 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 with such lawfully delegable powers and duties as the Board of Directors thereby confers, to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. 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 at any meeting of a committee, the member or members thereof 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 of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified
8
member. 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 (other than the election or removal of directors) expressly required by law to be submitted to stockholders for approval or (ii) adopting, amending or repealing any bylaw of the Corporation. Each such committee shall keep minutes and make such reports as the Board of Directors may from time to time request. Except as the Board of Directors 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 of Directors. Except as otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, or the resolution of the Board of Directors 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.
SECTION 16. 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 therefore. Members of special or standing committees may be allowed like compensation for attending committee meetings.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
SECTION 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS. The officers of the Corporation shall consist of a Chief Executive Officer, a President, a Secretary, a Treasurer and such other officers with such other titles as the Board of Directors shall determine, including one or more Vice Presidents, Assistant Treasurers and Assistant Secretaries. The Board of Directors may appoint such other officers as it may deem appropriate. No officer need be a stockholder. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person. The officers elected by the Board of Directors shall have such duties as are hereafter described and such additional duties as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe.
SECTION 2. ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE. The Chief Executive Officer, President, Treasurer and Secretary shall be elected annually by the Board of Directors at the regular meeting of the Board of Directors held after each annual meeting of the stockholders. If the election of officers is not held at such meeting, such election shall be held as soon thereafter as may be convenient. Other officers may be appointed at any time, at a meeting or by the written consent of the Board of Directors. Except as otherwise provided by law, by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these Bylaws, each officer shall hold office until his or her successor has been duly elected and qualified, unless a different term is specified in the resolution electing or appointing such officer, or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal. Election or appointment of an officer or agent shall not of itself create contract rights.
9
SECTION 3. RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL OF OFFICERS. Any officer may resign by delivering a written resignation to the Corporation at its principal office or to the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Secretary. 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. Any officer may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by vote of a majority of the directors then in office. Except as the Board of Directors may otherwise determine, no officer who resigns or is removed shall have any right to any compensation as an officer for any period following such officer’s resignation or removal, or any right to damages on account of such removal, whether such officer’s compensation be by the month or by the year or otherwise, unless such compensation is expressly provided for in a duly authorized written agreement with the Corporation.
SECTION 4. VACANCIES. The Board of Directors 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 other than those required by the Delaware General Corporation Law. Each such successor shall hold office for the unexpired term of such officer’s predecessor and until a successor is elected and qualified, or until such officer’s earlier death, resignation or removal.
SECTION 5. THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. Unless the Board of Directors has designated another person as the Corporation’s 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 and affairs of the Corporation subject to the direction of the Board of Directors, 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 of Directors. The Chief Executive Officer shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and shall see that orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect. The Chief Executive Officer may sign bonds, mortgages, certificates for shares and all other contracts and documents whether or not under the seal of the Corporation except in cases where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by law, by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Corporation. The Chief Executive Officer shall have general powers of supervision and shall be the final arbiter of all differences between officers of the Corporation and his or her decision as to any matter affecting the Corporation shall be final and binding as between the officers of the Corporation subject only to the Board of Directors.
SECTION 6. THE PRESIDENT. 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. At all other times the President shall have the active management of the business of the Corporation under the general supervision of the Chief Executive Officer or the Board of Directors. The President shall have concurrent power with the Chief Executive Officer to sign bonds, mortgages, certificates for shares and other contracts and documents, whether or not under the seal of the Corporation except in cases where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by law, by the Board of Directors, or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Corporation. In general, the President shall perform all duties incident to the office of president and such other duties as the Chief Executive Officer (if the President is not the Chief Executive Officer) or the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe.
10
SECTION 7. THE VICE PRESIDENT. In the absence of the President or in the event of his or her inability or refusal to act, the Vice President (or in the event there be more than one Vice President, the Executive Vice President and then the other Vice President or Vice Presidents in the order designated, 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 Chief Executive Officer or the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe.
SECTION 8. THE SECRETARY. The Secretary shall perform such duties and shall have such powers as the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer may from time to time prescribe. 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 attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and all meetings of the stockholders and record all the proceedings in a book to be kept for that purpose and shall perform like duties for the standing committees when required and to maintain a stock ledger and prepare lists of stockholders and their addresses as required. The Secretary 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 supervision he or she shall be. The Secretary shall have custody of the corporate records and the corporate seal of the Corporation and the Secretary, 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.
SECTION 9. THE 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 Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors 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.
SECTION 10. THE TREASURER. The Treasurer shall perform such duties and shall have such powers as may from time to time be assigned by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer. In addition, the Treasurer shall perform such duties and have such powers as are incident to the office of treasurer, including without limitation, the duty and power to have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and to keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and 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. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be
11
ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the President and the Board of Directors, as required by the Board of Directors, an account of all his or her transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation. 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.
SECTION 11. THE 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 his or her 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 Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors or the Treasurer may from time to time prescribe.
SECTION 12. OTHER OFFICERS, ASSISTANT OFFICERS AND AGENTS. Officers, Assistant Officers and Agents, if any, other than those whose duties are provided for in these Bylaws, shall have such authority and perform such duties as may from time to time be prescribed by resolution of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 13. ABSENCE OF OFFICERS, DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY. In the absence of any officer of the Corporation, or for any other reason the Board of Directors may deem sufficient, the Board of Directors may from time to time delegate the powers or duties, or any of such powers or duties, of any officers or officer to any other officer or to any director.
SECTION 14. COMPENSATION. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to establish reasonable salaries, compensation or reimbursement of all officers for services to the Corporation.
ARTICLE V
CAPITAL STOCK
SECTION 1. ISSUANCE OF STOCK. Subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, 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 Corporation’s treasury may be issued, sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of by vote of the Board of Directors in such manner, for such lawful consideration and on such terms as the Board of Directors may determine.
SECTION 2. CERTIFICATES OF SHARES; UNCERTIFICATED SHARES.
(a) The shares of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates, provided that the Board of Directors of the Corporation may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of its 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, in such form as may be prescribed by law and by the Board of Directors, signed in a manner that complies with Section 158 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, representing the number of shares held by such holder registered in certificate form. Any or all the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile or pdf.
12
(b) Each certificate for shares of stock which are subject to any restriction on transfer pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, applicable securities laws or any agreement among any number of stockholders or among such holders and the Corporation shall have conspicuously noted on the face or back of the certificate either the full text of the restriction or a statement of the existence of such restriction.
(c) 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 qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights shall be set forth in full or summarized on the face or back of each certificate representing shares of such class or series of stock, provided that in lieu of the foregoing requirements there may be set forth on the face or back of each certificate representing shares of such class or series of stock a statement that the Corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests a copy of the full text of 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.
(d) Within a reasonable time after the issuance or transfer of uncertificated shares, the Corporation shall send to the registered owner thereof a written notice containing the information required to be set forth or stated on certificates pursuant to Sections 151, 156, 202(a) or 218(a) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or, with respect to Section 151 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, 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.
SECTION 3. SIGNATURES OF FORMER OFFICER, TRANSFER AGENT OR REGISTRAR. 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 or entity were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.
SECTION 4. TRANSFER OF SHARES. Transfers of shares of the Corporation shall be made only on the books of the Corporation, or by transfer agents designated to transfer shares 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.
13
SECTION 5. LOST, DESTROYED OR STOLEN CERTIFICATES. Whenever a certificate representing shares of the Corporation has been lost, destroyed or stolen, the holder thereof may file in the office of the Corporation an affidavit setting forth, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, the time, place, and circumstance of such loss, destruction or theft together with a statement of indemnity and posting of such bond sufficient in the opinion of the Board of Directors to indemnify the Corporation against any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss of any such certificate. Thereupon the Board may cause to be issued to such person or such person’s legal representative a new certificate or a duplicate of the certificate alleged to have been lost, destroyed or stolen. In the exercise of its discretion, the Board of Directors may waive the indemnification and bond requirements provided herein.
SECTION 6. REGULATIONS. The issue, transfer, conversion and registration of shares of stock of the Corporation shall be governed by such other regulations as the Board of Directors may establish.
ARTICLE VI
RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL.
SECTION 1. TRANSFERS. If a holder of any shares of stock of the Corporation (a “Holder”) proposes to, directly or indirectly, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of, by operation of law or otherwise (collectively “Transfer”) any such shares, or any right or interest therein (including, without limitation, the entering into of 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 of the Corporation, whether any such transaction described above is to be settled by delivery of common stock of the Corporation or other securities, in cash or otherwise), pursuant to a bona fide offer acceptable to such Holder, then Holder shall first give written notice of the proposed Transfer (the “Transfer Notice”) to the Corporation. The Transfer Notice shall state the name of the proposed transferee, the number of shares Holder proposes to Transfer (the “Offered Shares”), whether the Offered Shares are vested or unvested shares, the price per share and all other material terms and conditions of the Transfer, including any available exemption set forth in Section 4 below from the restrictions set forth in Sections 2 and 3 below and shall include a confirmation from the Holder that the proposed transferee is an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
SECTION 2. CONSENT TO TRANSFER. Except as specifically provided herein, the prior written consent of the Corporation (upon duly authorized action of its Board of Directors) shall be required for any Transfer of any shares of the Corporation. The Corporation may withhold consent for any legitimate corporate purpose, as determined by the Corporation’s Board of Directors. The Corporation shall notify Holder within 30 days of receipt of the Transfer Notice indicating whether consent has been provided for the proposed Transfer (a “Transfer Approval”) or withheld (a “Transfer Denial” and together with “Transfer Approval”, the “Transfer
14
Determination”). For purposes of clarity, a Holder shall not be entitled to Transfer any shares if such proposed Transfer results in a Transfer Denial. Any Transfer made following a Transfer Determination that results in a Transfer Approval shall be effected pursuant to a transfer agreement in a form reasonably acceptable to the Corporation (which form shall include, without limitation, a release in favor of the Corporation and representations from the Holder and transferee that the Corporation is not a party to the transaction and has made no representations to the transferee). This provision shall not apply to any Transfer of Preferred Stock of the Corporation or the shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof.
SECTION 3. RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL.
(a) Subject to the exceptions set forth in Section 3(e) below, for 30 days following a Transfer Determination that results in a Transfer Approval, the Corporation or its assigns shall have the option to purchase all or part of the Offered Shares at the price and upon the terms set forth in the Transfer Notice (the “Right of First Refusal”). In the event the Corporation or its assigns, as applicable, elects to purchase all or part of the Offered Shares, it shall give written notice of such election to the Holder within such 30 day period. Within 10 days after Holder’s receipt of such notice, Holder shall tender to the Corporation at its principal offices the certificate or certificates representing the Offered Shares to be purchased by the Corporation, duly endorsed in blank by Holder or with duly endorsed stock powers attached thereto, all in a form suitable for Transfer of the Offered Shares to the Corporation. Promptly following receipt of such certificate or certificates, the Corporation or its assigns, as applicable, shall deliver or mail to Holder a check in payment of the purchase price for such Offered Shares; provided that if the terms of payment set forth in the Transfer Notice were other than cash against delivery, the Corporation or its assigns, as applicable, may pay for the Offered Shares on the same terms and conditions as were set forth in the Transfer Notice.
(b) If the Corporation or its assigns, as applicable, does not elect to acquire any of the Offered Shares, Holder may, within the 30-day period following the expiration of the option granted to the Corporation under Section 3(a) above, Transfer the Offered Shares that the Corporation has not elected to acquire to the proposed transferee, provided that such Transfer shall not be on terms and conditions more favorable to the transferee than those contained in the Transfer Notice, such Transfer shall be only to a prospective transferee that is an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and such Transfer shall comply with the Securities Act. Notwithstanding any of the above, all Offered Shares transferred pursuant to this Section 3 shall remain subject to these Bylaws and any equity grant agreement such Offered Shares were subject to and such transferee shall, as a condition to such Transfer, deliver to the Corporation a written instrument confirming that such transferee shall be bound by all of the terms and conditions of these Bylaws and any applicable equity grant agreement.
(c) After the time at which the Offered Shares are required to be delivered to the Corporation for Transfer to the Corporation pursuant to subsection 3(a) above, the Corporation shall not pay any dividend to Holder on account of such Offered Shares or permit Holder to exercise any of the privileges or rights of a stockholder with respect to such Offered Shares, but shall, insofar as permitted by law, treat the Corporation as the owner of such Offered Shares.
15
(d) The Corporation may assign its Right of First Refusal in any particular transaction under this Section 3 to one or more persons or entities.
(e) The provisions of this Section 3 shall not apply to any Transfer of Preferred Stock of the Corporation or the shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion thereof.
(f) To the extent the Corporation has entered into any written agreement with the stockholder attempting to Transfer shares that grants the Corporation a right of first refusal with respect thereto (“Separate ROFR Terms”), then such Separate ROFR Terms shall supersede this Section 3 of Article VI and shall control such stockholder’s proposed Transfer of shares following a Transfer Determination that results in a Transfer Approval.
SECTION 4. EXCEPTIONS.
(a) The provisions of this Article VI may be waived with respect to any Transfer upon duly authorized action of its Board of Directors.
(b) The following transaction shall be exempt from the consent requirements set forth in Article VI, Section 2:
(A) any Transfer made for bona fide estate planning purposes to or for the benefit of (i) any spouse, children, parents, uncles, aunts, siblings or grandchildren of the Holder or any other relatives of the Holder that have been approved by the Board of Directors (collectively, “Approved Relatives”), (ii) a custodian or trustee of any trust established solely for the benefit of the Holder and/or Approved Relatives or (iii) where the Holder is a trust, (x) a custodian or trustee of any trust established solely for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries of the Holder trust and/or Approved Relatives of any such beneficiaries or (y) one or more beneficiaries of the Holder trust and/or Approved Relatives of any such beneficiaries; provided however, such shares shall remain subject to these Bylaws and any existing equity grant agreement and such transferee shall, as a condition to such Transfer, deliver to the Corporation a written instrument confirming that such transferee shall be bound by all of the terms and conditions of these Bylaws and any applicable equity grant agreement and there shall be no further Transfer of such shares except in accordance with these Bylaws; and provided further that such Transfer is made pursuant to a transaction in which there is no consideration actually paid for such transfer.
(c) The following transactions shall be exempt from the restrictions set forth in Article VI, Section 3:
(A) any Transfer made for bona fide estate planning purposes to or for the benefit of (i) any Approved Relatives, (ii) a custodian or trustee of any trust established solely for the benefit of the Holder and/or Approved Relatives or (iii) where the Holder is a trust, (x) a custodian or trustee of any trust established solely for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries of the Holder trust and/or Approved Relatives of any such beneficiaries or (y) one or more beneficiaries of the Holder trust and/or Approved Relatives of any such beneficiaries;
(B) any Transfer made as part of the sale of all or substantially all of the shares of capital stock of the Corporation (including pursuant to a merger or consolidation);
16
(C) any Transfer pursuant to an effective registration statement filed by the Corporation under the Securities Act;
(D) a stockholder’s bona fide pledge or mortgage of any Common Stock with a commercial lending institution;
(E) a corporate stockholder’s Transfer of any or all of its shares pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of any merger, consolidation, reclassification of common stock or capital reorganization of the corporate stockholder, or pursuant to a sale of all or substantially all of the stock or assets of a corporate stockholder;
(F) a corporate stockholder’s Transfer of any or all of its shares to any or all of its stockholders; and
(G) a Transfer of any or all of the shares held by a stockholder which is a limited or general partnership to any or all of its partners.
(d) In the case of a Transfer pursuant to Sections 4(c)(A) and (D)-(G) above, such shares shall remain subject to these Bylaws and any existing equity grant agreement and such transferee shall, as a condition to such Transfer, deliver to the Corporation a written instrument confirming that such transferee shall be bound by all of the terms and conditions of these Bylaws and any applicable equity grant agreement and there shall be no further Transfer of such shares except in accordance with these Bylaws; provided further in the case of any Transfer pursuant to Section 4(c)(A), that such Transfer is made pursuant to a transaction in which there is no consideration actually paid for such Transfer.
SECTION 5. TERMINATION. The provisions of Article VI shall terminate upon the closing of the sale of shares of common stock in an underwritten public offering pursuant to an effective registration statement filed by the Corporation under the Securities Act.
SECTION 6. VOID TRANSFERS. The Corporation shall not be required (a) to Transfer on its books any shares which shall have been sold or otherwise transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Article VI or (b) to treat as owner of such shares or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser or other transferee to whom any such shares shall have been so sold or transferred.
SECTION 7. LEGENDS. The books and records of the Corporation and any certificates representing shares of stock of the Corporation shall contain or bear the following legend so long as the foregoing Transfer restrictions are in effect:
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO (i) TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS AND (ii) A RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL OPTION IN FAVOR OF THE CORPORATION AND/OR ITS ASSIGNEE(S), EACH AS PROVIDED IN THE BYLAWS OF THE CORPORATION.
17
ARTICLE VII
INDEMNIFICATION
SECTION 1. RIGHT TO INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. 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 (an “Indemnified Person”) who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a “Proceeding”), by reason of the fact that such person, or a person for whom such person is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or, while a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust, enterprise or nonprofit entity, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) reasonably incurred by such Indemnified Person in such Proceeding. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, except as otherwise provided in Section 3 of this Article VII, the Corporation shall be required to indemnify an Indemnified Person in connection with a Proceeding (or part thereof) commenced by such Indemnified Person only if the commencement of such Proceeding (or part thereof) by the Indemnified Person was authorized in advance by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 2. PREPAYMENT OF EXPENSES OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. The Corporation shall pay the expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by an Indemnified Person in defending any Proceeding in advance of its final disposition, provided, however, that, to the extent required by law, such payment of expenses in advance of the final disposition of the Proceeding shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking by the Indemnified Person to repay all amounts advanced if it should be ultimately determined that the Indemnified Person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article VII or otherwise.
SECTION 3. CLAIMS BY DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. If a claim for indemnification or advancement of expenses under this Article VII is not paid in full within 30 days after a written claim therefor by the Indemnified Person has been received by the Corporation, the Indemnified Person may file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole or in part, shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim. In any such action the Corporation shall have the burden of proving that the Indemnified Person is not entitled to the requested indemnification or advancement of expenses under applicable law.
SECTION 4. INDEMNIFICATION OF EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS. The Corporation may indemnify and advance expenses to any person who was or is made or is threatened to be made or is otherwise involved in any Proceeding by reason of the fact that such person, or a person for whom such person is the legal representative, is or was an employee or agent of the Corporation or, while an employee or agent of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust, enterprise or nonprofit entity, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such Proceeding. The ultimate determination of entitlement to indemnification of persons who are non-director or officer employees or agents shall be made in such manner as is determined by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Corporation shall not be required to indemnify a person in connection with a Proceeding initiated by such person if the Proceeding was not authorized in advance by the Board of Directors.
18
SECTION 5. ADVANCEMENT OF EXPENSES OF EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS. The Corporation may pay the expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by an employee or agent in defending any Proceeding in advance of its final disposition on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 6. NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS. The rights conferred on any person by this Article VII shall not be exclusive of any other rights which such person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, these bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.
SECTION 7. OTHER INDEMNIFICATION. The Corporation’s obligation, if any, to indemnify any person who was or is serving at its request as a director, officer or employee of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, organization or other enterprise shall be reduced by any amount such person may collect as indemnification from such other corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, organization or other enterprise.
SECTION 8. INSURANCE. The Board of Directors may, to the full extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists, or may hereafter be amended from time to time, authorize an appropriate officer or officers to purchase and maintain at the Corporation’s expense insurance: (a) to indemnify the Corporation for any obligation which it incurs as a result of the indemnification of directors, officers and employees under the provisions of this Article VII; and (b) to indemnify or insure directors, officers and employees against liability in instances in which they may not otherwise be indemnified by the Corporation under the provisions of this Article VII.
SECTION 9. AMENDMENT OR REPEAL. Any repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this Article VII shall not adversely affect any right or protection hereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such repeal or modification. The rights provided hereunder shall inure to the benefit of any Indemnified Person and such person’s heirs, executors and administrators.
ARTICLE VIII
DIVIDENDS
SECTION 1. DECLARATIONS OF DIVIDENDS. Dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, if any, 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.
SECTION 2. SPECIAL PURPOSES RESERVES. The Board of Directors may set apart out of any of the funds of the Corporation available for dividends a reserve or reserves for any proper purpose and may abolish any such reserve.
19
ARTICLE IX
NOTICE BY ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION
SECTION 1. NOTICE BY ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION. Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders, any notice to stockholders given by the Corporation under the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws may be given in writing directed to the stockholder’s mailing address (or by electronic transmission directed to the stockholder’s electronic mail address, as applicable) as it appears on the records of the Corporation and shall be given (1) if mailed, when the notice is deposited in the U.S. mail, postage prepaid, (2) if delivered by courier service, the earlier of when the notice is received or left at such stockholder’s address or (3) if given by electronic mail, when directed to such stockholder’s electronic mail address unless the stockholder has notified the Corporation in writing or by electronic transmission of an objection to receiving notice by electronic mail or such notice is prohibited by Section 3 of this Article. A notice by electronic mail must include a prominent legend that the communication is an important notice regarding the Corporation.
Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders, but subject to Section 3 of this Article, any notice to stockholders given by the Corporation under any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws shall be effective if given by a form of electronic transmission consented to by the stockholder to whom the notice is given. Any such consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice or electronic transmission to the Corporation.
Any notice given pursuant to the preceding paragraph shall be deemed given:
(a) if by facsimile telecommunication, when directed to a number at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice;
(b) if by a posting on an electronic network together with separate notice to the stockholder of such specific posting, upon the later of (A) such posting and (B) the giving of such separate notice; and
(c) if by any other form of electronic transmission, when directed to the stockholder.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a notice may not be given by an electronic transmission from and after the time that (1) the Corporation is unable to deliver by such electronic transmission 2 consecutive notices given by the Corporation 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 discover such inability shall not invalidate any meeting or other action.
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 shall, in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.
20
SECTION 2. DEFINITION OF ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION; ELECTRONIC MAIL; ELECTRONIC MAIL ADDRESS. An “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. An “electronic mail” means an electronic transmission directed to a unique electronic mail address (which electronic mail shall be deemed to include any files attached thereto and any information hyperlinked to a website if such electronic mail includes the contact information of an officer or agent of the Corporation who is available to assist with accessing such files and information). An “electronic mail address” means a destination, commonly expressed as a string of characters, consisting of a unique user name or mailbox (commonly referred to as the “local part” of the address) and a reference to an internet domain (commonly referred to as the “domain part” of the address), whether or not displayed, to which electronic mail can be sent or delivered.
SECTION 3. INAPPLICABILITY. Notice by a form of electronic transmission shall not apply to Sections 164, 296, 311, 312 or 324 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.
ARTICLE X
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 1. FISCAL YEAR. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 2. SEAL. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation, the year of its organization and the words “Corporate Seal, Delaware” or such other form as shall be approved by the Board of Directors. Said seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.
SECTION 3. WRITTEN WAIVER OF NOTICE. A written waiver of any notice required to be given by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or by these Bylaws, signed by or electronically transmitted 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 to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of stockholders, directors or members of a committee of directors need be specified in any written waiver of notice.
SECTION 4. ATTENDANCE AS WAIVER OF NOTICE. 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, and objects, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
SECTION 5. WAIVER OF SECTION 1501. To the fullest extent provided by the law, the Corporation shall not be required to cause annual reports to be delivered to its stockholders under Section 1501 of the California General Corporation Law.
SECTION 6. CONTRACTS. The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.
21
SECTION 7. LOANS. No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the Corporation and no evidences of indebtedness shall be issued in its name unless authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.
SECTION 8. CHECKS, DRAFTS, ETC. All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Corporation shall be signed by one or more officers or agents of the Corporation and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 9. DEPOSITS. The funds of the Corporation may be deposited or invested in such bank account, in such investments or with such other depositaries as determined by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 10. ANNUAL STATEMENT. The Board of Directors shall present at each annual meeting, and at any special meeting of the stockholders when called for by vote of the stockholders, a full and clear statement of the business and condition of the Corporation.
SECTION 11. VOTING OF SECURITIES. Except as the Board of Directors may otherwise designate, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Treasurer may waive notice of, vote, or appoint any person or persons to vote, on behalf of the Corporation at, 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) at, any meeting of stockholders or securityholders of any other entity, the securities of which may be held by this Corporation.
SECTION 12. 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.
SECTION 13. 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 in effect from time to time.
SECTION 14. 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.
SECTION 15. 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.
22
ARTICLE XI
AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1. BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed, in whole or in part, or new Bylaws may be adopted by the Board of Directors, when such power is conferred upon the Board of Directors by the Certificate of Incorporation.
SECTION 2. BY THE STOCKHOLDERS. These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed, in whole or in part, or new Bylaws may be adopted, by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of the capital stock of the Corporation issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at any annual meeting of stockholders, or at any special meeting of stockholders, provided notice of such alteration, amendment, repeal or adoption of new Bylaws shall have been stated 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.
23
Exhibit 4.1
. ZQ|CERT#|COY|CLS|RGSTRY|ACCT#|TRANSTYPE|RUN#|TRANS# COMMON STOCK COMMON STOCK PO PAR VALUE $.01 MR ADDADDADDADD 43 21A Box DESIGNATIONSAMPLE 43004, Certificate Shares (IF Number ** 000000 ****************** ANY) ZQ00000000 *** 000000 ***************** **** 000000 **************** Providence ***** 000000 *************** RI Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. ****** 000000 ************** INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE 02940 ** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample **** Mr. Alexander David Sample SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS - THIS CERTIFIES THAT **** 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. 3004 Alexander David Sample MR **** Mr. Alexander . SAMPLE David Sample **** Mr. Alexander &David MRS Sample **** Mr.Alexander SAMPLE David Sample **** Mr. Alexander & David Sample **** CUSIP XXXXXX XX X 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. AlexanderMR David Sample . **** SAMPLE Mr. Alexander David Sample **** &Mr . Alexander MRS David Sample . 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 **000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Sha is the owner of res****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**S hares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000** THIS CERTIFICATE IS TRANSFERABLE IN Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000 ***ZERO HUNDRED THOUSAND **Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****0000 CITIES DESIGNATED BY THE TRANSFER 00**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****000000**Shares****00 AGENT, AVAILABLE ONLINE AT 0000**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**** ZERO HUNDRED AND ZERO*** www.computershare.com 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**** FULLY-PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OF Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. (hereinafter called the “Company”), transferable on the books of the Company Total DTC in person or by duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed. This Certificate Holder and the shares represented hereby, are issued and shall be held subject to all of the provisions of the Articles Number InsuranceID of Incorporation, as amended, and the By-Laws, as amended, of the Company (copies of which are on file with Certificate of the Company and with the Transfer Agent), to all of which each holder, by acceptance hereof, assents. This Value Certificate is not valid unless countersigned and registered by the Transfer Agent and Registrar. Transaction Shares CUSIP/IDENTIFIER Numbers 1234567890/12345678901234567890/12345678901234567890/12345678901234567890/12345678901234567890/12345678901234567890/1234567890 Witness the facsimile seal of the Company and the facsimile signatures of its duly authorized officers. DATED DD-MMM-YYYY 654321 FACSIMILE SIGNATURE TO COME HERAPE COUNTERSIGNED AND REGISTERED: TUT 12345678 T POR I COMPUTERSHARE TRUST COMPANY, N.A. O R OR AT C . Num/No C E S P , I TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR, President E A N S . C 654321 Denom 04/01/2024 . XXXXXX FACSIMILE SIGNATURE TO COME DEL RE 1,000,000 AWA 7654321 . XX Total 12345678901234512345600XXXXXXXXXXX By 73463-027-Part-2 06Apr26 22:55 Page Secretary 92 AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE
SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, 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 ARTICLES 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. For US purposes 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 TEN ENT— as tenants by the entireties JT TEN—and as joint not tenants as tenants with in right common of survivorship UNIF GIFT MIN ACT -............................................ ( Cust) Custodian ................................................ ( Minor) under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act ........................................................ (State) UNIF TRF MIN ACT -............................................ ( Cust) Custodian (until age ................................) ............................. ( Minor) under Uniform Transfers to Minors Act ................... ( 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: _________________________________________________________ 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. 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. basis The IRS of certain requires shares that the or units named acquired transfer after agent January (“we”) 1, report 2011 the . If cost your shares or transfer or units the shares are covered or units by using the legislation, a specific and cost you basis requested calculation to sell method, specify a then cost we basis have calculation processed method, as you then requested we have . If defaulted you did not to the need first in, additional first out (FIFO) information method about . Please cost basis consult . your tax advisor if you If you do not keep Page in contact 93 with the issuer or do not have any your activity property in your may account become for the subject time to period state specified unclaimed by property state law, laws and transferred to the appropriate state.
Exhibit 4.2
CERTAIN IDENTIFIED INFORMATION HAS BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS EXHIBIT BECAUSE IT IS NOT MATERIAL, AND THE REGISTRANT TREATS SUCH INFORMATION AS PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL. [***] INDICATES THAT INFORMATION HAS BEEN REDACTED.
AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED INVESTORS’ RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made as of October 18, 2024, by and among Seaport Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the Investors (as defined below).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, certain of the Investors (the “Existing Investors”) hold shares of Preferred Stock and possess registration rights, information rights, rights of first offer, and other rights pursuant to that certain Investors’ Rights Agreement dated as of April 8, 2024, by and among the Company and such Existing Investors (the “Prior Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, the Existing Investors and the Company desire to induce certain of the Investors to purchase shares of Series B Preferred Stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share (“Series B Preferred Stock”), pursuant to that certain Series B Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of the date hereof by and among the Company and such Investors (the “Purchase Agreement”) by amending and restating the Prior Agreement in its entirety.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
1. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement:
1.1 “Affiliate” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person who, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Person, including, without limitation, any general partner, managing member, officer, director or trustee of such Person, or any venture capital fund or other investment fund 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 (or sub-adviser or affiliate adviser) with, such Person.
1.2 “Approved Annual Budget” means an annual budget and business plan for the next fiscal year, prepared on a monthly basis, as approved by the Requisite Director Vote.
1.3 “ARCH” means ARCH VENTURE FUND XII, L.P.
1.4 “Board of Directors” means the board of directors of the Company.
1.5 “Certificate of Incorporation” means the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended and/or restated from time to time.
1.6 “Common Stock” means shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
1.7 “Competitor” means any Person engaged, directly or indirectly (including through any partnership, limited liability company, corporation, joint venture or similar arrangement (whether now existing or formed hereafter)), in biotechnology focusing on neurological and/ or psychiatric conditions with products or product candidates targeting similar diseases or indications to the Company; but shall not include any financial investment firm or collective investment vehicle that, together with its Affiliates, holds less than 20% of the outstanding equity of any Competitor and does not, nor do any of its Affiliates, have a right to designate any members of the board of directors of any Competitor. Notwithstanding the above, the Company and the Investors acknowledge and agree that each of ARCH, CPPIB, Foresite, General Atlantic, [***], Invus, PureTech, Sofinnova, Third Rock, [***] and [***] is a financial investor and shall not be deemed a Competitor (notwithstanding the fact that its Affiliates and/or portfolio companies may be engaged, or may in the future engage, in activities some of which may be deemed competitive with the Company’s business).
1
1.8 “CPPIB” means CPP Investment Board Holdings (4) Inc.
1.9 “Damages” means any loss, damage, claim or liability (joint or several) to which a party hereto may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or other federal or state law, insofar as such loss, damage, claim or liability (or any action in respect thereof) arises out of or is based upon: (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any registration statement of the Company, including any preliminary prospectus or final prospectus contained therein or any amendments or supplements thereto; (ii) an omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein, or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; or (iii) any violation or alleged violation by the indemnifying party (or any of its agents or Affiliates) of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any state securities law, or any rule or regulation promulgated under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or any state securities law.
1.10 “Deemed Liquidation Event” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, as in effect on the date of this Agreement and regardless of the date on which such event occurs.
1.11 “Derivative Securities” means any securities or rights convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for (in each case, directly or indirectly), Common Stock, including options and warrants.
1.12 “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
1.13 “Excluded Registration” means (i) a registration relating to the sale or grant of securities to employees of the Company or a subsidiary pursuant to a stock option, stock purchase, equity incentive or similar plan; (ii) a registration relating to an SEC Rule 145 transaction; (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.
1.14 “Foresite” means Foresite Capital Fund VI, L.P.
1.15 “Form S-1” means such form under the Securities Act as in effect on the date hereof or any successor registration form under the Securities Act subsequently adopted by the SEC.
1.16 “Form S-3” means such form under the Securities Act as in effect on the date hereof or any registration form under the Securities Act subsequently adopted by the SEC that permits forward incorporation of substantial information by reference to other documents filed by the Company with the SEC.
1.17 “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States as in effect from time to time.
1.18 “General Atlantic” means General Atlantic (SP), L.P.
2
1.19 [***]
1.20 “Holder” means any holder of Registrable Securities who is a party to this Agreement.
1.21 “Immediate Family Member” means a child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, life partner or similar statutorily-recognized domestic partner, 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.
1.22 “Initiating Holders” means, collectively, Holders who properly initiate a registration request under this Agreement.
1.23 “Investors” means the persons named on Schedule A hereto, each person to whom the rights of an Investor are assigned pursuant to Section 6.1, and each person who hereafter becomes a party to this Agreement pursuant to Section 6.9.
1.24 “Invus” means Invus Public Equities, L.P.
1.25 “IPO” means the Company’s first underwritten public offering of its Common Stock under the Securities Act.
1.26 “Major Investor” means any Investor that, individually or together with such Investor’s Affiliates, holds at least 2,100,000 shares of Registrable Securities (as adjusted for any stock split, stock dividend, combination, or other recapitalization or reclassification effected after the date hereof).
1.27 “New Securities” means, collectively, equity securities of the Company, whether or not currently authorized, as well as rights, options, or warrants to purchase such equity securities, or securities of any type whatsoever that are, or may become, convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for such equity securities.
1.28 “New Series B Investor” means any Major Investor whose holdings of Preferred Stock as of the date of this Agreement consist entirely of shares of Series B Preferred Stock.
1.29 “Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company, association, or other entity.
1.30 “PureTech” means PureTech LYT, Inc.
1.31 “Preferred Director” means any director of the Company that the holders of record of a class, classes or series of Preferred Stock are entitled to elect, exclusively and as a separate class, pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation.
1.32 “Preferred Stock” means, collectively, shares of the Company’s Series A-1 Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock.
3
1.33 “Registrable Securities” means (i) the Common Stock issuable or issued upon conversion of the Preferred Stock; (ii) any Common Stock, or any Common Stock issued or issuable (directly or indirectly) upon conversion and/or exercise of any other securities of the Company, held by the Investors from time to time; and (iii) any Common Stock issued as (or issuable upon the conversion 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 clauses (i) and (ii) above; excluding in all cases (other than the restrictions on transfer and legend requirements in Section 2.12), however, any Registrable Securities sold by a Person in a transaction in which the applicable rights under this Agreement are not assigned pursuant to Section 6.1, and excluding for purposes of Section 2 any shares for which registration rights have terminated pursuant to Section 2.13.
1.34 “Registrable Securities then outstanding” means the number of shares determined by adding the number of shares of outstanding Common Stock that are Registrable Securities and the number of shares of Common Stock issuable (directly or indirectly) pursuant to then exercisable and/or convertible securities that are Registrable Securities.
1.35 “Requisite Holder Vote” means (i) prior to an IPO, the approval of (x) Investors holding a majority of the Registrable Securities issued or issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class, and (y) the holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities issued or issuable upon conversion of the Series A-2 Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class, which majority must include at least one New Series B Investor, and (ii) following an IPO, the approval of Investors holding a majority of the Registrable Securities issued or issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class.
1.36 “Requisite Director Vote” means the approval of a majority of the Board of Directors, including a majority of the Preferred Directors then seated (or three (3) Preferred Directors if greater), and including at least two (2) Preferred Directors that are not Series A-1 Directors (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation).
1.37 “Restricted Securities” means the securities of the Company required to be notated with the legend set forth in Section 2.12(b) hereof.
1.38 “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
1.39 “SEC Rule 144” means Rule 144 promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act.
1.40 “SEC Rule 145” means Rule 145 promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act.
1.41 “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
1.42 “Selling Expenses” means all underwriting discounts, selling commissions, and stock transfer taxes applicable to the sale of Registrable Securities, and fees and disbursements of counsel for any Holder, except for the fees and disbursements of the Selling Holder Counsel borne and paid by the Company as provided in Section 2.6.
1.43 “Series A-1 Preferred Stock” means shares of the Company’s Series A-1 Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
1.44 “Series A-2 Preferred Stock” means shares of the Company’s Series A-2 Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
1.45 “Sofinnova” means Sofinnova Venture Partners XI, L.P.
4
1.46 “Third Rock” means Third Rock Ventures VI, L.P.
1.47 [***]
1.48 [***]
2. Registration Rights. The Company covenants and agrees as follows:
2.1 Demand Registration.
(a) Form S-1 Demand. If at any time after the earlier of (i) five (5) years after the date of this Agreement or (ii) 180 days after the effective date of the registration statement for the IPO, the Company receives a request from Holders of at least 9% of the Registrable Securities then outstanding that the Company file a Form S-1 registration statement with respect to Registrable Securities then outstanding having an anticipated aggregate offering price (as adjusted for any stock split, stock dividend, combination, or other recapitalization or reclassification effected after the date hereof), net of Selling Expenses, of at least $15,000,000, then the Company shall: (x) within ten days after the date such request is given, give notice thereof (the “Demand Notice”) to all Holders other than the Initiating Holders; and (y) as soon as practicable, and in any event within 60 days after the date such request is given by the Initiating Holders, file a Form S-1 registration statement under the Securities Act covering all Registrable Securities that the Initiating Holders requested to be registered and any additional Registrable Securities requested to be included in such registration by any other Holders, as specified by notice given by each such Holder to the Company within 20 days of the date the Demand Notice is given, and in each case, subject to the limitations of Sections 2.1(c) and 2.3.
(b) Form S-3 Demand. If at any time when it is eligible to use a Form S-3 registration statement, the Company receives a request from Holders of at least 9% of the Registrable Securities then outstanding that the Company file a Form S-3 registration statement with respect to outstanding Registrable Securities of such Holders having an anticipated aggregate offering price, net of Selling Expenses, of at least $5,000,000, then the Company shall (i) within ten days after the date such request is given, give a Demand Notice to all Holders other than the Initiating Holders, and (ii) as soon as practicable, and in any event within 45 days after the date such request is given by the Initiating Holders, file a Form S-3 registration statement under the Securities Act covering all Registrable Securities requested to be included in such registration by any other Holders, as specified by notice given by each such Holder to the Company within 20 days of the date the Demand Notice is given, and in each case, subject to the limitations of Sections 2.1(c) and 2.3.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing obligations, if the Company furnishes to Holders requesting a registration pursuant to this Section 2.1 a certificate signed by the Company’s chief executive officer stating that in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors it would be materially detrimental to the Company for such registration statement to either become effective or remain effective for as long as such registration statement otherwise would be required to remain effective, because such action would (i) materially interfere with a significant acquisition, corporate reorganization, or other similar transaction involving the Company; (ii) require premature disclosure of material information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for preserving as confidential; or (iii) render the Company unable to comply with requirements under the Securities Act or Exchange Act, then the Company shall have the right to defer taking action with respect to such filing, and any time periods with respect to filing or effectiveness thereof shall be tolled correspondingly, for a period of not more than 90 days after the request of the Initiating Holders is given; provided, however, that the Company may not invoke this right more than twice in any 12-month period; and provided further that the Company shall not register any securities for its own account or that of any other stockholder during such 90 day period other than an Excluded Registration.
5
(d) The Company shall not be obligated to effect, or to take any action to effect, any registration pursuant to Section 2.1(a), (i) during the period that is 60 days before the Company’s good faith estimate of the date of filing of, and ending on a date that is 180 days after the effective date of, a Company- initiated registration, provided that the Company is actively employing in good faith commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective; (ii) after the Company has effected two registrations pursuant to Section 2.1(a); or (iii) if the Initiating Holders propose to dispose of shares of Registrable Securities that may be immediately registered on Form S-3 pursuant to a request made pursuant to Section 2.1(b). The Company shall not be obligated to effect, or to take any action to effect, any registration pursuant to Section 2.1(b), (i) during the period that is 30 days before the Company’s good faith estimate of the date of filing of, and ending on a date that is 90 days after the effective date of, a Company- initiated registration, provided that the Company is actively employing in good faith commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective; or (ii) if the Company has effected two registrations pursuant to Section 2.1(b) within the 12-month period immediately preceding the date of such request. A registration shall not be counted as “effected” for purposes of this Section 2.1(d) until such time as the applicable registration statement has been declared effective by the SEC, unless the Initiating Holders withdraw their request for such registration, elect not to pay the registration expenses therefor, and forfeit their right to one demand registration statement pursuant to Section 2.6, in which case such withdrawn registration statement shall be counted as “effected” for purposes of this Section 2.1(d); provided, that if such withdrawal is during a period the Company has deferred taking action pursuant to Section 2.1(c), then the Initiating Holders may withdraw their request for registration and such registration will not be counted as “effected” for purposes of this Section 2.1(d).
2.2 Company Registration. If the Company proposes to register (including for this purpose a registration effected by the Company for stockholders other than the Holders) any of its Common Stock under the Securities Act in connection with the public offering of such securities solely for cash (other than in an Excluded Registration or a registration pursuant to Section 2.1), the Company shall, at such time, promptly give each Holder notice of such registration. Upon the request of each Holder given within 20 days after such notice is given by the Company, the Company shall, subject to the provisions of Section 2.3, cause to be registered all of the Registrable Securities that each such Holder has requested to be included in such registration. The Company shall have the right to terminate or withdraw any registration initiated by it under this Section 2.2 before the effective date of such registration, whether or not any Holder has elected to include Registrable Securities in such registration. The expenses (other than Selling Expenses) of such withdrawn registration shall be borne by the Company in accordance with Section 2.6.
2.3 Underwriting Requirements.
(a) If, pursuant to Section 2.1, 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 Section 2.1, and the Company shall include such information in the Demand Notice. The underwriter(s) will be selected by the Board of Directors and shall be reasonably acceptable to a majority in interest of the Initiating Holders. In such event, the right of any Holder to include such Holder’s Registrable Securities in such registration shall be conditioned upon such Holder’s participation in such underwriting and the inclusion of such Holder’s Registrable Securities in the underwriting to the extent provided herein. All Holders proposing to distribute their securities through such underwriting shall (together with the Company as provided in Section 2.4(e)) enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the underwriter(s) selected for such underwriting; provided, however,
6
that no Holder (or any of their assignees) shall be required to make any representations, warranties or indemnities except as they relate to such Holder’s ownership of shares and authority to enter into the underwriting agreement and to such Holder’s intended method of distribution, and the liability of such Holder shall be several and not joint, and limited to an amount equal to the net proceeds from the offering received by such Holder. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 2.3, if the underwriter(s) advise(s) the Initiating Holders in writing that marketing factors require a limitation on the number of shares to be underwritten, then the Initiating Holders shall so advise all Holders of Registrable Securities that otherwise would be underwritten pursuant hereto, and the number of Registrable Securities that may be included in the underwriting shall be allocated among such Holders of Registrable Securities, including the Initiating Holders, in proportion (as nearly as practicable) to the number of Registrable Securities owned by each Holder or in such other proportion as shall mutually be agreed to by all such selling Holders; provided, however, that the number of Registrable Securities held by the Holders to be included in such underwriting shall not be reduced unless all other securities are first entirely excluded from the underwriting. 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 100 shares.
(b) In connection with any offering involving an underwriting of shares of the Company’s capital stock pursuant to Section 2.2, the Company shall not be required to include any of the Holders’ Registrable Securities in such underwriting unless the Holders accept the terms of the underwriting as agreed upon between the Company and its underwriters, and then only in such quantity as the underwriters in their sole discretion determine will not jeopardize the success of the offering by the Company. If the total number of securities, including Registrable Securities, requested by stockholders to be included in such offering exceeds the number of securities to be sold (other than by the Company) that the underwriters in their reasonable discretion determine 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, which the underwriters and the Company in their sole discretion determine will not jeopardize the success of the offering. If 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 allocated among the selling Holders in proportion (as nearly as practicable to) the number of Registrable Securities owned by each selling Holder or in such other proportions as shall mutually be agreed to by all such selling Holders. 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 100 shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall (i) the number of Registrable Securities included in the offering be reduced unless all other securities (other than securities to be sold by the Company) are first entirely excluded from the offering, or (ii) the number of Registrable Securities included in the offering be reduced below 30% of the total number of securities included in such offering, unless such offering is the IPO, in which case the selling Holders may be excluded further if the underwriters make the determination described above and no other stockholder’s securities are included in such offering. For purposes of the provision in this Section 2.3(b) concerning apportionment, for any selling Holder that is a partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, the partners, members, retired partners, retired members, stockholders, and Affiliates of such Holder, or the estates and Immediate Family Members of any such partners, retired partners, members, and retired members 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 number of Registrable Securities owned by all Persons included in such “selling Holder,” as defined in this sentence.
(c) For purposes of Section 2.1, a registration shall not be counted as “effected” if, as a result of an exercise of the underwriter’s cutback provisions in Section 2.3(a), fewer than 50% of the total number of Registrable Securities that Holders have requested to be included in such registration statement are actually included.
7
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 120 days or, if earlier, until the distribution contemplated in the registration statement has been completed; provided, however, that (i) such 120-day period shall be extended for a period of time equal to the period the Holder refrains, at the request of an underwriter of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company, from selling any securities included in such registration, and (ii) in the case of any registration of Registrable Securities on Form S-3 that are intended to be offered on a continuous or delayed basis, subject to compliance with applicable SEC rules, such 120-day period shall be extended, if necessary, to keep the registration statement effective until all such Registrable Securities are sold;
(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 Securities Act in order to enable the disposition of all securities covered by such registration statement;
(c) furnish to the selling Holders such numbers of copies of a prospectus, including a preliminary prospectus, as required by the Securities Act, and such other documents as the Holders may reasonably request in order to facilitate their disposition of their Registrable Securities;
(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 selling Holders; provided that the Company shall not be required to qualify to do business or to file a general consent to service of process in any such states or jurisdictions, unless the Company is already subject to service in such jurisdiction and except as may be required by the Securities Act;
(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 underwriter(s) of such offering;
(f) use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause all such Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement to be listed on a national securities exchange or trading system and each securities exchange and trading system (if any) on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed;
(g) provide a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Securities registered pursuant to this Agreement and provide a CUSIP number for all such Registrable Securities, in each case not later than the effective date of such registration;
(h) promptly make available for inspection by the selling Holders, any underwriter(s) participating in any disposition pursuant to such registration statement, and any attorney or accountant or other agent retained by any such underwriter or selected by the selling Holders, all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents, and properties of the Company, and cause the Company’s officers, directors, employees, and independent accountants to supply all information reasonably requested by any such seller, underwriter, attorney, accountant, or agent, in each case, as necessary or advisable to verify the accuracy of the information in such registration statement and to conduct appropriate due diligence in connection therewith;
8
(i) notify each selling Holder, promptly after the Company receives notice thereof, of the time when such registration statement has been declared effective or a supplement to any prospectus forming a part of such registration statement has been filed; and
(j) after such registration statement becomes effective, notify each selling Holder of any request by the SEC that the Company amend or supplement such registration statement or prospectus.
In addition, the Company shall ensure that, at all times after any registration statement covering a public offering of securities of the Company under the Securities Act shall have become effective, its insider trading policy shall provide that the Company’s directors may implement a trading program under Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act.
2.5 Furnish Information. 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 is reasonably required to effect the registration of such Holder’s Registrable Securities.
2.6 Expenses of Registration. All expenses (other than Selling Expenses) incurred in connection with registrations, filings, or qualifications pursuant to Section 2, including all registration, filing, and qualification fees; printers’ and accounting fees; fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company; and the reasonable fees and disbursements, not to exceed $50,000 per registration, of one counsel for the selling Holders selected by Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities to be registered (“Selling Holder Counsel”), shall be borne and paid by the Company; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to pay for any expenses of any registration proceeding begun pursuant to Section 2.1 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 selling Holders shall bear such expenses pro rata based upon the number of Registrable Securities that were to be included in the withdrawn registration), unless the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities agree to forfeit their right to one registration pursuant to Sections 2.1(a) or 2.1(b), as the case may be; provided further that if, at the time of such withdrawal, the Holders shall have learned of a material adverse change in the condition, business, or prospects of the Company from that known to the Holders at the time of their request and have withdrawn the request with reasonable promptness after learning of such information then the Holders shall not be required to pay any of such expenses and shall not forfeit their right to one registration pursuant to Sections 2.1(a) or 2.1(b). All Selling Expenses relating to Registrable Securities registered pursuant to this Section 2 (other than fees and disbursements of counsel to any Holder, other than the Selling Holder Counsel, which shall be borne solely by the Holder engaging such counsel) shall be borne and paid by the Holders pro rata on the basis of the number of Registrable Securities registered on their behalf.
2.7 Delay of Registration. No Holder shall have any right to obtain or seek an injunction restraining or otherwise delaying any registration pursuant to this Agreement as the result of any controversy that might arise with respect to the interpretation or implementation of this Section 2.
9
2.8 Indemnification. If 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 selling Holder, and the partners, members, officers, directors, and stockholders of each such Holder; legal counsel and accountants for each such Holder; any underwriter (as defined in the Securities Act) for each such Holder; and each Person, if any, who controls such Holder or underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, against any Damages, and the Company will pay to each such Holder, underwriter, controlling Person, or other aforementioned Person any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred thereby in connection with investigating or defending any claim or proceeding from which Damages may result, 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 claim 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 for any Damages to the extent that they arise out of or are based upon actions or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished by or on behalf of any such Holder, underwriter, controlling Person, or other aforementioned Person expressly for use in connection with such registration except to the extent such information has been corrected in a subsequent writing prior to the sale of Registrable Securities to the Person asserting the claim.
(b) To the extent permitted by law, each selling Holder, severally and not jointly, will indemnify and hold harmless the Company, and 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 Securities Act, legal counsel and accountants for the Company, any underwriter (as defined in the Securities Act), any other Holder selling securities in such registration statement, and any controlling Person of any such underwriter or other Holder, against any Damages, in each case only to the extent that such Damages arise out of or are based upon actions or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished by or on behalf of such selling Holder expressly for use in connection with such registration and that has not been corrected in a subsequent writing prior to the sale of Registrable Securities to the Person asserting the claim; and each such selling Holder will pay to the Company and each other aforementioned Person any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred thereby in connection with investigating or defending any claim or proceeding from which Damages may result, 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 claim or proceeding if such settlement is effected without the consent of the Holder, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; and provided further that in no event shall the aggregate amounts payable by any Holder by way of indemnity or contribution under Sections 2.8(b) and 2.8(d) exceed the proceeds from the offering received by such Holder (net of any Selling Expenses paid 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 (including any governmental action) for which a party may be entitled to indemnification hereunder, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying party under this Section 2.8, give the indemnifying party notice of the commencement thereof. The indemnifying party shall have the right to participate in such action and, to the extent the indemnifying party so desires, participate jointly with any other indemnifying party to which notice has been given, and 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 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 action. The failure to give notice to the indemnifying party within a reasonable time of the commencement of any such action shall relieve such indemnifying party of any liability to the indemnified party under this Section 2.8, only to the extent that such failure materially prejudices the indemnifying party’s ability to defend such action. The failure to give notice to the indemnifying party will not relieve it of any liability that it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under this Section 2.8.
10
(d) To provide for just and equitable contribution to joint liability under the Securities Act in any case in which either: (i) any party otherwise entitled to indemnification hereunder makes a claim for indemnification pursuant to this Section 2.8 but it is judicially determined (by the entry of a final judgment or decree by a court of competent jurisdiction and the expiration of time to appeal or the denial of the last right of appeal) that such indemnification may not be enforced in such case, notwithstanding the fact that this Section 2.8 provides for indemnification in such case, or (ii) contribution under the Securities Act may be required on the part of any party hereto for which indemnification is provided under this Section 2.8, then, and in each such case, such parties will contribute to the aggregate losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses to which they may be subject (after contribution from others) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of each of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party in connection with the statements, omissions, or other actions that resulted in such loss, claim, damage, liability, or expense, as well as to reflect any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and of the indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or allegedly untrue statement of a material fact, or the omission or alleged omission of 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; provided, however, that, in any such case (x) no Holder will be required to contribute any amount in excess of the public offering price of all such Registrable Securities offered and sold by such Holder pursuant to such registration statement, and (y) no Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities 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 Holder’s 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 proceeds from the offering received by such Holder (net of any Selling Expenses paid by such Holder), except in the case of willful misconduct or fraud by such Holder.
(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; provided, however, that any matter expressly provided for or addressed by the provisions of this Section 2.8 that is not expressly provided for or addressed by the underwriting agreement shall be controlled by the foregoing provisions.
(f) Unless otherwise superseded by an underwriting agreement entered into in connection with the underwritten public offering, 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 under this Section 2, and otherwise shall survive the termination of this Agreement or any provision(s) of this Agreement.
2.9 Reports Under Exchange Act. With a view to making available to the Holders the benefits of SEC 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 shall:
(a) make and keep available adequate current public information, as those terms are understood and defined in SEC Rule 144, at all times after the effective date of the registration statement filed by the Company for the IPO;
(b) use commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (at any time after the Company has become subject to such reporting requirements); and
11
(c) furnish to any Holder, so long as the Holder owns any Registrable Securities, forthwith upon request (i) to the extent accurate, a written statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting requirements of SEC Rule 144 (at any time after ninety (90) days after the effective date of the registration statement filed by the Company for the IPO, the Securities Act, and the Exchange Act (at any time after the Company 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 the Company so qualifies), and (ii) such other information as may be reasonably requested in availing any Holder of any rule or regulation of the SEC that permits the selling of any such securities without registration (at any time after the Company has become subject to the reporting requirements under the Exchange Act) or pursuant to Form S-3 (at any time after the Company so qualifies to use such form).
2.10 Limitations on Subsequent Registration Rights. From and after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall not, without a prior Requisite Holder Vote, enter into any agreement with any holder or prospective holder of any securities of the Company that would (i) provide to such holder or prospective holder the right to include securities in any registration on other than either a pro rata basis with respect to the Registrable Securities or on a subordinate basis after all Holders have had the opportunity to include in the registration and offering all shares of Registrable Securities that they wish to so include, or (ii) allow such holder or prospective holder to initiate a demand for registration of any securities held by such holder or prospective holder; provided that this limitation shall not apply to Registrable Securities acquired by any additional Investor that becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with Section 6.9.
2.11 “Market Stand-off” Agreement. 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 registration by the Company for its own behalf of shares of its Common Stock or any other equity securities under the Securities Act on a registration statement (other than an Excluded Registration) on Form S-1, and ending on the date specified by the Company and the managing underwriter (such period not to exceed 180 days in the case of the IPO), (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 (directly or indirectly) for Common Stock held immediately before the effective date of the registration statement for such offering, or (ii) enter into any swap, hedging, or other transaction or arrangement that transfers, or is designed to transfer, to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership, directly or indirectly, of such securities, whether or not any such transaction or arrangement 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 2.11 shall apply only to the IPO, shall not apply to shares purchased in the IPO or on the open market following the IPO, shall not apply to the sale of any shares to an underwriter pursuant to an underwriting agreement or to the establishment of a trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1, provided that such plan does not permit transfers during the restricted period, or the transfer of any shares to any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of the Holder or one or more of the Holder’s Immediate Family Members, provided that the trustee of the trust agrees to be bound in writing by the restrictions set forth herein, and that any such transfer shall not involve a disposition for value, and shall be applicable to the Holders only if all officers and directors of the Company are subject to the same restrictions and the Company uses commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a similar agreement from all stockholders individually owning more than one percent (1%) of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock (after giving effect to the conversion into Common Stock of all outstanding Preferred Stock). The Company shall work in good faith with PureTech and the managing underwriter with the aim of providing PureTech with such exceptions to the restrictions set forth herein as are necessary for PureTech to maintain an exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The underwriters in connection with such registration are intended third-party beneficiaries of this Section 2.11 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
12
such agreements as may be reasonably requested by the underwriters in connection with such registration that are consistent with this Section 2.11 or that are necessary to give further effect thereto. Any discretionary waiver or termination of the restrictions of any or all of such agreements by the Company or the underwriters shall apply pro rata to all Company stockholders that are subject to such agreements, based on the number of shares subject to such agreements, except that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and the underwriters may, in their sole discretion, waive or terminate these restrictions with respect to up to an aggregate of 100,000 shares of Common Stock (subject to appropriate adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends, combinations, and other recapitalizations).
2.12 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 upon the conditions specified in this Agreement, which conditions are intended to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act and all other applicable U.S. laws and regulations. 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. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not require any transferee of shares pursuant to an effective registration statement or, following the IPO, SEC Rule 144, in each case, to be bound by the terms of this Section 2.12.
(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 Section 2.12(c)) be notated with a legend substantially in the following form:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933. SUCH SHARES MAY NOT BE SOLD, PLEDGED, OR TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR A VALID EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION AND PROSPECTUS DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS OF SAID ACT.
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY MAY BE TRANSFERRED ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE STOCKHOLDER, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY.
The Holders consent to the Company making a notation in its records and giving instructions to any transfer agent of the Restricted Securities in order to implement the restrictions on transfer set forth in this Section 2.12.
(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. Before any proposed sale, pledge, or transfer of any Restricted Securities, unless there is in effect a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the proposed transaction or following the IPO, the transfer is made pursuant to SEC Rule 144, the Holder thereof shall give notice to the Company of such Holder’s 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 Holder’s 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
13
transaction may be effected without registration under the Securities 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 Securities 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. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company will not require such a notice, 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 or transfers Restricted Securities to an Affiliate of such Holder for no consideration; provided that each transferee agrees in writing to be subject to the terms of this Section 2.12. 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 legend set forth in Section 2.12(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 Securities Act and the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause any such legend to be removed. In addition, subject to compliance with applicable securities laws and regulation, and any contractual restrictions entered into by the Investor (such as a lock-up or market standoff agreement), at the request of the Investor, if, in the opinion of counsel for such Investor and the Company, the restrictive legend set forth in Section 2.12(b) is no longer required in order to establish compliance with any provisions of the Securities Act, the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause any such legend to be removed.
2.13 Termination and Suspension of Registration Rights. The right of any Holder to request registration or inclusion of Registrable Securities in any registration pursuant to Section 2.1 or 2.2 shall terminate, as to such Holder, upon the earliest to occur of:
(a) the closing of a Deemed Liquidation Event;
(b) such time after consummation of an IPO, when the Holder (A) together with together with its “affiliates” (as determined under SEC Rule 144) holds less than 1% of the outstanding capital stock of the Company and (B) may immediately sell all of the Holder’s Registrable Securities under SEC Rule 144 without volume limitation, or another similar exemption under the Securities Act is available for the sale of all of such Holder’s shares without limitation, during a three-month period without registration; and
(c) the third anniversary of the IPO.
3. Information Rights.
3.1 Delivery of Financial Statements. The Company shall deliver to each Major Investor, provided that the Board of Directors has not reasonably determined that such Major Investor is a Competitor of the Company:
(a) as soon as practicable, but in any event within one hundred eighty (180) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company (i) a balance sheet as of the end of such year; (ii) statements of income and of cash flows for such year; and (iii) a statement of stockholders’ equity as of the end of such year, all such financial statements audited and certified by independent public accountants of nationally recognized standing selected by the Company;
14
(b) as soon as practicable, but in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each quarter of each fiscal year of the Company, (i) unaudited statements of income and 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 (x) be subject to normal year-end audit adjustments; and (y) not contain all notes thereto that may be required in accordance with GAAP) and (ii) an up-to-date capitalization table;
(c) as soon as practicable, but in any event within 30 days prior to the end of each fiscal year, the Company’s Approved Annual Budget for the upcoming fiscal year; and
(d) such other information relating to the financial condition, business, prospects, or corporate affairs of the Company as any Major Investor may from time to time reasonably request; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated under this Section 3.1(d) to provide information (i) that the Company reasonably determines in good faith to be a trade secret or similar highly confidential information; or (ii) the disclosure of which would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel.
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 60 days before the Company’s 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 Company’s 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 (provided that the Board of Directors has not reasonably determined that such Major Investor is a Competitor), at such Major Investor’s expense, to visit and inspect the Company’s properties; examine its books of account and records; and discuss the Company’s affairs, finances, and accounts with its officers, during normal business hours of the Company as may be reasonably 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 it reasonably and in good faith considers to be a trade secret or confidential information or the disclosure of which would adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel.
3.3 Termination of Information Rights. The covenants set forth in Sections 3.1 and 3.2 shall terminate and be of no further force or effect (i) immediately before the consummation of the IPO, (ii) when the Company first becomes subject to the periodic reporting requirements of Section 12(g) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or (iii) upon the closing of a Deemed Liquidation Event, whichever event occurs first.
3.4 Confidentiality. Each Investor agrees that such Investor will keep confidential and will not disclose, divulge, or use for any purpose (other than to monitor or make decisions with respect to its investment in the Company) any confidential information obtained from the Company (including notice of the Company’s intention to file a registration statement), unless such confidential information (a) is known or becomes known to the public in general (other than as a result of a breach of this Section 3.4 by such Investor), (b) is or has been independently developed or conceived by such Investor without use of the Company’s confidential information, or (c) is or has been made known or disclosed to such Investor by a
15
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 (i) to its attorneys, accountants, consultants, investment adviser or sub-adviser, and other professionals to the extent reasonably necessary to obtain their services in connection with monitoring its investment in the Company; (ii) to any prospective purchaser of any Registrable Securities from such Investor, if such prospective purchaser agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Section 3.4; (iii) to any Affiliate, partner, member, stockholder, or wholly owned subsidiary of such Investor in the ordinary course of business, provided that (A) such Investor informs such Person that such information is confidential and directs such Person to maintain the confidentiality of such information, (B) any such disclosure to a Person that is a limited partner or equivalent equity holder that is not involved in the day to day monitoring of such Investor’s investment in the Company may only include the types of information that the Company is obligated to provide under Section 3.1, and (C) such Person is not a Competitor; or (iv) as may otherwise be required by law, regulation, rule, court order or subpoena, provided that such Investor promptly notifies the Company of such disclosure and takes reasonable steps to minimize the extent of any such required disclosure.
3.5 Waiver of Statutory Information Rights.
(a) Each Investor hereby acknowledges and agrees that until the consummation of the IPO, such Investor shall hereby be deemed to have unconditionally and irrevocably, to the fullest extent permitted by law, on behalf of such Investor and all beneficial owners of the shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock owned by such Investor (a “Beneficial Owner”), waived, and does hereby so waive, any rights such Investor or a Beneficial Owner might otherwise have had under Section 220 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (or under similar rights under other applicable law) to inspect for any proper purpose and to make copies and extracts from the Company’s stock ledger, a list of its stockholders and its other books and records or the books and records of any subsidiary. This waiver applies only in such Investor’s capacity as a stockholder and does not affect any other information and inspection rights such Investor may expressly have pursuant to Sections 3.1, 3.2 or 3.5(b) of this Agreement. Each Investor hereby further warrants and represents that such Investor has reviewed this waiver with its legal counsel, and that such Investor knowingly and voluntarily waives its rights as a stockholder otherwise provided by Section 220 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (or under similar rights under other applicable law).
(b) Within 15 days after request by any Investor that is not a Major Investor (but no more frequently than once per each quarter of each fiscal year of the Company), the Company shall deliver to such requesting Investor a statement showing the number of shares of each class and series of capital stock and securities convertible into or exercisable for shares of capital stock outstanding at the end of the period, the Common Stock issuable upon conversion or exercise of any outstanding securities convertible or exercisable for Common Stock and the exchange ratio or exercise price applicable thereto, and the number of shares of issued stock options and stock options not yet issued but reserved for issuance, if any, all in sufficient detail as to permit the relevant Investors to calculate its respective percentage equity ownership in the Company.
4. Rights to Future Stock Issuances.
4.1 Right of First Offer. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 4.1 and applicable securities laws, if the Company proposes to offer or sell any New Securities, the Company shall first offer such New Securities to each Major Investor. A Major Investor shall be entitled to apportion the right of first offer hereby granted to it in such proportions as it deems appropriate, among (i) itself and (ii) its Affiliates; provided that each such Affiliate (x) is not a Competitor, unless such party’s purchase of New Securities is otherwise consented to by the Board of Directors, and (y) agrees to enter into this Agreement and the Voting Agreement of even date herewith among the Company, the Investors and the other parties named therein (the “Voting Agreement”), as an “Investor” under each such agreement (provided that any Competitor shall not be entitled to any rights as a Major Investor under Sections 3.1, 3.2 and 4.1 hereof).
16
(a) The Company shall give notice (the “Offer Notice”) to each Major Investor, stating (i) its bona fide intention to offer such New Securities, (ii) the number of such New Securities to be offered, and (iii) the price and terms, if any, upon which it proposes to offer such New Securities.
(b) By notification to the Company within twenty (20) days after the Offer Notice is given, each Major Investor may elect to purchase or otherwise acquire, at the price and on the terms specified in the Offer Notice, up to that portion of such New Securities which equals the proportion that the Common Stock then held by such Major Investor (including all shares of Common Stock then issuable (directly or indirectly) upon conversion and/or exercise, as applicable, of the Preferred Stock and any other Derivative Securities then held by such Major Investor) bears to the total Common Stock of the Company then outstanding (assuming full conversion and/or exercise, as applicable, of all Preferred Stock and any other Derivative Securities then outstanding). At the expiration of such twenty (20) day period, the Company shall promptly notify each Major Investor that elects to purchase or acquire all the shares available to it (each, a “Fully Exercising Investor”) of any other Major Investor’s failure to do likewise. During the ten (10) day period commencing after the Company has given such notice, each Fully Exercising Investor may, by giving notice to the Company, elect to purchase or acquire, in addition to the number of shares specified above, up to that portion of the New Securities for which Major Investors were entitled to subscribe but that were not subscribed for by the Major Investors which is equal to the proportion that the Common Stock issued and held, or issuable (directly or indirectly) upon conversion and/or exercise, as applicable, of Preferred Stock and any other Derivative Securities then held, by such Fully Exercising Investor bears to the Common Stock issued and held, or issuable (directly or indirectly) upon conversion and/or exercise, as applicable, of the Preferred Stock and any other Derivative Securities then held, by all Fully Exercising Investors who wish to purchase such unsubscribed shares. The closing of any sale pursuant to this Section 4.1(b) shall occur within the later of 120 days of the date that the Offer Notice is given and the date of initial sale of New Securities pursuant to Section 4.1(c).
(c) If all New Securities referred to in the Offer Notice are not elected to be purchased or acquired as provided in Section 4.1(b), the Company may, during the 120 day period following the expiration of the periods provided in Section 4.1(b), offer and sell the remaining unsubscribed portion of such New Securities to any Person or Persons at a price not less than, and upon terms no more favorable to the offeree than, those specified in the Offer Notice. If the Company does not enter into an agreement for the sale of the New Securities within such period, or if such agreement is not consummated within thirty (30) days of the execution thereof, the right provided hereunder shall be deemed to be revived and such New Securities shall not be offered unless first reoffered to the Major Investors in accordance with this Section 4.1.
(d) The right of first offer in this Section 4.1 shall not be applicable to (i) Exempted Securities (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation); and (ii) shares of Common Stock issued in the IPO.
4.2 Termination. The covenants set forth in Section 4.1 shall terminate and be of no further force or effect (i) immediately before the consummation of the IPO, (ii) when the Company first becomes subject to the periodic reporting requirements of Section 12(g) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or (iii) upon the closing of a Deemed Liquidation Event, whichever event occurs first.
17
5. Additional Covenants.
5.1 Insurance. Subject to Section 5.12, the Company shall obtain, within ninety (90) days of the date hereof, from financially sound and reputable insurers, Directors and Officers liability insurance in an amount and on terms and conditions approved by the Requisite Director Vote and will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such insurance policies to be maintained until such time as the Board of Directors, including the Requisite Director Vote, determines that such insurance should be discontinued.
5.2 Employee Agreements. Unless otherwise approved by the Requisite Director Vote, the Company will cause each Person now or hereafter employed by it or by any subsidiary (or engaged by the Company or any subsidiary as a consultant/independent contractor) with access to confidential information and/or trade secrets to enter into a nondisclosure, proprietary rights assignment agreement and, to the extent legally permissible, a non-solicitation agreement. In addition, the Company shall not amend, modify, terminate, waive, or otherwise alter, in whole or in part, any of the above-referenced agreements or any restricted stock agreement between the Company and any employee, without a Requisite Director Vote.
5.3 Employee Stock. Unless otherwise approved by the Requisite Director Vote, all employees of the Company who purchase, receive options to purchase, or receive awards of shares of the Company’s capital stock after the date hereof shall be required to execute restricted stock or option agreements, as applicable, providing for (i) vesting of shares over a four year period, with the first 25% of such shares vesting following twelve (12) months of continued employment or service, and the remaining shares vesting in equal monthly installments over the following 36 months, and (ii) a market stand-off provision substantially similar to that in Section 2.11. Without a prior Requisite Director Vote, the Company shall not amend, modify, terminate, waive or otherwise alter, in whole or in part, any restricted stock agreement or option agreement. In addition, unless otherwise approved by the Requisite Director Vote, the Company (x) shall not offer, allow or agree to any acceleration of vesting for its employees or consultants, and (y) shall retain (and not waive) a “right of first refusal” on employee transfers until the Company’s IPO, and shall have the right to repurchase unvested shares at cost upon termination of employment of a holder of restricted stock.
5.4 Board Matters. The Company shall reimburse the non-employee directors for all reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses incurred (consistent with the Company’s travel policy) in connection with attending meetings of the Board of Directors.
5.5 Successor Indemnification. If the Company or any of its successors or assignees consolidates with or merges into any other Person and is not the continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger, then to the extent necessary, but subject to Section 5.12, proper provision shall be made so that the successors and assignees of the Company assume the obligations of the Company with respect to indemnification of members of the Board of Directors as in effect immediately before such transaction, whether such obligations are contained in the Company’s Bylaws, the Certificate of Incorporation, or elsewhere, as the case may be.
5.6 Expenses of Counsel. In the event of a Deemed Liquidation Event or a transaction that is a Sale of the Company (as defined in the Voting Agreement) (each, a “Reimbursed Transaction”), the reasonable fees and disbursements, not to exceed $75,000 in the aggregate, of one counsel for the Investors (“Investor Counsel”), solely in their capacities as stockholders, shall be borne and paid by the Company.
5.7 Indemnification Matters. The Company hereby acknowledges that one (1) or more of the Preferred Directors may have certain rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance provided by one (1) or more of the Investors and certain of their Affiliates (collectively, the “Investor Indemnitors”). The Company hereby agrees (a) that it is the indemnitor of first resort (i.e., its obligations
18
to any such Preferred Director are primary and any obligation of the Investor Indemnitors to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for the same expenses or liabilities incurred by such Preferred Director are secondary), (b) that it shall be required to advance the full amount of expenses incurred by such Preferred 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 Preferred Director to the extent legally permitted and as required by the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company (or any agreement between the Company and such Preferred Director), without regard to any rights such Preferred Director may have against the Investor Indemnitors, and, (c) that it irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Investor Indemnitors from any and all claims against the Investor 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 Investor Indemnitors on behalf of any such Preferred Director with respect to any claim for which such Preferred Director has sought indemnification from the Company shall affect the foregoing and the Investor 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 Preferred Director against the Company. The Preferred Directors and the Investor Indemnitors are intended third-party beneficiaries of this Section 5.7 and shall have the right, power and authority to enforce the provisions of this Section 5.7 as though they were a party to this Agreement.
5.8 Right to Conduct Activities. The Company hereby agrees and acknowledges that each of ARCH, CPPIB, Foresite, General Atlantic, [***], Invus, PureTech, Sofinnova, Third Rock, [***] and [***] (each, together with Affiliates, a “Professional Investment Organization”) is a professional investment organization, and as such reviews the business plans and related proprietary information of many enterprises, some of which may compete directly or indirectly with the Company’s business (as currently conducted or as currently propose to be conducted). Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude or in any way restrict the Professional Investment Organization from evaluating or purchasing securities, including publicly traded securities, of a particular enterprise, or investing or participating in any particular enterprise whether or not such enterprise has products or services that compete with those of the Company; and the Company hereby agrees that, to the extent permitted under applicable law, no Professional Investment Organization shall be liable to the Company for any claim arising out of, or based upon, (i) the investment by such Professional Investment Organization in any entity competitive with the Company, or (ii) actions taken by any partner, officer, employee or other representative of such Professional Investment Organization 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 contravene the confidentiality obligations in Section 3.4 or otherwise in this Agreement or relieve (x) any of the Investors from liability associated with the unauthorized disclosure of the Company’s confidential information obtained pursuant to this Agreement, or (y) any director or officer of the Company from any liability associated with such person’s fiduciary duties to the Company.
5.9 Anti-Harassment Policy. Subject to Section 5.12, the Company shall, within 60 days following the Closing (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), adopt and thereafter maintain in effect (i) a code of conduct governing appropriate workplace behavior, and (ii) an anti-harassment and discrimination policy prohibiting discrimination and harassment at the Company. Such code of conduct and policy shall be reviewed by the Board of Directors and its adoption shall require the approval of the Board of Directors.
5.10 FCPA. The Company covenants that it shall not (and shall not permit any of its subsidiaries or controlled Affiliates or any of its or their respective directors, officers, managers, employees, independent contractors, representatives or agents, in their capacities as such, 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
19
applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption law. The Company further covenants that it shall (and shall cause each of its subsidiaries and controlled Affiliates to) cease all of its or their respective known activities, as well as remediate any known actions taken by the Company, its subsidiaries or controlled Affiliates, or any of their respective directors, officers, managers, employees, independent contractors, representatives or agents, in their capacities as such, in violation of the FCPA, the U.K. Bribery Act, or any other applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption law. The Company further covenants that it shall (and shall cause each of its subsidiaries to), from and after their implementation, maintain commercially reasonable systems of internal controls (including, but not limited to accounting systems, purchasing systems and billing systems) to provide reasonable assurances regarding compliance with the FCPA, the U.K. Bribery Act, or any other applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption law. Upon request by an Investor, the Company agrees to provide responsive information and/or certifications concerning its compliance with applicable anti-corruption laws to such Investor. 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 make commercially reasonable efforts to comply with the FCPA, the U.K. Bribery Act, or any other applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption law.
5.11 Termination of Covenants. The covenants set forth in this Section 5, except for Sections 5.5, 5.6 and 5.7, shall terminate and be of no further force or effect (i) immediately before the consummation of the IPO, (ii) when the Company first becomes subject to the periodic reporting requirements of Section 12(g) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or (iii) upon the closing of a Deemed Liquidation Event, whichever event occurs first.
5.12 Fiduciary Duties. The Company’s obligations set forth in Sections 5.1, 5.5 and 5.9 that are qualified by this Section 5.12 shall not be applicable to the extent (and only to the extent) that the Board of Directors determine in good faith that compliance would be inconsistent with the exercise of the fiduciary duties of the Board of Directors.
6. Miscellaneous.
6.1 Successors and Assigns. The rights under this Agreement may be assigned (but only with all related obligations) by a Holder to a transferee of Registrable Securities that (i) is an Affiliate of a Holder; (ii) is a Holder’s Immediate Family Member or trust for the benefit of an individual Holder or one or more of such Holder’s Immediate Family Members; or (iii) after such transfer, holds at least 1,000,000 shares of Registrable Securities (subject to appropriate adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends, combinations, and other recapitalizations); provided, however, that (x) the Company is, within a reasonable time after such transfer, furnished with written notice of the name and address of such transferee and the Registrable Securities with respect to which such rights are being transferred; and (y) such transferee agrees in a written instrument delivered to the Company to be bound by and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including the provisions of Section 2.11. For the purposes of determining the number of shares of Registrable Securities held by a transferee, the holdings of a transferee (1) that is an Affiliate or stockholder of a Holder; (2) who is a Holder’s Immediate Family Member; or (3) that is a trust for the benefit of an individual Holder or such Holder’s Immediate Family Member shall be aggregated together and with those of the transferring Holder; provided further that all transferees who would not qualify individually for assignment of rights shall, as a condition to the applicable transfer, establish a single attorney-in-fact for the purpose of exercising any rights, receiving notices, or taking any action under this Agreement. The terms and conditions of this Agreement inure to the benefit of and are binding upon the respective successors and permitted assignees of the parties. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto or their respective successors and permitted assignees any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, except as expressly provided herein.
20
6.2 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the internal law of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles that would result in the application of any law other than the law of the State of Delaware.
6.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered via electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, 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.
6.4 Titles and Subtitles. The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.
6.5 Notices.
(a) General. All notices and other communications given or made pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing (including electronic mail as permitted in this Agreement) and shall be deemed effectively given upon the earlier of actual receipt or (i) personal delivery to the party to be notified; (ii) when sent, if sent by electronic mail during the recipient’s normal business hours, and if not sent during normal business hours, then on the recipient’s next business day; (iii) five days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid; or (iv) one business day after the business day of deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, freight prepaid, specifying next-day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the respective parties at their addresses as set forth on Schedule A hereto (with a copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) to be sent to such party as indicated on Schedule A), or (as to the Company) to the address set forth on the signature page hereto, or in any case to such email address or address as subsequently modified by written notice given in accordance with this Section 6.5. If notice is given to the Company, a copy (which copy shall not constitute notice) shall also be sent to Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale & Dorr LLP, 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, Attn.: Stuart M. Falber.
(b) Consent to Electronic Notice. Each party to this Agreement consents to the delivery of any stockholder notice pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), as amended or superseded from time to time, by electronic mail pursuant to Section 232 of the DGCL (or any successor thereto) at the electronic mail address set forth below such party’s name on the Schedules hereto, as updated from time to time by notice to the Company, or as on the books of the Company. To the extent that any notice given by means of electronic mail is returned or undeliverable for any reason, the foregoing consent shall be deemed to have been revoked until a new or corrected electronic mail address has been provided, and such attempted electronic notice shall be ineffective and deemed to not have been given. Each party to this Agreement agrees to promptly notify the Company of any change in such stockholder’s electronic mail address, and that failure to do so shall not affect the foregoing.
6.6 Amendments and Waivers. Any term of this Agreement may be amended, modified, terminated 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 Requisite Holder Vote; provided that the Company may in its sole discretion waive compliance with Section 2.12(c) (and the Company’s failure to object promptly in writing after notification of a proposed assignment allegedly in violation of Section 2.12(c) shall be deemed to be a waiver); and provided further that any provision hereof may be waived by any waiving party on such party’s own behalf, without the consent of any other party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) this Agreement may not be amended, modified or terminated and the observance of any term hereof may not be waived with respect to any
21
Investor without the written consent of such Investor, unless such amendment, modification, termination, or waiver applies to all Investors in the same fashion (it being agreed that a waiver of the provisions of Section 4 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; provided, however, if, after giving effect to any waiver of Section 4.1 or any provision pertaining to Section 4.1 with respect to a particular transaction, a Major Investor in fact purchases New Securities in such transaction (such Major Investor, a “Participating Investor”), the aforementioned waiver shall be deemed to apply to any Major Investor only if that Major Investor has been provided the opportunity to purchase a proportional number of the New Securities in such transaction based on the pro rata purchase right of each Major Investor set forth in Section 4.1, assuming a transaction size determined based upon the amount purchased by the Participating Investor that invested the largest percentage in such transaction (such amount with respect to a Major Investor, the “Participation Amount”); and provided further that, in such event, the Company, in its sole discretion, may reduce each Major Investor’s Participation Amount by up to 50%, provided that such percentage reduction is applied equally to each Major Investor’s Participation Amount); (b) Section 1.7 and Section 5.8 with respect to PureTech and this Section 6.6(b) may not be amended, modified, terminated or waived, without the written consent of PureTech, for so long as PureTech continues to have rights pursuant to such Section 1.7 and/or Section 5.8; (c) Section 1.7 and Section 5.8 with respect to ARCH, and this Section 6.6(c) may not be amended, modified, terminated or waived, without the written consent of ARCH, for so long as ARCH continues to have rights pursuant to such Section 1.7 and/or Section 5.8; (d) Section 1.7 and Section 5.8 with respect to Sofinnova, and this Section 6.6(d) may not be amended, modified, terminated or waived, without the written consent of Sofinnova, for so long as Sofinnova continues to have rights pursuant to such Section 1.7 and/or Section 5.8; (e) Section 1.7 and Section 5.8 with respect to Third Rock and this Section 6.6(e) may not be amended, modified, terminated or waived, without the written consent of Third Rock, for so long as Third Rock continues to have rights pursuant to such Section 1.7 and/or Section 5.8; (f) Section 1.7 and Section 5.8 with respect to General Atlantic and this Section 6.6(f) may not be amended, modified, terminated or waived, without the written consent of General Atlantic, for so long as General Atlantic continues to have rights pursuant to Section 1.7 and/or Section 5.8; (g) Section 1.7 and Section 5.8 with respect to [***] and the [***] Investors and this Section 6.6(g) may not be amended, modified, terminated or waived, without the written consent of the [***], for so long as the [***] continue to have rights pursuant to Section 1.7 and/or Section 5.8; (h) Section 1.7 and Section 5.8 with respect to [***] and this Section 6.6(h) may not be amended, modified, terminated or waived, without the written consent of [***], for so long as [***] continues to have rights pursuant to Section 1.7 and/or Section 5.8; (i) Section 1.7 and Section 5.8 with respect to Invus and this Section 6.6(i) may not be amended, modified, terminated or waived, without the written consent of Invus, for so long as Invus continues to have rights pursuant to Section 1.7 and/or Section 5.8; (j) Section 1.7 and Section 5.8 with respect to Foresite and this Section 6.6(j) may not be amended, modified, terminated or waived, without the written consent of Foresite, for so long as Foresite continues to have rights pursuant to Section 1.7 and/or Section 5.8; (k) Section 1.7 and Section 5.8 with respect to CPPIB and this Section 6.6(k) may not be amended, modified, terminated or waived, without the written consent of CPPIB, for so long as CPPIB continues to have rights pursuant to Section 1.7 and/or Section 5.8; and (l) prior to an IPO, any amendment, modification, termination or waiver of Section 2, Section 3, Section 4, Section 5.1, Section 5.4, Section 5.7 or this Section 6.6 that adversely affects any of the rights or obligations of any holder of Series B Preferred Stock under such Sections shall not be effective against such holder without the prior written consent of the holders of at least 65% of the then outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock; provided that, no such consent shall be required for any (1) amendments to any voting or approval thresholds in such Sections (other than in respect of this Section 6.6(l)) made to reflect new investors or series of the Company’s preferred stock in connection with the issuance and sale by the Company of shares of the Company’s preferred stock for bona fide capital-raising purposes or (2) waivers of the timing requirements for deliverables under Section 3.1. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Schedule A hereto may be amended by the Company from time to time to
22
add transferees of any Registrable Securities in compliance with the terms of this Agreement without the consent of the other parties; and Schedule A hereto may also be amended by the Company after the date of this Agreement without the consent of the other parties to add information regarding any additional Investor who becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with Section 6.9. The Company shall give prompt notice of any amendment, modification or termination hereof or waiver hereunder to any party hereto that did not consent in writing to such amendment, modification, termination, or waiver. Any amendment, modification, termination, or waiver effected in accordance with this Section 6.6 shall be binding on all parties hereto, regardless of whether any such party has consented thereto. No waivers of or exceptions to any term, condition, or provision of this Agreement, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be or construed as a further or continuing waiver of any such term, condition, or provision.
6.7 Severability. In case any provision contained in this Agreement is for any reason held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement, and such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision shall be reformed and construed so that it will be valid, legal, and enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by law.
6.8 Aggregation of Stock; Apportionment. All shares of Registrable Securities held or acquired by Affiliates shall be aggregated together for the purpose of determining the availability of any rights under this Agreement and such Affiliates may apportion such rights as among themselves in any manner they deem appropriate.
6.9 Additional Investors. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if the Company issues additional shares of Preferred Stock after the date hereof, any purchaser of such shares of Preferred Stock may become a party to this Agreement by executing and delivering a 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.
6.10 Entire Agreement. Upon the effectiveness of this Agreement, the Prior Agreement shall be deemed amended and restated and superseded and replaced in its entirety by this Agreement, and shall be of no further force or effect. This Agreement (including the Exhibits and Schedules hereto) together with the other Transaction Agreements (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) constitute the full and entire understanding and agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and any other written or oral agreement relating to the subject matter hereof existing between or among any of the parties are expressly canceled.
6.11 Dispute Resolution.
The parties (a) hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submit to the jurisdiction of the state courts of Delaware and to the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware 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 Delaware or the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, 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 above-named 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.
23
Each of the parties to this Agreement consents to personal jurisdiction for any equitable action sought in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware or any court of the State of Delaware having subject matter jurisdiction.
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL: 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, THE OTHER TRANSACTION AGREEMENTS, THE SECURITIES OR THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF OR THEREOF. THE SCOPE OF THIS WAIVER IS INTENDED TO BE ALL-ENCOMPASSING OF ANY AND ALL DISPUTES THAT MAY BE FILED IN ANY COURT AND THAT RELATE TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS TRANSACTION, 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 FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.
6.12 Costs of Enforcement. Each party will bear its own costs in respect of any disputes arising under this Agreement.
6.13 Delays or Omissions. No delay or omission to exercise any right, power, or remedy accruing to any party under this Agreement, upon any breach or default of any other party under this Agreement, shall impair any such right, power, or remedy of such nonbreaching or non-defaulting party, nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of or acquiescence to any such breach or default, or to any similar breach or default thereafter occurring, nor shall any waiver of any single breach or default be deemed a waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. All remedies, whether under this Agreement or by law or otherwise afforded to any party, shall be cumulative and not alternative.
[Signature Page Follows]
24
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
| COMPANY: | ||
| SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Daphne Zohar | |
| Name: Daphne Zohar | ||
| Title: Chief Executive Officer and President | ||
| Address: | [***] | |
| Email: [***] | ||
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement]
Exhibit 10.1
SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC.
AMENDMENT TO 2024 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
1. The first full sentence of Section 4.1 of the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) of Seaport Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following in lieu thereof:
“Subject to adjustment under Section 8 hereof, Awards may be made under the Plan covering up to 38,607,011 shares of Common Stock.”
2. Except as expressly amended herein, the Plan and all of the provisions contained therein shall remain in full force and effect.
Approved by the Board of Directors of the Company on October 16, 2024
Approved by the Stockholders of the Company on October 17, 2024
SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC.
2024 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
1. Purpose.
The purpose of the Plan is to advance the interests of the Company’s stockholders by enhancing the Company’s ability to attract, retain and motivate persons who make (or are expected to make) important contributions to the Company by providing such persons with equity ownership opportunities and thereby better aligning the interests of such persons with those of the Company’s stockholders. Capitalized terms used in the Plan are defined in Section 11 below.
2. Eligibility.
Service Providers are eligible to be granted Awards under the Plan, subject to the limitations described herein.
3. Administration and Delegation.
3.1 Administration. The Plan will be administered by the Administrator. The Administrator shall have authority to determine which Service Providers will receive Awards, to grant Awards and to set all terms and conditions of Awards (including, but not limited to, vesting, exercise and forfeiture provisions). In addition, the Administrator shall have the authority to take all actions and make all determinations contemplated by the Plan and to adopt, amend and repeal such administrative rules, guidelines and practices relating to the Plan as it shall deem advisable. The Administrator may correct any defect or ambiguity, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or any Award in the manner and to the extent it shall deem necessary or appropriate to carry the Plan and any Awards into effect, as determined by the Administrator. The Administrator shall make all determinations under the Plan in the Administrator’s sole discretion and all such determinations shall be final and binding on all persons having or claiming any interest in the Plan or in any Award.
3.2 Appointment of Committees. To the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, the Board may delegate any or all of its powers under the Plan to one or more Committees. The Board may abolish any Committee at any time and re-vest in itself any previously delegated authority.
4. Stock Available for Awards.
4.1 Number of Shares. Subject to adjustment under Section 8 hereof, Awards may be made under the Plan covering up to 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock. If any Award expires or lapses or is terminated, surrendered or canceled without having been fully exercised or is forfeited in whole or in part (including as the result of shares of Common Stock subject to such Award being repurchased by the Company at or below the original issuance price), in any case in a manner that results in any shares of Common Stock covered by such Award not being issued or being so reacquired by the Company, the unused Common Stock covered by such Award shall again be available for the grant of Awards under the Plan. Further, shares of Common Stock delivered (either by actual delivery or attestation) to the Company by a Participant to satisfy the
2
applicable exercise or purchase price of an Award and/or to satisfy any applicable tax withholding obligation (including shares retained by the Company from the Award being exercised or purchased and/or creating the tax obligation) shall be added to the number of shares of Common Stock available for the grant of Awards under the Plan. However, in the case of Incentive Stock Options (as hereinafter defined), the foregoing provisions shall be subject to any limitations under the Code. Shares of Common Stock issued under the Plan may consist in whole or in part of authorized but unissued shares, shares purchased on the open market or treasury shares.
4.2 Substitute Awards. In connection with a merger or consolidation of an entity with the Company or the acquisition by the Company of property or stock of an entity, the Administrator may grant Awards in substitution for any options or other stock or stock-based awards granted prior to such merger or consolidation by such entity or an affiliate thereof. Substitute Awards may be granted on such terms as the Administrator deems appropriate in the circumstances, notwithstanding any limitations on Awards contained in the Plan. Substitute Awards shall not count against the overall share limit set forth in Section 4.1 hereof, except as may be required by reason of Section 422 of the Code.
5. Stock Options.
5.1 General. The Administrator may grant Options to any Service Provider, subject to the limitations on Incentive Stock Options described below. The Administrator shall determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered by each Option, the exercise price of each Option and the conditions and limitations applicable to the exercise of each Option, including conditions relating to Applicable Laws, as it considers necessary or advisable.
5.2 Incentive Stock Options. The Administrator may grant Options intended to qualify as Incentive Stock Options only to employees of the Company, any of the Company’s present or future “parent corporations” or “subsidiary corporations” as defined in Sections 424(e) or (f) of the Code, respectively, and any other entities the employees of which are eligible to receive Incentive Stock Options under the Code. All Options intended to qualify as Incentive Stock Options shall be subject to and shall be construed consistently with the requirements of Section 422 of the Code. Neither the Company nor the Administrator shall have any liability to a Participant, or any other party, (i) if an Option (or any part thereof) which is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option fails to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option or (ii) for any action or omission by the Administrator that causes an Option not to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, including without limitation, the conversion of an Incentive Stock Option to a Non-Qualified Stock Option or the grant of an Option intended as an Incentive Stock Option that fails to satisfy the requirements under the Code applicable to an Incentive Stock Option. Any Option that is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, but fails to so qualify for any reason, including without limitation, the portion of any Option becoming exercisable in excess of the $100,000 limitation described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.422-4, shall be treated as a Non-Qualified Stock Option for all purposes.
3
5.3 Exercise Price. The Administrator shall establish the exercise price of each Option and specify the exercise price in the applicable Award Agreement. The exercise price shall be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value on the date the Option is granted. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an employee who, at the time of grant of the Option, owns (or is treated as owning under Section 424 of the Code) stock representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company (or a “parent corporation” or “subsidiary corporation” thereof within the meaning of Sections 424(e) or 424(f) of the Code, respectively), the per share exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value on the date the Option is granted.
5.4 Duration of Options. Each Option shall be exercisable at such times and subject to such terms and conditions as the Administrator may specify in the applicable Award Agreement, provided that the term of any Option shall not exceed ten years. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an employee who, at the time of grant of the Option, owns (or is treated as owning under Section 424 of the Code) stock representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company (or a “parent corporation” or “subsidiary corporation” thereof within the meaning of Sections 424(e) or 424(f) of the Code, respectively), the term of the Option shall not exceed five years.
5.5 Exercise of Option; Notification of Disposition. Options may be exercised by delivery to the Company of a written notice of exercise, in a form approved by the Administrator (which may be an electronic form), signed by the person authorized to exercise the Option, together with payment in full (i) as specified in Section 5.6 hereof for the number of shares for which the Option is exercised and (ii) as specified in Section 9.5 hereof for any applicable withholding taxes. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, an Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a share of Common Stock. If an Option is designated as an Incentive Stock Option, the Participant shall give prompt notice to the Company of any disposition or other transfer of any shares of Common Stock acquired from the Option if such disposition or transfer is made (i) within two years from the grant date with respect to such Option or (ii) within one year after the transfer of such shares to the Participant (other than any such disposition made in connection with a Change in Control). Such notice shall specify the date of such disposition or other transfer and the amount realized, in cash, other property, assumption of indebtedness or other consideration, by the Participant in such disposition or other transfer.
5.6 Payment Upon Exercise. Common Stock purchased upon the exercise of an Option granted under the Plan shall be paid for in cash or by check, payable to the order of the Company, or, to the extent permitted by the Administrator, by:
(a) (A) delivery of an irrevocable and unconditional undertaking by a broker acceptable to the Company to deliver promptly to the Company sufficient funds to pay the exercise price and any required tax withholding, or (B) delivery by the Participant to the Company of a copy of irrevocable and unconditional instructions to a broker acceptable to the Company to deliver promptly to the Company cash or a check sufficient to pay the exercise price and any required tax withholding;
(b) delivery (either by actual delivery or attestation) of shares of Common Stock owned by the Participant valued at their Fair Market Value, provided (A) such method of payment is then permitted under Applicable Laws, (B) such Common Stock, if acquired directly from the Company, was owned by the Participant for such minimum period of time, if any, as may be established by the Company at any time, and (C) such Common Stock is not subject to any repurchase, forfeiture, unfulfilled vesting or other similar requirements;
4
(c) surrendering shares of Common Stock then issuable upon exercise of the Option valued at their Fair Market Value on the date of exercise;
(d) delivery of a promissory note of the Participant to the Company on terms determined by the Administrator;
(e) delivery of property of any other kind which constitutes good and valuable consideration as determined by the Administrator; or
(f) any combination of the above permitted forms of payment (including cash or check).
5.7 Early Exercise of Options. The Administrator may provide in the terms of an Award Agreement that the Service Provider may exercise an Option in whole or in part prior to the full vesting of the Option in exchange for unvested shares of Restricted Stock with respect to any unvested portion of the Option so exercised. Shares of Restricted Stock acquired upon the exercise of any unvested portion of an Option shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine.
6. Restricted Stock; Restricted Stock Units.
6.1 General. The Administrator may grant Restricted Stock, or the right to purchase Restricted Stock, to any Service Provider, subject to the right of the Company to repurchase all or part of such shares at their issue price or other stated or formula price from the Participant (or to require forfeiture of such shares if issued at no cost) in the event that conditions specified by the Administrator in the applicable Award Agreement are not satisfied prior to the end of the applicable restriction period or periods established by the Administrator for such Award. In addition, the Administrator may grant to Service Providers Restricted Stock Units, which may be subject to vesting and forfeiture conditions during applicable restriction period or periods, as set forth in an applicable Award Agreement.
6.2 Terms and Conditions for All Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Awards. The Administrator shall determine and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement the terms and conditions applicable to each Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Award, including the conditions for vesting and repurchase (or forfeiture) and the issue price, in each case, if any.
6.3 Additional Provisions Relating to Restricted Stock.
(a) Dividends. Participants holding shares of Restricted Stock will be entitled to all ordinary cash dividends paid with respect to such shares to the extent such dividends have a record date that is on or after the date on which the Participant to whom such shares of Restricted Stock are granted becomes the record holder of such shares of Restricted Stock, unless otherwise provided by the Administrator in the applicable Award Agreement. In addition, unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if any dividends or distributions are paid in shares, or consist of a dividend or distribution to holders of Common Stock of property other than an ordinary cash dividend, the shares or other property will be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid. Each
5
dividend payment will be made as provided in the applicable Award Agreement, but in no event later than the end of the calendar year in which the dividends are paid to stockholders of that class of stock or, if later, the 15th day of the third month following the later of (A) the date the dividends are paid to stockholders of that class of stock, and (B) the date the dividends are no longer subject to forfeiture.
(b) Stock Certificates. The Company may require that any stock certificates issued in respect of shares of Restricted Stock be deposited in escrow by the Participant, together with a stock power endorsed in blank, with the Company (or its designee).
6.4 Additional Provisions Relating to Restricted Stock Units.
(a) Settlement. Upon the vesting of a Restricted Stock Unit, the Participant shall be entitled to receive from the Company one share of Common Stock or an amount of cash or other property equal to the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock on the settlement date, as the Administrator shall determine and as provided in the applicable Award Agreement. The Administrator may provide that settlement of Restricted Stock Units shall occur upon or as soon as reasonably practicable after the vesting of the Restricted Stock Units or shall instead be deferred, on a mandatory basis or at the election of the Participant, in a manner that complies with Section 409A.
(b) Voting Rights. A Participant shall have no voting rights with respect to any Restricted Stock Units unless and until shares are delivered in settlement thereof.
(c) Dividend Equivalents. To the extent provided by the Administrator, a grant of Restricted Stock Units may provide a Participant with the right to receive Dividend Equivalents. Dividend Equivalents may be paid currently or credited to an account for the Participant, may be settled in cash and/or shares of Common Stock and may be subject to the same restrictions on transfer and forfeitability as the Restricted Stock Units with respect to which the Dividend Equivalents are paid, as determined by the Administrator, subject, in each case, to such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
7. Other Stock-Based Awards.
Other Stock-Based Awards may be granted hereunder to Participants, including, without limitation, Awards entitling Participants to receive shares of Common Stock to be delivered in the future. Such Other Stock-Based Awards shall also be available as a form of payment in the settlement of other Awards granted under the Plan, as stand-alone payments and/or as payment in lieu of compensation to which a Participant is otherwise entitled. Other Stock-Based Awards may be paid in shares of Common Stock, cash or other property, as the Administrator shall determine. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Administrator shall determine the terms and conditions of each Other Stock-Based Award, including any purchase price, transfer restrictions, vesting conditions and other terms and conditions applicable thereto, which shall be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
6
8. Adjustments for Changes in Common Stock and Certain Other Events.
8.1 In the event that the Administrator determines that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Common Stock, other securities, or other property), reorganization, merger, consolidation, combination, repurchase, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution, or sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or sale or exchange of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Common Stock or other securities of the Company, or other similar corporate transaction or event, as determined by the Administrator, affects the Common Stock such that an adjustment is determined by the Administrator to be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended by the Company to be made available under the Plan or with respect to any Award, then the Administrator may, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust any or all of:
(a) the number and kind of shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property) with respect to which Awards may be granted or awarded (including, but not limited to, adjustments of the limitations in Section 4 hereof on the maximum number and kind of shares which may be issued);
(b) the number and kind of shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding Awards;
(c) the grant or exercise price with respect to any Award; and
(d) the terms and conditions of any Awards (including, without limitation, any applicable financial or other performance “targets” specified in an Award Agreement).
8.2 In the event of any transaction or event described in Section 8.1 hereof (including without limitation any Change in Control) or any unusual or nonrecurring transaction or event affecting the Company or the financial statements of the Company, or any change in any Applicable Laws or accounting principles, the Administrator, on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate, either by the terms of the Award or by action taken prior to the occurrence of such transaction or event and either automatically or upon the Participant’s request, is hereby authorized to take any one or more of the following actions whenever the Administrator determines that such action is appropriate in order to (x) prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended by the Company to be made available under the Plan or with respect to any Award granted or issued under the Plan, (y) to facilitate such transaction or event or (z) give effect to such changes in Applicable Laws or accounting principles:
(a) To provide for the cancellation of any such Award in exchange for either an amount of cash or other property with a value equal to the amount that could have been obtained upon the exercise or settlement of the vested portion of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights under the vested portion of such Award, as applicable; provided that, if the amount that could have been obtained upon the exercise or settlement of the vested portion of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights, in any case, is equal to or less than zero, then the vested portion of such Award may be terminated without payment;
7
(b) To provide that such Award shall vest and, to the extent applicable, be exercisable as to all shares covered thereby, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or the provisions of such Award;
(c) To provide that such Award be assumed by the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, or shall be substituted for by awards covering the stock of the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and applicable exercise or purchase price, in all cases, as determined by the Administrator;
(d) To make adjustments in the number and type of shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding Awards, and/or in the terms and conditions of (including the grant or exercise price), and the criteria included in, outstanding Awards which may be granted in the future;
(e) To replace such Award with other rights or property selected by the Administrator; and/or
(f) To provide that the Award will terminate and cannot vest, be exercised or become payable after the applicable event.
8.3 In connection with the occurrence of any Equity Restructuring, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 8, the Administrator will equitably adjust each outstanding Award, which adjustments may include adjustments to the number and type of securities subject to each outstanding Award and/or the exercise price or grant price thereof, if applicable, the grant of new Awards to Participants, and/or the making of a cash payment to Participants, as the Administrator deems appropriate to reflect such Equity Restructuring. The adjustments provided under this Section 8.3 shall be nondiscretionary and shall be final and binding on the affected Participant and the Company; provided that whether an adjustment is equitable shall be determined by the Administrator.
8.4 In the event of any pending stock dividend, stock split, combination or exchange of shares, merger, consolidation or other distribution (other than normal cash dividends) of Company assets to stockholders, or any other change affecting the shares of Common Stock or the share price of the Common Stock, including any Equity Restructuring, for reasons of administrative convenience the Administrator may refuse to permit the exercise of any Award during a period of up to thirty days prior to the consummation of any such transaction.
8.5 Except as expressly provided in the Plan or pursuant to action of the Administrator under the Plan, no Participant shall have any rights by reason of any subdivision or consolidation of shares of stock of any class, the payment of any dividend, any increase or decrease in the number of shares of stock of any class or any dissolution, liquidation, merger, or consolidation of the Company or any other corporation. Except as expressly provided in the Plan or pursuant to action of the Administrator under the Plan, no issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number of shares of Common Stock subject to an Award or the grant or exercise price of any Award. The existence of the Plan,
8
any Award Agreements and the Awards granted hereunder shall not affect or restrict in any way the right or power of the Company to make or authorize (i) any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Company’s capital structure or its business, (ii) any merger, consolidation dissolution or liquidation of the Company or sale of Company assets or (iii) any sale or issuance of securities, including without limitation, securities with rights superior to those of the Common Stock or which are convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock. The Administrator may treat Participants and Awards (or portions thereof) differently under this Section 8.
9. General Provisions Applicable to Awards.
9.1 Transferability. Except as the Administrator may otherwise determine or provide in an Award Agreement or otherwise, in any case in accordance with Applicable Laws, Awards shall not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered by the person to whom they are granted, either voluntarily or by operation of law, except by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and, during the life of the Participant, shall be exercisable only by the Participant. References to a Participant, to the extent relevant in the context, shall include references to authorized transferees.
9.2 Documentation. Each Award shall be evidenced in an Award Agreement, which may be in such form (written, electronic or otherwise) as the Administrator shall determine. Each Award may contain terms and conditions in addition to those set forth in the Plan.
9.3 Discretion. Except as otherwise provided by the Plan, each Award may be made alone or in addition or in relation to any other Award. The terms of each Award to a Participant need not be identical, and the Administrator need not treat Participants or Awards (or portions thereof) uniformly.
9.4 Termination of Status. The Administrator shall determine the effect on an Award of the disability, death, retirement, authorized leave of absence or any other change or purported change in a Participant’s Service Provider status and the extent to which, and the period during which, the Participant, the Participant’s legal representative, conservator, guardian or Designated Beneficiary may exercise rights under the Award, if applicable.
9.5 Withholding. Each Participant shall pay to the Company, or make provision satisfactory to the Administrator for payment of, any taxes required by law to be withheld in connection with Awards to such Participant no later than the date of the event creating the tax liability. Except as the Administrator may otherwise determine, all such payments shall be made in cash or by certified check. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent permitted by the Administrator, Participants may satisfy such tax obligations in whole or in part by delivery of shares of Common Stock, including shares retained from the Award creating the tax obligation, valued at their Fair Market Value. The Company may, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, deduct any such tax obligations from any payment of any kind otherwise due to a Participant.
9
9.6 Amendment of Award. The Administrator may amend, modify or terminate any outstanding Award, including but not limited to, substituting therefor another Award of the same or a different type, changing the date of exercise or settlement, and converting an Incentive Stock Option to a Non-Qualified Stock Option. The Participant’s consent to such action shall be required unless (i) the Administrator determines that the action, taking into account any related action, would not materially and adversely affect the Participant, or (ii) the change is permitted under Section 8 and 10.6 hereof.
9.7 Conditions on Delivery of Stock. The Company will not be obligated to deliver any shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Plan or to remove restrictions from shares previously delivered under the Plan until (i) all conditions of the Award have been met or removed to the satisfaction of the Company, (ii) in the opinion of the Company’s counsel, all other legal matters in connection with the issuance and delivery of such shares have been satisfied, including any applicable securities laws and any applicable stock exchange or stock market rules and regulations, and (iii) the Participant has executed and delivered to the Company such representations or agreements as the Administrator deems necessary or appropriate to satisfy the requirements of any Applicable Laws. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is determined by the Administrator to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any securities hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.
9.8 Acceleration. The Administrator may at any time provide that any Award shall become immediately vested and/or exercisable in full or in part, free of some or all restrictions or conditions, or otherwise realizable in full or in part, as the case may be.
10. Miscellaneous.
10.1 No Right To Employment or Other Status. No person shall have any claim or right to be granted an Award, and the grant of an Award shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to continued employment or any other relationship with the Company. The Company expressly reserves the right at any time to dismiss or otherwise terminate its relationship with a Participant free from any liability or claim under the Plan or any Award, except as expressly provided in an applicable Award Agreement.
10.2 No Rights As Stockholder; Certificates. Subject to the provisions of the applicable Award Agreement, no Participant or Designated Beneficiary shall have any rights as a stockholder with respect to any shares of Common Stock to be distributed with respect to an Award until becoming the record holder of such shares. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator or required by any Applicable Laws, the Company shall not be required to deliver to any Participant certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock issued in connection with any Award and instead such shares of Common Stock may be recorded in the books of the Company (or, as applicable, its transfer agent or stock plan administrator). The Company may place legends on any stock certificates issued under the Plan deemed necessary or appropriate by the Administrator in order to comply with Applicable Laws.
10.3 Effective Date and Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective on the date on which it is adopted by the Board. No Awards shall be granted under the Plan after the completion of ten years from the earlier of (i) the date on which the Plan was adopted by the Board or (ii) the date the Plan was approved by the Company’s stockholders, but Awards previously granted may extend beyond that date in accordance with the terms of the Plan.
10
10.4 Amendment of Plan. The Administrator may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan or any portion thereof at any time; provided that no amendment of the Plan shall materially and adversely affect any Award outstanding at the time of such amendment without the consent of the affected Participant. Awards outstanding under the Plan at the time of any suspension or termination of the Plan shall continue to be governed in accordance with the terms of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement, as in effect prior to such suspension or termination. The Board shall obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary to comply with Applicable Laws.
10.5 Provisions for Foreign Participants. The Administrator may modify Awards granted to Participants who are foreign nationals or employed outside the United States or establish subplans or procedures under the Plan to address differences in laws, rules, regulations or customs of such foreign jurisdictions with respect to tax, securities, currency, employee benefit or other matters.
10.6 Section 409A.
(a) General. The Company intends that all Awards be structured in compliance with, or to satisfy an exemption from, Section 409A, such that no adverse tax consequences, interest, or penalties under Section 409A apply in connection with any Awards. Notwithstanding anything herein or in any Award Agreement to the contrary, the Administrator may, without a Participant’s prior consent, amend this Plan and/or Awards, adopt policies and procedures, or take any other actions (including amendments, policies, procedures and actions with retroactive effect) as are necessary or appropriate to preserve the intended tax treatment of Awards under the Plan, including without limitation, any such actions intended to (A) exempt this Plan and/or any Award from the application of Section 409A, and/or (B) comply with the requirements of Section 409A, including without limitation any such regulations, guidance, compliance programs and other interpretative authority that may be issued after the date of grant of any Award. The Company makes no representations or warranties as to the tax treatment of any Award under Section 409A or otherwise. The Company shall have no obligation under this Section 10.6 or otherwise to take any action (whether or not described herein) to avoid the imposition of taxes, penalties or interest under Section 409A with respect to any Award and shall have no liability to any Participant or any other person if any Award, compensation or other benefits under the Plan are determined to constitute non-compliant, “nonqualified deferred compensation” subject to the imposition of taxes, penalties and/or interest under Section 409A.
(b) Separation from Service. With respect to any Award that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A, any payment or settlement of such Award that is to be made upon a termination of a Participant’s Service Provider relationship shall, to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of taxes under Section 409A, be made only upon the Participant’s “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A), whether such “separation from service” occurs upon or subsequent to the termination of the Participant’s Service Provider relationship. For purposes of any such provision of this Plan or any Award Agreement relating to any such payments or benefits, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.”
11
(c) Payments to Specified Employees. Notwithstanding any contrary provision in the Plan or any Award Agreement, any payment(s) of “nonqualified deferred compensation” that are otherwise required to be made under an Award to a “specified employee” (as defined under Section 409A and determined by the Administrator) as a result of his or her “separation from service” shall, to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of taxes under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i), be delayed until the expiration of the six-month period immediately following such “separation from service” (or, if earlier, until the date of death of the specified employee) and shall instead be paid (in a manner set forth in the Award agreement) on the day that immediately follows the end of such six-month period or as soon as administratively practicable thereafter (without interest). Any payments of “nonqualified deferred compensation” under such Award that are, by their terms, payable more than six months following the Participant’s “separation from service” shall be paid at the time or times such payments are otherwise scheduled to be made.
10.7 Limitations on Liability. Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, no individual acting as a director, officer, other employee or agent of the Company will be liable to any Participant, former Participant, spouse, beneficiary, or any other person for any claim, loss, liability, or expense incurred in connection with the Plan or any Award, nor will such individual be personally liable with respect to the Plan because of any contract or other instrument he or she executes in his or her capacity as an Administrator, director, officer, other employee or agent of the Company. The Company will indemnify and hold harmless each director, officer, other employee and agent of the Company to whom any duty or power relating to the administration or interpretation of the Plan has been or will be granted or delegated, against any cost or expense (including attorneys’ fees) or liability (including any sum paid in settlement of a claim with the Administrator’s approval) arising out of any act or omission to act concerning this Plan unless arising out of such person’s own fraud or bad faith.
10.8 Lock-Up Period. Participants shall not 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, any Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company or enter into any swap, hedging or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company held by Participant (other than those included in the registration) for a period specified by the representative of the underwriters of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company not to exceed one hundred and eighty (180) days following the effective date of any registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act (or such other period as may be requested by the Company or the underwriters to accommodate regulatory restrictions on (i) the publication or other distribution of research reports and (ii) analyst recommendations and opinions, including, but not limited to, the restrictions contained in FINRA Rule 2241, or any successor provisions or amendments thereto). Participants shall execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company or the underwriter which are consistent with the foregoing or which are necessary to give further effect thereto. The obligations described in this Section 10.8 shall not apply to a registration relating solely to employee benefit plans on Form S-1 or Form S-8 or similar forms that may be promulgated in the future, or a registration relating solely to a Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 145 transaction on Form S-4 or similar forms that may be promulgated in the future. The Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the shares of Common Stock (or other securities) subject to the foregoing restriction until the end of said 180 day (or other) period.
12
10.9 Limitations on Transfer. A Participant shall not sell, assign, transfer, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of, by operation of law or otherwise (collectively “Transfer”) any interest in any shares of Common Stock held by Participant except in compliance with the provisions herein, in the Company’s Bylaws and applicable securities laws. Furthermore, the shares of Common Stock shall be subject to a right of first refusal in favor of the Company or its assignees as set forth in the Company’s Bylaws. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Participant may, subject to compliance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Company’s Bylaws, transfer shares of Common Stock to or for the benefit of any spouse, children, parents, uncles, aunts, siblings, grandchildren and any other relatives approved by the Board of Directors (collectively, “Approved Relatives”) or to a trust established solely for the benefit of the Participant and/or Approved Relatives, provided that such shares of Common Stock shall remain subject to the provisions of this Plan and any other applicable agreements, and such permitted transferee shall, as a condition to such transfer, deliver to the Company a written instrument confirming that such transferee shall be bound by all of the terms and conditions of this Plan and any other applicable agreements. The Company shall not be required (a) to transfer on its books any of the shares of Common Stock that have been sold or otherwise transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Plan, any other applicable agreement or the provisions of the Company’s Bylaws or (b) to treat as owner of such shares of Common Stock or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser or other transferee to whom any such shares of Common Stock shall have been so sold or transferred.
10.10 Data Privacy. As a condition of receipt of any Award, each Participant explicitly and unambiguously consents to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of personal data as described in this paragraph by and among, as applicable, the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Participant’s participation in the Plan. The Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates may hold certain personal information about a Participant, including but not limited to, the Participant’s name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social security or insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title(s), any shares of stock held in the Company or any of its subsidiaries and affiliates, details of all Awards, in each case, for the purpose of implementing, managing and administering the Plan and Awards (the “Data”). The Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates may transfer the Data amongst themselves as necessary for the purpose of implementation, administration and management of a Participant’s participation in the Plan, and the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates may each further transfer the Data to any third parties assisting the Company in the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. These recipients may be located in the Participant’s country, or elsewhere, and the Participant’s country may have different data privacy laws and protections than the recipients’ country. Through acceptance of an Award, each Participant authorizes such recipients to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the purposes of implementing, administering and managing the Participant’s participation in the Plan, including any requisite transfer of such Data as may be required to a
13
broker or other third party with whom the Company or the Participant may elect to deposit any shares of Common Stock. The Data related to a Participant will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer, and manage the Participant’s participation in the Plan. A Participant may, at any time, view the Data held by the Company with respect to such Participant, request additional information about the storage and processing of the Data with respect to such Participant, recommend any necessary corrections to the Data with respect to the Participant or refuse or withdraw the consents herein in writing, in any case without cost, by contacting his or her local human resources representative. The Company may cancel Participant’s ability to participate in the Plan and, in the Administrator’s discretion, the Participant may forfeit any outstanding Awards if the Participant refuses or withdraws his or her consents as described herein. For more information on the consequences of refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, Participants may contact their local human resources representative.
10.11 Severability. In the event any portion of the Plan or any action taken pursuant thereto 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 provisions had not been included, and the illegal or invalid action shall be null and void.
10.12 Governing Documents. In the event of any contradiction between the Plan and any Award Agreement or any other written agreement between a Participant and the Company or any subsidiary of the Company that has been approved by the Administrator, the terms of the Plan shall govern, unless it is expressly specified in such Award Agreement or other written document that a specific provision of the Plan shall not apply.
10.13 Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. By accepting an Award, each Participant irrevocably and unconditionally consents to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware and of the United States of America, in each case located in the State of Delaware, for any action arising out of or relating to the Plan (and agrees not to commence any litigation relating thereto except in such courts), and further agrees that service of any process, summons, notice or document by U.S. registered mail to the address contained in the records of the Company shall be effective service of process for any litigation brought against it in any such court. By accepting an Award, each Participant irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection to the laying of venue of any litigation arising out of Plan or Award hereunder in the courts of the State of Delaware or the United States of America, in each case located in the State of Delaware, and further irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that any such litigation brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. By accepting an Award, each Participant irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all rights to trial by jury in connection with any litigation arising out of or relating to the Plan or any Award hereunder.
10.14 Governing Law. The provisions of the Plan and all Awards made hereunder shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, disregarding choice-of-law principles of the law of any state that would require the application of the laws of a jurisdiction other than such state.
14
10.15 Restrictions on Shares; Claw-back Provisions. Shares of Common Stock acquired in respect of Awards shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine, including, without limitation, restrictions on the transferability of shares of Common Stock, the right of the Company to repurchase shares of Common Stock, the right of the Company to require that shares of Common Stock be transferred in the event of certain transactions, tag-along rights, bring-along rights, redemption and co-sale rights and voting requirements. Such terms and conditions may be additional to those contained in the Plan and may, as determined by the Administrator, be contained in the applicable Award Agreement or in an exercise notice, stockholders’ agreement or in such other agreement as the Administrator shall determine, in each case in a form determined by the Administrator. The issuance of such shares of Common Stock shall be conditioned on the Participant’s consent to such terms and conditions and the Participant’s entering into such agreement or agreements. All Awards (including any proceeds, gains or other economic benefit actually or constructively received by Participant upon any receipt or exercise of any Award or upon the receipt or resale of any shares of Common Stock underlying the Award) shall be subject to the provisions of any claw-back policy implemented by the Company, including, without limitation, any claw-back policy adopted to comply with the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder, to the extent set forth in such claw-back policy and/or in the applicable Award Agreement.
10.16 Titles and Headings. The titles and headings of the Sections in the Plan are for convenience of reference only and, in the event of any conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than such titles or headings, shall control.
10.17 Conformity to Securities Laws. Participant acknowledges that the Plan is intended to conform to the extent necessary with all provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and any and all regulations and rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, and state securities laws and regulations. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Plan and all Awards granted hereunder shall be administered only in such a manner as to conform to such laws, rules and regulations. To the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, the Plan and all Award Agreements shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such laws, rules and regulations.
11. Definitions. As used in the Plan, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:
11.1 “Administrator” means the Board or a Committee to the extent that the Board’s powers or authority under the Plan have been delegated to such Committee.
11.2 “Applicable Laws” means the requirements relating to the administration of equity incentive plans under U.S. federal and state securities, tax and other applicable laws, rules and regulations, the applicable rules of any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws and rules of any foreign country or other jurisdiction where Awards are granted or issued under the Plan.
11.3 “Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other Stock-Based Awards.
15
11.4 “Award Agreement” means a written agreement evidencing an Award, which agreements may be in electronic medium and shall contain such terms and conditions with respect to an Award as the Administrator shall determine, consistent with and subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
11.5 “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
11.6 “Change in Control” means (i) a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into any other corporation or other entity or person, (ii) a sale, lease, exchange or other transfer in one transaction or a series of related transactions of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, or (iii) any other transaction, including the sale by the Company of new shares of its capital stock or a transfer of existing shares of capital stock of the Company, the result of which is that a third party that is not an affiliate of the Company or its stockholders (or a group of third parties not affiliated with the Company or its stockholders) immediately prior to such transaction acquires or holds capital stock of the Company representing a majority of the Company’s outstanding voting power immediately following such transaction; provided that the following events shall not constitute a “Change in Control”: (A) a transaction (other than a sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets) in which the holders of the voting securities of the Company immediately prior to the merger or consolidation hold, directly or indirectly, at least a majority of the voting securities in the successor corporation or its parent immediately after the merger or consolidation; (B) a sale, lease, exchange or other transaction in one transaction or a series of related transactions of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an affiliate of the Company; (C) an initial public offering of any of the Company’s securities; (D) a reincorporation of the Company solely to change its jurisdiction; or (E) a transaction undertaken for the primary purpose of creating a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportion by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Change in Control would give rise to a payment or settlement event with respect to any Award that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation,” the transaction or event constituting the Change in Control must also constitute a “change in control event” (as defined in Treasury Regulation §1.409A-3(i)(5)) in order to give rise to the payment or settlement event for such Award, to the extent required by Section 409A.
11.7 “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations issued thereunder.
11.8 “Committee” means one or more committees or subcommittees of the Board, which may be comprised of one or more directors and/or executive officers of the Company, in either case, to the extent permitted in accordance with Applicable Laws.
11.9 “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.
11.10 “Company” means Seaport Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto. Except where the context otherwise requires, the term “Company” includes any of the Company’s present or future parent or subsidiary corporations as defined in Sections 424(e) or (f) of the Code and any other business venture (including, without limitation, joint venture or limited liability company) in which the Company has a significant interest, as determined by the Administrator.
16
11.11 “Consultant” means any person, including any advisor, engaged by the Company or a parent or subsidiary of the Company to render services to such entity if: (i) the consultant or adviser renders bona fide services to the Company; (ii) the services rendered by the consultant or advisor are not in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction and do not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities; and (iii) the consultant or advisor is a natural person, or such other advisor or consultant as is approved by the Administrator.
11.12 “Designated Beneficiary” means the beneficiary or beneficiaries designated, in a manner determined by the Administrator, by a Participant to receive amounts due or exercise rights of the Participant in the event of the Participant’s death or incapacity In the absence of an effective designation by a Participant, “Designated Beneficiary” shall mean the Participant’s estate.
11.13 “Director” means a member of the Board.
11.14 “Disability” means a permanent and total disability within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, as it may be amended from time to time.
11.15 “Dividend Equivalents” means a right granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 6.4(c) hereof to receive the equivalent value (in cash or shares of Common Stock) of dividends paid on shares of Common Stock.
11.16 “Employee” means any person, including officers and Directors, employed by the Company (within the meaning of Section 3401(c) of the Code) or any parent or subsidiary of the Company.
11.17 “Equity Restructuring” means, as determined by the Administrator, a nonreciprocal transaction between the Company and its stockholders, such as a stock dividend, stock split, spin-off or recapitalization through a large, nonrecurring cash dividend, that affects the shares of Common Stock (or other securities of the Company) or the share price of Common Stock (or other securities of the Company) and causes a change in the per share value of the Common Stock underlying outstanding Awards.
11.18 “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
11.19 “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock determined as follows: (i) if the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such Common Stock as quoted on such exchange for such date, or if no sale occurred on such date, the first market trading day immediately prior to such date during which a sale occurred, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; (ii) if the Common Stock is not traded on a stock exchange but is quoted on a national market or other quotation system, the last sales price on such date, or if no sales occurred on such date, then on the date immediately prior to such date on which sales prices are reported, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or (iii) in the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.
17
11.20 “Incentive Stock Option” means an “incentive stock option” as defined in Section 422 of the Code.
11.21 “Non-Qualified Stock Option” means an Option that is not intended to be or otherwise does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
11.22 “Option” means an option to purchase Common Stock.
11.23 “Other Stock-Based Awards” means other Awards of shares of Common Stock, and other Awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise based on, shares of Common Stock or other property.
11.24 “Participant” means a Service Provider who has been granted an Award under the Plan.
11.25 “Plan” means this 2024 Equity Incentive Plan.
11.26 “Publicly Listed Company” means that the Company or its successor (i) is required to file periodic reports pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act and (ii) the Common Stock is listed on one or more National Securities Exchanges (within the meaning of the Exchange Act) or is quoted on NASDAQ or a successor quotation system.
11.27 “Restricted Stock” means Common Stock awarded to a Participant pursuant to Section 6 hereof that is subject to certain vesting conditions and other restrictions.
11.28 “Restricted Stock Unit” means an unfunded, unsecured right to receive, on the applicable settlement date, one share of Common Stock or an amount in cash or other consideration determined by the Administrator equal to the value thereof as of such payment date, which right may be subject to certain vesting conditions and other restrictions.
11.29 “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and all regulations, guidance, compliance programs and other interpretative authority thereunder.
11.30 “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.
11.31 “Service Provider” means an Employee, Consultant or Director.
11.32 “Termination of Service” means the date the Participant ceases to be a Service Provider.
* * * * *
18
SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC.
2024 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
CALIFORNIA SUPPLEMENT
This supplement is intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 25102(o) of the California Corporations Code and the regulations issued thereunder (“Section 25102(o)”). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Plan and except as otherwise determined by the Administrator, the provisions set forth in this supplement shall apply to all Awards granted under the Plan to a Participant who is a resident of the State of California on the date of grant (a “California Participant”) and which are intended to be exempt from registration in California pursuant to Section 25102(o), and otherwise to the extent required to comply with applicable law (but only to such extent). Definitions in the Plan are applicable to this supplement.
1. Limitation On Securities Issuable Under Plan. The amount of securities issued pursuant to the Plan shall not exceed the amounts permitted under Section 260.140.45 of the California code of regulations to the extent applicable.
2. Additional Limitations For Grants. The terms of all Awards shall comply, to the extent applicable, with Sections 260.140.41 and 260.140.42 of the California Code of Regulations.
3. Additional Requirement To Provide Information To California Participants. The Company shall provide to each California Participant, not less frequently than annually, copies of annual financial statements (which need not be audited). The Company shall not be required to provide such statements to key persons whose duties in connection with the Company assure their access to equivalent information. In addition, this information requirement shall not apply to any plan or agreement that complies with all conditions of Rule 701 of the Securities Act (“Rule 701”); provided that for purposes of determining such compliance, any registered domestic partner shall be considered a “family member” as that term is defined in Rule 701.
* * * * *
CS-1
Exhibit 10.4
SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC.
MODEL INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
This Indemnification Agreement (“Agreement”) is made as of [Date] by and between Seaport Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and [Officer Name] (“Indemnitee”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Company desires to attract and retain the services of highly qualified individuals, such as Indemnitee, to serve the Company;
WHEREAS, in order to induce Indemnitee to [provide] [continue to provide] services to the Company, the Company wishes to provide for the indemnification of, and advancement of expenses to, Indemnitee to the maximum extent permitted by law;
WHEREAS, the Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (as amended and in effect from time to time, the “Charter”) and the Amended and Restated Bylaws (as amended and in effect from time to time, the “Bylaws”) of the Company require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company, and Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”);
WHEREAS, the Charter, the Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive, and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the board of directors, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining highly qualified persons such as Indemnitee is detrimental to the best interests of the Company’s stockholders;
WHEREAS, it is reasonable and prudent for the Company contractually to obligate itself to indemnify, and to advance expenses on behalf of, such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, regardless of any amendment or revocation of the Charter or the Bylaws, so that they will [serve] [continue to serve] the Company free from undue concern that they will not be so indemnified; and
WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the indemnification provided in the Charter, the Bylaws and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:
Section 1. Services to the Company. Indemnitee agrees to [serve] [continue to serve] as [a director and] an officer of the Company. Indemnitee may at any time and for any reason resign from [any] such position (subject to any other contractual obligation or any obligation imposed by law), in which event the Company shall have no obligation under this Agreement to continue Indemnitee in such position. This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment contract between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any Enterprise) and Indemnitee.
Section 2. Definitions.
As used in this Agreement:
(a) [“Affiliate” and “Associate”] shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as in effect on the date of this Agreement; provided, however, that no Person who is a director or officer of the Company shall be deemed an Affiliate or an Associate of any other director or officer of the Company solely as a result of his or her position as director or officer of the Company.
(b) A Person shall be deemed the “Beneficial Owner” of, and shall be deemed to “Beneficially Own” and have “Beneficial Ownership” of, any securities:
(i) which such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates, directly or indirectly, Beneficially Owns (as determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 of the Rules under the Exchange Act, as in effect on the date of this Agreement);
(ii) which such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates, directly or indirectly, has: (A) the legal, equitable or contractual right or obligation to acquire (whether directly or indirectly and whether exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time, compliance with regulatory requirements, satisfaction of one or more conditions (whether or not within the control of such Person) or otherwise) upon the exercise of any conversion rights, exchange rights, rights, warrants or options, or otherwise; (B) the right to vote pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether or not in writing); or (C) the right to dispose of pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether or not in writing) (other than customary arrangements with and between underwriters and selling group members with respect to a bona fide public offering of securities);
(iii) which are Beneficially Owned, directly or indirectly, by any other Person (or any Affiliate or Associate thereof) with which such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates has any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether or not in writing) (other than customary agreements with and between underwriters and selling group members with respect to a bona fide public offering of securities) for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of any securities of the Company; or
2
(iv) that are the subject of a derivative transaction entered into by such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates, including, for these purposes, any derivative security acquired by such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates that gives such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates the economic equivalent of ownership of an amount of securities due to the fact that the value of the derivative security is explicitly determined by reference to the price or value of such securities, or that provides such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates an opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or to share in any profit derived from any change in the value of such securities, in any case without regard to whether (A) such derivative security conveys any voting rights in such securities to such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates; (B) the derivative security is required to be, or capable of being, settled through delivery of such securities; or (C) such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates may have entered into other transactions that hedge the economic effect of such derivative security.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Person engaged in business as an underwriter of securities shall be deemed the Beneficial Owner of any securities acquired through such Person’s participation as an underwriter in good faith in a firm commitment underwriting.
(c) A “Change in Control” shall be deemed to occur upon the earliest to occur after the date of this Agreement of any of the following events:
(i) Acquisition of Stock by Third Party. Any Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner (as defined above), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities unless the change in relative Beneficial Ownership of the Company’s securities by any Person results solely from a reduction in the aggregate number of outstanding shares of securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, provided that a Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred if subsequent to such reduction such Person becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of any additional securities of the Company conferring upon such Person any additional voting power;
(ii) Change in Board of Directors. During any period of two (2) consecutive years (not including any period prior to the execution of this Agreement), individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board, and any new director (other than a director designated by a Person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in Sections 2(c)(i), 2(c)(iii) or 2(c)(iv)) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board;
(iii) Corporate Transactions. The effective date of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other entity, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving or successor entity) more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the surviving or successor entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation and with the power to elect at least a majority of the board of directors or other governing body of such surviving or successor entity;
3
(iv) Liquidation. The approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale, lease, exchange or other transfer by the Company, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; and
(v) Other Events. There occurs any other event of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A (or a response to any similar item on any similar schedule or form) promulgated under the Exchange Act whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement.
(d) “Corporate Status” describes the status of a person as a current or former [director or] officer of the Company or current or former director, manager, partner, officer, employee, agent or trustee of any other Enterprise which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.
(e) “Enforcement Expenses” shall include all reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, and all other out-of-pocket disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with an action to enforce indemnification or advancement rights, or an appeal from such action. Expenses, however, shall not include fees, salaries, wages or benefits owed to Indemnitee.
(f) “Enterprise” shall mean any corporation (other than the Company), partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, limited liability company, or other legal entity of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, manager, partner, officer, employee, agent or trustee.
(g) “Expenses” shall include all reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, and all other out-of-pocket disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding or an appeal resulting from a Proceeding. Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee, the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee or fees, salaries, wages or benefits owed to Indemnitee.
(h) “Independent Counsel” means a law firm, or a partner (or, if applicable, member or shareholder) of such a law firm, that is experienced in matters of Delaware corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five (5) years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company, any subsidiary of the Company, any Enterprise or Indemnitee in any matter material to any 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 Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all expenses, claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.
4
(i) “Person” shall mean (i) an individual, a corporation, a partnership, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a business trust, a government or political subdivision, any unincorporated organization or any other association or entity including any successor (by merger or otherwise) thereof or thereto, and (ii) a “group” as that term is used for purposes of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.
(j) The term “Proceeding” shall include 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, regulatory or investigative nature, and whether formal or informal, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be involved as a party or otherwise by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was [a director or] an officer of the Company or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, manager, partner, officer, employee, agent or trustee of any Enterprise or by reason of any action taken by Indemnitee or of any action taken on his or her part while acting as [a director or] an officer of the Company or while serving at the request of the Company as a director, manager, partner, officer, employee, agent or trustee of any Enterprise, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement or advancement of expenses can be provided under this Agreement; provided, however, that the term “Proceeding” shall not include any action, suit or arbitration, or part thereof, initiated by Indemnitee to enforce Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement as provided for in Section 12(a) of this Agreement.
Section 3. Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the extent set forth in this Section 3 if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding, other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 3, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties, excise taxes, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on his or her behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and, in the case of a criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.
Section 4. Indemnity in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the extent set forth in this Section 4 if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 4, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on his or her behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. No indemnification for Expenses shall be made under this Section 4 in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery (the “Delaware Court”) shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification for such expenses as the Delaware Court shall deem proper.
5
Section 5. Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement and except as provided in Section 7, to the extent that Indemnitee is a party to or a participant in any Proceeding and is successful in such Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection therewith. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on his or her behalf in connection with each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter. For purposes of this Section and without limitation, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.
Section 6. Reimbursement for Expenses of a Witness or in Response to a Subpoena. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee, by reason of his or her Corporate Status, (i) is a witness in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party and is not threatened to be made a party or (ii) receives a subpoena with respect to any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party and is not threatened to be made a party, the Company shall reimburse Indemnitee for all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or her or on his or her behalf in connection therewith.
Section 7. Exclusions. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement:
(a) to indemnify for amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder (or for which advancement is provided hereunder) if and to the extent that Indemnitee has otherwise actually received such amounts under any insurance policy, contract, agreement or otherwise; provided that the foregoing shall not [i] apply to any personal or umbrella liability insurance maintained by Indemnitee;
(b) to indemnify for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law,;
6
(c) to indemnify for any reimbursement of, or repayment to, the Company by Indemnitee of (i) any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Company pursuant to the terms of (A) Section 304 of SOX, (B) Exchange Act Rule 10D-1 or (C) any formal policy of the Company adopted by the Board (or a committee thereof) or (ii) any other remuneration paid to Indemnitee if it shall be determined by a final judgment or other final adjudication that payment of such remuneration was or would have been in violation of law;
(d) to indemnify with respect to any Proceeding, or part thereof, brought by Indemnitee against the Company, any legal entity which it controls, any director or officer thereof or any third party, unless (i) the Board has consented to the initiation of such Proceeding or part thereof and (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law; provided, however, that this Section 7(d) shall not apply to (A) counterclaims or affirmative defenses asserted by Indemnitee in an action brought against Indemnitee or (B) any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement from the Company under this Agreement or under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company in the suit for which indemnification or advancement is being sought as described in Section 12; or
(e) to provide any indemnification or advancement of expenses that is prohibited by applicable law (as such law exists at the time payment would otherwise be required pursuant to this Agreement).
Section 8. Advancement of Expenses. Subject to Section 9(b), the Company shall advance the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding, and such advancement shall be made within thirty (30) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances (including any invoices received by Indemnitee, which such invoices may be redacted as necessary to avoid the waiver of any privilege accorded by applicable law) from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of any Proceeding. Advances shall be unsecured and interest free. Advances shall be made without regard to Indemnitee’s (i) ability to repay the expenses, (ii) ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement and (iii) entitlement to and availability of insurance coverage, including advancement, payment or reimbursement of defense costs, expenses or covered loss under the provisions of any applicable insurance policy (including, without limitation, whether such advancement, payment or reimbursement is withheld, conditioned or delayed by the insurer(s)). Indemnitee shall qualify for advances upon the execution and delivery to the Company of this Agreement which shall constitute an undertaking providing that Indemnitee undertakes to the fullest extent required by law to 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. No other form of undertaking shall be required. The right to advances under this paragraph shall in all events continue until final disposition of any Proceeding, including any appeal therein. Nothing in this Section 8 shall limit Indemnitee’s right to advancement pursuant to Section 12(e) of this Agreement.
Section 9. Procedure for Notification and Defense of Claim.
(a) To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request therefor specifying the basis for the claim, the amounts for which Indemnitee is seeking payment under this Agreement, and all documentation related thereto as reasonably requested by the Company.
7
(b) In the event that the Company shall be obligated hereunder to provide indemnification for or make any advancement of Expenses with respect to any Proceeding, the Company shall be entitled to assume the defense of such Proceeding, or any claim, issue or matter therein, with counsel approved by Indemnitee (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) upon the delivery to Indemnitee of written notice of the Company’s election to do so. After delivery of such notice, approval of such counsel by Indemnitee and the retention of such counsel by the Company, the Company will not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any fees or expenses of separate counsel subsequently employed by or on behalf of Indemnitee with respect to the same Proceeding; provided that (i) Indemnitee shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such Proceeding at Indemnitee’s expense and (ii) if (A) the employment of separate counsel by Indemnitee has been previously authorized by the Company, (B) Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between the Company and Indemnitee in the conduct of such defense, (C) the Company shall not continue to retain such counsel to defend such Proceeding, or (D) a Change in Control shall have occurred, then the fees and expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee with respect to his or her separate counsel shall be Expenses hereunder.
(c) In the event that the Company does not assume the defense in a Proceeding pursuant to paragraph (b) above, then the Company will be entitled to participate in the Proceeding at its own expense.
(d) The Company shall not be liable to indemnify Indemnitee under this Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of any Proceeding effected without its prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the fact that an insurer under an applicable insurance policy delays or is unwilling to consent to such settlement or is or may be in breach of its obligations under such policy, or the fact that directors’ and officers’ liability insurance is otherwise unavailable or not maintained by the Company, may not be taken into account by the Company in determining whether to provide its consent. The Company shall not, without the prior written consent of Indemnitee (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), enter into any settlement which (i) includes an admission of fault of Indemnitee, any non-monetary remedy imposed on Indemnitee or any monetary damages for which Indemnitee is not wholly and actually indemnified hereunder or (ii) with respect to any Proceeding with respect to which Indemnitee may be or is made a party or may be otherwise entitled to seek indemnification hereunder, does not include the full release of Indemnitee from all liability in respect of such Proceeding.
Section 10. Procedure Upon Application for Indemnification.
(a) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to Section 9(a), a determination, if such determination is required by applicable law, with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification hereunder shall be made in the specific case by one of the following methods: (x) if a Change in Control shall have occurred and indemnification is being requested by Indemnitee hereunder in his or her capacity as a director of the Company, by
8
Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board; or (y) in any other case, (i) by a majority vote of the disinterested directors, even though less than a quorum; (ii) by a committee of disinterested directors designated by a majority vote of the disinterested directors, even though less than a quorum; or (iii) if there are no disinterested directors or if the disinterested directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board. For purposes hereof, disinterested directors are those members of the Board who are not parties to the action, suit or proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought. In the case that such determination is made by Independent Counsel, a copy of Independent Counsel’s written opinion shall be delivered to Indemnitee and, if it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within thirty (30) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall cooperate with the Independent Counsel or the Company, as applicable, in making such determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such counsel or the Company, upon reasonable advance request, any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. The Company shall likewise cooperate with Indemnitee and Independent Counsel, if applicable, in making such determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such counsel and Indemnitee, upon reasonable advance request, any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to the Company and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any out-of-pocket costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the Independent Counsel or the Company shall be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom.
(b) If the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 10(a), the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board; provided that, if a Change in Control shall have occurred and indemnification is being requested by Indemnitee hereunder in his or her capacity as a director of the Company, the Independent Counsel shall be selected by Indemnitee. Indemnitee or the Company, as the case may be, may, within ten (10) days after written notice of such selection, deliver to the Company or Indemnitee, as the case may be, a written objection to such selection; provided, however, that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the Person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is so made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or the Delaware Court has determined that such objection is without merit. If, within twenty (20) days after the later of (i) submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 9(a), and (ii) the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein, no Independent Counsel shall have been selected without objection, either Indemnitee or the Company may petition the Delaware Court for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by Indemnitee or the Company to the selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a Person selected by the court or by such other Person as the court shall designate. The Person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the Person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under Section 10(a) hereof. Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).
9
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the determination of entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement shall be made without regard to the Indemnitee’s entitlement to and availability of insurance coverage, including advancement, payment or reimbursement of defense costs, expenses or covered loss under the provisions of any applicable insurance policy (including, without limitation, whether such advancement, payment or reimbursement is withheld, conditioned or delayed by the insurer(s)).
Section 11. Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings.
(a) To the extent permitted by applicable law, in making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, it shall be presumed that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with Section 9(a) of this Agreement, and the Company shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence to overcome that presumption in connection with the making of any determination contrary to that presumption.
(b) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of guilty, nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.
(c) Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee’s actions were based on the records or books of account of the Company or any other Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors, officers, agents or employees of the Company or any other Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Company or any other Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Company or any other Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Company or any other Enterprise. The provisions of this Section 11(c) shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement. In addition, the knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any director, manager, partner, officer, employee, agent or trustee of the Company, any subsidiary of the Company, or any Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement. Whether or not the foregoing provisions of this Section 11(c) are satisfied, it shall in any event be presumed that Indemnitee has at all times acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence.
10
Section 12. Remedies of Indemnitee.
(a) Subject to Section 12(f), in the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement of Expenses is not timely made pursuant to Section 8 of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been made pursuant to Section 10(a) of this Agreement within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification for which a determination is to be made other than by Independent Counsel, (iv) payment of indemnification or reimbursement of expenses is not made pursuant to Section 5 or 6 or the last sentence of Section 10(a) of this Agreement within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor (including any invoices received by Indemnitee, which such invoices may be redacted as necessary to avoid the waiver of any privilege accorded by applicable law) or (v) payment of indemnification pursuant to Section 3 or 4 of this Agreement is not made within thirty (30) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by the Delaware Court of his or her entitlement to such indemnification or advancement. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at his or her option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. Indemnitee shall commence such proceeding seeking an adjudication or an award in arbitration within 180 days following the date on which Indemnitee first has the right to commence such proceeding pursuant to this Section 12(a); provided, however, that the foregoing time limitation shall not apply in respect of a proceeding brought by Indemnitee to enforce his or her rights under Section 5 of this Agreement. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.
(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 10(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 12 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 12, the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement, as the case may be.
(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 10(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 12, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.
(d) The Company shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 12 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement.
11
(e) The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law against any and all Enforcement Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor) advance, to the extent not prohibited by law, such Enforcement Expenses to Indemnitee, which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement from the Company under this Agreement or under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company in the suit for which indemnification or advancement is being sought. Such written request for advancement shall include invoices received by Indemnitee in connection with such Enforcement 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 applicable law need not be included with the invoice.
(f) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein.
Section 13. Non-exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; Subrogation.
(a) The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Charter, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. 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 Delaware law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement than would be afforded currently under the Charter, 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, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.
(b) To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, managers, partners, officers, employees, agents or trustees of the Company or of any other Enterprise, 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, manager, partner, officer, employee, agent or trustee 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 director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of such claim 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 the Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies. Upon request of Indemnitee, the Company shall also promptly provide to Indemnitee: (i) copies of all of the Company’s potentially applicable directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies, (ii) copies of such notices delivered to the applicable insurers, and (iii) copies of all subsequent communications and correspondence between the Company and such insurers regarding the Proceeding.
12
(c) 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, who shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.
(d) The Company’s obligation to provide indemnification or advancement hereunder to Indemnitee who is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, manager, partner, officer, employee, agent or trustee of any other Enterprise shall be reduced by any amount Indemnitee has actually received as indemnification or advancement from such other Enterprise.
Section 14. Duration of Agreement. This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the later of: (a) ten (10) years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as [both a director and] an officer of the Company or (b) one (1) year after the final termination of any Proceeding, including any appeal, then pending in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement hereunder and of any proceeding commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement relating thereto. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and his or her heirs, executors and administrators. The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all, substantially all or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, 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.
Section 15. Severability. If any provision or provisions 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 this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.
13
Section 16. Enforcement.
(a) The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee [to serve] [continue to serve] as [a director and] an officer of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as [a director and] an officer of the Company.
(b) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Charter, the Bylaws and applicable law, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.
Section 17. Modification and Waiver. No supplement, modification or amendment, or waiver of any provision, of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties thereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver. No supplement, modification or amendment 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 prior to such supplement, modification or amendment.
Section 18. Notice by Indemnitee. Indemnitee agrees promptly to notify the Company in writing 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, reimbursement or advancement as provided hereunder. The failure of Indemnitee to so notify the Company or any delay in notification shall not relieve the Company of any obligation which it may have to Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise, unless, and then only to the extent that, the Company did not otherwise learn of the Proceeding and such delay is materially prejudicial to the Company’s ability to defend such Proceeding or matter; and, provided, further, that notice will be deemed to have been given without any action on the part of Indemnitee in the event the Company is a party to the same Proceeding.
Section 19. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (i) delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, (ii) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed, (iii) mailed by reputable overnight courier and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed or (iv) sent by facsimile transmission, with receipt of oral confirmation that such transmission has been received:
(a) If to Indemnitee, at such address as Indemnitee shall provide to the Company.
14
(b) If to the Company to:
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
101 Seaport Blvd., Floor 12, Boston,
MA 02210 USA
Attention: Chief Executive Officer
or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company.
Section 20. Contribution. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for judgments, fines, penalties, excise taxes, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and/or for Expenses, in connection with any Proceeding in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances in order to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee in connection with the event(s) and/or transaction(s) giving rise to such Proceeding; and/or (ii) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and/or transactions.
Section 21. Internal Revenue Code Section 409A. The Company intends for this Agreement to comply with the Indemnification exception under Section 1.409A-1(b)(10) of the regulations promulgated under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), which provides that indemnification of, or the purchase of an insurance policy providing for payments of, all or part of the expenses incurred or damages paid or payable by Indemnitee with respect to a bona fide claim against Indemnitee or the Company do not provide for a deferral of compensation, subject to Section 409A of the Code, where such claim is based on actions or failures to act by Indemnitee in his or her capacity as a service provider of the Company. The parties intend that this Agreement be interpreted and construed with such intent.
Section 22. Applicable Law and Consent to Jurisdiction. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (i) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Delaware Court, and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (ii) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (iii) consent to service of process at the address set forth in Section 19 of this Agreement with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware, (iv) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court and (v) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.
15
Section 23. Headings. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.
Section 24. Identical 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 one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement.
Section 25. Monetary Damages Insufficient/Specific Enforcement. The Company and Indemnitee agree that a monetary remedy for breach of this Agreement may be inadequate, impracticable and difficult of proof, and further agree that such breach may cause Indemnitee irreparable harm. Accordingly, the parties hereto agree that Indemnitee may enforce this Agreement by seeking injunctive relief and/or specific performance hereof, without any necessity of showing actual damage or irreparable harm (having agreed that actual and irreparable harm will result in not forcing the Company to specifically perform its obligations pursuant to this Agreement) and that by seeking injunctive relief and/or specific performance, Indemnitee shall not be precluded from seeking or obtaining any other relief to which he may be entitled. The Company and Indemnitee further agree that Indemnitee shall be entitled to such specific performance and injunctive relief, including temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and permanent injunctions, without the necessity of posting bonds or other undertakings in connection therewith. The Company acknowledges that in the absence of a waiver, a bond or undertaking may be required of Indemnitee by the Court, and the Company hereby waives any such requirement of a bond or undertaking.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
16
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed as of the day and year first above written.
| SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC. | ||
| By: |
||
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
| [Name of Indemnitee] | ||
Exhibit 10.5
SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC.
FORM OF INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
This Indemnification Agreement (“Agreement”) is made as of [Date] by and between Seaport Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and [Director Name] (“Indemnitee”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Company desires to attract and retain the services of highly qualified individuals, such as Indemnitee, to serve the Company;
WHEREAS, in order to induce Indemnitee to [provide][continue to provide] services to the Company, the Company wishes to provide for the indemnification of, and advancement of expenses to, Indemnitee to the maximum extent permitted by law;
WHEREAS, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (as amended and in effect from time to time, the “Charter”) and the Amended and Restated Bylaws (as amended and in effect from time to time, the “Bylaws”) of the Company require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company, and Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”);
WHEREAS, the Charter, the Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive, and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the board of directors, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining highly qualified persons such as Indemnitee is detrimental to the best interests of the Company’s stockholders;
WHEREAS, it is reasonable and prudent for the Company contractually to obligate itself to indemnify, and to advance expenses on behalf of, such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, regardless of any amendment or revocation of the Charter or the Bylaws, so that they will [serve] [continue to serve] the Company free from undue concern that they will not be so indemnified;
WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the indemnification provided in the Charter, the Bylaws and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and
[WHEREAS, Indemnitee has certain rights to indemnification and/or insurance provided by [Name of Fund/Sponsor] (“[Name of Fund/Sponsor]”) which Indemnitee and [Name of Fund/Sponsor] intend to be secondary to the primary obligation of the Company to indemnify Indemnitee as provided in this Agreement, with the Company’s acknowledgment and agreement to the foregoing being a material condition to Indemnitee’s willingness to [serve] [continue to serve] on the Board.]
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:
Section 1. Services to the Company. Indemnitee agrees to [serve] [continue to serve] as a director of the Company. Indemnitee may at any time and for any reason resign from such position (subject to any other contractual obligation or any obligation imposed by law), in which event the Company shall have no obligation under this Agreement to continue Indemnitee in such position. This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment contract between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any Enterprise) and Indemnitee.
Section 2. Definitions.
As used in this Agreement:
(a) “Affiliate” and “Associate” shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as in effect on the date of this Agreement; provided, however, that no Person who is a director or officer of the Company shall be deemed an Affiliate or an Associate of any other director or officer of the Company solely as a result of his or her position as director or officer of the Company.
(b) A Person shall be deemed the “Beneficial Owner” of, and shall be deemed to “Beneficially Own” and have “Beneficial Ownership” of, any securities:
(i) which such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates, directly or indirectly, Beneficially Owns (as determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 of the Rules under the Exchange Act, as in effect on the date of this Agreement);
(ii) which such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates, directly or indirectly, has: (A) the legal, equitable or contractual right or obligation to acquire (whether directly or indirectly and whether exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time, compliance with regulatory requirements, satisfaction of one or more conditions (whether or not within the control of such Person) or otherwise) upon the exercise of any conversion rights, exchange rights, rights, warrants or options, or otherwise; (B) the right to vote pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether or not in writing); or (C) the right to dispose of pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether or not in writing) (other than customary arrangements with and between underwriters and selling group members with respect to a bona fide public offering of securities);
(iii) which are Beneficially Owned, directly or indirectly, by any other Person (or any Affiliate or Associate thereof) with which such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates has any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether or not in writing) (other than customary agreements with and between underwriters and selling group members with respect to a bona fide public offering of securities) for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of any securities of the Company; or
2
(iv) that are the subject of a derivative transaction entered into by such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates, including, for these purposes, any derivative security acquired by such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates that gives such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates the economic equivalent of ownership of an amount of securities due to the fact that the value of the derivative security is explicitly determined by reference to the price or value of such securities, or that provides such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates an opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or to share in any profit derived from any change in the value of such securities, in any case without regard to whether (A) such derivative security conveys any voting rights in such securities to such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates; (B) the derivative security is required to be, or capable of being, settled through delivery of such securities; or (C) such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates may have entered into other transactions that hedge the economic effect of such derivative security;
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Person engaged in business as an underwriter of securities shall be deemed the Beneficial Owner of any securities acquired through such Person’s participation as an underwriter in good faith in a firm commitment underwriting.
(c) A “Change in Control” shall be deemed to occur upon the earliest to occur after the date of this Agreement of any of the following events:
(i) Acquisition of Stock by Third Party. Any Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner (as defined above), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities unless the change in relative Beneficial Ownership of the Company’s securities by any Person results solely from a reduction in the aggregate number of outstanding shares of securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, provided that a Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred if subsequent to such reduction such Person becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of any additional securities of the Company conferring upon such Person any additional voting power;
(ii) Change in Board of Directors. During any period of two (2) consecutive years (not including any period prior to the execution of this Agreement), individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board, and any new director (other than a director designated by a Person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in Sections 2(c)(i), 2(c)(iii) or 2(c)(iv)) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board;
(iii) Corporate Transactions. The effective date of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other entity, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving or successor entity) more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the surviving or successor entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation and with the power to elect at least a majority of the board of directors or other governing body of such surviving or successor entity;
3
(iv) Liquidation. The approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale, lease, exchange or other transfer by the Company, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; and
(v) Other Events. There occurs any other event of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A (or a response to any similar item on any similar schedule or form) promulgated under the Exchange Act whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement.]
(d) “Corporate Status” describes the status of a person as a current or former director of the Company or current or former director, manager, partner, officer, employee, agent or trustee of any other Enterprise which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.
(e) “Enforcement Expenses” shall include all reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, and all other out-of-pocket disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with an action to enforce indemnification or advancement rights, or an appeal from such action. Expenses, however, shall not include fees, salaries, wages or benefits owed to Indemnitee.
(f) “Enterprise” shall mean any corporation (other than the Company), partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, limited liability company, or other legal entity of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, manager, partner, officer, employee, agent or trustee.
(g) “Expenses” shall include all reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees and all other out-of-pocket disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding or an appeal resulting from a Proceeding. Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee, the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee or fees, salaries, wages or benefits owed to Indemnitee.
(h) “Independent Counsel” means a law firm, or a partner (or, if applicable, member or shareholder) of such a law firm, that is experienced in matters of Delaware corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five (5) years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company, any subsidiary of the Company, any Enterprise or Indemnitee in any matter material to any such party; or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim
4
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 Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of the Independent Counsel referred to above and to fully indemnify such counsel against any and all expenses, claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.
(i) “Person” shall mean (i) an individual, a corporation, a partnership, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a business trust, a government or political subdivision, any unincorporated organization or any other association or entity including any successor (by merger or otherwise) thereof or thereto, and (ii) a “group” as that term is used for purposes of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.
(j) The term “Proceeding” shall include 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, regulatory or investigative nature, and whether formal or informal, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be involved as a party or otherwise by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director of the Company or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, manager, partner, officer, employee, agent or trustee of any Enterprise or by reason of any action taken by Indemnitee or of any action taken on his or her part while acting as a director of the Company or while serving at the request of the Company as a director, manager, partner, officer, employee, agent or trustee of any Enterprise, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement or advancement of expenses can be provided under this Agreement; provided, however, that the term “Proceeding” shall not include any action, suit or arbitration, or part thereof, initiated by Indemnitee to enforce Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement as provided for in Section 12(a) of this Agreement.
Section 3. Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the extent set forth in this Section 3 if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding, other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 3, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties, excise taxes and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on his or her behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and, in the case of a criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.
Section 4. Indemnity in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the extent set forth in this Section 4 if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 4, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on his or her
5
behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. No indemnification for Expenses shall be made under this Section 4 in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery (the “Delaware Court”) shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification for such expenses as the Delaware Court shall deem proper.
Section 5. Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement and except as provided in Section 7, to the extent that Indemnitee is a party to or a participant in any Proceeding and is successful in such Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection therewith. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on his or her behalf in connection with each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter. For purposes of this Section and without limitation, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.
Section 6. Reimbursement for Expenses of a Witness or in Response to a Subpoena. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee, by reason of his or her Corporate Status, (i) is a witness in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party and is not threatened to be made a party or (ii) receives a subpoena with respect to any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party and is not threatened to be made a party, the Company shall reimburse Indemnitee for all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or her or on his or her behalf in connection therewith.
Section 7. Exclusions. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement:
(a) to indemnify for amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder (or for which advancement is provided hereunder) if and to the extent that Indemnitee has otherwise actually received such amounts under any insurance policy, contract, agreement or otherwise; provided that the foregoing shall not [(i)] apply to any personal or umbrella liability insurance maintained by Indemnitee, [or, (ii) affect the rights of Indemnitee or the Fund Indemnitors as set forth in Section 13(c)];
(b) to indemnify for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law, or from the purchase or sale by Indemnitee of such securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX”);
6
(c) to indemnify with respect to any Proceeding, or part thereof, brought by Indemnitee against the Company, any legal entity which it controls, any director or officer thereof or any third party, unless (i) the Board has consented to the initiation of such Proceeding or part thereof and (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law; provided, however, that this Section 7(c) shall not apply to (A) counterclaims or affirmative defenses asserted by Indemnitee in an action brought against Indemnitee or (B) any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement from the Company under this Agreement or under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company in the suit for which indemnification or advancement is being sought as described in Section 12; or
(d) to provide any indemnification or advancement of expenses that is prohibited by applicable law (as such law exists at the time payment would otherwise be required pursuant to this Agreement).
Section 8. Advancement of Expenses. Subject to Section 9(b), the Company shall advance the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding, and such advancement shall be made within thirty (30) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances (including any invoices received by Indemnitee, which such invoices may be redacted as necessary to avoid the waiver of any privilege accorded by applicable law) from time to time, whether prior to or after final disposition of any Proceeding. Advances shall be unsecured and interest free. Advances shall be made without regard to Indemnitee’s (i) ability to repay the expenses, (ii) ultimate entitlement to indemnification under the other provisions of this Agreement, and (iii) entitlement to and availability of insurance coverage, including advancement, payment or reimbursement of defense costs, expenses or covered loss under the provisions of any applicable insurance policy (including, without limitation, whether such advancement, payment or reimbursement is withheld, conditioned or delayed by the insurer(s)). Indemnitee shall qualify for advances upon the execution and delivery to the Company of this Agreement which shall constitute an undertaking providing that Indemnitee undertakes to the fullest extent required by law to 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. No other form of undertaking shall be required. The right to advances under this paragraph shall in all events continue until final disposition of any Proceeding, including any appeal therein. Nothing in this Section 8 shall limit Indemnitee’s right to advancement pursuant to Section 12(e) of this Agreement.
Section 9. Procedure for Notification and Defense of Claim.
(a) To obtain indemnification under this Agreement, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request therefor specifying the basis for the claim, the amounts for which Indemnitee is seeking payment under this Agreement, and all documentation related thereto as reasonably requested by the Company.
7
(b) In the event that the Company shall be obligated hereunder to provide indemnification for or make any advancement of Expenses with respect to any Proceeding, the Company shall be entitled to assume the defense of such Proceeding, or any claim, issue or matter therein, with counsel approved by Indemnitee (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) upon the delivery to Indemnitee of written notice of the Company’s election to do so. After delivery of such notice, approval of such counsel by Indemnitee and the retention of such counsel by the Company, the Company will not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any fees or expenses of separate counsel subsequently employed by or on behalf of Indemnitee with respect to the same Proceeding; provided that (i) Indemnitee shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such Proceeding at Indemnitee’s expense and (ii) if (A) the employment of separate counsel by Indemnitee has been previously authorized by the Company, (B) Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between the Company and Indemnitee in the conduct of such defense, (C) the Company shall not continue to retain such counsel to defend such Proceeding or (D) a Change in Control shall have occurred, then the fees and expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee with respect to his or her separate counsel shall be Expenses hereunder.
(c) In the event that the Company does not assume the defense in a Proceeding pursuant to paragraph (b) above, then the Company will be entitled to participate in the Proceeding at its own expense.
(d) The Company shall not be liable to indemnify Indemnitee under this Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of any Proceeding effected without its prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the fact that an insurer under an applicable insurance policy delays or is unwilling to consent to such settlement or is or may be in breach of its obligations under such policy, or the fact that directors’ and officers’ liability insurance is otherwise unavailable or not maintained by the Company, may not be taken into account by the Company in determining whether to provide its consent. The Company shall not, without the prior written consent of Indemnitee (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), enter into any settlement which (i) includes an admission of fault of Indemnitee, any non-monetary remedy imposed on Indemnitee or any monetary damages for which Indemnitee is not wholly and actually indemnified hereunder or (ii) with respect to any Proceeding with respect to which Indemnitee may be or is made a party or may be otherwise entitled to seek indemnification hereunder, does not include the full release of Indemnitee from all liability in respect of such Proceeding.
Section 10. Procedure Upon Application for Indemnification.
(a) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to Section 9(a), a determination, if such determination is required by applicable law, with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification hereunder shall be made in the specific case by one of the following methods: (x) if a Change in Control shall have occurred, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board; or (y) if a Change in Control shall not have occurred: (i) by a majority vote of the disinterested directors, even though less than a quorum; (ii) by a committee of disinterested directors designated by a majority vote of the disinterested directors, even though less than a quorum; or (iii) if there are no disinterested directors or if the disinterested directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board. For purposes hereof, disinterested directors are those members of the Board who are not parties to the action, suit or proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought. In the case that such
8
determination is made by Independent Counsel, a copy of Independent Counsel’s written opinion shall be delivered to Indemnitee and, if it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within thirty (30) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall cooperate with the Independent Counsel or the Company, as applicable, in making such determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such counsel or the Company, upon reasonable advance request, any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. The Company shall likewise cooperate with Indemnitee and Independent Counsel, if applicable, in making such determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such counsel and Indemnitee, upon reasonable advance request, any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to the Company and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any out-of-pocket costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the Independent Counsel or the Company shall be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom.
(b) If the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 10(a), the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board if a Change in Control shall not have occurred or, if a Change in Control shall have occurred, by Indemnitee. Indemnitee or the Company, as the case may be, may, within ten (10) days after written notice of such selection, deliver to the Company or Indemnitee, as the case may be, a written objection to such selection; provided, however, that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the Person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is so made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or the Delaware Court has determined that such objection is without merit. If, within twenty (20) days after the later of (i) submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 9(a), and (ii) the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein, no Independent Counsel shall have been selected without objection, either Indemnitee or the Company may petition the Delaware Court for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by Indemnitee or the Company to the selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a Person selected by the court or by such other Person as the court shall designate. The Person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the Person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under Section 10(a) hereof. Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the determination of entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement shall be made without regard to the Indemnitee’s entitlement to and availability of insurance coverage, including advancement, payment or reimbursement of defense costs, expenses or covered loss under the provisions of any applicable insurance policy (including, without limitation, whether such advancement, payment or reimbursement is withheld, conditioned or delayed by the insurer(s)).
9
Section 11. Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings.
(a) To the extent permitted by applicable law, in making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, it shall be presumed that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with Section 9(a) of this Agreement, and the Company shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence to overcome that presumption in connection with the making of any determination contrary to that presumption.
(b) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of guilty, nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.
(c) Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee’s actions were based on the records or books of account of the Company or any other Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors, officers, agents or employees of the Company or any other Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Company or any other Enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Company or any other Enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Company or any other Enterprise. The provisions of this Section 11(c) shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement. In addition, the knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any director, manager, partner, officer, employee, agent or trustee of the Company, any subsidiary of the Company, or any Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement. Whether or not the foregoing provisions of this Section 11(c) are satisfied, it shall in any event be presumed that Indemnitee has at all times acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence.
10
Section 12. Remedies of Indemnitee.
(a) Subject to Section 12(f), in the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement of Expenses is not timely made pursuant to Section 8 of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been made pursuant to Section 10(a) of this Agreement within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification for which a determination is to be made other than by Independent Counsel, (iv) payment of indemnification or reimbursement of expenses is not made pursuant to Section 5 or 6 or the last sentence of Section 10(a) of this Agreement within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor (including any invoices received by Indemnitee, which such invoices may be redacted as necessary to avoid the waiver of any privilege accorded by applicable law) or (v) payment of indemnification pursuant to Section 3 or 4 of this Agreement is not made within thirty (30) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by the Delaware Court of his or her entitlement to such indemnification or advancement. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at his or her option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. Indemnitee shall commence such proceeding seeking an adjudication or an award in arbitration within 180 days following the date on which Indemnitee first has the right to commence such proceeding pursuant to this Section 12(a); provided, however, that the foregoing time limitation shall not apply in respect of a proceeding brought by Indemnitee to enforce his or her rights under Section 5 of this Agreement. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.
(b) In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 10(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 12 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 12, the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement, as the case may be.
(c) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 10(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 12, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.
(d) The Company shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 12 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement.
(e) The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law against any and all Enforcement Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor) advance, to the extent not prohibited by law, such Enforcement Expenses to Indemnitee, which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement from the Company under this Agreement or under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company in the suit for which indemnification or
11
advancement is being sought. Such written request for advancement shall include invoices received by Indemnitee in connection with such Enforcement 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 applicable law need not be included with the invoice.
(f) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement to indemnification under this Agreement shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding, including any appeal therein.
Section 13. Non-exclusivity; Survival of Rights; Insurance; [Primacy of Indemnification;] Subrogation.
(a) The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Charter, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. 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 Delaware law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement than would be afforded currently under the Charter, 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, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.
(b) To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, managers, partners, officers, employees, agents or trustees of the Company or of any other Enterprise, 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, manager, partner, officer, employee, agent or trustee 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 director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of such claim 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 the Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies. Upon request of Indemnitee, the Company shall also promptly provide to Indemnitee: (i) copies of all of the Company’s potentially applicable directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies, (ii) copies of such notices delivered to the applicable insurers and (iii) copies of all subsequent communications and correspondence between the Company and such insurers regarding the Proceeding.
12
(c) [The Company hereby acknowledges that Indemnitee has certain rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance provided by [Name of Fund/Sponsor] and certain of [its][their] 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 and the Charter and/or Bylaws (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 13(c).]
(d) [Except as provided in paragraph (c) above,] [I/i]n 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 Indemnitors)], who shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.
(e) [Except as provided in paragraph (c) above,] [T/t]he Company’s obligation to provide indemnification or advancement hereunder to Indemnitee who is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, manager, partner, officer, employee, agent or trustee of any other Enterprise shall be reduced by any amount Indemnitee has actually received as indemnification or advancement from such other Enterprise.
Section 14. Duration of Agreement. This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the later of: (a) ten (10) years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as a director of the Company or (b) one (1) year after the final termination of any Proceeding, including any appeal, then pending in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement hereunder and of any proceeding commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement relating thereto. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and his or her heirs, executors and administrators. The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all, substantially all or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, 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.
13
Section 15. Severability. If any provision or provisions 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 this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.
Section 16. Enforcement.
(a) The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to [serve] [continue to serve] as a director of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director of the Company.
(b) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Charter, the Bylaws and applicable law, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.
Section 17. Modification and Waiver. No supplement, modification or amendment, or waiver of any provision, of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties thereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver. No supplement, modification or amendment 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 prior to such supplement, modification or amendment.
Section 18. Notice by Indemnitee. Indemnitee agrees promptly to notify the Company in writing 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, reimbursement or advancement as provided hereunder. The failure of Indemnitee to so notify the Company or any delay in notification shall not relieve the Company of any obligation which it may have to Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise, unless, and then only to the extent that, the Company did not otherwise learn of the Proceeding and such delay is materially prejudicial to the Company’s ability to defend such Proceeding or matter; and, provided, further, that notice will be deemed to have been given without any action on the part of Indemnitee in the event the Company is a party to the same Proceeding.
14
Section 19. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if (i) delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed, (ii) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the date on which it is so mailed, (iii) mailed by reputable overnight courier and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed or (iv) sent by facsimile transmission, with receipt of oral confirmation that such transmission has been received:
(a) If to Indemnitee, at such address as Indemnitee shall provide to the Company.
(b) If to the Company to:
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
101 Seaport Blvd., Floor 12, Boston,
MA 02210 USA
Attention: Chief Executive Officer
or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee by the Company.
Section 20. Contribution. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for judgments, fines, penalties, excise taxes, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and/or for Expenses, in connection with any Proceeding in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances in order to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee in connection with the event(s) and/or transaction(s) giving rise to such Proceeding; and/or (ii) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and/or transactions.
Section 21. Internal Revenue Code Section 409A. The Company intends for this Agreement to comply with the Indemnification exception under Section 1.409A-1(b)(10) of the regulations promulgated under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), which provides that indemnification of, or the purchase of an insurance policy providing for payments of, all or part of the expenses incurred or damages paid or payable by Indemnitee with respect to a bona fide claim against Indemnitee or the Company do not provide for a deferral of compensation, subject to Section 409A of the Code, where such claim is based on actions or failures to act by Indemnitee in his or her capacity as a service provider of the Company. The parties intend that this Agreement be interpreted and construed with such intent.
15
Section 22. Applicable Law and Consent to Jurisdiction. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally (i) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Delaware Court, and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (ii) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (iii) consent to service of process at the address set forth in Section 19 of this Agreement with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware, (iv) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court, and (v) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.
Section 23. Headings. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.
Section 24. Identical 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 one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement.
Section 25. Monetary Damages Insufficient/Specific Enforcement. The Company and Indemnitee agree that a monetary remedy for breach of this Agreement may be inadequate, impracticable and difficult of proof, and further agree that such breach may cause Indemnitee irreparable harm. Accordingly, the parties hereto agree that Indemnitee may enforce this Agreement by seeking injunctive relief and/or specific performance hereof, without any necessity of showing actual damage or irreparable harm (having agreed that actual and irreparable harm will result in not forcing the Company to specifically perform its obligations pursuant to this Agreement) and that by seeking injunctive relief and/or specific performance, Indemnitee shall not be precluded from seeking or obtaining any other relief to which he may be entitled. The Company and Indemnitee further agree that Indemnitee shall be entitled to such specific performance and injunctive relief, including temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and permanent injunctions, without the necessity of posting bonds or other undertaking in connection therewith. The Company acknowledges that in the absence of a waiver, a bond or undertaking may be required of Indemnitee by the Court, and the Company hereby waives any such requirement of a bond or undertaking.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
16
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed as of the day and year first above written.
| SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC. | ||
| By: | ||
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
| [Name of Indemnitee] | ||
Exhibit 10.6
SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC.
SENIOR EXECUTIVE CASH INCENTIVE BONUS PLAN
1. Purpose
This Senior Executive Cash Incentive Bonus Plan (the “Incentive Plan”) is intended to provide an incentive for superior work and to motivate eligible executives of Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries toward even higher achievement and business results, to tie their goals and interests to those of the Company and its stockholders and to enable the Company to attract and retain highly qualified executives. The Incentive Plan is for the benefit of Covered Executives (as defined below).
2. Covered Executives
From time to time, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Compensation Committee”) may select certain key executives (the “Covered Executives”) to be eligible to receive bonuses hereunder. Participation in the Incentive Plan does not change the “at will” nature of a Covered Executive’s employment with the Company.
3. Administration
The Compensation Committee shall have the sole discretion and authority to administer and interpret the Incentive Plan.
4. Bonus Determinations
(a) Corporate Performance Goals. A Covered Executive may receive a bonus payment under the Incentive Plan based upon the attainment of one or more performance objectives that are established by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion and relate to financial and operational metrics with respect to the Company or any of its subsidiaries (the “Corporate Performance Goals”), including: developmental, publication, clinical or regulatory milestones; cash flow (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow and free cash flow); revenue; corporate revenue; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; net income (loss) (either before or after interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization); changes in the market price of the Company’s common stock; economic value-added; acquisitions, licenses, collaborations or strategic transactions; financing or other capital raising transactions; operating income (loss); return on capital, assets, equity, or investment; stockholder returns; return on sales; total shareholder return; gross or net profit levels; productivity; expense efficiency; margins; operating efficiency; customer satisfaction; working capital; earnings (loss) per share of the Company’s common stock; bookings, new bookings or renewals; sales or market shares; number of prescriptions or prescribing physicians; coverage decisions; leadership development, employee retention and recruiting and other human resources matters; operating income and/or net annual recurring revenue, or any other performance goal selected by the Compensation Committee, any of which may be (A) measured in absolute terms or compared to any incremental increase, (B) measured in terms of growth, (C) compared to another company or companies or to results of a peer group, (D) measured against the market as a whole and/or as
compared to applicable market indices and/or (E) measured on a pre-tax or post-tax basis (if applicable). Further, any Corporate Performance Goals may be used to measure the performance of the Company as a whole or a business unit or other segment of the Company, or one or more product lines or specific markets. The Corporate Performance Goals may differ from Covered Executive to Covered Executive and from performance period to performance period.
(b) Calculation of Corporate Performance Goals. At the beginning of each applicable performance period, the Compensation Committee will determine whether any significant element(s) will be included in or excluded from the calculation of any Corporate Performance Goal with respect to any Covered Executive. In all other respects, Corporate Performance Goals will be calculated in accordance with the Company’s financial statements, generally accepted accounting principles or under a methodology established by the Compensation Committee at the beginning of the performance period and which is consistently applied with respect to a Corporate Performance Goal in the relevant performance period.
(c) Target; Minimum; Maximum. Each Corporate Performance Goal shall have a “target” (i.e., 100 percent attainment of the Corporate Performance Goal) and may also have a “minimum” hurdle and/or a “maximum” amount.
(d) Bonus Requirements; Individual Goals. Except as otherwise set forth in this Section 4(d): (i) any bonuses paid to Covered Executives under the Incentive Plan shall be based upon objectively determinable bonus formulas that tie such bonuses to one or more performance targets relating to the Corporate Performance Goals, (ii) bonus formulas for Covered Executives shall be adopted in each performance period by the Compensation Committee and communicated to each Covered Executive at the beginning of each performance period and (iii) no bonuses shall be paid to Covered Executives unless and until the Compensation Committee makes a determination with respect to the attainment of the performance targets relating to the Corporate Performance Goals. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Compensation Committee may adjust bonuses payable under the Incentive Plan based on achievement of one or more individual performance objectives or pay bonuses (including, without limitation, discretionary bonuses) to Covered Executives under the Incentive Plan based on individual performance goals and/or upon such other terms and conditions as the Compensation Committee may in its discretion determine.
(e) Individual Target Bonuses. The Compensation Committee shall establish a target bonus opportunity for each Covered Executive for each performance period. For each Covered Executive, the Compensation Committee shall have the authority to apportion the target award so that a portion of the target award shall be tied to attainment of Corporate Performance Goals and a portion of the target award shall be tied to attainment of individual performance objectives.
(f) Employment Requirement. Subject to any additional terms contained in a written agreement between the Covered Executive and the Company, the payment of a bonus to a Covered Executive with respect to a performance period shall be conditioned upon the Covered Executive’s employment by the Company on the bonus payment date. If a Covered Executive was not employed for an entire performance period, the Compensation Committee may pro rate the bonus based on the number of days employed during such period.
2
5. Timing of Payment
(a) With respect to Corporate Performance Goals established and measured on a basis more frequently than annually (e.g., quarterly or semi-annually), the Corporate Performance Goals will be measured at the end of each performance period after the Company’s financial reports with respect to such period(s) have been published, as applicable. If the Corporate Performance Goals and/or individual goals for such period are met, payments will be made as soon as practicable following the end of such period, but not later than two and one-half months after the end of the fiscal year in which such performance period ends.
(b) With respect to Corporate Performance Goals established and measured on an annual or multi-year basis, Corporate Performance Goals will be measured as of the end of each such performance period (e.g., the end of each fiscal year) after the Company’s financial reports with respect to such period(s) have been published, as applicable. If the Corporate Performance Goals and/or individual goals for any such period are met, bonus payments will be made as soon as practicable, but not later than two and one-half months after the end of the relevant fiscal year.
(c) For the avoidance of doubt, bonuses earned at any time in a fiscal year must be paid no later than two and one-half months after the last day of such fiscal year.
6. Amendment and Termination
The Company reserves the right to amend or terminate the Incentive Plan at any time in its sole discretion.
7. Company Recoupment Rights
A Covered Executive’s rights with respect to any award granted pursuant to the Incentive Plan shall in all events be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment to the extent necessary to comply with (i) any right that the Company may have under any Company clawback, forfeiture or recoupment policy as in effect from time to time or other agreement or arrangement with a Covered Executive, or (ii) applicable law.
Adopted April 8, 2026, subject to effectiveness of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1.
3
Exhibit 10.7
SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC.
EXECUTIVE SEVERANCE PLAN AND
SUMMARY PLAN DESCRIPTION
1. Introduction and Purpose
This document serves as the Plan document and Summary Plan Description (“SPD”) for the severance pay and benefits provided under the Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. Executive Severance Plan (the “Plan”). Seaport Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (including its successors, the “Company”), considers it essential to foster the continuous employment of key management personnel. The Company acknowledges the possibility of an involuntary termination of employment exists and that such possibility, and the uncertainty and questions that it may raise among management, may result in the departure or distraction of management personnel to the detriment of the Company.
Therefore, the Board has adopted this Plan to reinforce and encourage the continued attention and dedication of the Covered Executives to their assigned duties without distraction. This Plan contains information that will help Covered Executives understand the severance pay and benefits being offered hereunder. The Company encourages all Covered Executives to read the Plan carefully. Note that capitalized words and phrases used throughout this document are generally defined in Section 4.
2. Establishment of Plan
Effective as of the effectiveness of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the “Effective Date”), the Board hereby establishes an unfunded severance benefits plan that is intended to be a welfare benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”). This Plan, along with the Participant Agreement, supersedes any and all severance plans, policies and provisions and all change in control plans, policies and provisions applying to a Covered Executive that may have been in effect before the Effective Date, including by superseding all severance pay, benefits and equity acceleration provision in any Covered Employee’s offer letter, employment agreement or otherwise.
3. Eligibility
All Covered Executives who have executed and submitted to the Company a Participation Agreement, and satisfied such other requirements as may be determined by the Plan Administrator, are eligible to participate in the Plan. The Plan Administrator may determine at any time that another employee should be designated as a Covered Employee and shall be eligible to participate in the Plan upon the Plan Administrator taking action by resolution to update the Exhibit A hereto.
- 1 -
4. Definitions
For purposes of this Plan, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) “Accelerated Vesting Date” means the later of the (i) Covered Executive’s Date of Termination or (ii) effective date of the Covered Executive’s Separation Agreement and Release (as defined below).
(b) “Accounting Firm” means a nationally recognized accounting firm selected by the Company.
(c) “Adverse Benefit Determination” means any of the following: a denial, reduction or termination of, or a failure to provide or make payment (in whole or in part) for, a benefit, including any such denial, reduction, termination or failure to provide or make payment that is based on a determination of a Covered Executive’s or beneficiary’s eligibility to participate in the Plan.
(d) “Affiliate” means any “parent” or “subsidiary” of the Company as such terms are defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(e) “Base Salary” means the of higher of the Covered Executive’s annual base salary in effect immediately prior to (i) the Covered Executive’s Date of Termination or (ii) a Change in Control.
(f) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Plan Sponsor.
(g) “Cause” means the good faith determination of the Board that any one or more of the following events has occurred to the Covered Executive: (i) conviction of any felony, (ii) deliberate neglect of, willful misconduct in connection with the performance of, or refusal to perform duties reasonably assigned to the Covered Executive pursuant to the terms hereof, if, within thirty (30) days after being notified in writing by the Chief Executive Officer or the Board of the conduct constituting Cause under this clause, the Covered Executive fails to cure such conduct (if such conduct is curable), (iii) breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement or other written agreement with the Company if within thirty (30) days after being notified in writing by the Chief Executive Officer or the Board of the breach and such breach is not cured (if such breach is curable) or (iv) any fraudulent or grossly negligent conduct, any action in bad faith, or willful misconduct, excluding conduct subject to clause (ii), that is otherwise materially detrimental to the reputation, goodwill or best interests of the Company
(h) “Change in Control” means a Sale Event, as defined in the Company’s 2026 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time, so long as such Change in Control also constitutes a “change in control event” within the meaning of section 409A of the Code.
(i) “Change in Control Period” means the period beginning three months prior to a Change in Control and ending on the one-year anniversary of the Change in Control.
(j) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
- 2 -
(k) “Continuing Obligations” means the Covered Executive’s obligations to the Company pursuant to any agreement relating to confidentiality, non-solicitation of customers and employees, assignment of inventions and other restrictive covenants.
(l) “Covered Executives” means the Tier 1 Executive and those other employees designated by the Plan Administrator in its sole discretion as the Tier 2 Executives, in each case, who meet the eligibility requirements set forth in Section 3 of the Plan.
(m) “Date of Termination” means the date that a Covered Executive’s employment with the Company and its Affiliates ends, which date shall be specified in the Notice of Termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Covered Executive’s employment will not be deemed to have been terminated solely as a result of the Covered Executive becoming an employee of any direct or indirect successor to the business or assets of the Company or any Affiliate.
(n) “Disability” means the Covered Executive is disabled and unable to perform or expected to be unable to perform the essential functions of the Covered Executive’s then existing position or positions with or without reasonable accommodation for a period of 180 days (which need not be consecutive) in any 12-month period.
(o) “Good Reason” shall mean one of the following conditions after Good Reason Process (as defined below): (i) a breach of this Agreement by the Company in any material respect, (ii) a material adverse change in the Covered Executive’s duties, authority, or responsibilities, (iii) a material reduction in the Covered Executive’s base salary or material reduction in bonus opportunity, (iv) a change in the Covered Executive’s reporting relationship resulting in the Covered Executive no longer reporting directly to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or the Board, as applicable, except with respect to a change in reporting relationship in connection with a Change in Control, or (v) a relocation of the Covered Executive’s principal place of employment that increases the Covered Executive’s one-way commute by more than thirty-five (35) miles.
(p) “Good Reason Process” means that: (a) the Covered Employee has reasonably determined in good faith that a “Good Reason” condition has occurred, (b) within ninety (90) days of becoming aware of the first occurrence of such condition, the Covered Executive has notified the Company in writing of the first occurrence of the Good Reason condition and the Covered Executive’s right to terminate the Covered Executive’s employment for Good Reason if such condition is not cured, (c) the Covered Executive has cooperated in good faith with the Company’s efforts, for a period of thirty (30) days following such notice (the “Cure Period”), to remedy the condition (to the extent capable of being cured or remedied), (d) notwithstanding such efforts, the Good Reason condition continues to exist, and (e) the Covered Executive terminates the Covered Executive’s employment within sixty (60) days after the end of the Cure Period (or, if no Cure Period applies, the date on which the Covered Executive gave notice to the Company of the occurrence of such Good Reason) by providing written notice to the Company of the termination of the Covered Executive’s employment during such sixty (60) day period, which termination shall be effective upon the date specified in the Covered Executive’s notice of termination. If the Company cures the Good Reason condition during the Cure Period (if applicable), Good Reason shall be deemed not to have occurred.
- 3 -
(q) “Notice” or “Notification” means the delivery or furnishing of information to an individual in a manner that is reasonably calculated to ensure actual receipt by the individual.
(r) “Notice of Termination” means a written Notice that indicates the specific termination provision in this Plan relied upon for the termination of a Covered Executive’s employment and the Date of Termination.
(s) “Participation Agreement” shall mean an agreement between a Covered Executive and the Company that acknowledges and agrees to the Covered Executive’s participation in the Plan and to any related terms set forth in therein.
(t) “Plan Administrator” means the Board or a committee thereof designated by the Board to administer the Plan; provided, however, that the Plan Administrator may in its sole discretion appoint a new Plan Administrator to administer the Plan at any time.
(u) “Plan Sponsor” means the Company.
(v) “Qualified Termination” means (i) a termination of the Covered Executive’s employment by the Company other than for Cause, death or Disability or (ii) the Covered Executive’s resignation from the Company for Good Reason.
(w) “Separation Obligations” means: (i) execution of a separation agreement and release in a form and manner satisfactory to and provided by the Company that contains, among other provisions, a confirmation of the Covered Employee’s resignation from all officer and director positions with the Company and any Affiliate as of the Date of Termination, a general release of claims in favor of the Company and related persons and entities, confidentiality, return of property and non-disparagement provisions, a reaffirmation of the Covered Executive’s Continuing Obligations and provides that if the Covered Executive breaches any of the Continuing Obligations, all severance payments and benefits shall immediately cease (the “Separation Agreement and Release”) and (ii) the Separation Agreement and Release becoming irrevocable, all within 60 days after the Date of Termination (or such shorter period set forth in the Separation Agreement and Release).
(x) “Target Bonus” means the higher of the Covered Executive’s target annual cash incentive compensation or target sales incentive plan commission, as applicable, in effect immediately prior to (i) the Covered Executive’s Date of Termination or (ii) the Change in Control.
(y) “Tier 1 Executive” means the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.
(z) “Tier 2 Executives” means the individuals holding the titles designated as such by the Plan Administrator and whose titles are listed in Exhibit A, attached hereto, as such exhibit may be amended by the Plan Administrator from time to time.
(aa) “Time-Based Equity Awards” means all outstanding stock options, restricted stock units, restricted stock awards and other stock-based awards with respect to the Company’s common stock that are subject solely to time-based vesting.
- 4 -
5. Accrued Obligations
If the Covered Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated for any reason, the Covered Executive shall be deemed to have resigned from any officer or director positions that the Covered Executive holds with the Company or any Affiliate as of the Date of Termination. the Company shall pay or provide to the Covered Executive (or to the Covered Executive’s authorized representative or estate) (i) any base salary earned but unpaid through the Date of Termination; (ii) unpaid expense reimbursements (subject to, and in accordance with, the Company’s expense reimbursement policy then in effect); and (iii) any vested benefits the Covered Executive may have under any employee benefit plan of the Company through the Date of Termination, which vested benefits shall be paid and/or provided in accordance with the terms of such employee benefit plans (collectively, the “Accrued Obligations”).
6. Qualified Termination not in Connection with a Change in Control
If a Covered Executive experiences a Qualified Termination outside of the Change in Control Period, then, in addition to the Accrued Obligations, and subject to the Covered Executive’s fulfillment of the Separation Obligations:
(a) the Company shall pay to the Covered Executive an amount equal to the sum of (i) 0.75 times the Covered Executive’s Base Salary (or, in the case of the Tier 1 Executive one times the Covered Executive’s Base Salary), and (ii) a pro-rated portion of the Covered Executive’s Target Bonus (with such pro-ration determined based on the actual number of days the Covered Executive was employed by the Company or any Affiliate in the calendar year in which the Date of Termination occurs); and
(b) subject to the Covered Executive’s proper election to receive COBRA benefits, the Company shall pay to the group health plan provider or the COBRA provider a monthly payment equal to the employer portion of the monthly COBRA premium until the earliest of (i) the nine-month anniversary (or, in the case of the Tier 1 Executive the 12-month anniversary) of the Date of Termination; (ii) the date that the Covered Executive becomes eligible for group medical plan benefits under another employer’s group medical plan; or (iii) the cessation of the Covered Executive’s health continuation rights under COBRA; provided, however, that if the Company determines that such payments may violate applicable law, the Company shall instead make such payments directly to the Covered Executive in the form of payroll.
The amounts payable under Section 6(a) and 6(b), as applicable, will be paid out in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Company’s payroll practice over nine months (or, in the case of the Tier I Executive or a Tier 2 Executive with an existing employment agreement as of the Effective Date that provides for 12 months of severance pay, 12 months), commencing within 60 days after the Date of Termination; provided, however, that if the 60-day period begins in one calendar year and ends in a second calendar year, such payments, to the extent they qualify as “non-qualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, shall begin to be paid in the second calendar year by the last day of such 60-day period; provided, further, that the initial payment shall include a catch-up payment to cover amounts retroactive to the day immediately following the Date of Termination.
- 5 -
| 7. | Change in Control |
Upon a Change in Control the Tier 1 Executive shall be entitled to Tier 1 Executive Change in Control Accelerated Vesting. Further, if any Covered Executive experiences a Qualified Termination within the Change in Control Period, then, in addition to the Accrued Obligations, and subject to the Covered Executive’s fulfillment of the Separation Obligations:
(a) the Company shall pay to the Covered Executive an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Covered Executive’s Base Salary (or, in the case of the Tier 1 Executive, 1.5 times the Tier 1 Executive’s Base Salary) and (ii) the Covered Executive’s Target Bonus (or, in the case of the Tier 1 Executive, 1.5 times the Tier 1 Executive’s Target Bonus);
(b) subject to the Covered Executive’s proper election to receive COBRA benefits, the Company shall pay to the group health plan provider or the COBRA provider a monthly payment equal to the monthly COBRA premium until the earliest of (i) the 12-month anniversary (or, in the case of the Tier I Executive, the 18-months anniversary) of the Date of Termination; (ii) the date that the Covered Executive becomes eligible for group medical plan benefits under another employer’s group medical plan; or (iii) the cessation of the Covered Executive’s health continuation rights under COBRA; provided, however, that if the Company determines that such payments may violate applicable law, the Company shall instead make such payments directly to the Covered Executive in the form of payroll; and
(c) notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any applicable Time-Based Equity Award agreement or in any applicable Company equity incentive plan, all Time-Based Equity Awards shall immediately accelerate and become fully vested and exercisable or nonforfeitable as of the Accelerated Vesting Date, provided that in order to effectuate the accelerated vesting contemplated by this subsection, the unvested portion of the Covered Executive’s Time-Based Equity Awards that would otherwise terminate or be forfeited on the Date of Termination will be delayed until the earlier of (i) the effective date of the Separation Agreement and Release or the date of the Change in Control, as applicable (at which time acceleration will occur), or (ii) the date that the Separation Agreement and Release can no longer become fully effective (at which time the unvested portion of the Covered Executive’s Time-Based Equity Awards will terminate or be forfeited). Notwithstanding the foregoing, no additional vesting of the Time-Based Equity Awards will occur during the period between the Date of Termination and the Accelerated Vesting Date. For the avoidance of doubt, upon a Qualifying Termination prior to the consummation of a Change in Control (1) all then unvested Time-Based Equity Awards held by the Covered Executive as of the Date of Termination will remain outstanding for a period of three months thereafter (unless such Time-Based Equity Awards are forfeited prior to such date pursuant to clause (ii) of the preceding sentence) and remain eligible to become vested upon the consummation of such Change in Control and, to the extent such Time-Based Equity Awards do not become vested in accordance with the terms set forth in this Section 7(c) on or prior to the date that is three months following the Date of Termination, all then-unvested Time-Based Equity Awards held by such Covered Executive will automatically and without further action be canceled and forfeited on the three-month anniversary of the Date of Termination.
- 6 -
The amounts payable under Section 7(a) shall be paid out in a lump sum within 60 days after the Date of Termination and the amounts payable under Section 7(b) will be paid out in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Company’s payroll practice over 12 months (or, in the case of the Tier I Executive, 18 months), commencing within 60 days after the Date of Termination; provided, however, that if the 60-day period begins in one calendar year and ends in a second calendar year, such payments, to the extent they qualify as “non-qualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, shall begin to be paid in the second calendar year by the last day of such 60-day period; provided, further, that the initial payment shall include a catch-up payment to cover amounts retroactive to the day immediately following the Date of Termination.
For the avoidance of doubt, (i) in no event will the Covered Executive be entitled to severance payments and benefits under both Section 6 and Section 7 of this Plan and (ii) if a Covered Executive has begun receiving severance pay and benefits under Section 6 prior to the date that the Covered Executive becomes eligible to receive severance pay and benefits under this Section 7, the severance pay and benefits previously provided to the Covered Executive under Section 6 shall reduce the severance pay and benefits to be provided under this Section 7.
8. Section 409A
(a) This Plan is intended to be administered in accordance with Section 409A of the Code. To the extent that any provision of this Plan is ambiguous as to its compliance with Section 409A of the Code, the provision shall be read in such a manner so that all payments hereunder comply with Section 409A of the Code. Each payment pursuant to this Plan is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2). This Plan may be amended as may be necessary to fully comply with Section 409A of the Code and all related rules and regulations in order to preserve the payments and benefits provided hereunder without additional cost.
(b) To the extent that any payment or benefit described in this Plan constitutes “non-qualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A of the Code, and to the extent that such payment or benefit is payable upon the Covered Executive’s termination of employment, then such payments or benefits shall be payable only upon the Covered Executive’s “separation from service.” The determination of whether and when a separation from service has occurred shall be made in accordance with the presumptions set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h).
(c) Anything in this Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, if at the time of the Covered Executive’s separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, the Company determines that the Covered Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, then to the extent any payment or benefit that the Covered Executive becomes entitled to under this Plan on account of the Covered Executive’s separation from service would be considered deferred compensation otherwise subject to the 20% additional tax imposed pursuant to Section 409A(a) of the Code as a result of the application of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, such payment shall not be payable and such benefit shall not be provided until the date that is the earlier of (A) six months and one day after the Covered Executive’s separation from service, or (B) the Covered Executive’s death. If any such delayed cash payment is otherwise payable on an installment basis, the first payment shall include a catch- up payment covering amounts that would otherwise have been paid during the six-month period but for the application of this provision (without interest), and the balance of the installments shall be payable in accordance with their original schedule.
- 7 -
(d) The Company makes no representation or warranty and shall have no liability to any Covered Executive or any other person if any provisions of this Plan are determined to constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code but do not satisfy an exemption from, or the conditions of, such Section.
| 9. | Additional Limitation |
(a) Anything in this Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event that the amount of any compensation, payment or distribution by the Company to or for the benefit of the Covered Executive, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Plan or otherwise, calculated in a manner consistent with Section 280G of the Code and the applicable regulations thereunder (the “Aggregate Payments”), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, then the Aggregate Payments shall be reduced (but not below zero) so that the sum of all of the Aggregate Payments shall be $1.00 less than the amount at which the Covered Executive becomes subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code; provided that such reduction will only occur if it would result in the Covered Executive receiving a higher After Tax Amount (as defined below) than the Covered Executive would receive if the Aggregate Payments were not subject to such reduction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, immediately before the change in ownership or control, no stock of the Company is readily tradeable on an established securities market or otherwise (determined in accordance with Q&A 6 of Treasury Regulations Section 1.280G-1), the Company shall use reasonable efforts to satisfy the shareholder approval requirements set forth in Q&A 7 of Treasury Regulations Section 1.280G-1 with respect to the amount of any such potential reduction, and if such requirements are satisfied then no such reduction will apply. In the event of a reduction, the Aggregate Payments will be reduced in the following order, in each case, in reverse chronological order beginning with the Aggregate Payments that are to be paid the furthest in time from consummation of the transaction that is subject to Section 280G of the Code: (i) cash payments not subject to Section 409A of the Code; (ii) cash payments subject to Section 409A of the Code; (iii) equity-based payments and acceleration; and (iv) non-cash forms of benefits; provided that in the case of all the foregoing Aggregate Payments all amounts or payments that are not subject to calculation under Treas. Reg. §1.280G-1, Q&A-24(b) or (c) shall be reduced before any amounts that are subject to calculation under Treas. Reg. §1.280G-1, Q&A-24(b) or (c).
(b) For purposes of this Section, the “After Tax Amount” means the amount of the Aggregate Payments less all federal, state and local income, excise, employment and social security taxes imposed on the Covered Executive as a result of the Covered Executive’s receipt of the Aggregate Payments. For purposes of determining the After Tax Amount, the Covered Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income taxes at the highest marginal rate of federal income taxation applicable to individuals for the calendar year in which the determination is to be made, and state and local income taxes and social security taxes at the highest marginal rates of individual taxation in each applicable state and locality, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes (if any) that could be obtained from deduction of such state and local taxes.
- 8 -
(c) The determination as to whether a reduction in the Aggregate Payments shall be made pursuant to Section 9(a) shall be made by the Accounting Firm selected by the Company prior to the closing of the Change in Control, which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and the Covered Executive within 15 business days of the Date of Termination, if applicable, or at such earlier time as is reasonably requested by the Company or the Covered Executive. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and the Covered Executive.
10. Withholding; Tax Effect
All payments made under this Plan shall be net of any tax or other amounts required to be withheld by the Company under applicable law. Nothing in this Plan shall be construed to require the Company to make any payments to compensate the Covered Executive for any adverse tax effect associated with any payments or benefits or for any deduction or withholding from any payment or benefit.
11. Death
If a Covered Executive dies after the Date of Termination, but before all payments or benefits to which such Covered Executive is entitled pursuant to the Plan have been paid or provided, any remaining payments and benefits will be made to any beneficiary designated by the Covered Executive prior to the Covered Executive’s death (or the Covered Executive’s estate, if the Covered Executive fails to make such designation).
12. Plan Administration
(a) Plan Administrator. The Plan Administrator and Plan Sponsor shall serve as the “named fiduciaries” of the Plan under ERISA. The Plan Administrator shall be the “administrator” within the meaning of Section 3(16) of ERISA and shall have all the responsibilities and duties contained therein.
(b) Decisions, Powers and Duties. The general administration of the Plan and the responsibility for carrying out its provisions shall be vested in the Plan Administrator. The Plan Administrator shall have the maximum discretionary authority permitted by law to discharge such duties and responsibilities, which also include, but are not limited to, interpretation and construction of the Plan, the determination of all questions of fact, including, without limitation, eligibility, participation and benefits, the resolution of any ambiguities and all other related or incidental matters, and such duties and powers of the Plan administration that are not assumed from time to time by any other appropriate entity, individual or institution. The Plan Administrator may adopt rules and regulations of uniform applicability in its interpretation and implementation of the Plan.
The Plan Administrator shall discharge its duties and responsibilities and exercise its powers and authority in its sole discretion and in accordance with the terms of the controlling legal documents and applicable law, and its actions and decisions that are not arbitrary and capricious shall be binding on any Covered Executive, and the Covered Executive’s spouse or other dependent or beneficiary and any other interested parties whether or not in being or under a disability.
- 9 -
(c) Reports. The Plan Administrator shall be responsible for the preparation and delivery of all reports, notices, plan summaries and plan descriptions required to be filed with any governmental office or to be given to any employee, former employee or beneficiary.
(d) Company to Furnish Information. Upon request of the Plan Administrator, the Company shall furnish such information in its possession and aid the Plan Administrator in the performance of its duties hereunder.
13. Claims Procedure and Payment of Benefits
(a) Application for Benefits
(i) General. All applications for benefits under the Plan shall be submitted to the Plan Administrator at such location as designated by the Plan Administrator from time to time. Applications for benefits must be in writing on forms acceptable to the Plan Administrator and must be signed by the Covered Executive. The Plan Administrator reserves the right to require the Covered Executive to furnish such other information and documents as the Plan Administrator determines are necessary or appropriate. Each application shall be acted upon and approved or disapproved by the Plan Administrator within 90 days following its receipt by the Plan Administrator.
(ii) Notification. The Plan Administrator shall provide a claimant with written or electronic Notification of any Adverse Benefit Determination. Any electronic Notification shall comply with the standards imposed by 29 C.F.R. 2520.104b-l(c)(l)(i), (iii) and (iv). The Notification shall set forth, in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant:
| (A) | the specific reason or reasons for the Adverse Benefit Determination; |
| (B) | reference to the specific Plan provisions on which the Adverse Benefit Determination is based; |
| (C) | a description of any additional material or information necessary for the claimant to perfect the claim and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary; and |
| (D) | a description of the Plan’s review procedures and the time limits applicable to such procedures, including a statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under Section 502(a) of ERISA following an Adverse Benefit Determination on review. |
- 10 -
(b) Review of Benefit Denials
(i) Appeal. A claimant shall have a reasonable opportunity to appeal an Adverse Benefit Determination to the Board and under which there will be a full and fair review of the claim and the Adverse Benefit Determination. The Board shall be identified in the Notification described in Section 13(a)(ii) and may be the Plan Administrator. Such full and fair review shall:
| (A) | provide claimants at least 60 days following receipt of a Notification of an Adverse Benefit Determination within which to appeal the Adverse Benefit Determination; |
| (B) | provide claimants the opportunity to submit written comments, documents, records and other information relating to the claim for benefits; |
| (C) | provide that a claimant shall be provided, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant to the claimant’s claim for benefits; and |
| (D) | provide for a review of the initial Adverse Benefit Determination that takes into account all comments, documents, records and other information submitted by the claimant relating to the claim, without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial Adverse Benefit Determination. |
(ii) Timing of Benefit Determination on Review. The Board shall notify the Covered Executive, in accordance with Section 13(b)(iv), of the Plan Administrator’s benefit determination on review within a reasonable period of time. Such Notification shall be provided not later than 60 days after receipt by the Plan Administrator of the Covered Executive’s request for review of the Adverse Benefit Determination.
(iii) Furnishing Documents. In the case of an Adverse Benefit Determination on review, the Board shall provide such access to, and copies of, documents, records and other information described in Section 13(b)(iv) as is appropriate.
(iv) Content of Notification on Review. The Board shall provide a claimant with written or electronic Notification of a Plan Administrator’s benefit determination following an appeal described in Section 13(b)(i). Any electronic Notification shall comply with the standards imposed by 29 C.F.R. 2520.104b-l(c)(l)(i), (iii) and (iv). In the case of an Adverse Benefit Determination on review, the Notification shall set forth, in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant:
| (A) | the specific reason or reasons for the Adverse Benefit Determination; |
| (B) | reference to the specific Plan provisions on which the Adverse Benefit Determination is based; |
| (C) | a statement that the claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant to the claimant’s claim for benefits; and |
- 11 -
| (D) | a statement of the claimant’s right to bring an action under Section 502(a) of ERISA. |
(c) Calculating Time Periods. The period of time within which a benefit determination (including an Adverse Benefit Determination on review) is required to be made shall begin at the time a claim (or appeal) is filed in accordance with the reasonable procedures of the Plan, without regard to whether all the information necessary to make a benefit determination accompanies the filing. In the event that a period of time is extended due to a claimant’s failure to submit information necessary to decide a claim, the period for making the benefit determination shall be tolled from the date on which the Notification of the extension is sent to the claimant until the date on which the claimant responds to the request for additional information.
(d) Extension of Notice Period. The 90 day and 60 day periods applicable to the Notice furnished by the Plan Administrator in Sections 13(a) and 13(b) above may be extended at the discretion of the Plan Administrator for a second 90 or 60 day period, as the case may be, provided that written Notice of the extension is furnished to the claimant prior to the termination of the initial period, indicating the special circumstances requiring such extension of time and the date by which a final decision is expected.
(e) Facility of Payment. Whenever and as often as any person entitled to payments hereunder shall be determined to be a minor or under other legal disability or otherwise incapacitated in any way so as to be unable to manage the person’s financial affairs, the Company, in its discretion, may direct that all or any portion of the benefit payments be made: (i) to such person; (ii) to such person’s legal guardian or conservator; or (iii) to such person’s spouse. The decision of the Plan Administrator shall, in each case, be final and binding upon all persons. Any payment made pursuant to the authority herein conferred shall operate as a complete discharge of the obligations of the Company under the Plan in respect thereof.
(f) Responsibility for Payment. The Company shall be liable for the payment of benefits in accordance with the terms of the Plan. The benefits under the Plan shall be payable solely by the Company and each Covered Executive who shall claim the right to any payment under the Plan shall be entitled to look only to the Company for such payment.
(g) Limitation on Benefits. The Company shall have no obligation to set aside, earmark or entrust any fund, policy or money with which to pay its obligations under this Plan. The Covered Executive, or any successor in interest, shall be and remain simply a general, unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to the benefits under this Plan in the same manner as any other creditor who has a general claim for an unpaid liability.
14. Indemnification
To the extent permitted by law, all employees, officers, directors, agents and representatives of the Company shall be indemnified by the Company and held harmless against any claims and the expenses of defending against such claims, resulting from any action or conduct relating to the administration of the Plan, whether as a member of the Plan Administrator or otherwise, except to the extent that such claims arise from gross negligence, willful neglect or willful misconduct.
- 12 -
15. Plan; At Will Employment
The Plan is not a contract between the Company and any employee, nor is it a condition of employment or services of any employee. Nothing contained in the Plan gives, or is intended to give, any employee the right to be retained in the service of the Company, or to interfere with the right of the Company to discharge or terminate the employment or services of any employee at any time and for any reason. No employee shall have the right or claim to benefits beyond those expressly provided in this Plan, if any. All rights and claims are limited as set forth in the Plan.
16. Severability
If any portion or provision of this Plan (including, without limitation, any portion or provision of any Section of this Plan) is to any extent declared illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, then the remainder of this Plan, or the application of such portion or provision in circumstances other than those as to which it is so declared illegal or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each portion and provision of this Plan shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
17. Waiver
No waiver of any provision hereof shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by the waiving party. The failure of any party to require the performance of any term or obligation of this Plan, or the waiver by any party of any breach of this Plan, shall not prevent any subsequent enforcement of such term or obligation or be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach.
18. Successors and Assigns
No right or interest of any Covered Executive in the Plan shall be assignable or transferable in whole or in part either directly or by operation of law or otherwise, including, but not limited to, execution, levy, garnishment, attachment, pledge or bankruptcy. The Plan Sponsor may assign or otherwise transfer this Plan without any Covered Executive’s consent to any affiliate or to any person or entity with whom the Plan Sponsor shall hereafter effect a reorganization or consolidation, into which the Plan Sponsor merges or to whom it transfers all or substantially all of its properties or assets; provided that if the Covered Executive remains employed or becomes employed by the Company, the purchaser or any of their affiliates in connection with any such transaction, then the Covered Executive shall not be entitled to any payments or benefits pursuant to Sections 6 or 7 of this Plan solely as a result of such transaction. This Plan shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Covered Executive and the Plan Sponsor, and each of the Covered Executive’s and the Plan Sponsor’s respective successors, executors, administrators, heirs and permitted assigns.
- 13 -
19. Non-Duplication of Benefits and Effect on Other Plans20.
Notwithstanding any other provision in the Plan to the contrary, the benefits provided hereunder and, if applicable, pursuant to the Participant Agreement, are in lieu of any other severance payments and/or benefits provided by the Company, including any such payments and/or benefits pursuant to an employment agreement or offer letter between the Company and any Covered Executive.
21. Amendment or Termination
The Plan Sponsor may amend, modify or terminate the Plan at any time in its sole discretion; provided, however, that no such amendment, modification or termination may affect the rights of a Covered Executive then receiving payments or benefits under the Plan without the consent of such person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Covered Executive’s rights to receive payments and benefits pursuant to this Plan in connection with a Qualified Termination may not be adversely affected by an amendment or termination of this Plan without the consent of such person.
22. Governing Law and Limitation on Actions
The Plan and the rights of all persons hereunder shall be construed in accordance with and under applicable provisions of ERISA, and the regulations thereunder, and the Plan and the rights of all persons under the Plan shall be construed in accordance with and under applicable provisions the laws of the State of California (without regard to conflict of laws provisions), to the extent not preempted by federal law. No action (whether at law, in equity or otherwise) shall be brought by or on behalf of any person for or with respect to benefits due under this Plan unless the person bringing such action has timely exhausted the Plan’s claim review procedure. Any action (whether at law, in equity or otherwise) must be filed and litigated in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, and must be commenced within one year. This one-year period shall be computed from the earlier of (a) the date a final determination denying such benefit, in whole or in part, is issued under the Plan’s claim review procedure and (b) the date such person’s cause of action first accrued. If a person does not bring such an action within such one-year period, the person will be barred from bringing such action.
23. ERISA Required Information
Official Plan Name: The official name of the Plan is the Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. Executive Severance Plan.
Plan Administrator: The Plan Administrator is the Board (or its designee) of the Plan Sponsor.
Plan Sponsor:
COMPANY NAME
ADDRESS
(617) 807-4062
- 14 -
Plan Number: Documents and reports for the Plan are filed with the U.S. Department of Labor under Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. Employer Identification Number (EIN) and the Plan Number (PN). The EIN for Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. is 99-2235719, and the PN is 503.
The Plan Year: The Plan year is January 1 through December 31.
Agent for Service of Legal Process: Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. is the Plan’s agent for service of legal process and may be served at the address indicated in the section entitled “Plan Administrator and Sponsor” above.
Funding: All severance pay and benefits are paid from the Company’s general assets and, thus the Plan is considered unfunded for tax purposes under Title I of ERISA.
ERISA Rights: The Plan is subject to ERISA. As a Covered Executive, you are entitled to certain rights and protections under ERISA. Under ERISA, you are entitled to:
| | Examine, without charge at the Plan Administrator’s office, all official Plan documents (including insurance contracts) and copies of all documents filed with the U.S. Department of Labor, such as detailed Summary Annual Reports. |
| | Obtain copies of all official Plan documents and other Plan information upon written request to the Plan Administrator. The Plan Administrator may charge a reasonable fee for the copies. |
| | Receive a summary of the Plan’s annual financial report. The Plan Administrator is required to furnish each participant with a copy of this Summary Annual Report. |
You also have the right to expect “fiduciaries,” the people who are responsible for the management of the Plan, to act prudently and to act in the interest of you and other Plan participants and beneficiaries. Another one of your ERISA-guaranteed rights means that no one – including the Company or any other person – may fire you or otherwise discriminate against you in any way to prevent you from obtaining a Plan benefit or exercising your rights under ERISA.
ERISA also guarantees your rights to written notice if any part of a claim is denied or ignored, in whole or in part. Because your rights under ERISA are protected by law, you also can file suit if a right is denied. For example, if you request certain Plan-related materials from the Plan Administrator and do not receive them within 30 days, you may file suit in a federal court. In such a case, the court may require the Plan Administrator to provide the materials and pay a fine of up to $110 a day until you receive the materials, unless the materials were not sent because of reasons beyond the control of the Plan Administrator. You may file suit in a federal court if you have a claim for benefits under the Plan that is denied or ignored, in whole or in part. You also can seek assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor or file suit in a federal court if a Plan fiduciary has misused Plan funds or if you are discriminated against for asserting your rights. The court will decide who should pay court costs and legal fees. If you are successful, the court may order the person you have sued to pay these costs and fees. If you lose because, for example, the court finds your claim frivolous, you may be ordered to pay all these costs and fees on your own, including any court costs and attorney fees.
- 15 -
If you have any questions about the Plan, you should contact the Plan Administrator. If you have any questions about this statement or about your rights under ERISA, or if you need assistance in obtaining documents from the Plan Administrator, you should contact the nearest office of the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, listed in your telephone directory or the Division of Technical Assistance and Inquiries, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. You may also obtain certain publications about your rights and responsibilities under ERISA by calling the Employee Benefits Security Administration’s publications hotline at 1-866-444-3272.
- 16 -
Exhibit A
Tier 2 Executives
| Title |
| Chief Medical Officer & President, Clinical Development |
| Chief Scientific Officer |
| Chief Financial Officer |
| General Counsel |
- 17 -
Exhibit 10.8
SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC.
NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION POLICY
The purpose of this Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy (the “Policy”) of Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) is to provide a total compensation package that enables the Company to attract and retain, on a long-term basis, high-caliber directors who are not employees or officers of the Company or its subsidiaries (“Outside Directors”). This Policy will become effective as of the effective time of the registration statement for the Company’s initial public offering of its equity securities (the “Effective Date”). Unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors, Outside Directors who are employees of, or otherwise affiliated with, an institutional investor in the Company shall not be eligible to receive compensation under this Policy. In furtherance of the purpose stated above, all Outside Directors shall be paid compensation for services provided to the Company as Outside Directors as set forth below:
Cash Retainers
Annual Retainer for Board Membership: $40,000 for general availability and participation in meetings and conference calls of our Board of Directors, to be paid quarterly in arrears, pro-rated based on the number of actual days served by the director during such calendar quarter. No additional compensation will be paid for attending individual meetings of the Board of Directors.
| Additional Annual Retainer for Non-Executive Chairperson: |
$ | 35,000 | ||
| Additional Annual Retainers for Committee Membership: |
||||
| Audit Committee Chairperson: |
$ | 20,000 | ||
| Audit Committee member: |
$ | 10,000 | ||
| Compensation Committee Chairperson: |
$ | 15,000 | ||
| Compensation Committee member: |
$ | 7,500 | ||
| Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chairperson: |
$ | 15,000 | ||
| Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee member: |
$ | 7,500 | ||
| Science and Technology Committee Chairperson: |
$ | 15,000 | ||
| Science and Technology Committee member: |
$ | 7,500 |
Equity Retainers
All grants of equity retainer awards to Outside Directors pursuant to this Policy will be made in accordance with the following provisions:
Initial Award: Upon his or her initial election to the Board of Directors, each Outside Director will receive an initial, one-time stock option award (the “Initial Award”) to purchase 154,000 shares, which shall vest in equal monthly installments over three years from the date of grant, provided, however, that all vesting shall cease if the director resigns from the Board of Directors or otherwise ceases to serve as on the Board of Directors of the Company, unless the Board of Directors determines that the circumstances warrant continuation of vesting. The Initial Award shall expire ten years from the date of grant, and shall have a per share exercise price equal to the Fair Market Value (as defined in the Company’s 2026 Stock Option and Incentive Plan) of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. This Initial Award applies only to Outside Directors who are first elected to the Board of Directors subsequent to the Effective Date.
Annual Award: On each date of each Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company following the Effective Date (the “Annual Meeting”), each continuing Outside Director, other than a director receiving an Initial Award, will receive an annual stock option award (the “Annual Award”) to purchase 77,000 shares, which shall vest in full upon the earlier of (i) the first anniversary of the date of grant or (ii) the date of the next Annual Meeting; provided, however, that all vesting shall cease if the director resigns from the Board of Directors or otherwise ceases to serve on the Board of Directors of the Company, unless the Board of Directors determines that the circumstances warrant continuation of vesting. Such Annual Award shall expire ten years from the date of grant, and shall have a per share exercise price equal to the Fair Market Value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.
Expenses
The Company will reimburse all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Outside Directors in attending meetings of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof.
Maximum Annual Compensation
The aggregate amount of compensation, including both equity compensation and cash compensation, paid by the Company to any Outside Director in a calendar year for services as an Outside Director shall not exceed $750,000 (or such other limit as may be set forth in Section 3(b) of the Company’s 2026 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time, or any similar provision of a successor plan); provided, however, that in the first calendar year in which an individual becomes an Outside Director, the aggregate amount of all equity compensation awarded and all other cash compensation paid by the Company to such Outside
2
Director for services as an Outside Director shall not exceed $1,000,000 (or such other limit as may be set forth in Section 3(b) of the Company’s 2026 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time, or any similar provision of a successor plan). For this purpose, the “amount” of equity compensation paid in a calendar year shall be determined based on the grant date fair value thereof, as determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 or its successor provision, but excluding the impact of estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions.
Adopted April 7, 2026, subject to effectiveness of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1.
3
Exhibit 10.9
SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC.
COMPENSATION RECOVERY POLICY
Adopted as of April 7, 2026, subject to effectiveness of the Company’s Registration
Statement on Form S-1 for its initial public offering.
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), has adopted a Compensation Recovery Policy (this “Policy”) as described below.
| 1. | Overview |
The Policy sets forth the circumstances and procedures under which the Company shall recover Erroneously Awarded Compensation from Covered Persons (as defined below) in accordance with rules issued by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the Nasdaq Global Market. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given in Section 3 below.
| 2. | Compensation Recovery Requirement |
In the event the Company is required to prepare a Financial Restatement, the Company shall recover reasonably promptly all Erroneously Awarded Compensation with respect to such Financial Restatement.
| 3. | Definitions |
| a. | “Applicable Recovery Period” means the three completed fiscal years immediately preceding the Restatement Date for a Financial Restatement. In addition, in the event the Company has changed its fiscal year: (i) any transition period of less than nine months occurring within or immediately following such three completed fiscal years shall also be part of such Applicable Recovery Period and (ii) any transition period of nine to 12 months will be deemed to be a completed fiscal year. |
| b. | “Applicable Rules” means any rules or regulations adopted by the Exchange pursuant to Rule 10D-1 under the Exchange Act and any applicable rules or regulations adopted by the SEC pursuant to Section 10D of the Exchange Act. |
| c. | “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company. |
| d. | “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board or, in the absence of such committee, a majority of independent directors serving on the Board. |
| e. | “Covered Person” means any Executive Officer. A person’s status as a Covered Person with respect to Erroneously Awarded Compensation shall be determined as of the time of receipt of such Erroneously Awarded Compensation regardless of the person’s current role or status with the Company (e.g., if a person began service as an Executive Officer after the beginning of an Applicable Recovery Period, that person would not be considered a Covered Person with respect to Erroneously Awarded Compensation received before the person began service as an Executive Officer, but would be considered a Covered Person with respect to Erroneously Awarded Compensation received after the person began service as an Executive Officer where such person served as an Executive Officer at any time during the performance period for such Erroneously Awarded Compensation). |
| f. | “Effective Date” means the date of effectiveness of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 for its initial public offering. |
| g. | “Erroneously Awarded Compensation” means the amount of any Incentive-Based Compensation received by a Covered Person on or after the Effective Date and during the Applicable Recovery Period that exceeds the amount that otherwise would have been received by the Covered Person had such compensation been determined based on the restated amounts in a Financial Restatement, computed without regard to any taxes paid. Calculation of Erroneously Awarded Compensation with respect to Incentive-Based Compensation based on stock price or total shareholder return, where the amount of Erroneously Awarded Compensation is not subject to mathematical recalculation directly from the information in a Financial Restatement, shall be based on a reasonable estimate of the effect of the Financial Restatement on the stock price or total shareholder return upon which the Incentive-Based Compensation was received, and the Company shall maintain documentation of the determination of such reasonable estimate and provide such documentation to the Exchange in accordance with the Applicable Rules. Incentive-Based Compensation is deemed received, earned or vested when the Financial Reporting Measure is attained, not when the actual payment, grant or vesting occurs. |
| h. | “Exchange” means the Nasdaq Global Market. |
| i. | An “Executive Officer” means any person who served the Company in any of the following roles at any time during the performance period applicable to Incentive-Based Compensation and received Incentive-Based Compensation after beginning service in any such role (regardless of whether such Incentive-Based Compensation was received during or after such person’s service in such role): the president, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer (or if there is no such accounting officer the controller), any vice president in charge of a principal business unit, division or function (such as sales, administration or finance), any other officer who performs a policy making function or any other person who performs similar policy making functions for the Company. Executive officers of parents or subsidiaries of the Company may be deemed executive officers of the Company if they perform such policy making functions for the Company. |
2
| j. | “Financial Reporting Measures” mean measures that are determined and presented in accordance with the accounting principles used in preparing the Company’s financial statements, any measures that are derived wholly or in part from such measures (including, for example, a non-GAAP financial measure), and stock price and total shareholder return. |
| k. | A “Financial Restatement” means a restatement of previously issued financial statements of the Company due to the material noncompliance of the Company with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, including any required restatement to correct an error in previously-issued financial statements that is material to the previously-issued financial statements or that would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period. |
| l. | “Incentive-Based Compensation” means any compensation provided, directly or indirectly, by the Company or any of its subsidiaries that is granted, earned or vested based, in whole or in part, upon the attainment of a Financial Reporting Measure. For avoidance of doubt, Incentive-Based Compensation is “received” for purposes of this Policy in the fiscal period during which the Financial Reporting Measure specified in the Incentive-Based Compensation award is attained, even if the payment or grant of such Incentive-Based Compensation occurs after the end of that period. |
| m. | “Restatement Date” means, with respect to a Financial Restatement, the earlier to occur of: (i) the date the Board concludes, or reasonably should have concluded, that the Company is required to prepare the Financial Restatement or (ii) the date a court, regulator or other legally authorized body directs the Company to prepare the Financial Restatement. |
| 4. | Exception to Compensation Recovery Requirement |
The Company may elect not to recover Erroneously Awarded Compensation pursuant to this Policy if the Committee determines that recovery would be impracticable, and one or more of the following conditions, together with any further requirements set forth in the Applicable Rules, are met: (i) the direct expense paid to a third party, including outside legal counsel, to assist in enforcing this Policy would exceed the amount to be recovered, and the Company has made a reasonable attempt to recover such Erroneously Awarded Compensation; or (ii) recovery would likely cause an otherwise tax-qualified retirement plan to fail to be so qualified under applicable regulations.
3
| 5. | Tax Considerations |
To the extent that, pursuant to this Policy, the Company is entitled to recover any Erroneously Awarded Compensation that is received by a Covered Person, the gross amount received (i.e., the amount the Covered Person received, or was entitled to receive, before any deductions for tax withholding or other payments) shall be returned by the Covered Person.
| 6. | Method of Compensation Recovery |
The Committee shall determine, in its sole discretion, the method for recovering Erroneously Awarded Compensation hereunder, which may include, without limitation, any one or more of the following:
| a. | requiring reimbursement of cash Incentive-Based Compensation previously paid; |
| b. | seeking recovery of any gain realized on the vesting, exercise, settlement, sale, transfer or other disposition of any equity-based awards; |
| c. | cancelling or rescinding some or all outstanding vested or unvested equity-based awards; |
| d. | adjusting or withholding from unpaid compensation or other set-off; |
| e. | cancelling or offsetting against planned future grants of equity-based awards; and/or |
| f. | any other method permitted by applicable law or contract. |
The Committee need not utilize the same method of recovery for all Covered Persons or with respect to all types of Erroneously Awarded Compensation.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Covered Person will be deemed to have satisfied such person’s obligation to return Erroneously Awarded Compensation to the Company if such Erroneously Awarded Compensation is returned in the exact same form in which it was received; provided that equity withheld to satisfy tax obligations will be deemed to have been received in cash in an amount equal to the tax withholding payment made.
In the event the Company is required to recover Erroneously Awarded Compensation from a Covered Person who is no longer an employee, the Company is entitled to seek such recovery in order to comply with applicable law, regardless of the terms of any release of claims or separation agreement such individual may have signed.
| 7. | Policy Interpretation |
This Policy shall be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with the Applicable Rules and any other applicable law. The Committee shall take into consideration any applicable interpretations and guidance of the SEC in interpreting this Policy, including, for example, in determining whether a financial restatement qualifies as a Financial Restatement hereunder. To the extent the Applicable Rules require recovery of Incentive-Based Compensation in additional circumstances besides those specified above, nothing in this Policy shall be deemed to limit or restrict the right or obligation of the Company to recover Incentive-Based Compensation to the fullest extent required by the Applicable Rules.
4
| 8. | Policy Administration |
This Policy shall be administered by the Committee; provided, however, that the Board shall have exclusive authority to authorize the Company to prepare a Financial Restatement. In doing so, the Board may rely on a recommendation of the Audit Committee of the Board. The Committee shall have such powers and authorities related to the administration of this Policy as are consistent with the governing documents of the Company and applicable law. The Committee shall have full power and authority to take, or direct the taking of, all actions and to make all determinations required or provided for under this Policy and shall have full power and authority to take, or direct the taking of, all such other actions and make all such other determinations not inconsistent with the specific terms and provisions of this Policy that the Committee deems to be necessary or appropriate to the administration of this Policy. The interpretation and construction by the Committee of any provision of this Policy and all determinations made by the Committee under this policy shall be final, binding and conclusive.
| 9. | Compensation Recovery Repayments not Subject to Indemnification |
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any agreement with, or the organizational documents of, the Company or any of its subsidiaries, Covered Persons are not entitled to indemnification for Erroneously Awarded Compensation or for any losses arising out of or in any way related to Erroneously Awarded Compensation recovered under this Policy.
| 11. | No Impairment of Other Remedies |
Nothing contained in this Policy, and no recoupment or recovery as contemplated herein, shall limit any claims, damages or other legal remedies the Company or any of its affiliates may have against a Covered Person arising out of or resulting from any actions or omissions by the Covered Person. This Policy does not preclude the Company from taking any other action to enforce a Covered Person’s obligations to the Company, including, without limitation, termination of employment and/or institution of civil proceedings. This Policy is in addition to the requirements of Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX 304”) that are applicable to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and to any other compensation recoupment policy and/or similar provisions in any employment, equity plan, equity award, or other individual agreement, to which the Company is a party or which the Company has adopted or may adopt and maintain from time to time; provided, however, that compensation recouped pursuant to this Policy shall not be duplicative of compensation recouped pursuant to SOX 304 or any such compensation recoupment policy and/or similar provisions in any such employment, equity plan, equity award, or other individual agreement except as may be required by law.
5
| 12. | Recovery Requirement Shall not Constitute “Good Reason” Under Employment or Other Compensation Agreements |
Any action by the Company to recoup or any recoupment of Erroneously Awarded Compensation under this Policy from a Covered Person shall not be deemed (i) “good reason” for such Covered Person’s resignation or to serve as a basis for a claim of constructive termination under any employment or severance agreement with the Company or under the terms of any benefits or compensation arrangement applicable to such Covered Person, or (ii) to constitute a breach of a contract or other arrangement to which such Covered Person is party.
| 13. | Amendment; Termination |
The Committee may amend this Policy in its discretion, including as it deems necessary to comply with the regulations adopted by the SEC under Rule 10D-1 and the rules of any national securities exchange or national securities association on which the Company’s securities are listed. The Committee may terminate this Policy at any time. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no amendment or termination of this Policy shall be effective if that amendment or termination would cause the Company to violate any federal securities laws, SEC rules or the rules of any national securities exchange or national securities association on which the Company’s securities are listed.
| 14. | Successors |
This Policy shall be binding and enforceable against all Covered Executives and their successors, beneficiaries, heirs, executors, administrators, or other legal representatives.
* * *
6
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
(to be signed by all Covered Persons)
I, the undersigned, agree and acknowledge that I am fully bound by, and subject to, all of the terms and conditions of the Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. Compensation Recovery Policy (as may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Policy”) and that I have been provided a copy of the Policy. In the event of any inconsistency between the Policy and the terms of any employment or similar agreement to which I am a party, or the terms of any compensation plan, program or agreement under which any compensation has been granted, awarded, earned or paid, the terms of the Policy shall govern. If the Committee determines that any amounts granted, awarded, earned or paid to me must be forfeited or reimbursed to the Company, I will promptly take any action necessary to effectuate such forfeiture and/or reimbursement.
Name: |
7
Exhibit 10.10
SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC.
6 Tide Street, Suite 400
Boston, Massachusetts 02210
April 8, 2024
Daphne Zohar
Dear Daphne:
On behalf of Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. (“Seaport” or the “Company”), I am pleased to set forth the terms of your employment with the Company. Subject to your acceptance of this offer, this Agreement and your employment with the Company will commence on May 1, 2024, or such other date as the Company shall determine (the “Start Date”). It is understood that during the period commencing on the date hereof and continuing until the Start Date, you will provide services to Seaport as an employee of PureTech Management, Inc. (“PureTech”) under the transition services agreement to which the Company is a party with PureTech, and this offer is contingent on your remaining employed by PureTech on the date immediately preceding the Start Date.
1. Position. During your employment with the Company, you will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Seaport. You will be employed on an at-will basis, which means that you may resign and the Company may terminate your employment at any time for any reason or for no reason. You will commence employment with the Company on the Start Date. You shall perform those duties generally required of persons in the position of Chief Executive Officer as well as such other duties, not inconsistent with this Agreement, as the Board of Directors of Seaport (the “Board”) may from time to time reasonably direct. You shall also serve as a member of the Board for no additional compensation. You agree to devote your entire business time, attention, skills and best efforts to the performance of your duties hereunder following the Start Date and agree that you will not, following the Start Date and for the duration of your employment hereunder, without the approval of the Board, be employed by or otherwise engaged in any other business activity requiring any of your business time; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing (i) if you notify the Board of your intention to serve on the board of directors of a for profit company that does not compete with Seaport or otherwise interfere with your duties hereunder or breach the terms and conditions of any agreement between you and Seaport, the Board will not unreasonably withhold or delay its approval, (ii) you may provide services to charitable, community or nonprofit organizations without further approval of the Board and (iii) you may perform the obligations and responsibilities in connection with the activities set forth in Schedule A hereto without further approval of the Board; provided further that in all cases under clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) you do not compete with Seaport or otherwise interfere with your duties hereunder or breach the terms of any agreement between you and Seaport. Your primary place of work shall be the Company’s headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts, but you may be required to travel as may be reasonably required in connection with the performance of your duties.
SIGNATURE PAGE TO OFFER LETTER
2. Compensation.
A. Salary. During your employment, the Company will pay you a base salary (the “Base Salary”) at the rate of $30,954.98 per regular semi-monthly pay period (annualized rate of $742,919.50 per year), payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Company and subject to applicable deductions and withholdings. This salary will be reviewed annually for merit increases as determined by the Board in its sole and absolute discretion.
B. Performance Bonus. Beginning with the 2024 calendar year and for each calendar year thereafter during which you are employed by the Company, you will be eligible to receive, in the sole discretion of the Board, an annual performance bonus based on your performance and Seaport’s performance against annually established goals and objectives (as determined by the Board or a committee thereof), with the bonus targeted at 50% of your Base Salary for achievement of “target” goals (your “Target Bonus”) and objectives and up to 100% of your Base Salary for achievement of “stretch” goals and objectives. In recognition of services you rendered for the benefit of the Company prior to the Start Date the bonus for 2024 will not be prorated and will be calculated as though you began providing services as of January 1, 2024. Except as set forth in this Section 2B or Section 6, no payment will be made under any annual cash bonus scheme if, on or before the payment date, (i) you have given Seaport notice of your intention to terminate your employment with Seaport other than for Good Reason (as defined below) or (ii) you are no longer employed by the Company. Any such bonus is entirely discretionary in nature. Any performance bonus with respect to a calendar year shall be paid between January 1 and March 15 of the immediately following calendar year.
C. Equity.
| i) | Seaport shall grant to you under the Company’s 2024 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), at your request, either a stock option or an award of restricted stock (with such form of equity grant to be discussed with the Company in good faith prior to grant) with respect to a number of shares of common stock of Seaport which shall initially be equal to 7.5% of the Fully Diluted capitalization of Seaport (the “Initial Equity Grants”). The Initial Equity Grant (in whatever form of award) shall vest as to 1/18th of the shares on April 16, 2024 and as to the balance of the shares in equal monthly installments over the thirty-four (34) month period commencing April 16, 2024; provided that you continue to have a service relationship with the Company on such dates, subject to the Acceleration Terms (as defined below); and provided further that (i) 50% of the then unvested Initial Equity Grant shall accelerate and become fully vested upon the first closing of a Series B Preferred Stock financing where the Company receives gross proceeds of at least $98,000,000; and (ii) if accelerated vesting has already occurred pursuant to subsection (i) of this paragraph, then 50% of the remaining unvested Initial Equity Grant shall accelerate and become fully vested upon the closing of the initial public offering of the Company’s Common Stock (the “IPO”), provided further that in the case of (i) and (ii), you must continue to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Seaport at the time the event triggering such vesting acceleration occurs, and following such vesting acceleration events, the remaining unvested Initial Equity Grant shall continue to vest in |
- 2 -
| accordance with the existing vesting schedule (with the number of shares vesting on a vesting date being appropriately adjusted). On a percentage basis, the Company shall ensure, including without limitation through additional grants to you (either in the form of restricted stock or stock options, to be determined by you at the time of grant) as set forth below, that your stock ownership shall not be diluted below 7.5% on a Fully Diluted basis at any time up to and including closing of an IPO excluding any shares issued pursuant to any over-allotment option. Any stock options shall have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of Seaport’s common stock on the date of grant. All equity grants other than the Initial Shares shall be subject to the provisions set forth in the Plan and Seaport’s Form of Restricted Stock Agreement and/or Form of Stock Option Agreement, as applicable, all as approved by the Board (collectively the “Equity Documents”). |
ii) If at any time while you continue to be the Chief Executive Officer of Seaport up to and including closing of an IPO, excluding any shares issued pursuant to any over-allotment option, your Fully Diluted share ownership in Seaport is less than the threshold set forth in the preceding paragraph, Seaport will promptly grant to you an additional equity grant (each an “Additional Equity Grant”), with respect to a number of shares of Common Stock under the Plan such that your Fully Diluted share ownership shall be equal to the applicable threshold set forth above, and the Company agrees that it shall not terminate your employment as the Chief Executive Officer in order to avoid the requirement for any Additional Equity Grants hereunder. Each Additional Equity Grant shall vest, including any Acceleration Terms, on the same schedule as (and concurrently with) the Initial Equity Grant, provided that you continue to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Seaport on each such vesting date, subject to the Acceleration Terms herein. Each Additional Equity Grant shall have a purchase price/exercise price equal to the fair market value of Seaport’s common stock on the date of grant and shall be subject to the provisions set forth in the Equity Documents (subject to any modifications consistent with the terms of this Agreement and mutually acceptable to the Board and you).
For purposes of this Section 2:
(i) “Fully Diluted” share ownership shall mean the total number of shares of common stock of the Seaport counting not only shares that are currently issued or outstanding but also shares that could be claimed through the conversion of convertible preferred stock, convertible debt, or through the exercise of outstanding options and warrants and shall also include for this purpose any authorized but unissued shares under any equity plan of Seaport.
(ii) “Acceleration Terms” shall mean that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Equity Documents or otherwise, all of your outstanding equity grants (including the Initial Equity Grant and each Additional Equity Grant) that vest based solely on the passage of time shall accelerate and become fully vested upon either: (x) a Sale Event or (y) a termination of your employment by the Company without Cause or by you with Good Reason.
- 3 -
(iii) “Sale Event” means the consummation of (i) the dissolution or liquidation of Seaport, (ii) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Seaport on a consolidated basis to an unrelated person or entity, (iii) a merger, reorganization or consolidation pursuant to which the holders of Seaport’s outstanding voting power immediately prior to such transaction do not own a majority of the outstanding voting power of the surviving or resulting entity (or its ultimate parent, if applicable), (iv) the acquisition of all or a majority of the outstanding voting stock of Seaport in a single transaction or a series of related transactions by a party or group of parties, or (v) any other acquisition of the business of Seaport, as determined by the Board; provided, however, that Seaport’s initial public offering, any subsequent public offering or another capital raising event, or a merger effected solely to change Seaport’s domicile shall not constitute a “Sale Event”.
3. Expense Reimbursement. In accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures, you will be entitled to reimbursement of all reasonable and properly documented expenses incurred by you in the performance of your duties that are approved by Seaport. In addition, the Company agrees to pay or reimburse you for your reasonable legal fees in connection with the execution of this Agreement and related matters up to $10,000 in the aggregate.
4. Benefits. During your employment with the Company, you will be entitled to the benefits of such group medical, dental, disability and retirement benefits, if any, as the Company or its designee, which at the Start Date may be PureTech, shall make generally available from time to time to employees providing services to Seaport (the “Benefits”), provided you are eligible under (and subject to all provisions of) the plan documents governing those programs. The Benefits made available to you, and the rules, terms and conditions for participation in such benefit plans, may be changed at any time without advance notice.
5. Vacation. In addition to holidays on which the Company’s offices are closed, you will be entitled to twenty (20) days paid vacation or sick leave each calendar year during your employment, accruing ratably each month. A maximum of five (5) days of unused vacation may be carried forward from year to year; provided that in no event may any vacation days be carried forward for more than one year.
6. Termination of Employment.
A. Notice Upon Termination of Employment. You shall provide the Company with sixty (60) days prior written notice of any election by you to terminate your employment with the Company other in the case of a termination for Good Reason for which you shall be required to comply with the Good Reason Process as defined below. In the event your employment with the Company terminates for any reason, the Company shall reimburse you for any reimbursable expenses you incur through the date of termination, and provide you with all amounts, equity awards or benefits due to you through the date of termination under this Agreement or under applicable law, including any Base Salary or vacation days accrued but unpaid as of the date of termination. In addition, upon termination of your employment by the Company without Cause (as defined below) or by you with Good Reason, contingent upon your execution and delivery to the Company within sixty (60) days of such termination of a general release reasonably satisfactory to the Company releasing Seaport, its officers, agents, stockholders and any affiliates of Seaport from any and all liability for any matter other than your rights to indemnity as an officer or director of the Company or for payments, awards or benefits due to you under this Section 6, and such release becoming effective no later than seven days after your execution thereof, you shall receive the following severance payments and benefits:
- 4 -
(1). the Company shall continue to pay to you for a period of twelve (12) months (the “Severance Period”) your Base Salary then in effect consistent with the Company’s normal payroll schedule, with such first payment thereof payable on the first regular payroll date of the Company that is at least seven days after the effective date of your release (with such first installment including any installment payments that would have otherwise been made prior to such date).
(2). provided you are eligible for and timely elect to continue receiving group medical insurance pursuant to the “COBRA” law, the Company shall continue to pay the share of the premium for health coverage that is paid by the Company for active and similarly-situated employees who receive the same type of coverage until the earlier of (i) the last day of the Severance Period, or (ii) the date on which you become eligible for healthcare insurance with a subsequent employer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that it cannot pay such COBRA premiums without a substantial risk of violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company instead shall pay to you, on the first day of each calendar month, a fully taxable cash payment equal to the applicable COBRA premiums for that month (including premiums for you and your eligible dependents who have elected and remain enrolled in such COBRA coverage), subject to applicable tax withholdings, for the remainder of the Severance Period.
For purposes hereof, “Cause” shall mean the good faith determination of the Board that any one or more of the following events has occurred to or by you: (i) conviction of any felony, (ii) deliberate neglect of, willful misconduct in connection with the performance of, or refusal to perform duties reasonably assigned to you pursuant to the terms hereof after being notified of the conduct and having an opportunity to cure such conduct (if such conduct is curable), (iii) breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement or the Related Agreements (as defined below) after being notified of the breach and having an opportunity to cure such breach (if such breach is curable) or (iv) any fraudulent or grossly negligent conduct, any action in bad faith, or willful misconduct otherwise materially detrimental to the reputation, goodwill or best interests of Seaport.
For purposes hereof, “Good Reason” shall mean one of the following conditions after Good Reason Process (as defined below): (i) a breach of this Agreement by the Company in any material respect, (ii) a material adverse change in your title or responsibilities, including your removal from, or failure to be elected to, the Board, or (iii) a material reduction in your Base Salary or material reduction in bonus opportunity. “Good Reason Process” means that: (a) you have reasonably determined in good faith that a “Good Reason” condition has occurred, (b) within ninety (90) days of becoming aware of the first occurrence of such condition, you have notified the Company in writing of the first occurrence of the Good Reason condition and your right to terminate your employment for Good Reason if such condition is not cured, (c) you have cooperated in good faith with the Company’s efforts, for a period of thirty (30) days following such notice (the “Cure Period”), to remedy the condition (to the extent capable of being cured or remedied), (d) notwithstanding such efforts, the Good Reason condition continues to exist, and (e) you terminate your employment within sixty (60) days after the end of the Cure Period (or, if no Cure Period applies, the date on which you gave notice to the Company of the occurrence of such Good Reason) by providing written notice to the Company of the termination of your employment during such sixty (60) day period, which termination shall be effective upon the date specified in your notice of termination. If the Company cures the Good Reason condition during the Cure Period (if applicable), Good Reason shall be deemed not to have occurred.
- 5 -
B. In the event of your death or permanent disability (as defined below) while you are employed by the Company, your employment hereunder shall immediately and automatically terminate and the Company shall pay to you or your personal representative or designated beneficiary or, if no beneficiary has been designated by you, to your estate, any earned and unpaid Base Salary, pro-rated through the date of your death or permanent disability. For purposes of this Agreement, “permanent disability” shall mean your inability, due to physical or mental illness or disease, to perform the functions then performed by you for one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days, accompanied by the likelihood, in the opinion of a physician chosen by the Company and reasonably acceptable to you, that you will be unable to perform such functions within the reasonably foreseeable future; provided that the foregoing definition shall not include a disability for which the Company is required to provide reasonable accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act or other similar statute or regulation.
C. Section 280G. In connection with a Sale Event, Seaport agrees to give due consideration to obtaining such vote by disinterested shareholders (and/or members) as may be necessary such that Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the applicable IRS regulations thereunder, will not apply to any compensation, payment or distribution by the Seaport to you in connection with such Sale Event, and you agree to cooperate with Seaport in connection with any such shareholder vote.
D. Additional Severance Benefits. The Company agrees that in the event that it agrees in any employment agreement with any executive officer of the Company to provide severance or other benefits in connection with termination of employment that are more favorable to the executive officer than the severance and other benefits provided to you under this Section 6, it shall seek to amend this Agreement to provide you with such more favorable severance and other benefits.
Except as set forth in this Section 6, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as an agreement, either express or implied, to pay you any compensation or grant you any benefit beyond the end of your employment with the Company. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, upon termination of your employment with the Company for any reason, you shall be deemed to have resigned from all offices and directorships, if any, then held with the Company or any of its subsidiaries, as of the date of termination.
7. Related Agreements. As a condition to your employment with the Company, you are required to execute on the date hereof a Nonsolicitation Agreement and an Invention and Non-Disclosure Agreement (the “Related Agreements”).
8. Clawback. Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Agreement to the contrary, any incentive-based compensation, or any other compensation or benefits paid to you pursuant to this Agreement or any other agreement or arrangement with the Company which is required to be recovered under any applicable law, government regulation, stock exchange listing requirement or Company policy to which you are subject, will be subject to such deductions and clawback as may be required to be made pursuant to such law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement or Company policy.
- 6 -
9. Conflicts. You hereby represent that, except as disclosed to the Company prior to your Start Date, you are not subject to any agreement, understanding or other duty that would restrict or hinder the performance of your duties as an employee of the Company providing services to the Company, including, but not limited to any noncompetition, nonsolicitation of employee or nonsolicitation of customer agreement or understanding.
10. Section 409A Matters. It is intended that all of the severance benefits and other payments payable under this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, an exemption from the application of Section 409A of the Code and this Agreement will be construed to the greatest extent possible as consistent with such intent, and to the extent not so exempt, this Agreement (and any definitions hereunder) will be construed in a manner that complies with Section 409A of the Code. For purposes of Section 409A of the Code (including, without limitation, for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A 2(b)(2)(iii)), your right to receive any installment payments under this Agreement (whether severance payments, reimbursements or otherwise) shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each installment payment hereunder shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment. To the extent that any payments or benefits under this Agreement are “non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code and are payable upon your “termination of employment” such payments and benefits shall not be paid or commence to be paid until your “separation from service” (as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)) (“Separation from Service”). Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement, if you are deemed by the Company at the time of your Separation from Service to be a “specified employee” for purposes of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i), and if any of the payments upon Separation from Service set forth herein and/or under any other agreement with the Company are deemed to be “deferred compensation”, then to the extent delayed commencement of any portion of such payments is required in order to avoid a prohibited distribution under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) and the related adverse taxation under Section 409A, such payments shall not be provided to you prior to the earliest of (i) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of your Separation from Service with the Company, (ii) the date of your death or (iii) such earlier date as permitted under Section 409A without the imposition of adverse taxation. Upon the first business day following the expiration of such applicable Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) period, all payments deferred pursuant to this Section shall be paid in a lump sum to you, and any remaining payments due shall be paid as otherwise provided herein or in the applicable agreement. No interest shall be due on any amounts so deferred. To the extent that the payments or benefits under this Agreement are “non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code, if the period during which you may deliver the release referenced in Section 6.A., above spans two calendar years, the payment of your severance shall commence on the later of (a) the first day of the second calendar year, or (b) the first regularly-scheduled payroll date that is at least seven days after the Separation Agreement becomes effective.
11. Miscellaneous. This Agreement shall not be construed as an agreement, either expressed or implied, to employ you for any stated term, and shall in no way alter the at will nature of your employment, under which, subject to Section 6, both you and the Company remain free to terminate the employment relationship, with or without cause, at any time, with or without notice. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (without giving effect to any conflicts or choice of laws provisions thereof that would cause the application of the domestic substantive laws of any other jurisdiction). You and the Company
- 7 -
each hereby irrevocably waive any right to a trial by jury in any action, suit or other legal proceeding arising under or relating to any provision of this Agreement. The terms and conditions of your proposed employment with the Company in this Agreement supersede any and all prior written and verbal discussions concerning conditions of employment. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Any provision hereof requiring written consent, confirmation, or other similar communication may be satisfied through electronic communication, including the use of electronic signatures for execution of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of you and the Company and each of your and the Company’s respective successors and assigns, including any corporation with which or into which the Company may be merged or which may succeed to its assets or business; provided, however, that your obligations are personal and shall not be assigned by you.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
- 8 -
| Very truly yours, | ||||||||
| SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC. | ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED: | |||||||
| By: | /s/ Charles Sherwood | |||||||
| Name: | Charles Sherwood | Daphne Zohar | ||||||
| Title: | Board Member | |||||||
SIGNATURE PAGE TO OFFER LETTER
| Very truly yours, | ||||||||
| SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC. | ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED: | |||||||
| By: | /s/ Daphne Zohar | |||||||
| Name: | Charles Sherwood | Daphne Zohar | ||||||
| Title: | Board Member | |||||||
SIGNATURE PAGE TO OFFER LETTER
Schedule A
Board of Directors of BIO
Biotech Hangout Host/Founder
Exhibit 10.11
SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC.
6 Tide Street, Suite 400
Boston, Massachusetts 02210
April 29, 2024
Michael Chen
Dear Michael:
On behalf of Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. (“Seaport” or the “Company”), I am pleased to set forth the terms of your employment with the Company. Subject to your acceptance of this offer, this Agreement and your employment with the Company will commence on May 1, 2024, or such other date as the Company shall determine (the “Start Date”). It is understood that during the period commencing on the date hereof and continuing until the Start Date, you will provide services to Seaport as an employee of PureTech Management, Inc. (“PureTech”) under the transition services agreement to which the Company is a party with PureTech, and this offer is contingent on your remaining employed by PureTech on the date immediately preceding the Start Date.
1. Position. During your employment with the Company, you will serve as the Chief Scientific Officer of Seaport and report to the Chief Executive Officer of Seaport. You will be employed on an at-will basis, which means that you may resign and the Company may terminate your employment at any time for any reason or for no reason, subject to Section 6 below. You will commence employment in this capacity on the Start Date. You shall perform those duties generally required of persons in the position of Chief Scientific Officer as well as such other duties, not inconsistent with this letter agreement, as the Chief Executive Officer may from time to time reasonably direct. You agree to devote your entire business time, attention, skills and best efforts to the performance of your duties hereunder following the Start Date and agree that you will not, following the Start Date and for the duration of your employment hereunder, without the approval of the Chief Executive Officer, be employed by or otherwise engaged in any other business activity requiring any of your business time; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing (i) you may serve on the board of directors of up to one (1) for profit company that does not compete with Seaport, subject to the prior approval of the Chief Executive Officer, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, (ii) you may provide services to charitable, community or nonprofit organizations without approval of the Chief Executive Officer, and (iii) you may continue to perform the obligations and responsibilities in connection with those activities set forth in Schedule A hereto without further approval by the Chief Executive Officer; provided further that in all cases under clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) you do not compete with Seaport and such activities do not otherwise interfere with your performance of your duties hereunder or breach the terms of any agreement between you and Seaport. Your primary place of work shall be the Company’s headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts, but you are permitted to work some percentage of your time from your home office in the Boston, Massachusetts area as reasonably determined by the Chief Executive Officer. You may be required to travel as may be reasonably required in connection with the performance of your duties.
2. Compensation.
A. Salary. During your employment, the Company will pay you a base salary (the “Base Salary”) at the rate of $16,666.67 per regular semi-monthly pay period (annualized rate of $400,000 per year), payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Company and subject to applicable deductions and withholdings. This salary will be reviewed annually for merit increases as determined by the Board of Directors of Seaport (the “Board”) in its sole and absolute discretion. In addition, in recognition of your services to Seaport as an employee of PureTech from April 9, 2024 to the Start Date, the Company will pay you within thirty days of the Start Date a one-time payment of $5,225.60, subject to applicable deductions and withholdings.
B. Performance Bonus. Beginning with the 2024 calendar year and for each calendar year thereafter during which you are employed by the Company, you will be eligible to receive, in the sole discretion of the Board, an annual performance bonus based on your performance and Seaport’s performance against annually established goals and objectives (as determined by the Board or a committee thereof), with the bonus targeted at 35% of your Base Salary for achievement of “target” goals and objectives. For avoidance of doubt, you will be eligible to receive the full (i.e., not pro-rated) annual bonus amount for calendar year 2024. No annual bonus will be paid if, on or before the payment date, (i) you have given Seaport notice of your intention to terminate your employment with Seaport other than for Good Reason (as defined below) or (ii) you are no longer employed by the Company. Any performance bonus is entirely discretionary in nature. Any performance bonus with respect to a calendar year shall be paid between January 1 and March 15 of the immediately following calendar year.
C. Equity. Subject to Board approval, Seaport shall grant to you under the Company’s 2024 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) stock options to purchase a total of 1,258,222 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Options”). The Options shall vest and become exercisable as to 25% of the underlying shares on April 9, 2025 and with respect to the balance of the underlying shares in equal monthly installments over thirty six (36) months thereafter, shall have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of Seaport’s common stock on the date of grant as determined by the Board and shall be subject to the provisions set forth in the Plan and Seaport’s Form of Stock Option Agreement to which you will become a party.
3. Expense Reimbursement. In accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures, you will be entitled to reimbursement of all reasonable and properly documented expenses incurred by you in the performance of your duties that are approved by Seaport. The Company will reimburse you for up to $5,000 of reasonable legal fees incurred in the negotiation and drafting of this letter agreement following your submission of reasonable documentation evidencing such fees.
4. Benefits. During your employment with the Company, you will be entitled to the benefits of such group medical, dental, disability and retirement benefits, if any, as the Company or its designee, which at the Start Date may be PureTech, shall make generally available from time to time to similarly situated employees providing services to Seaport (the “Benefits”), provided you are eligible under (and subject to all provisions of) the plan documents governing those programs. The Benefits made available to you, and the rules, terms and conditions for participation in such benefit plans, may be changed at any time without advance notice in the discretion of the Company, subject to applicable law and only to the extent such changes are generally applicable to similarly situated employees.
- 2 -
5. Vacation. In addition to holidays on which the Company’s offices are closed, you will be entitled to twenty (20) days paid vacation or sick leave each calendar year during your employment, accruing ratably each month. For calendar year 2024, you will be deemed to have begun accruing vacation days on January 1, 2024. A maximum of five (5) days of unused vacation may be carried forward from year to year; provided that in no event may any vacation days be carried forward for more than one year.
6. Termination of Employment.
A. Notice Upon Termination of Employment; Final Pay. You shall provide the Company with sixty (60) days prior written notice of any election by you to terminate your employment with the Company other in the case of a termination for Good Reason for which you shall be required to comply with the Good Reason Process as defined below; provided, however, that the Company may, in its sole discretion, require that you cease reporting to and/or performing work, and/or may disable your access to any Company systems, during such notice period, in which case the Company will continue to pay your Base Salary and provide you with the Benefits as if you were actively employed during such notice period. In the event your employment with the Company terminates for any reason, the Company shall reimburse you for any reimbursable expenses you incur through the date of termination, and provide you with all amounts, equity awards or benefits due to you through the date of termination under this Agreement or under applicable law, including any Base Salary or vacation days accrued but unpaid as of the date of termination (the “Accrued Benefits”).
B. Severance Benefits Following a Non-Change in Control Qualifying Termination. In addition to the Accrued Benefits, if your employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined below) or by you with Good Reason (as defined below) (each, a “Qualifying Termination”) prior to, or more than twelve (12) months following, a Change in Control (as defined below), and contingent upon your execution and delivery to the Company within thirty (30) days of such termination (or such shorter period as may be directed by the Company) of a general release (the “Release”) reasonably satisfactory to the Company releasing Seaport, its officers, agents, stockholders and any affiliates of Seaport from any and all liability for any matter other than your rights to indemnity as an officer of the Company or the Accrued Benefits, and such Release becoming effective no later than seven days after your execution thereof (the “Release Condition”), you shall receive the following severance payments and benefits:
(i) the Company shall continue to pay to you for a period of six (6) months (the “Non-CIC Severance Period”) your Base Salary then in effect consistent with the Company’s normal payroll schedule, with such first payment thereof payable on the first regular payroll date of the Company that is at least seven days after the effective date of the Release (with such first installment including any installment payments that would have otherwise been made prior to such date).
- 3 -
(ii) provided you are eligible for and timely elect to continue receiving group medical insurance pursuant to the “COBRA” law, the Company shall continue to pay the share of the premium for health coverage that is paid by the Company for active and similarly-situated employees who receive the same type of coverage until the earlier of (i) the last day of the Non-CIC Severance Period, or (ii) the date on which you become eligible for healthcare insurance with a subsequent employer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that it cannot pay such COBRA premiums without a substantial risk of violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company instead shall pay to you, on the first day of each calendar month, a fully taxable cash payment equal to the applicable COBRA premiums for that month (including premiums for you and your eligible dependents who have elected and remain enrolled in such COBRA coverage), subject to applicable tax withholdings, for the remainder of the Non-CIC Severance Period.
(iii) if the Qualifying Termination precedes April 9, 2025, the vesting of the Options shall be accelerated such that as of the effective date of the Release you will vest in such number of shares that would have vested on April 9, 2025 had you remained employed by the Company on such date.
C. Severance Benefits Following a Change in Control Qualifying Termination. In addition to the Accrued Benefits, if a Qualifying Termination occurs on or within twelve (12) months following a Change in Control, and contingent upon your satisfaction of the Release Condition, you shall receive the following severance payments and benefits:
(i) the Company shall continue to pay to you, for a period of twelve (12) months (the “CIC Severance Period”), your Base Salary then in effect, consistent with the Company’s normal payroll schedule, with such first payment thereof payable on the first regular payroll date of the Company that is at least seven days after the effective date of the Release (with such first installment including any installment payments that would have otherwise been made prior to such date).
(ii) provided you are eligible for and timely elect to continue receiving group medical insurance pursuant to the “COBRA” law, the Company shall continue to pay the share of the premium for health coverage that is paid by the Company for active and similarly-situated employees who receive the same type of coverage until the earlier of (i) the last day of the CIC Severance Period, or (ii) the date on which you become eligible for healthcare insurance with a subsequent employer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that it cannot pay such COBRA premiums without a substantial risk of violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company instead shall pay to you, on the first day of each calendar month, a fully taxable cash payment equal to the applicable COBRA premiums for that month (including premiums for you and your eligible dependents who have elected and remain enrolled in such COBRA coverage), subject to applicable tax withholdings, for the remainder of the CIC Severance Period.
(iii) the vesting of the Options shall be accelerated, such that such Options shall vest in full and become fully exercisable or non-forfeitable as of the effective date of the Release.
D. Definitions.
For purposes hereof, “Cause” shall mean the good faith determination of the Board that any one or more of the following events has occurred to or by you: (i) conviction of any felony, (ii) deliberate neglect of, willful misconduct in connection with the performance of, or refusal to perform duties reasonably assigned to you pursuant to the terms hereof after being notified in writing of the conduct
- 4 -
and having thirty (30) days after your receipt of such written notice to cure such conduct (if such conduct is curable), (iii) breach of any of the provisions of this letter agreement in any material respect or of the Related Agreements (as defined below) after being notified in writing of the breach and having thirty (30) days after your receipt of such written notice to cure such breach (if such breach is curable) or (iv) any fraudulent or grossly negligent conduct, action in bad faith, or willful misconduct that is materially detrimental to the reputation, goodwill or best interests of Seaport.
For purposes hereof, “Good Reason” shall mean one of the following conditions after Good Reason Process (as defined below): (i) a breach of this letter agreement by the Company in any material respect, (ii) a material adverse change in your duties, authority and responsibilities, including but not limited to a material adverse change in your reporting relationships, (iii) a relocation of your principal place of employment that increases your one-way commute by more than thirty-five (35) miles; or (iv) a material reduction in your Base Salary or material reduction in bonus opportunity. “Good Reason Process” means that: (a) you have reasonably determined in good faith that a “Good Reason” condition has occurred, (b) within ninety (90) days of becoming aware of the first occurrence of such condition, you have notified the Company in writing of the first occurrence of the Good Reason condition and your right to terminate your employment for Good Reason if such condition is not cured, (c) you have cooperated in good faith with the Company’s efforts, for a period of thirty (30) days following such notice (the “Cure Period”), to remedy the condition (to the extent capable of being cured or remedied), (d) notwithstanding such efforts, the Good Reason condition continues to exist, and (e) you terminate your employment within sixty (60) days after the end of the Cure Period (or, if no Cure Period applies, the date on which you gave notice to the Company of the occurrence of such Good Reason) by providing written notice to the Company of the termination of your employment during such sixty (60) day period, which termination shall be effective upon the date specified in your notice of termination. If the Company cures the Good Reason condition during the Cure Period (if applicable), Good Reason shall be deemed not to have occurred.
For purposes hereof, “Change in Control” shall mean (i) the sale of all or substantially all of the outstanding shares of capital stock, assets or business of the Company, by merger, consolidation, sale of assets or otherwise (other than a merger or consolidation in which all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were beneficial owners of the Company’s voting securities immediately prior to such transaction beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% (determined on an as-converted basis) of the outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the resulting, surviving or acquiring corporation in such transaction); or (ii) any other transaction, including the sale by the Company of new shares of its capital stock or a transfer of existing shares of capital stock of the Company, the result of which is that a third party that is not an affiliate of the Company or its stockholders (or a group of third parties not affiliated with the Company or its stockholders) immediately prior to such transaction acquires or holds capital stock of the Company representing a majority of the Company’s outstanding voting power immediately following such transaction; provided, however that the issuance and sale of securities of the Company for bona fide financing purposes shall not constitute a Change in Control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Change in Control would give rise to a payment or settlement event hereunder that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation,” the transaction or event constituting the Change in Control must also constitute a “change in control event” (as defined in Treasury Regulation §1.409A-3(i)(5)) in order to give rise to such payment or settlement event, to the extent required by Section 409A.
- 5 -
E. Termination Due to Death or Disability. In the event of your death or permanent disability (as defined below) while you are employed by the Company, your employment hereunder shall immediately and automatically terminate and the Company shall provide to you or your personal representative or designated beneficiary or, if no beneficiary has been designated by you, to your estate, the Accrued Benefits. For purposes of this letter agreement, “permanent disability” shall mean your inability, due to physical or mental illness or disease, to perform the functions then performed by you for one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days, accompanied by the likelihood, in the opinion of a physician chosen by the Company and reasonably acceptable to you, that you will be unable to perform such functions within the reasonably foreseeable future; provided that the foregoing definition shall not include a disability for which the Company is required to provide reasonable accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act or other similar statute or regulation.
Except as set forth in this Section 6, nothing in this letter agreement shall be construed as an agreement, either express or implied, to pay you any compensation or grant you any benefit beyond the end of your employment with the Company. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, upon termination of your employment with the Company for any reason, you shall be deemed to have resigned from all offices and directorships, if any, then held with the Company or any of its subsidiaries, as of the date of termination.
7. Related Agreements. As a condition of your employment with the Company, you are required to execute on the date hereof a Nonsolicitation Agreement and an Invention and Non-Disclosure Agreement (the “Related Agreements”).
8. Clawback. Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Agreement to the contrary, any incentive-based compensation, or any other compensation or benefits paid to you pursuant to this letter agreement or any other agreement or arrangement with the Company which is required to be recovered under any applicable law, government regulation, stock exchange listing requirement or Company policy to which you are subject, will be subject to such deductions and clawback as may be required to be made pursuant to such law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement or Company policy.
9. Conflicts. You hereby represent that, except as disclosed to the Company prior to your Start Date, you are not subject to any agreement, understanding or other duty that would restrict or hinder the performance of your duties as an employee of the Company providing services to the Company, including, but not limited to any noncompetition, nonsolicitation of employee or nonsolicitation of customer agreement or understanding.
10. Section 409A Matters. It is intended that all of the severance benefits and other payments payable under this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, an exemption from the application of Section 409A of the Code and this Agreement will be construed to the greatest extent possible as consistent with such intent, and to the extent not so exempt, this Agreement (and any definitions hereunder) will be construed in a manner that complies with Section 409A of the Code. For purposes of Section 409A of the Code (including, without limitation, for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A 2(b)(2)(iii)), your right to receive any installment payments under this Agreement (whether severance payments, reimbursements or otherwise) shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each installment payment hereunder shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment. To the extent that any payments or benefits under this Agreement are
- 6 -
“non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code and are payable upon your “termination of employment” such payments and benefits shall not be paid or commence to be paid until your “separation from service” (as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)) (“Separation from Service”). Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement, if you are deemed by the Company at the time of your Separation from Service to be a “specified employee” for purposes of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i), and if any of the payments upon Separation from Service set forth herein and/or under any other agreement with the Company are deemed to be “deferred compensation”, then to the extent delayed commencement of any portion of such payments is required in order to avoid a prohibited distribution under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) and the related adverse taxation under Section 409A, such payments shall not be provided to you prior to the earliest of (i) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of your Separation from Service with the Company, (ii) the date of your death or (iii) such earlier date as permitted under Section 409A without the imposition of adverse taxation. Upon the first business day following the expiration of such applicable Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) period, all payments deferred pursuant to this Section shall be paid in a lump sum to you, and any remaining payments due shall be paid as otherwise provided herein or in the applicable agreement. No interest shall be due on any amounts so deferred. To the extent that the payments or benefits under this Agreement are “non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code, if the period during which you may deliver the release referenced in Section 6.A., above spans two calendar years, the payment of your severance shall commence on the later of (a) the first day of the second calendar year, or (b) the first regularly-scheduled payroll date that is at least seven days after the Separation Agreement becomes effective.
11. Indemnification. You will be indemnified by the Company as permitted by Delaware law and set forth in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and, as an officer of the Company, shall be covered in the same manner as the Company’s other officers under the Company’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurance as in effect from time to time.
12. Miscellaneous. This letter agreement shall not be construed as an agreement, either expressed or implied, to employ you for any stated term, and shall in no way alter the at will nature of your employment, under which, subject to Section 6, both you and the Company remain free to terminate the employment relationship, with or without Cause, at any time, with or without notice. This letter agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (without giving effect to any conflicts or choice of laws provisions thereof that would cause the application of the domestic substantive laws of any other jurisdiction). You and the Company each hereby irrevocably waive any right to a trial by jury in any action, suit or other legal proceeding arising under or relating to any provision of this letter agreement. The terms and conditions of your proposed employment with the Company in this letter agreement supersede any and all prior written and verbal discussions or agreements concerning conditions of employment. This letter agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Any provision hereof requiring written consent, confirmation, or other similar communication may be satisfied through electronic communication, including the use of electronic signatures for execution of this letter agreement.
- 7 -
| Very truly yours, |
||||||||
| SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC. | ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED: | |||||||
| By: |
/s/ Daphne Zohar | /s/ Michael Chen | ||||||
| Name: |
Daphne Zohar |
Michael Chen | ||||||
| Title: |
Chief Executive Officer |
|||||||
[Signature Page to Employment Agreement]
- 8 -
Schedule A
| | Independent consultation for academic researchers, including but not limited to review of manuscripts, peer review and journal editorial services, or participation on scientific committees for non-profit entities. |
- 9 -
Exhibit 10.12
SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC.
6 Tide Street, Suite 400
Boston, Massachusetts 02210
June 11, 2024
Antony Loebel
Dear Tony:
On behalf of Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. (“Seaport” or the “Company”), I am pleased to set forth the terms of your employment with the Company.
1. Position. During your employment with the Company, you will serve as Chief Medical Officer and President of Clinical Development of Seaport and report to the Chief Executive Officer of Seaport. You will be employed on an at-will basis, which means that you may resign and the Company may terminate your employment at any time for any reason or for no reason, subject to Section 6 below. You will commence employment in this capacity on July 18, 2024 (the “Start Date”). You agree to devote your entire business time, attention, skills and best efforts to the performance of your duties hereunder following the Start Date and agree that you will not, following the Start Date and for the duration of your employment hereunder, without the approval of the Chief Executive Officer, be employed by or otherwise engaged in any other business activity requiring any of your business time; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing (i) you may serve on the board of directors or in other advisory capacities for for-profit companies that do not compete with Seaport, subject to the prior approval of the Chief Executive Officer, (ii) you may provide services to charitable, community or nonprofit organizations without approval of the Chief Executive Officer, and (iii) you may continue to perform the obligations and responsibilities in connection with those activities set forth on Exhibit A hereto without further approval by the Chief Executive Officer; provided further that in all cases under clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) you do not compete with Seaport and such activities do not otherwise interfere with your performance of your duties hereunder or breach the terms of any agreement between you and Seaport. You will principally be working remotely, with travel to the Company’s headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts on an as needed basis as requested by the Company with a minimum expectation of eight (8) days per month. You may also be required to travel to other locations as may be reasonably required in connection with the performance of your duties.
2. Compensation.
A. Salary. During your employment, the Company will pay you a base salary (the “Base Salary”) at the rate of $18,750 per regular semi-monthly pay period (annualized rate of $450,000 per year), payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Company and subject to applicable deductions and withholdings. This salary will be reviewed annually for merit increases as determined by the Board of Directors of Seaport (the “Board”) in its sole and absolute discretion.
B. Performance Bonus. Beginning with the 2024 calendar year and for each calendar year thereafter during which you are employed by the Company, you will be eligible to receive, in the sole discretion of the Board, an annual performance bonus based on your performance and Seaport’s performance against annually established goals and objectives (as determined by the Board or a committee thereof), with the bonus targeted at 35% of your Base Salary (the “Target Bonus”) for achievement of “target” goals and objectives. Any bonus would be prorated for the 2024 calendar year based on the Start Date. Except as specified in Section 6, below, no annual bonus will be paid if, on or before the payment date, (i) you have given Seaport notice of your intention to terminate your employment with Seaport other than for Good Reason (as defined below) or (ii) you are no longer employed by the Company. Any performance bonus is entirely discretionary in nature.
C. Equity. Subject to Board approval, Seaport shall grant you under the Company’s 2024 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) stock options to purchase a total of 1,693,760 shares of the Company’s common stock, (the “Options”). The Options shall vest and become exercisable as to 25% of the underlying shares on the first anniversary of the Start Date (the “Cliff Vesting Date”) and with respect to the balance of the underlying shares in equal monthly installments over thirty six (36) months thereafter, shall have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of Seaport’s common stock on the date of grant as determined by the Board and shall be subject to the provisions set forth in the Plan and Seaport’s Form of Stock Option Agreement to which you will become a party. In addition, upon your request, the Company will add an “early exercise” provision to any options granted to you, so that you may exercise the options prior to vesting and receive stock subject to a restricted stock agreement providing the vesting schedule applicable to the options.
3. Expense Reimbursement. In accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures, you will be entitled to reimbursement of all reasonable and properly documented expenses incurred by you in the performance of your duties that are approved by Seaport. For the avoidance of doubt, the Company agrees that it will reimburse business-class or economy-class travel (e.g., plane or train) at your discretion. The Company shall reimburse you for your reasonable expenses associated with your travel to the Company’s offices, , in accordance with the policies and procedures then in effect and established by the Company for reimbursement of expenses. The Company will also reimburse you up to $5,000.00 in legal fees that you incur in connection with your review and negotiation of this offer letter and related agreements. Any reimbursement hereunder may be subject to applicable tax-related deductions and withholdings.
4. Benefits. During your employment with the Company, you will be entitled to the benefits of such group medical, dental, disability and retirement benefits, if any, as the Company or its designee, which at the Start Date may be PureTech Management, Inc., shall make generally available from time to time to employees providing services to Seaport (the “Benefits”), provided you are eligible under (and subject to all provisions of) the plan documents governing those programs. The Benefits made available to you, and the rules, terms and conditions for participation in such benefit plans, may be changed at any time without advance notice in the discretion of the Company.
5. Vacation. In addition to holidays on which the Company’s offices are closed, you will be entitled to twenty (20) days paid vacation or sick leave each calendar year during your employment, accruing ratably each month. A maximum of five (5) days of unused vacation may be carried forward from year to year; provided that in no event may any vacation days be carried forward for more than one year.
- 2 -
6. Termination of Employment.
A. Notice Upon Termination of Employment; Final Pay. You shall provide the Company with sixty (60) days prior written notice of any election by you to terminate your employment with the Company other than in the case of a termination for Good Reason for which you shall be required to comply with the Good Reason Process as defined below; provided, however, that the Company may, in its sole discretion, require that you cease reporting to and/or performing work, and/or may disable your access to any Company systems, during such notice period. In the event your employment with the Company terminates for any reason, the Company shall reimburse you for any reimbursable expenses you incur through the date of termination, and provide you with all amounts, equity awards and/or benefits due to you through the date of termination under this Agreement or under applicable law, including any Base Salary, approved but unpaid bonus pay, or vacation days accrued but unpaid as of the date of termination (the “Accrued Benefits”).
B. Severance Benefits Following a Non-Change in Control Qualifying Termination. In addition to the Accrued Benefits, if your employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined below) or by you with Good Reason (as defined below) (each, a “Qualifying Termination”) prior to, or more than twelve (12) months following, a Change in Control (as defined below), and contingent upon your execution and delivery to the Company within thirty (30) days of such termination a general release (the “Release”) reasonably satisfactory to the Company releasing Seaport, its officers, agents, stockholders and any affiliates of Seaport from any and all liability for any matter other than your rights to indemnity as an officer of the Company or the Accrued Benefits or other non-waivable rights, and such Release becoming effective no later than seven days after your execution thereof (the “Release Condition”), you shall receive the following severance payments and benefits:
(1). the Company shall continue to pay to you, for a period of (a) six (6) months (if such termination occurs on or prior to the first anniversary of the Start Date) and (b) twelve (12) months (if such termination occurs after the first anniversary of the Start Date) (such applicable period, the “Non-CIC Severance Period”), your Base Salary then in effect, consistent with the Company’s normal payroll schedule, with such first payment thereof payable on the first regular payroll date of the Company that is at least seven days after the effective date of the Release (with such first installment including any installment payments that would have otherwise been made prior to such date).
(2). provided you are eligible for and timely elect to continue receiving group medical insurance pursuant to the “COBRA” law, the Company shall continue to pay the share of the premium for health coverage that is paid by the Company for active and similarly-situated employees who receive the same type of coverage until the earlier of (i) the last day of the Non-CIC Severance Period, or (ii) the date on which you become eligible for substantially similar healthcare insurance benefits with a subsequent employer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that it cannot pay such COBRA premiums without a substantial risk of violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company instead shall pay to you, on the first day of each calendar month, a fully taxable cash payment equal to the applicable COBRA premiums for that month (including premiums for you and your eligible dependents who have elected and remain enrolled in such COBRA coverage), subject to applicable tax withholdings, for the remainder of the Non-CIC Severance Period.
- 3 -
(3). You will remain eligible to receive an annual performance bonus under Section 2(B) for the calendar year in which the Qualifying Termination occurs based on your performance and the Company’s performance against annually established goals and objectives, as determined in the manner set forth in Section 2(B) and pro rated based on the number of months you were employed by the Company during such year. Any such bonus would be paid to you in one lump sum at the time the annual performance bonus for such year is paid to the executives of the Company.
(4). If the Qualifying Termination occurs after the first anniversary of the Start Date and on or prior to the second anniversary of the Start Date, the vesting of the Options shall be accelerated such that as of the effective date of the Release you will vest in such number of shares that would have vested on the date six (6) months after the date of the Qualifying Termination had you remained employed by the Company on such date. If the Qualifying Termination occurs after the second anniversary of the Start Date, the vesting of the Options shall be accelerated such that as of the effective date of the Release you will vest in such number of shares that would have vested on the date nine (9) months after the date of the Qualifying Termination had you remained employed by the Company on such date.
C. Severance Benefits Following a Change in Control Qualifying Termination. In addition to the Accrued Benefits, if a Qualifying Termination occurs on or within twelve (12) months following, a Change in Control, and contingent upon your satisfaction of the Release Condition, you shall receive the following severance payments and benefits:
(1). the Company shall continue to pay to you, for a period of twelve (12) months (the “CIC Severance Period”), your Base Salary then in effect, consistent with the Company’s normal payroll schedule, with such first payment thereof payable on the first regular payroll date of the Company that is at least seven days after the effective date of the Release (with such first installment including any installment payments that would have otherwise been made prior to such date).
(2). provided you are eligible for and timely elect to continue receiving group medical insurance pursuant to the “COBRA” law, the Company shall continue to pay the share of the premium for health coverage that is paid by the Company for active and similarly-situated employees who receive the same type of coverage until the earlier of (i) the last day of the CIC Severance Period, or (ii) the date on which you become eligible for substantially similar healthcare insurance benefits with a subsequent employer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that it cannot pay such COBRA premiums without a substantial risk of violating applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company instead shall pay to you, on the first day of each calendar month, a fully taxable cash payment equal to the applicable COBRA premiums for that month (including premiums for you and your eligible dependents who have elected and remain enrolled in such COBRA coverage), subject to applicable tax withholdings, for the remainder of the CIC Severance Period.
(3). the Company will pay to you an amount equal to your Target Bonus for the calendar year in which the Qualifying Termination occurs. Such bonus would be paid to you in one lump sum on the first regular payroll date of the Company that is at least seven days after the effective date of the Release.
- 4 -
(4). the vesting of the Options shall be accelerated, such that all shares subject to such Options shall vest and become fully exercisable or non-forfeitable as of the effective date of the Release.
D. Definitions.
For purposes hereof, “Cause” shall mean the good faith determination of the Board that any one or more of the following events has occurred to you: (i) conviction of any felony, (ii) deliberate neglect of, willful misconduct in connection with the performance of, or refusal to perform duties reasonably assigned to you pursuant to the terms hereof, if, within thirty (30) days after being notified in writing by the Chief Executive Officer of the conduct constituting Cause under this clause, you fail to cure such conduct (if such conduct is curable), (iii) breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement or the Related Agreements (as defined below) if within thirty (30) days after being notified in writing by the Chief Executive Officer of the breach and such breach is not cured (if such breach is curable) or (iv) any fraudulent or grossly negligent conduct, any action in bad faith, or willful misconduct, excluding conduct subject to clause (ii), that is otherwise materially detrimental to the reputation, goodwill or best interests of the Company.
For purposes hereof, “Good Reason” shall mean one of the following conditions after Good Reason Process (as defined below): (i) a breach of this Agreement by the Company in any material respect, (ii) a material adverse change in your duties, authority, title or position or responsibilities, (iii) a material reduction in your Base Salary or material reduction in bonus opportunity, (iv) a change in your reporting relationship resulting in you no longer reporting directly to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer except with respect to a change in reporting relationship in connection with a Change in Control, or (v) a relocation of your principal place of employment that increases your one-way commute by more than thirty-five (35) miles. “Good Reason Process” means that: (a) you have reasonably determined in good faith that a “Good Reason” condition has occurred, (b) within ninety (90) days of becoming aware of the first occurrence of such condition, you have notified the Company in writing of the first occurrence of the Good Reason condition and your right to terminate your employment for Good Reason if such condition is not cured, (c) you have cooperated in good faith with the Company’s efforts, for a period of thirty (30) days following such notice (the “Cure Period”), to remedy the condition (to the extent capable of being cured or remedied), (d) notwithstanding such efforts, the Good Reason condition continues to exist, and (e) you terminate your employment within sixty (60) days after the end of the Cure Period (or, if no Cure Period applies, the date on which you gave notice to the Company of the occurrence of such Good Reason) by providing written notice to the Company of the termination of your employment during such sixty (60) day period, which termination shall be effective upon the date specified in your notice of termination. If the Company cures the Good Reason condition during the Cure Period (if applicable), Good Reason shall be deemed not to have occurred.
For purposes hereof, “Change in Control” shall mean the sale of all or substantially all of the outstanding shares of capital stock, assets or business of the Company, by merger, consolidation, sale of assets or otherwise (other than a merger or consolidation in which all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were beneficial owners of the Company’s voting securities immediately prior to such transaction beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% (determined on an as-converted basis) of the outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the resulting, surviving or acquiring corporation in such transaction); provided, however that the issuance and sale of securities of the Company for bona fide financing purposes shall not constitute a Change in Control and provided further that such event or occurrence constitutes a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company, or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company, as defined in Treasury Regulation Sections 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v), (vi) and (vii).
- 5 -
E. Termination Due to Death or Disability. In the event of your death or permanent disability (as defined below) while you are employed by the Company, your employment hereunder shall immediately and automatically terminate and the Company shall provide to you or your personal representative or designated beneficiary or, if no beneficiary has been designated by you, to your estate, the Accrued Benefits. For purposes of this Agreement, “permanent disability” shall mean your inability, due to physical or mental illness or disease, to perform the functions then performed by you for one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days, accompanied by the likelihood, in the opinion of a physician chosen by the Company and reasonably acceptable to you, that you will be unable to perform such functions within the reasonably foreseeable future; provided that the foregoing definition shall not include a disability for which the Company is required to provide reasonable accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act or other similar statute or regulation.
Except as set forth in this Section 6, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as an agreement, either express or implied, to pay you any compensation or grant you any benefit beyond the end of your employment with the Company. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, upon termination of your employment with the Company for any reason, you shall be deemed to have resigned from all offices and directorships, if any, then held with the Company or any of its subsidiaries, as of the date of termination.
7. Related Agreements. As a condition of your employment with the Company, you are required to execute on the date hereof a Nonsolicitation Agreement and an Invention and Non-Disclosure Agreement (the “Related Agreements”).
8. Clawback. Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Agreement to the contrary, any incentive-based compensation, or any other compensation or benefits paid to you pursuant to this Agreement or any other agreement or arrangement with the Company which is required to be recovered under any applicable law, government regulation, stock exchange listing requirement or Company policy to which you are subject, will be subject to such deductions and clawback as may be required to be made pursuant to such law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement or Company policy.
9. Conflicts. You hereby represent that, except as disclosed to the Company prior to your Start Date, you are not subject to any agreement, understanding or other duty that would restrict or hinder the performance of your duties as an employee of the Company providing services to the Company, including, but not limited to any noncompetition, nonsolicitation of employee or nonsolicitation of customer agreement or understanding.
- 6 -
10. Section 409A Matters. It is intended that all of the severance benefits and other payments payable under this Agreement satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, an exemption from the application of Section 409A of the Code and this Agreement will be construed to the greatest extent possible as consistent with such intent, and to the extent not so exempt, this Agreement (and any definitions hereunder) will be construed in a manner that complies with Section 409A of the Code. For purposes of Section 409A of the Code (including, without limitation, for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A 2(b)(2)(iii)), your right to receive any installment payments under this Agreement (whether severance payments, reimbursements or otherwise) shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments and, accordingly, each installment payment hereunder shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment. To the extent that any payments or benefits under this Agreement are “non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code and are payable upon your “termination of employment” such payments and benefits shall not be paid or commence to be paid until your “separation from service” (as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)) (“Separation from Service”). Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement, if you are deemed by the Company at the time of your Separation from Service to be a “specified employee” for purposes of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i), and if any of the payments upon Separation from Service set forth herein and/or under any other agreement with the Company are deemed to be “deferred compensation”, then to the extent delayed commencement of any portion of such payments is required in order to avoid a prohibited distribution under Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) and the related adverse taxation under Section 409A, such payments shall not be provided to you prior to the earliest of (i) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of your Separation from Service with the Company, (ii) the date of your death or (iii) such earlier date as permitted under Section 409A without the imposition of adverse taxation. Upon the first business day following the expiration of such applicable Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) period, all payments deferred pursuant to this Section shall be paid in a lump sum to you, and any remaining payments due shall be paid as otherwise provided herein or in the applicable agreement. No interest shall be due on any amounts so deferred. To the extent that the payments or benefits under this Agreement are “non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code, if the period during which you may deliver the release referenced in Section 6.A., above spans two calendar years, the payment of your severance shall commence on the later of (a) the first day of the second calendar year, or (b) the first regularly-scheduled payroll date that is at least seven days after the Separation Agreement becomes effective.
11. Indemnification. You will be indemnified by the Company as permitted by Delaware law and set forth in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and, as an officer of the Company, shall be covered in the same manner as the Company’s other officers under the Company’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurance as in effect from time to time.
12. Miscellaneous. This Agreement shall not be construed as an agreement, either expressed or implied, to employ you for any stated term, and shall in no way alter the at will nature of your employment, under which, subject to Section 6, both you and the Company remain free to terminate the employment relationship, with or without Cause, at any time, with or without notice. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (without giving effect to any conflicts or choice of laws provisions thereof that would cause the application of the domestic substantive laws of any other jurisdiction). You and the Company each hereby irrevocably waive any right to a trial by jury in any action, suit or other legal proceeding arising under or relating to any provision of this Agreement. The terms and conditions of your proposed employment with the Company in this Agreement supersede any and all prior written and verbal discussions or agreements concerning conditions of employment. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Any provision hereof requiring written consent, confirmation,
- 7 -
or other similar communication may be satisfied through electronic communication, including the use of electronic signatures for execution of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of you and the Company and each of your and the Company’s respective successors and assigns, including any corporation with which or into which the Company may be merged or which may succeed to its assets or business; provided, however, that your obligations are personal and shall not be assigned by you.
| Very truly yours, | ||||||||
| SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC. | ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED: | |||||||
| By: | /s/ Daphne Zohar | /s/ Antony Loebel | ||||||
| Name: Daphne Zohar | Antony Loebel | |||||||
| Title: Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||
- 8 -
Exhibit A – Engagements to For Profit Entities
| | Scientific Advisory Committee member to Marathon Asset Management (MAM) |
- 9 -
Exhibit 10.14
CERTAIN INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS EXHIBIT, MARKED BY [***], HAS
BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS EXHIBIT BECAUSE THE REGISTRANT HAS
DETERMINED THAT IT IS BOTH NOT MATERIAL AND IS THE TYPE THAT THE
REGISTRANT TREATS AS PRIVATE OR CONFIDENTIAL.
ASSET TRANSFER AGREEMENT
by and between
SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC., on the one hand,
and
PURETECH HEALTH LLC,
and
PURETECH LYT, INC., on the other hand
Dated as of April 8, 2024
Execution Version
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | ||||||
| ARTICLE I TRANSFER OF ASSETS | 1 | |||||
| 1.1 |
Transfer of Assets |
1 | ||||
| 1.2 |
Excluded Assets |
2 | ||||
| 1.3 |
Assumption of Liabilities |
3 | ||||
| 1.4 |
Retained Liabilities |
3 | ||||
| 1.5 |
Consideration |
3 | ||||
| 1.6 |
Closing; Closing Deliveries |
6 | ||||
| 1.7 |
Consents |
7 | ||||
| 1.8 |
Wrong Pockets |
7 | ||||
| ARTICLE II REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURETECH | 8 | |||||
| 2.1 |
Organization and Good Standing |
8 | ||||
| 2.2 |
Authority; No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents |
8 | ||||
| 2.3 |
Taxes |
9 | ||||
| 2.4 |
Intellectual Property |
10 | ||||
| 2.5 |
Contracts |
10 | ||||
| 2.6 |
Real Property |
11 | ||||
| 2.7 |
Environmental Matters |
11 | ||||
| 2.8 |
Litigation |
11 | ||||
| 2.9 |
Compliance With Laws |
11 | ||||
| 2.10 |
Affiliate Transactions |
11 | ||||
| 2.11 |
Suppliers |
12 | ||||
| 2.12 |
Brokers |
12 | ||||
| 2.13 |
Assets |
12 | ||||
| 2.14 |
Data Privacy and Security |
12 | ||||
| 2.15 |
No Other Representations or Warranties |
13 | ||||
| ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SEAPORT | 13 | |||||
| 3.1 |
Organization, Standing and Power |
13 | ||||
| 3.2 |
Authority; No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents |
13 | ||||
| 3.3 |
Brokers |
14 | ||||
| 3.4 |
Capitalization |
14 | ||||
| 3.5 |
Valid Issuance of Shares |
14 | ||||
| 3.6 |
Governmental Consents and Filings |
15 | ||||
| 3.7 |
Independent Investigation |
15 | ||||
| ARTICLE IV ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS | 15 | |||||
| 4.1 |
Access to Information |
15 | ||||
| 4.2 |
Further Assurances |
16 | ||||
| 4.3 |
Tax Matters |
16 | ||||
| 4.4 |
Ownership Transfer |
17 | ||||
| 4.5 |
[***] |
17 | ||||
| 4.6 |
PureTech License |
17 | ||||
| 4.7 |
Protection and Maintenance of Transferred Patents |
18 | ||||
| 4.8 |
Services Agreement |
18 | ||||
-i-
| ARTICLE V CONFIDENTIALITY | 18 | |||||
| 5.1 |
Confidentiality |
18 | ||||
| 5.2 |
Authorized Disclosure |
19 | ||||
| 5.3 |
Terms of this Agreement |
19 | ||||
| ARTICLE VI INDEMNIFICATION | 20 | |||||
| 6.1 |
Indemnification by PureTech |
20 | ||||
| 6.2 |
Indemnification by Seaport |
20 | ||||
| 6.3 |
Indemnification Claims |
21 | ||||
| 6.4 |
Survival |
22 | ||||
| 6.5 |
Limitations |
23 | ||||
| 6.6 |
Effect of Due Diligence |
23 | ||||
| 6.7 |
Indemnification Payments |
24 | ||||
| ARTICLE VII DEFINED TERMS; INTERPRETATION | 24 | |||||
| 7.1 |
Definitions |
24 | ||||
| 7.2 |
Interpretation |
36 | ||||
| ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS | 37 | |||||
| 8.1 |
Notices |
37 | ||||
| 8.2 |
Entire Agreement; Amendment |
38 | ||||
| 8.3 |
Third-Party Beneficiaries |
38 | ||||
| 8.4 |
Assignment |
38 | ||||
| 8.5 |
Severability |
39 | ||||
| 8.6 |
Counterparts and Signature |
39 | ||||
| 8.7 |
Governing Law |
39 | ||||
| 8.8 |
Remedies |
40 | ||||
| 8.9 |
Submission to Jurisdiction |
40 | ||||
| 8.10 |
Fees and Expenses |
40 | ||||
| 8.11 |
Disclosure Schedule |
40 | ||||
| 8.12 |
Waiver |
41 | ||||
-ii-
Execution Version
| Schedules: | ||
| Schedule 1.1(a) | Transferred Intellectual Property | |
| Schedule 1.1(b) | Transferred Contracts | |
| Schedule 1.1 (c) | Inventory | |
| Schedule 1.1(d) | Regulatory Applications | |
| Schedule 1.1(h) | Other Assets | |
| Schedule 1.2(j) | Excluded Assets | |
| Schedule 1.3 | Assumed Liabilities | |
| Schedule 1.6(b)(iii) | Required Consents | |
| Schedule 7.1 | Excluded Contracts | |
| Disclosure Schedule | ||
| Exhibits: | ||
| Exhibit A | Trademark Assignment | |
| Exhibit B | Patent Assignment | |
| Exhibit C | Services Agreement | |
| Exhibit D | PureTech Representation Letter | |
| Exhibit E | Form of PureTech License | |
TABLE OF DEFINED TERMS
| Terms |
Reference in Agreement | |
| Additional Transfer Documents | 1.6(b)(i)(D) | |
| Affiliate | 7.1 | |
| Agreement | Preamble | |
| Ancillary Agreements | 7.1 | |
| Assumed Liabilities | 1.3 | |
| Available | 7.1 | |
| Books and Records | 7.1 | |
| Business | Recitals | |
| Business Day | 7.1 | |
| Change | 7.1 | |
| Claim Notice | 7.1 | |
| Claimed Amount | 7.1 | |
| Closing | 7.1 | |
| Closing Date | 1.6(a) | |
| Code | 7.1 | |
| Common Stock | 3.4(a) | |
| Confidential Information | 7.1 | |
| Consideration | 1.5 | |
| Contract | 7.1 | |
| Controlled Affiliate | 7.1 | |
| Controlling Party | 7.1 | |
| Damages | 6.1 | |
| Data Security Incident | 7.1 | |
| Deferred Consent | 1.7 | |
| Deferred Item | 1.7 | |
| Disclosure Schedule | Article II | |
| Employment Claims | 7.1 | |
| Environmental Law | 7.1 | |
| Excluded Assets | 1.2 | |
| Excluded Contract | 7.1 | |
| Fundamental Reps | 6.4(a) | |
| GAAP | 7.1 | |
| Governmental Entity | 7.1 | |
| Hazardous Material | 7.1 | |
| Identified Product Concept | 4.7(a) | |
| Indebtedness | 7.1 | |
| Indemnified Party | 7.1 | |
| Indemnifying Party | 7.1 | |
| Information Privacy and Security Laws | 7.1 | |
| Insurance Policies | 7.1 | |
| Intellectual Property | 7.1 | |
| IRS | 7.1 | |
| Law or Laws | 7.1 |
TABLE OF DEFINED TERMS
(continued)
| Terms |
Reference in Agreement | |
| Legal Proceeding | 7.1 | |
| Liability | 7.1 | |
| Lien or Liens | 7.1 | |
| Major European Market | 7.1 | |
| Monash | 7.1 | |
| Monash License | 7.1 | |
| Net Income | 7.1 | |
| Net Sales | 7.1 | |
| New Seaport Employees | 7.1 | |
| Non-controlling Party | 7.1 | |
| Non-CNS Indications | 7.1 | |
| Order | 7.1 | |
| Ordinary Course of Business | 7.1 | |
| Organizational Documents | 7.1 | |
| Patent | 7.1 | |
| Party or Parties | Preamble | |
| Permits | 7.1 | |
| Person | 7.1 | |
| Personal Data | 7.1 | |
| Pre-Closing Tax Period | 4.4(a) | |
| Preferred Stock | 3.4(a) | |
| Processing or Processed | 7.1 | |
| Product | 7.1 | |
| Product Approval | 7.1 | |
| Product IND | 7.1 | |
| Product License Agreement | 7.1 | |
| Product Licensee | 7.1 | |
| PureTech | Preamble | |
| PureTech Benefit Arrangement | 7.1 | |
| PureTech Data | 7.1 | |
| PureTech Employee Liabilities | 7.1 | |
| PureTech Indemnified Party or Parties | 6.2 | |
| PureTech License | 4.7(a) | |
| PureTech License Request Notice | 4.7(a) | |
| PureTech Registrations | 2.4(b) | |
| PureTech’s Knowledge | 7.1 | |
| Regulatory Authority | 7.1 | |
| Regulatory Applications | 7.1 | |
| Regulatory Documentation | 7.1 | |
| Release | 7.1 | |
| Representatives | 7.1 | |
| Required Consents | 1.6(b)(iii) | |
| Retained Liabilities | 1.4 | |
| Retained Tax Liabilities | 7.1 |
TABLE OF DEFINED TERMS
(continued)
| Terms |
Reference in Agreement | |
| Royalty Term | 7.1 | |
| Seaport | Preamble | |
| Seaport Glyph Products | 7.1 | |
| Seaport Indemnified Party or Parties | 6.1 | |
| [***] | [***] | |
| Survival Date | 6.4 | |
| Tax Returns | 7.1 | |
| Taxes | 7.1 | |
| Territory | 7.1 | |
| Third Party | 7.1 | |
| Third Party Action | 7.1 | |
| Trademark Assignment | 1.6(b)(i)(A) | |
| Transaction Costs | 7.1 | |
| Transferred Assets | 1.1 | |
| Transferred Contracts | 1.1(a) | |
| Transferred Intellectual Property | 1.1(b) | |
| Valid Claim | 7.1 |
ASSET TRANSFER AGREEMENT
THIS ASSET TRANSFER AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of April 8, 2024, by and among SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Seaport”), on the one hand, and PURETECH HEALTH LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“PureTech Health”) and PURETECH LYT, INC. a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of PureTech Health (“PureTech LYT” and together with PureTech Health, “PureTech”), on the other hand. Seaport and PureTech are also referred to herein individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties”.
WHEREAS, PureTech desires to transfer and assign to Seaport, and Seaport desires to acquire from PureTech certain assets and rights of PureTech related to the Glyph Technology (as defined below), subject to the assumption by Seaport of certain liabilities, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth below, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
TRANSFER OF ASSETS
1.1 Transfer of Assets. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, at the Closing, PureTech shall contribute, convey, assign, transfer and deliver to Seaport, and Seaport shall acquire and accept from PureTech, all of PureTech’s right, title and interest in, to and under the Transferred Assets, free and clear of any Liens. The contribution, assignment, transfer and delivery of the Transferred Assets by PureTech to Seaport is not revocable by PureTech. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Transferred Assets” means all of the assets, rights and properties of PureTech existing as of the Closing related to the Glyph Technology or Products, including the following (but in each case excluding the Excluded Assets):
(a) all Intellectual Property that Covers, or that is necessary for the Utilization of, the Glyph Technology or Products, including the Transferred Patents set forth on Schedule 1.1(a) (collectively, the “Transferred Intellectual Property”);
(b) all rights under the Contracts set forth on Schedule 1.1(b) to which PureTech is party and that relate exclusively or primarily to the Glyph Technology or Products (the “Transferred Contracts”), including the Monash License but excluding any Excluded Contract (it being understood and agreed that, within [***] after the Closing Date, the Parties may, but shall not be obligated to, modify such Schedule 1.1(b) as mutually agreed in writing by the Parties to add to, delete from or modify the list of Contracts contained therein);
(c) the Products (and all rights thereto), including all Inventory, including the items set forth on Schedule 1.1(c);
(d) all Product INDs, if any, and any other Regulatory Applications, including the items set forth on Schedule 1.1(d);
(e) all Regulatory Documentation;
(f) all Books and Records relating to Glyph Technology or Products;
(g) supplier and distributor lists related to the Glyph Technology or Products;
(h) all equipment and other assets, rights and properties of PureTech listed on Schedule 1.1(h) (and all associated warranties and service contracts, if any); and
(i) all goodwill associated with the Transferred Assets.
1.2 Excluded Assets. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Transferred Assets shall not include any of the Excluded Assets. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Excluded Assets” means the following assets, rights and properties of PureTech:
(a) all cash, short-term investments, deposits, bank accounts, and other cash equivalents, in each case as of the Closing;
(b) notes and loans receivable that are payable to PureTech;
(c) the Organizational Documents, qualifications to conduct business as a foreign entity, arrangements with registered agents relating to foreign qualifications, taxpayer and other identification numbers, seals, minute books, stock transfer books and other documents relating to the organization and existence of PureTech;
(d) all Tax refunds and Tax deposits of PureTech attributable to any Pre-Closing Tax Period and all Tax books and records of PureTech and, for the avoidance of doubt, all tax attributes of PureTech including, without limitation, tax loss carryovers and tax credits;
(e) all rights of PureTech in and with respect to the assets associated with any PureTech Benefit Arrangement;
(f) any of the rights of PureTech under the Excluded Contracts;
(g) all personnel records;
(h) all Insurance Policies;
(i) all prepayments and prepaid expenses (including prepaid insurance premiums) under Contracts that are Excluded Contracts; and
(j) those assets listed on Schedule 1.2(j) (it being understood and agreed that, within [***] after the Closing Date, the Parties may, but shall not be obligated to, modify such Schedule 1.2(j) as mutually agreed in writing by the Parties to add to, delete from or modify the list of Excluded Assets contained therein).
2
1.3 Assumption of Liabilities. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, at the Closing, Seaport shall assume and agree to perform, pay, satisfy or discharge when due, the Assumed Liabilities. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Assumed Liabilities” means those Liabilities arising before the Closing set forth either on Schedule 1.3 or in the Services Agreement and any Liabilities arising on or after the Closing with respect to the Transferred Assets (including the Monash License), other than any Liability in respect of (a) any Liability that does not arise from or relate to the Transferred Assets, or (b) any breach or other violation of a Transferred Contract prior to the Closing.
1.4 Retained Liabilities. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Assumed Liabilities shall not include, and Seaport does not hereby and shall not assume or in any way undertake to perform, pay, satisfy or discharge, the Retained Liabilities, all of which shall be retained by and performed, paid, satisfied or discharged by PureTech as and when due. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Retained Liabilities” means all Liabilities other than the Assumed Liabilities, including all Transaction Costs, Indebtedness, Retained Tax Liabilities, and all pre-Closing PureTech Employee Liabilities (except as set forth in the Services Agreement) and all other Liabilities in respect of the Products arising prior to the Closing (except to the extent expressly set forth in Section 1.3).
1.5 Consideration. As consideration for the Transferred Assets, Seaport will provide PureTech the following to PureTech:
(a) Issuance at Closing. Seaport shall issue and deliver to PureTech LYT for the benefit of PureTech LYT and PureTech Health 40,000,000 shares of Seaport’s Series A-l Preferred Stock and 949,000 shares of Seaport’s Common Stock (the “Shares”).
(b) Post-Closing.
(i) Royalty Payments.
(A) Rate. During the Royalty Term for each Seaport Glyph Product, Seaport will make tiered royalty payments to PureTech in respect of Annual Net Sales, on a Product-by-Product basis, at the following royalty rates:
| Annual Net Sales of such Seaport Glyph Product any Calendar Year |
Royalty Rate | |||
| Portion of Annual Net Sales less than US $500 million |
3 | % | ||
| Portion of Annual Net Sales equal to or greater than US$500 million up to US $1 billion | 3.5 | % | ||
| Portion of Annual Net Sales equal to or greater than US$1 billion up to US $2.5 billion | 4 | % | ||
| Portion of Annual Net Sales equal to or greater than US$2.5 billion up to US $3.5 billion | 4.50 | % | ||
| Portion of Annual Net Sales equal to or greater than US $3.5 billion | 5 | % | ||
3
(B) Calculation; Reports; Payment. Royalties on Annual Net Sales of each Seaport Glyph Product in a Calendar Year during the Royalty Term will be paid at the rate applicable to the portion of Net Sales within each of the Annual Net Sales tiers during such Calendar Year. Each payment of royalties shall be accompanied by a statement of the amount of Net Sales invoiced during the applicable Calendar Quarter, containing reasonable detail on a Seaport Glyph Product-by-Seaport Glyph Product and country-by-country basis regarding the calculation of the royalties and the underlying sales data. Royalties will be paid to PureTech within [***] days after the end of the Calendar Quarter in which the corresponding Net Sales was received.
(ii) Net Income under Product License Agreements.
(A) CNS Products. If Seaport or any of its Controlled Affiliates receives Net Income from a Third Party under a Product License Agreement with respect to any Product directed primarily to CNS Indications (each, a “CNS Product”), or if Seaport or any of its Controlled Affiliates sells or spins out a Controlled Affiliate to a Third Party that has the right to receive Net Income under a Product License Agreement with respect to any CNS Product, then Seaport will pay (or cause to be paid by its Controlled Affiliate) to PureTech an amount equal to [***]. Amounts payable under this Section 1.5(b)(ii)(A) will be paid to PureTech at the same time as the corresponding payment is made to Monash or, if no such payment is due to Monash, within [***] days after receipt by Seaport or its Controlled Affiliates of such Net Income.
(B) Non-CNS Products. If Seaport or any of its Controlled Affiliates receives Net Income from a Third Party under a Product License Agreement with respect to any Product directed primarily to Non-CNS Indications (each, a “Non-CNS Product”), then Seaport will pay (or cause to be paid by its Controlled Affiliate) to PureTech an amount equal to [***] percent [***] of such Net Income. Amounts payable under this Section 1.5(b)(ii)(B) will be paid to PureTech at the same time as the required Net Income payment is made to Monash.
4
(iii) Milestone Payments. Seaport shall pay to PureTech the following one-time milestone payments upon the first achievement of the following milestones by the first Seaport Glyph Product to achieve such milestones:
| First Product Milestones |
||||
| First subject dosed in the first Phase III clinical trial: |
$ | 2,000,000 | ||
| First Commercial Sale in the United States: |
$ | 4,000,000 | ||
| First Commercial Sale in a Major European Market: |
$ | 2,000,000 | ||
| First Commercial Sale in Japan: |
$ | 2,000,000 | ||
Seaport shall pay to PureTech the following one-time milestone payments upon the first achievement of the following milestones by the second or any subsequent Seaport Glyph Product to achieve such milestones:
| Subsequent Product Milestones |
||||
| First subject dosed in the first Phase III clinical trial: |
$ | 1,000,000 | ||
| First Commercial Sale in the United States: |
$ | 2,000,000 | ||
| First Commercial Sale in a Major European Market: |
$ | 1,000,000 | ||
| First Commercial Sale in Japan: |
$ | 1,000,000 | ||
Seaport shall pay to PureTech any amounts due under this Section 1.5(b)(iii) on [***] basis, within [***] days after the end of each Calendar Quarter.
(iv) [***]
(c) Payments Generally.
(i) Method of Payment. All cash payments to PureTech under this Agreement shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds into an account designated by PureTech. Each cash payment should reference this Agreement and identify the obligation under this Agreement that the payment satisfies.
(ii) Payments in U.S, Dollars. All cash payments due under this Agreement shall be payable in United States dollars, without deduction, defense, offset or counterclaim for any reason. Conversion of foreign currency to U.S. dollars shall be made at the conversion rate existing in the United States (as reported in The Wall Street Journal) for the last working day of the applicable calendar quarter to which such payment relates. Such payments shall be without deduction of exchange, collection or other charges.
(iii) Late Payments. Any payments by Seaport that are not paid on or before the date such payments are due under this Agreement shall bear interest at [***] percent [***] per month or the maximum amount permitted by Law, whichever is less.
5
1.6 Closing; Closing Deliveries.
(a) Closing. The Closing shall take place on the date hereof (the “Closing Date”) remotely by electronic exchange of documents and signatures. The Closing shall be effective as of 12:00:01 a.m. Eastern Time on the Closing Date.
(b) Deliveries by PureTech. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions contained herein, at the Closing, PureTech shall deliver (or cause to be delivered) to Seaport (or one or more of its subsidiaries designated by Seaport) the following:
(i) Conveyance Documents.
(A) a Trademark Assignment in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Trademark Assignment”), duly executed by PureTech;
(B) a Patent Assignment in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Patent Assignment”), duly executed by PureTech;
(C) a Transition Services Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C (the “Services Agreement”), duly executed by PureTech;
(D) such other instruments of transfer, conveyance and assignment as Seaport may reasonably request in order to effect the sale, transfer, conveyance and assignment to Seaport of all right, title and interest in and to the Transferred Assets free and clear of all Liens (the “Additional Transfer Documents”), in each case duly executed by PureTech;
(ii) PureTech Representation Letter. A PureTech Representation Letter in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D. duly executed by PureTech Health and PureTech LYT;
(iii) Required Consents. Evidence that all the consents set forth in Schedule 1.6(b)(iii) (the “Required Consents”) have been obtained or made, as applicable;
(iv) IRS Form W-9. An IRS Form W-9 duly executed by PureTech (or PureTech’s owner, if PureTech is a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes) certifying that such PureTech is a U.S. person;
(v) Monash Consent. That certain Consent To Release Upon Assignment relating to the Monash License, duly executed by PureTech Health;
(vi) Books and Records. The Books and Records relating to Glyph Technology or Products [***]; and
(vii) Other Documents. All other consents, certificates, documents, instruments and other items required to be delivered by PureTech pursuant to the Ancillary Agreements or that are reasonably necessary to give effect to the transactions contemplated hereby or to vest in Seaport good and valid title in and to the Transferred Assets free and clear of all Liens.
6
(c) Deliveries by Seaport. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions contained herein, at the Closing, Seaport shall deliver to PureTech:
(i) Consideration. Seaport shall cause the Shares to be transferred into a brokerage account in accordance with the deposit account instructions provided by PureTech to Seaport prior to the Closing Date;
(ii) Services Agreement. The Services Agreement, duly executed by Seaport; and
(iii) Monash Consent. That certain Consent To Release Upon Assignment relating to the Monash License, duly executed by Seaport.
1.7 Consents. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, this Agreement shall not constitute an agreement to assign or transfer any contract, authorization, license or permit or any claim, right or benefit arising thereunder or resulting therefrom, if (x) an attempted assignment or transfer thereof, without the consent of a third party thereto or of the issuing Governmental Entity would constitute a breach thereof and (y) such consent is not obtained prior to the Closing (such contract, authorization, license or permit, claim, right or benefit, a “Deferred Item”). If an agreement to assign or transfer a Deferred Item, other than any Deferred Item that is the subject of a Required Consent (a “Deferred Consent”), is not obtained, or if an attempted assignment or transfer thereof would be ineffective or would affect the rights thereunder so that Seaport would not receive all such rights, then, in each such case, (i) the Deferred Item shall be withheld from sale pursuant to this Agreement, (ii) from and after the Closing, PureTech will use its Reasonable Commercial Efforts to obtain such consent as soon as practicable after the Closing, and (iii) until such Deferred Consent is obtained, PureTech shall provide to Seaport the benefits under such Deferred Item. In particular, in the event that any such Deferred Consent is not obtained prior to the Closing, then Seaport and PureTech shall enter into such arrangements (including subleasing or subcontracting if permitted) to provide to the Parties hereto substantially the same economic and operational equivalent of obtaining such Deferred Consent and assigning or transferring such contract, authorization, license or permit, including enforcement by PureTech for the benefit of Seaport of all claims or rights arising thereunder, and the performance by Seaport of the obligations thereunder.
1.8 Wrong Pockets.
(a) If, after the Closing, Seaport or any of its Controlled Affiliates possesses any Excluded Asset, Seaport shall, or shall cause its Controlled Affiliates to, transfer such asset to PureTech at no cost to PureTech.
(b) If, after the Closing, PureTech or any of its Controlled Affiliates possesses any Transferred Asset, PureTech shall, or shall cause their Controlled Affiliates to, transfer such asset to Seaport at no cost to Seaport.
7
ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURETECH
PureTech represents and warrants to Seaport that the statements contained in this Article II are true and correct as of the date of this Agreement, except as set forth in the disclosure schedule delivered by PureTech to Seaport and dated as of the date of this Agreement (the “Disclosure Schedule”).
2.1 Organization and Good Standing. PureTech Health is a limited liability company and PureTech LYT is a corporation, in each case duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. PureTech is duly qualified to conduct business and is in limited liability company or corporate and Tax good standing under the Laws of each jurisdiction in which the nature of PureTech’s businesses or the ownership or leasing of its properties requires such qualification or Tax good standing. PureTech has all requisite power and authority (corporate and other) to carry on the businesses in which it is engaged and to own and use the properties owned and used by it. PureTech has made available to Seaport complete and accurate copies of PureTech’s Organizational Documents. PureTech is not in default under or in violation of any provision of its Organizational Documents.
2.2 Authority; No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.
(a) PureTech has all requisite limited liability company or corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party and to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution and delivery by PureTech of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party and the performance by PureTech of this Agreement and the consummation by PureTech of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary limited liability company or corporate action on the part of PureTech. This Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party have been or will be as of the Closing Date duly and validly executed and delivered by PureTech and constitute or will constitute valid and binding obligations of PureTech, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.
(b) Neither the execution and delivery by PureTech of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement to which it is a party, nor the performance by PureTech of its obligations hereunder or thereunder, nor the consummation by PureTech of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, will (i) conflict with or violate any provision of the Organizational Documents of PureTech, each as amended or restated to date, (ii) require any notice to or filing with, or any permit, authorization, consent or approval of, any Governmental Entity, (iii) except as set forth in Section 2.2(b) of the Disclosure Schedule, conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute (with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default under, result in the acceleration of obligations under, create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate, modify or cancel, or require any notice, consent or waiver under, any contract, lease, sublease, license, sublicense, franchise, permit, indenture, agreement or mortgage for borrowed money, instrument of Indebtedness, Lien or other arrangement to which PureTech is a party or by which PureTech is bound or to which any of the
8
assets of PureTech are subject, (iv) result in the imposition of any Lien upon any assets of PureTech (including any Transferred Asset) or (v) violate any Order applicable to PureTech or any of its properties or assets, except in the case of the foregoing clauses (iii) or (iv) for such notices, consents and waivers that, if not obtained or made, and such conflicts, breaches, defaults, accelerations, terminations, modifications, cancellations, Liens and violations that, individually or in the aggregate, have not been and would not reasonably be expected to be material to PureTech, the Products or the Transferred Assets.
(c) No consent, approval, license, permit, Order or authorization of, or registration, declaration, notice or filing with, any Governmental Entity is required in connection with the execution and delivery by PureTech of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement to which PureTech is a party, or the consummation by PureTech of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement.
2.3 Taxes.
(a) PureTech has properly filed on a timely basis all material Tax Returns that it was required to file, and all such Tax Returns are true, correct and complete in all material respects and were prepared in compliance with all applicable Laws. PureTech has paid on a timely basis all Taxes that were due and payable, whether or not shown on any Tax Return.
(b) PureTech has duly withheld or collected all Taxes that PureTech is or was required by Law to withhold or collect and, to the extent required, has properly paid such Taxes to the appropriate Governmental Entity, and PureTech has complied with all information reporting and backup withholding requirements, including the maintenance of required records with respect thereto, in connection with amounts paid to PureTech employee, independent contractor, creditor, or other third party.
(c) No examination or audit or other action of or relating to any Tax Return of PureTech by any Governmental Entity is currently in progress or, to PureTech’s Knowledge, threatened or contemplated. No deficiencies for Taxes of PureTech have been claimed or proposed in writing or assessed by any Governmental Entity. PureTech has not been informed in writing by any jurisdiction in which PureTech did not file a Tax Return that the jurisdiction believes that PureTech was required to file any Tax Return that was not filed or is subject to Tax in such jurisdiction. PureTech has not (i) waived any statute of limitations with respect to Taxes or agreed to extend the period for assessment or collection of any Taxes, which waiver or extension is still in effect, (ii) requested any extension of time within which to file any Tax Return, which Tax Return has not yet been filed, or (iii) executed or filed any power of attorney with any taxing authority, which is still in effect.
(d) There are no Liens with respect to Taxes upon any of the Acquired Assets, other than with respect to Taxes not yet due and payable.
9
(e) None of the Acquired Assets are United States real property interests within the meaning of Section 897(c)( 1) of the Code.
(f) None of the Acquired Assets include an interest in any joint venture, partnership, or other arrangement that is treated as a partnership for federal income Tax purposes.
2.4 Intellectual Property.
(a) The Transferred Intellectual Property constitutes all Intellectual Property used by PureTech in, or developed by PureTech during, the conduct or operation of the Glyph Technology or Products, as currently conducted and operated, as conducted and operated since [***], and as currently planned by PureTech to be conducted and operated in the future. PureTech is the sole and exclusive owner or exclusive licensee of, and has good title to, all of the Transferred Intellectual Property, free and clear of all Liens, and PureTech has the right to transfer all right, title and interest in all Transferred Intellectual Property to Seaport.
(b) Except for the Monash License, no Intellectual Property used in or related to the Glyph Technology or Products is licensed by PureTech from any third party. PureTech has not licensed or granted any rights under or to the Transferred Intellectual Property to any third party in effect as of the date hereof. All registrations and applications for Transferred Intellectual Property (the “PureTech Registrations”) are listed on Section 2.4(b) of the Disclosure Schedule and all such PureTech Registrations have been duly filed or registered (as applicable) with the applicable Governmental Entity and properly maintained in all material respects, including the timely submission of all necessary filings and payment of fees in accordance with the legal and administrative requirements in the appropriate jurisdictions, and have not lapsed or expired. To PureTech’s Knowledge, all PureTech Registrations are valid and enforceable.
(c) PureTech has a policy that requires each Person employed or retained by PureTech as a consultant or independent contractor who contributed to the creation or development of any of the Transferred Intellectual Property to enter into a valid and enforceable written agreement covering confidentiality and assignment of inventions and pursuant to which the rights to such contributions are assigned to PureTech, and PureTech has secured such agreements, a form of which has been furnished to Seaport, and agrees to assign to Seaport the ownership of any Glyph IP under such agreements. No current or former employee, officer, director, stockholder, consultant or independent contractor of PureTech has any right, title, claim or interest in, to or under any Transferred Intellectual Property that has not been exclusively assigned and transferred to PureTech.
2.5 Contracts.
(a) Section 2.5(a) of the Disclosure Schedule lists each of the Contracts that relate to the Transferred Assets and to which PureTech or any Controlled Affiliate is a party.
10
(b) PureTech has delivered to Seaport a complete and accurate copies of each Transferred Contract (as amended to date). With respect to each Transferred Contract: (x) the Transferred Contract is legal, valid, binding and enforceable and in full force and effect against PureTech or any Controlled Affiliate that is the party thereto and, to PureTech’s Knowledge, against each other party thereto; (y) the Transferred Contract will continue to be legal, valid, binding and enforceable and in full force and effect against PureTech or any Controlled Affiliate that is the party thereto and, to PureTech’s Knowledge, against each other party thereto immediately following the Closing in accordance with the terms thereof as in effect immediately prior to the Closing; and (z) neither PureTech, any Controlled Affiliate nor, to the Knowledge of PureTech, any other party, is, in any material respect, in breach or violation of, or default under, any such Transferred Contract, and no event has occurred, is pending or, to the Knowledge of PureTech, is threatened, which, after the giving of notice, with lapse of time, or otherwise, would constitute any such breach or default by PureTech, any Controlled Affiliate or, to the Knowledge of PureTech, any other party under such Transferred Contract.
2.6 Real Property. None of the Transferred Assets include owned real property, leased real property, subleased real property or other real property occupancy agreement.
2.7 Environmental Matters. To PureTech’s Knowledge, PureTech and each Controlled Affiliate of PureTech is, and at all times has been, in substantial compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws relating to the Transferred Assets and the Products, which compliance includes obtaining, maintaining and complying with all permits, licenses, approvals, and authorizations required under Environmental Laws in connection with the Products. To PureTech’s Knowledge, none of PureTech or its Controlled Affiliate is subject to any Liability arising from the Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or any failure to comply with any Environmental Law relating to the Transferred Assets.
2.8 Litigation. There is no Legal Proceeding pending or, to PureTech’s Knowledge, threatened against PureTech or its Controlled Affiliates relating to the Transferred Assets. There are no judgments or outstanding Orders against or with respect to any of the Transferred Assets, the Products, PureTech or its Controlled Affiliates or any current or former officers, directors, employees, consultants, agents or stockholders of PureTech or its Controlled Affiliates (in their respective capacities as such). There is no Legal Proceeding initiated by PureTech or its Controlled Affiliates, or which PureTech or its Controlled Affiliates has commenced preparations to initiate, against any other Person relating to the Transferred Assets.
2.9 Compliance With Laws. To PureTech’s Knowledge, PureTech and each Controlled Affiliate of PureTech has been and is in compliance in all material respects, is not in material violation of and has not received any written notice alleging any material violation with respect to, any applicable Law with respect to the Products or the Transferred Assets.
2.10 Affiliate Transactions. No Affiliate of PureTech other than Seaport, directly or indirectly, (a) owns any property or right, tangible or intangible, which is used in the Products, (b) has any claim or cause of action against PureTech or any Controlled Affiliate relating to the Transferred Assets, or (c) is a party to any Contract relating to the Transferred Assets.
11
2.11 Suppliers. Section 2.11 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of [***]. No supplier set forth in Section 2.11 of the Disclosure Schedule has indicated in writing within the past year that it will stop, decrease the rate of, or modify in any material respect the pricing, terms or conditions with respect to, supplying materials, products or services, as applicable, to PureTech relating to the Products, other than any such modifications or adjustments set forth in the Contract relating thereto.
2.12 Brokers. No agent, broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other firm or Person is or shall be entitled, as a result of any action, agreement or commitment of PureTech or any of its Affiliates, to any broker’s, finder’s, financial advisor’s or other similar fee or commission in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
2.13 Assets. PureTech or its Controlled Affiliates, as applicable, are the sole, exclusive, true and lawful owners, licensees or lessees, as the case may be, of, and have good and marketable title to, or a valid and enforceable leasehold or license interest in or other legal, valid and enforceable right to use, all of the Transferred Assets, free of all Liens. Upon the Closing, Seaport will become the true and lawful owner, licensee or lessee, as the case may be, of, and will receive good and valid title to or a valid and enforceable leasehold or license interest in or other legal, valid and enforceable right to use, the Transferred Assets, free and clear of all Liens. No Transferred Asset is owned by any Person that is not PureTech or a Controlled Affiliate of PureTech.
2.14 Data Privacy and Security.
(a) To PureTech’s Knowledge, PureTech and its Controlled Affiliates have for the past two years complied in all material respects with all applicable Information Privacy and Security Laws, all of PureTech Privacy Policies, and all their contractual obligations to any Person regarding privacy data security, or the Processing of Personal Data.
(b) PureTech requires third parties that Process Personal Data on behalf of PureTech or its Controlled Affiliates to (i) comply with applicable Information Privacy and Security Laws; and (ii) take reasonable steps to protect and secure Personal Data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure or Processing.
(c) PureTech and its Controlled Affiliates have not received any notice in writing of any claims, audits, investigations (including investigations by regulatory authorities or any data protection authorities), or allegations of violations of Information Privacy and Security Laws by PureTech or any Controlled Affiliate of PureTech or with respect to Personal Data Processed by, or under the control of, PureTech or any Controlled Affiliate of PureTech, and, to PureTech’s Knowledge, there are no facts or circumstances that could form the basis for any such claims, audits, investigations, or allegations.
12
(d) To PureTech’s Knowledge, for the past two years, PureTech and its Controlled Affiliates and no third party acting on their behalf each have not suffered or incurred a Data Security Incident relating to the Transferred Assets that would result in a material adverse effect on PureTech or such Controlled Affiliates. For the past two years, PureTech and its Controlled Affiliates has not been notified of, or been required to notify, any Person of any Data Security Incident relating to the Transferred Assets.
2.15 No Other Representations or Warranties. Except for the representations and warranties contained in this Article II, neither PureTech nor any other Person has made or makes any other express or implied representation or warranty, whether written or oral, on behalf of PureTech, including any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information regarding the Transferred Assets furnished or made available to Seaport and its Representatives or as to the future revenue, profitability or success of the Transferred Assets, or any representation or warranty arising from statute or otherwise in law. Unless the subject of any express representation and warranty set forth in this Article II, the Transferred Assets are being assigned and transferred by PureTech to Seaport as is, where is, without representation, warranty or recourse to PureTech.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SEAPORT
Seaport represents and warrants to PureTech that the statements contained in this Article III are true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and will be true and correct as of the Closing as though made as of the Closing:
3.1 Organization, Standing and Power. Seaport is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. Seaport has all requisite power and authority (corporate and other) to carry on the businesses in which it is engaged and to own and use the properties owned and used by it.
3.2 Authority; No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.
(a) Seaport has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery by Seaport of this Agreement and the consummation by Seaport of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Seaport, This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Seaport and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Seaport, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.
(b) Neither the execution and delivery by Seaport of this Agreement, nor the performance by Seaport of its obligations hereunder, nor the consummation by Seaport of the transactions contemplated hereby, will (i) conflict with or violate any provision of the charter or By-laws of Seaport, (ii) require on the part of Seaport any filing with, or permit, authorization, consent or approval of, any Governmental Entity, (iii) conflict with, result in breach of, constitute (with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default under, result in the acceleration of obligations under, create in any party any right to accelerate, terminate, modify or cancel, or
13
require any notice, consent or waiver under, any contract, lease, sublease, license, sublicense, franchise, permit, indenture, agreement or mortgage for borrowed money, instrument of Indebtedness, Lien or other agreement to which Seaport is a party or by which it is bound or to which any of its assets are subject, or (iv) violate any Order applicable to Seaport or any of its properties or assets, except in the case of the foregoing clauses (iii) and (iv) for such notices, consents and waivers that, if not obtained or made, and such conflicts, breaches, defaults, accelerations, terminations, modifications, cancellations and violations that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the ability of Seaport to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(c) No consent, approval, license, permit, Order or authorization of, or registration, declaration, notice or filing with, any Governmental Entity is required by or with respect to Seaport in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Seaport or the consummation by Seaport of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
3.3 Brokers. No agent, broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other firm or Person is or shall be entitled, as a result of any action, agreement or commitment of Seaport or any of its Affiliates, to any broker’s, finder’s, financial advisor’s or other similar fee or commission in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
3.4 Capitalization.
(a) The authorized capital of Seaport consists, immediately prior to the Closing, of:
(i) [***] shares of common stock, [***] par value per share (the “Common Stock”), [***] shares of which are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Closing.
(ii) [***] shares of preferred stock, [***] par value per share (the “Preferred Stock”), of which [***] shares have been designated Series A-l Preferred Stock, none of which are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Closing. The rights, privileges and preferences of the Preferred Stock are as stated in the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Seaport and as provided by the Delaware General Corporation Law.
(iii) All of the outstanding shares of capital stock have been duly authorized, are fully paid and nonassessable and were issued in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws.
(b) Seaport has obtained valid waivers of any rights of all other Persons to purchase any of the Shares covered by this Agreement.
3.5 Valid Issuance of Shares. The Shares, when issued, sold and delivered in accordance with the terms and for the consideration set forth in this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free of restrictions on transfer other than restrictions on transfer under applicable state and federal securities laws and liens or encumbrances created by or imposed by PureTech. Subject to the filings described in Section 3.6 below, the Shares will be issued in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws.
14
3.6 Governmental Consents and Filings. No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, qualification, designation, declaration or filing with, any federal, state or local governmental authority is required on the part of Seaport in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except for filings pursuant to applicable securities laws, which have been made or will be made in a timely manner.
3.7 Independent Investigation. Seaport has conducted its own independent investigation, review and analysis of the business, results of operations, prospects, and condition (financial or otherwise) of the Transferred Assets and the Products, and acknowledges that it has been provided adequate access to the personnel, properties, assets, premises, books and records, and other documents and data of PureTech for such purpose. Seaport acknowledges and agrees that (a) in making its decision to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, Seaport has relied solely upon its own investigation and the express representations and warranties of PureTech set forth in Article II of this Agreement; and (b) neither Seaport nor any other Person has made any representation or warranty as to the Transferred Assets, the Products or this Agreement, except as expressly set forth in Article II of this Agreement.
ARTICLE IV
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
4.1 Access to Information. For [***] after Net Sales is invoiced or Net Income is received, Seaport shall keep complete and accurate records pertaining to the applicable revenue invoiced or received, in sufficient detail to permit PureTech to confirm the accuracy of all payments made hereunder. PureTech shall have the right to cause an independent, certified public accountant to audit such records to confirm Seaport’s payments pursuant to Section 1.5(b); provided, however, that such auditor shall execute a confidentiality agreement with Seaport in customary form and shall only disclose to PureTech whether Seaport paid PureTech the correct amounts pursuant to Section 1.5(b) during the audit period and if not, any information necessary to explain the source of the discrepancy . If such audit determines that Seaport paid PureTech less than the amount properly due and such determination is not subject to a good faith dispute, then Seaport shall promptly pay to PureTech an amount equal to such underpayment, and if the amount underpaid exceeds the lesser of [***] or [***] percent [***] of the amount actually due over the audited period, Seaport shall also reimburse PureTech for the reasonable costs of such audit (including the fees and expenses of the certified public accountant). In the event such audit determines that Seaport paid PureTech more than the amount properly due in respect of any quarter, then PureTech shall promptly issue a refund to Seaport of such overpayment. Such audits may be exercised [***] and [***] with respect each payment period, within [***] after the payment period to which such records relate, upon reasonable advance notice to Seaport and during normal business hours.
15
4.2 Further Assurances. Each of Seaport and PureTech shall use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to take all actions necessary or appropriate to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and cause the fulfillment at the earliest practicable date of all of the conditions to the other Party’s obligations to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the delivery of any and all documents, certificates and agreements. In case at any time after the Closing, any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, each of the Parties will cooperate with the other and take such further action (including the execution and delivery of such further instruments and documents) as any other Party reasonably may request.
4.3 Tax Matters.
(a) PureTech shall be responsible for and shall pay all Taxes of PureTech for all periods and all Taxes that relate to the Transferred Assets that were incurred in or are attributable to any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending on or before the Closing Date. PureTech shall prepare and file their Tax Returns for all periods and all Tax Returns that relate to the Transferred Assets for any Taxable periods ending on or before the Closing Date. Such returns will be prepared and filed in accordance with applicable Law and in a manner consistent with past practices.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements, all transfer, documentary, sales, use, stamp, registration and other such Taxes and fees (including any penalties and interest) incurred in connection with this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements shall be borne [***] percent [***] by PureTech and [***] percent [***] by Seaport. The Party required by Law shall file all necessary Tax Returns and other documentation with respect to all such transfer, documentary, sales, use, stamp, registration and other Taxes and fees, and, if required by applicable Law, the other Party will join in the execution of any such Tax Returns and other documentation.
(c) Any real property, personal property or similar Taxes applicable to the Transferred Assets for a taxable period that includes but does not end on the Closing Date shall be paid by Seaport or PureTech, as applicable, and such Taxes shall be apportioned between Seaport and PureTech based on the number of days in the portion of the taxable period that ends on the Closing Date (the “Pre-Closing Tax Period”) and the number of days in the entire taxable period. PureTech shall pay Seaport an amount equal to any such Taxes payable by Seaport which are attributable to the Pre-Closing Tax Period, and Seaport shall pay PureTech an amount equal to any such Taxes payable by PureTech which are not attributable to the Pre-Closing Tax Period. Such payments shall be made on or prior to the Closing Date or, if later, on the date such Taxes are due (or thereafter, promptly after request by Seaport or PureTech if such Taxes are not identified by Seaport or PureTech on or prior to the Closing Date).
(d) PureTech shall provide commercially reasonable cooperation with Seaport and make any filings reasonably and timely requested by Seaport to obtain any available Tax clearance certificates in connection with the transactions contemplated pursuant to this Agreement.
16
4.4 Ownership Transfer. Promptly following Closing, to the extent necessary to transfer ownership to Seaport of all Regulatory Applications filed with Regulatory Authorities, the Parties shall execute and deliver to such Regulatory Authorities such documents as shall be required to accomplish such transfer.
4.5 [***]
4.6 PureTech License.
(a) PureTech may from time to time request that Seaport grant it a license under the Glyph IP to Utilize products (excluding the Existing Products and any product within a Field Exception as defined under the Monash License so long as the Field Exception continues to be excluded from the Field as defined under the Monash License) directed to Non-CNS Indications by providing Seaport with written notice requesting such a license and identifying the specific products or product concepts (each, an “Identified Product Concept”) that PureTech desires to Utilize (such notice, a “PureTech License Request Notice”). If PureTech provides such notice to Seaport and the Identified Product Concept(s) are Available, the Parties will enter into a license agreement pursuant to which Seaport will grant PureTech rights under the Glyph IP to Utilize such Identified Product Concept(s) for Non-CNS Indications (each, a “PureTech License”). Each PureTech License will be substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E with changes only to conform the Licensed Products definition to the Identified Product Concept(s) unless the Parties otherwise mutually agree. For the avoidance of doubt, PureTech will not be required to make any payment to Seaport under any PureTech License, other than those payments required to be made to Monash under the Monash License with respect to the Licensed Products or Identified Product Concept under such PureTech License. For clarity, the payment obligations set forth in Section 1.5(b) will not apply to any product commercialized by or on behalf of PureTech, PureTech’s Affiliates (other than Seaport and Seaport’s Controlled Affiliates) or any sublicensee of PureTech or PureTech’s Affiliates (other than Seaport and Seaport’s Controlled Affiliates). [***].
(b) Upon PureTech’s request and subject to a technology transfer plan agreed to between the Parties, Seaport will use good faith efforts to provide PureTech with services as necessary to transfer any know-how within the Glyph IP or any material data and information within the Transferred Assets related to the licensed Glyph IP to the extent reasonably required to enable PureTech to develop the Identified Product Concepts. PureTech will reimburse Seaport for its costs of providing such technology transfer on a reasonable fee-for-services basis based on market FTE rates for the applicable categories of Seaport personnel.
(c) Upon PureTech’s request set forth in the PureTech License Request Notice, Seaport agrees to negotiate in good faith a license on commercially reasonable terms to any Intellectual Property other than the Glyph IP that: (i) is owned or controlled (with the ability to grant a license) by Seaport or any of its Controlled Affiliates; (ii) relates to the subject matter of the Glyph IP; and (iii) is necessary or reasonably useful for PureTech to Utilize the Identified Product Concept(s) for Non-CNS Indications.
17
(d) PureTech’s right to request a PureTech License pursuant to this Section 4.7 will terminate upon a Change of Control of Seaport.
4.7 Protection and Maintenance of Transferred Patents. After the Closing, Seaport will be solely responsible for all patent prosecution and maintenance activities with respect to the Transferred Patents, provided that, during the period in which PureTech’s right to request the PureTech License is in effect and continuing for any period in which any PureTech License is in effect: (i) Seaport will (a) provide PureTech with copies of all material filings and material formal correspondences relating to the Transferred Patents to and from the United States Patent and Trademark Office and any other patent office (including copies of each patent application, office action, response to office action, request for terminal disclaimer, and request for reissue or reexamination of any patent or patent application) at least [***] Business Days in advance of any material filing, (b) consider in good faith any input provided by PureTech regarding the prosecution and maintenance of the Transferred Patents, and (c) consult with PureTech prior to material decisions with respect to the prosecution and maintenance of the Transferred Patents; and (ii) to the extent that any Transferred Patents solely cover products subject to the PureTech License, the PureTech License will provide that PureTech will have the first right to prosecute and maintain such Transferred Patents. In addition, Seaport must obtain PureTech’s prior written consent to any decision regarding prosecution or enforcement of the Transferred Patents to the extent such decision would be reasonably likely to materially and adversely impact PureTech’s rights under this Agreement or any PureTech License. If PureTech does not respond to any materials provided by Seaport, any consent request, or any action or inaction suggested by Seaport with respect to prosecution and maintenance of the Transferred Patents within [***] Business Days, PureTech will be deemed not to have any comments regarding such information and materials and will be deemed to have provided consent to any such action or inaction.
4.8 Services Agreement. Pursuant to the Services Agreement, PureTech shall (and shall cause its Affiliates to, as applicable) provide services to Seaport and its Controlled Affiliates as set forth in the Services Agreement to transition the Transferred Assets to Seaport. All Intellectual Property to the extent directly related to the Glyph Technology invented, developed, generated, acquired or reduced to practice by or on behalf of PureTech as part of the services provided in connection with the Services Agreement will be owned by Seaport and shall constitute Glyph IP. PureTech agrees to assign to Seaport the ownership of any such Glyph IP invented, developed, generated, acquired or reduced to practice as part of the services provided in connection with the Services Agreement.
ARTICLE V
CONFIDENTIALITY
5.1 Confidentiality. Except to the extent expressly authorized by this Agreement or otherwise agreed in writing by the other Party, each Party agrees that it shall keep confidential and shall not publish or otherwise disclose and shall not use for any purpose other than as provided for in this Agreement any Confidential Information of the other Party unless such Party can demonstrate by competent proof that such Confidential Information:
(a) was already known to it or its Controlled Affiliate, other than under an obligation of confidentiality, at the time of disclosure by the other Party or its Controlled Affiliate;
18
(b) was generally available to the public or otherwise part of the public domain at the time of its disclosure to it or its Controlled Affiliate;
(c) became generally available to the public or otherwise part of the public domain after its disclosure and other than through any act or omission of it or its Controlled Affiliate in breach of this Agreement;
(d) was disclosed to it without any obligation of confidentiality by a Third Party who had a legal right to make such disclosure and who did not obtain such information directly or indirectly from the other Party or its Controlled Affiliate; or
(e) was independently discovered or developed by it or its Controlled Affiliate without access to or aid, application or use of Confidential Information, as evidenced by a contemporaneous writing.
5.2 Authorized Disclosure. A Party or its Controlled Affiliate may disclose Confidential Information of the other Party to the extent such disclosure is reasonably necessary to comply with applicable laws, governmental regulations or court orders. In the event such Party or its Controlled Affiliate is legally required to make a disclosure of Confidential Information, such Party shall give reasonable advance notice to the other Party of such required disclosure so that the other Party may seek a protective order or other measure preventing or limiting the required disclosure or if, as between the Parties, only the Party required to make such disclosure is permitted to seek such order or measure, so that the Party required to make such disclosure may reasonably consider doing so at the other Party’s request and expense.
5.3 Terms of this Agreement. The Parties agree that the material financial terms of this Agreement shall be considered confidential information of both Parties and that each Party shall keep such terms confidential unless otherwise agreed by the Parties; provided, however, that either Party may disclose such terms in confidence to any bona fide potential or actual investor, lender, acquiror, licensee and other financial or commercial partner solely for the purpose of evaluating or participating in a potential or actual investment, loan, acquisition, license or collaboration. The Parties will consult with one another and use reasonable efforts to agree on the provisions of this Agreement to be redacted in any filings required to be made by either Party with the Securities and Exchange Commission or as otherwise required by law, provided that each Party shall have the right to make any required disclosures as it deems necessary in order to comply with applicable laws and regulations, the rules of any stock exchange and other legal requirements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, PureTech shall have the right to disclose publicly the following terms: right to receive development and commercial milestones, sublicense income and tiered royalties in the range of 3-5% of Net Sales.
19
ARTICLE VI
INDEMNIFICATION
6.1 Indemnification by PureTech. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Article VI, PureTech covenants and agrees to defend, indemnify and hold Seaport and its Controlled Affiliates, and each of Seaport’s and its Controlled Affiliates’ respective Representatives (individually, a “Seaport Indemnified Party” and collectively, the “Seaport Indemnified Parties”) harmless against, and compensate and reimburse Seaport Indemnified Parties for, any and all losses, damages, Liabilities, fines, fees, penalties, interest, awards, judgments and claims of any kind, including attorneys’ and consultants’ fees and expenses and other legal costs and expenses incurred in prosecution, investigation, remediation, defense or settlement (collectively, “Damages”) incurred or suffered by any Seaport Indemnified Party (regardless of whether such Damages relate to any Third Party Action) resulting from, relating to or constituting:
(a) any breach of or inaccuracy in any representation or warranty of PureTech set forth in this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or any certificate delivered by or on behalf of PureTech in connection herewith, and any claim asserted by a third party against any Seaport Indemnified Party that, if meritorious, would constitute or give rise to any such breach;
(b) any failure to perform any covenant or agreement of PureTech contained in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement or other instrument furnished by PureTech to Seaport pursuant to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement;
(c) any Retained Liabilities; or
(d) other than any Assumed Liability, any Liability (including any Liability related to Taxes) imposed upon Seaport or any of its Controlled Affiliates by reason of its status as transferee of, or successor to, the Products or the Transferred Assets (including any Liability imposed upon Seaport or any of its Controlled Affiliates as a result of the failure by PureTech to comply with its obligations under any applicable bulk transfers Laws or Tax clearance certificate requirements under applicable state Tax law).
6.2 Indemnification by Seaport. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Article VI, from and after the Closing, Seaport shall defend, indemnify and hold PureTech and its Controlled Affiliates and each of PureTech’s and its Controlled Affiliates’ respective Representatives (individually, a “PureTech Indemnified Party” and collectively, the “PureTech Indemnified Parties”) harmless against, and compensate and reimburse PureTech Indemnified Parties for, any and all Damages incurred or suffered by any PureTech Indemnified Party (regardless of whether such Damages relate to any Third Party Action) resulting from, relating to or constituting:
(a) any breach of or inaccuracy in any representation or warranty of Seaport contained in this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or any certificate delivered by or on behalf of Seaport in connection herewith, and any claim asserted by a third party against any PureTech Indemnified Party that, if meritorious, would constitute or give rise to any such breach;
20
(b) any failure to perform any covenant or agreement of Seaport contained in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement or other instrument furnished by Seaport to PureTech pursuant to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement;
(c) any Liability resulting from Seaport’s failure to comply with the terms of the Monash License from and after the Closing; or
(d) any Assumed Liabilities.
6.3 Indemnification Claims.
(a) The Indemnified Party shall give written notification to the Indemnifying Party of the commencement of any Third Party Action. Such notification shall be given within 20 days after receipt by the Indemnified Party of notice of such Third Party Action, and shall describe in reasonable detail (to the extent then known by the Indemnified Party) the facts constituting the basis for such Third Party Action and the amount of the claimed damages. No delay or failure on the part of the Indemnified Party in so notifying the Indemnifying Party shall relieve the Indemnifying Party of any Liability hereunder except to the extent of the Indemnifying Party’s rights or defenses are prejudiced, or its Liability increased, as a result of such delay or failure. Following delivery of such notification, the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to assume control of the defense of such Third Party Action with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party; provided, that, if the Indemnifying Party does not promptly undertake and diligently pursue the defense, the Indemnified Party shall have the right to assume sole control thereof upon delivery of written notice to the Indemnifying Party. The Indemnified Party may, upon written notice to the Indemnifying Party, participate in the defense thereof, at its own expense, through its counsel, who shall be reasonably acceptable to the Indemnifying Party (which right of participation shall be in addition to the right of the Non-controlling Party to be advised and make recommendations set forth below). The Controlling Party shall keep the Non-controlling Party advised of the status of such Third Party Action and the defense thereof and shall consider in good faith recommendations made by the Non-controlling Party with respect thereto. The Non-controlling Party shall furnish the Controlling Party with such information as it may have with respect to such Third Party Action (including copies of any summons, complaint or other pleading which may have been served on such party and any written claim, demand, invoice, billing or other document evidencing or asserting the same) and shall otherwise cooperate with and assist the Controlling Party in the defense of such Third Party Action. The fees and expenses of counsel to the Indemnified Party with respect to a Third Party Action shall be considered Damages for purposes of this Agreement if (i) the Indemnified Party controls the defense of such Third Party Action pursuant to the terms of this Section 6.3(a) or (ii) the Indemnifying Party assumes control of such defense and the Indemnified Party reasonably concludes, based on independent legal
21
advice, that the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party have conflicting interests such that the Indemnifying Party would be prohibited under applicable legal ethics or disciplinary rules from representing the Indemnified Party in such Third Party Action. The Indemnifying Party shall not agree to any settlement of, or the entry of any judgment arising from, any Third Party Action without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; provided that the consent of the Indemnified Party shall not be required if the Indemnifying Party agrees in writing to pay any amounts payable pursuant to such settlement or judgment and such settlement or judgment includes a complete release of the Indemnified Party from further Liability and has no other adverse effect on Seaport Indemnified Party. The Indemnified Party shall not agree to any settlement of, or the entry of any judgment arising from, any such Third Party Action without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party.
(b) In order to seek indemnification under this Article VI. the Indemnified Party shall deliver a Claim Notice to the Indemnifying Party.
(c) Any dispute under this Article VI shall be resolved in accordance with Section 8.8.
6.4 Survival.
(a) Unless otherwise specified in this Section 6.4 or elsewhere in this Agreement, all provisions of this Agreement shall survive the Closing and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with their terms until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations; provided, however, that, except with respect to claims based on fraud, intentional misrepresentation or willful breach, (i) the representations and warranties set forth in Section 2.3 (Taxes) shall expire on the [***] day after the relevant statute of limitations relating to any breach of any such representation or warranty has expired, (ii) the representations and warranties set forth in Sections 2.1 (Organization and Good Standing), 2.2(a) (Authority), 2.2(b)(i) (No Conflict with Organizational Documents), 2.12 (Brokers), 3.1 (Organization, Standing and Power), 3.2(a) (Authority), 3.2(b)(i) (No Conflict with Organizational Documents), and 3.3 (Brokers) shall expire [***] years after the Closing Date (together, the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), the “Fundamental Reps”) and (iv) all other representations and warranties shall expire on the first (1st) anniversary of the Closing Date (the “General Expiration Date”).
(b) If Seaport delivers to PureTech, before expiration of a representation, warranty, covenant or agreement, either a Claim Notice or an Expected Claim Notice based upon a breach of such representation, warranty, covenant or agreement then the applicable representation, warranty, covenant or agreement shall survive until, but only for purposes of, the resolution of the matter covered by such notice. If the legal proceeding or written claim with respect to which an Expected Claim Notice has been given is definitively withdrawn or resolved in favor of Seaport, Seaport shall promptly so notify PureTech.
22
6.5 Limitations.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement or in any other agreement executed in connection herewith, with respect to claims arising under Section 6.1(a) or 6.2(a), the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable until all Damages suffered by the Indemnified Party equal [***] in the aggregate (at which point the Indemnifying Party shall become liable for Damages only in excess of that amount); provided that the limitations set forth in this Section 6.5(a) shall not apply to claims based on fraud, intentional misrepresentation or willful breach or the breach of or inaccuracy in any Fundamental Rep.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 6.1. except in the case of fraud, intentional misrepresentation, or willful breach, claims for which shall not be capped, the aggregate amount of Damages that may be recovered by Seaport Indemnified Parties under Section 6.1(a) or by PureTech Indemnified Parties under Section 6.2(a) shall be (i) [***] for breaches of or inaccuracies in any representations or warranties that are not Fundamental Reps, and [***] for breaches of or inaccuracies in Fundamental Reps.
(c) For the purposes of determining whether there has been a breach of any representation or warranty requiring PureTech or Seaport to indemnify as provided in Section 6.1 (a) or 6.2(a), respectively, and the amount of any Damages with respect thereto, the representations and warranties shall be deemed to have been made without any qualifications or limitations as to materiality or similar qualifiers.
(d) Nothing in this Agreement shall limit the Liability of any Person who perpetrated, participated in or had knowledge of fraud. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, none of the limitations set forth in this Article VI, whether time-based, monetary or otherwise, including the survival periods set forth in Section 6.4 and the limitations set forth in this Section 6.5, shall apply to claims for fraud.
(e) EXCEPT WITH RESPECT TO A BREACH OF ARTICLE V, OR A PARTY’S LIABILITY PURSUANT TO SECTION 6.1 OR SECTION 6.2 WITH RESPECT TO LIABILITIES FOR THIRD PARTY CLAIMS, NONE OF THE PARTIES WILL BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY OR PUNITIVE 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, EVEN IF SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR LOSS.
6.6 Effect of Due Diligence. The rights to indemnification set forth in this Article VI shall not be affected by any investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Party seeking indemnification or any knowledge acquired (or capable of being acquired) by such Party, whether before or after the date of this Agreement, with respect to the inaccuracy or noncompliance with any representation, warranty, covenant or obligation which is the subject of indemnification hereunder.
23
6.7 Indemnification Payments. All indemnification payments made hereunder shall be treated by all Parties as adjustments to the value of the issuance and payments, if any, made pursuant to Section 1.5 for Tax purposes unless otherwise required by Law.
ARTICLE VII
DEFINED TERMS; INTERPRETATION
7.1 Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth or as referenced below:
“Affiliate” means, with respect to a Person, any other Person who is an “affiliate” of that Person within the meaning of Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“Ancillary Agreements” means each the Patent Assignment, the Trademark Assignment, the Additional Transfer Documents and the Services Agreement.
“Annual Net Sales” means, with respect to any Seaport Glyph Product, the aggregate, worldwide Net Sales of such Seaport Glyph Product in a single Calendar Year.
“Available” means, with respect to any Identified Product Concept, that, as of the date of Seaport’s receipt of the applicable PureTech License Request Notice: (a) such Identified Product Concept is not subject to a license, collaboration or similar arrangement with an independent third party that includes contractual obligations (including an exclusive license, exclusive option, covenant not to sue or noncompete obligation) that will prevent Seaport from granting PureTech the PureTech License with respect to such Identified Product Concept; (b) Seaport is not then actively engaged in bona fide negotiations (as evidenced by a written term sheet that has been delivered by either Seaport or the third party to the other) regarding a potential license, collaboration or similar arrangement with an independent third party that will, if consummated, include contractual obligations (including an exclusive license, exclusive option, covenant not to sue or noncompete obligation) that will prevent Seaport from granting PureTech the PureTech License with respect to such Identified Product Concept; (c) the Identified Product Concept is not then the subject of a bona fide internal research and development program at Seaport that includes prodrug generation and/or preclinical or later stage studies then actively in progress with respect to a particular named product candidate, as evidenced by written records confirming such activities have been in progress for [***]; and (d) such Identified Product Concept has not been demonstrated (as demonstrated in peer reviewed scientific literature, unpublished data shared under confidentiality with Seaport, or pursuant to internal research by Seaport, Monash, or any of their Controlled Affiliates, in each case based upon a validated pre-clinical model or clinical evidence) or under experimental investigation at Seaport to be potentially useful as a therapeutic for any CNS Indication, with respect to experimental investigation at Seaport as evidenced by written records confirming such activities have been in progress for [***].
“Books and Records” means any and all business records, financial books and records, sales order files, purchase order files, warranty and repair files, supplier lists, customer lists, franchisee, representative and distributor lists, billing and route sheets, mailing lists, studies, surveys, analyses, strategies, plans, forms, designs, diagrams, drawings, specifications, technical data, production and quality control records and formulations, data, databases, user names, passwords, any information related to customers, suppliers, vendors, consultants, marketing channels, and business partners in any medium, but excluding personnel records.
24
“Business Day” means any day other than (a) a Saturday or Sunday or (b) a day on which banking institutions located in Boston, Massachusetts are permitted or required by Law, executive order or governmental decree to remain closed.
“Calendar Quarter” means a period of three (3) consecutive months ending on the last day of each March, June, September, or December, respectively, except that the first Calendar Quarter during the Term will begin on the Closing and end on the last day of the Calendar Quarter within which the Closing falls.
“Calendar Year” means each period of twelve (12) consecutive months beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31, except that the first Calendar Year starts on the Closing and ends on December 31, 2024.
“Change” means any change, event, circumstance or development.
“Change of Control” means, with respect to a Person, that a such Person sells, conveys, exclusively licenses or otherwise disposes of all or substantially all of its property or business or merges with or into or consolidates with any other corporation, limited liability company or other entity [***], or if any other transaction occurs which results in (assuming an immediate and maximum exercise/conversion of all derivative securities issued in the transaction) the stockholder(s) of such Person immediately prior to the transaction owning less than 50% of the voting stock of such Person immediately following the transaction; provided, however, that none of the following shall be considered a Change of Control: (a) a merger effected exclusively for the purpose of changing the domicile of a Person, (b) a transaction in which the stockholders of a Person immediately prior to the transaction own 50% or more of the voting stock or equity interests of the surviving corporation or entity (or, if the surviving corporation or entity is a wholly owned subsidiary, its parent) following the transaction (taking into account only stock of such Person held by such stockholders prior to the transaction), or (c) a financing transaction or series of financing transactions as a consequence of which investors acquire from a Person the equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities of such Person, regardless of whether the stockholders of such Person continue to own 50% or more of the voting stock of such Person immediately following the transaction.
[***]
“Claim Notice” means written notification which contains (a) a description of the Damages incurred or reasonably expected to be incurred by the Indemnified Party and the Claimed Amount of such Damages, to the extent then known, (b) a statement that the Indemnified Party is entitled to indemnification under Article VI for such Damages and a reasonable explanation of the basis therefor, and (c) a demand for payment in the amount of such Damages.
“Claimed Amount” means the amount of any Damages incurred or reasonably expected to be incurred by the Indemnified Party in connection with a claim for indemnification pursuant to Section 6.3.
25
“CNS Indication” means any disease, disorder, or condition primarily affecting or manifesting in the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nervous system (with the exception of and not including the enteric nervous system), including neurological, psychiatric, neuropsychiatric, pain, mental, and behavioral indications. Without limiting the foregoing, CNS Indications includes all indications within the ICD-10 code range of F01-F99 and G01-99. “CNS Symptoms” means a physiologically expressed symptom primarily manifesting in the brain, spinal cord or peripheral nervous system (with the exception of and not including the enteric nervous system) that is secondary to non-CNS Indications. CNS Indications shall include CNS Symptoms for the purposes of this Agreement. For clarity, indications that do not fall within the first sentence of this definition are not deemed to be CNS Indications by nature of the presence of CNS Symptoms.
“Closing” means the closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
“Combination Product” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Net Sales.”
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Confidential Information” means any and all Information that (a) is disclosed by one Party or its Affiliates to the other Party or its Affiliates under or in connection with this Agreement, whether in oral, written, graphic, or electronic form, and (b) concerns the Products, the Monash License (or the inventions disclosed or claimed therein), any Transferred Asset (including the Glyph Technology and the Monash License), which, in the case of the Confidential Information described in this subsection (b), will be deemed Seaport’s Confidential Information notwithstanding any prior access or knowledge by PureTech or any of its Controlled Affiliates, except that any such Confidential Information to the extent primarily relating to any Identified Product Concepts (and not any then-existing Products of Seaport) that is disclosed by PureTech to Seaport in furtherance of exercise of PureTech’s rights with respect to a PureTech License will be deemed PureTech’s Confidential Information notwithstanding any prior access or knowledge by Seaport or any of its Controlled Affiliates.
“Contract” means any written or oral agreement, contract, subcontract, settlement agreement, lease, sublease, binding understanding, instrument, note, option, bond, mortgage, indenture, trust document, loan or credit agreement, license, sublicense, insurance policy or legally binding commitment or undertaking of any nature, as in effect as of the date hereof or as may hereinafter be in effect.
“Controlled Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, Affiliates of such Person that are controlled by such Person. For purposes of this definition, the term “control” means as to such Person, direct or indirect ownership of (i) more than fifty percent (50%) in the aggregate of the voting power of all outstanding shares entitled to vote at a general election of directors of such Person, (ii) more than fifty percent (50%) of the equity interests in such Person, or (iii) more than fifty percent (50%) of the assets of such Person.
“Controlling Party” means the Party controlling the defense of any Third Party Action.
“Cover” means, with respect to a product or technology and any Intellectual Property, that, but for ownership of or a license under such Intellectual Property, the Utilization of such product or technology by a Person would infringe, violate or misappropriate such Intellectual Property (or, with respect to any claim included in any patent application, would infringe such claim if such patent application were to issue as a patent). “Covers” and “Covered by” have correlating meanings.
26
“Data Security Incident” means any actual, suspected, reported, or claimed breach of security of PureTech Data or any systems, databases, or other locations where PureTech Data is Processed regardless of whether such an incident triggers any notice or reporting obligations under applicable Information Privacy and Security Laws, including any’ actual, suspected, reported, or claimed (a) unauthorized access to, acquisition of, or Processing of PureTech Data; (b) unauthorized or accidental loss, alteration, disclosure, deletion or destruction of PureTech Data; (c) compromise, intrusion, interference with or unauthorized access to networks, systems, databases, servers, or electronic or other media of PureTech’s internal systems on which PureTech Data is Processed or from which PureTech Data may be accessed; or (d) other event that could compromise the privacy, confidentiality, or integrity of PureTech Data.
“Employment Claims” means any and all Legal Proceedings of any kind by any employee, former employee, contractor or former contractor of PureTech or any Controlled Affiliate or, with respect to New Seaport Employees, any Affiliate that in any way arise, in whole or in part, out of employment or a service-providing relationship with PureTech or any Controlled Affiliate or, with respect to New Seaport Employees, any Affiliate through the date hereof (or such later date of employment of the New Seaport Employees), including any termination of employment or a contractual relationship with PureTech or any Controlled Affiliate.
“Environmental Law” means any Law or Permit relating to the environment, occupational health and safety, or exposure of persons or property to Hazardous Materials, including any Law, administrative decision or order pertaining to: the presence of or the treatment, storage, disposal, generation, transportation, handling, distribution, manufacture, processing, use, import, export, labeling, recycling, registration, investigation or remediation of Hazardous Materials or documentation related to the foregoing; air, water and noise pollution; groundwater, sediment and soil contamination; the Release, threatened Release, or accidental Release into the environment, the workplace or other areas of Hazardous Materials, including emissions, discharges, injections, spills, escapes or dumping of Hazardous Materials; transfer of interests in, or control of, real property which may be contaminated; community or worker right- to-know disclosures with respect to Hazardous Materials; the protection of biota, wildlife, marine life and wetlands, and endangered and threatened species; storage tanks, vessels, containers, abandoned or discarded barrels and other closed receptacles; and health and safety of employees and other persons.
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
“ERISA Affiliate” means any entity which is, or at any applicable time was within the meaning of Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code, or Section 4001(a)( 14) or
(b)(1) of ERISA, or guidance thereunder, a member of (a) a controlled group of corporations, (b) a group of trades or businesses under common control, or (c) an affiliated service group), any of which includes or included PureTech or its Controlled Affiliate.
27
“Excluded Contract” means (i) this Agreement and each of the Ancillary Agreements, (ii) any Contract that is an Organizational Document of PureTech, (iii) any Contract that is an Excluded Asset, (iv) any PureTech Benefit Arrangement and (v) any Contract set forth on Schedule 7.1(a) (it being understood and agreed that, within [***] after the Closing Date, the Parties may, but shall not be obligated to, modify such Schedule 7.1(a) as mutually agreed in writing by the Parties to add to, delete from or modify the list of Contracts contained therein).
“Existing Product” means the following product candidates currently being developed by PureTech: (i) LYT-300: Allopregnanolone; (ii) LYT-310: a Cannabidiol; (iii) LYT-320: Agomelatine; (iv) LYT-348 [***].
“FDA” means the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, including all agencies under its control, and any successor agency thereto.
“First Commercial Sale” means, with respect to a Seaport Glyph Product in any country, the first sale of such Seaport Glyph Product to a Third Party (excluding Product Licensees and distributors) in such country for distribution, use or consumption after Product Approval has been obtained for such Seaport Glyph Product in such country. First Commercial Sale excludes sales for purposes of testing the Product in a clinical trial and any distribution or other sale at or below cost solely for patient assistance, named patient use, compassionate use, or test marketing programs or non-registrational studies or similar programs or studies. For clarity, First Commercial Sale shall be determined on a Product-by-Product and country-by-country (or region-by-region) basis, as applicable.
[***]
“GAAP” means United States generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied.
“Glyph IP” means any Intellectual Property (i) within the Transferred Assets or (ii) assigned to Seaport pursuant to the Services Agreement as described in Section 4.8.
“Glyph Technology” means all technology related to, and products resulting from, a technology platform designed and exemplified as a glyceride-containing prodrug. Without limiting the foregoing, the Glyph Technology includes (i) all Intellectual Property licensed under the Monash License, and (ii) all Intellectual Property invented, developed, generated, acquired or reduced to practice by or on behalf of PureTech or its Affiliates prior to the Effective Date in the exercise of its rights under the Monash License, including any improvements, modifications or derivates of the Intellectual Property licensed under the Monash License and all products arising out of the use of the Intellectual Property licensed under the Monash License.
“Governmental Entity” means any federal, state, local or foreign government or any court, arbitrational tribunal, administrative agency or commission or government authority acting under the authority of the federal or any state, local or foreign government.
28
“Hazardous Material” means any substance, waste or material that is subject to regulation under any Environmental Law, or has been designated or listed by any Governmental Entity or in or pursuant to any applicable Environmental Law to be radioactive, toxic, a pollutant or contaminant, hazardous or otherwise a danger to health or the environment, including PCBs, asbestos, oil, petroleum and petroleum products (including fractions thereof), urea-formaldehyde, radioactive materials, solid waste, special waste, PFAS (including PFOA and PFOS) and all substances listed as hazardous substances pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, or defined as a solid or hazardous waste pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, or regulated under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, or pursuant to analogous state Laws or regulations.
“Indebtedness” with respect to any Person means, as of any time of determination, without duplication, the aggregate amount of: (a) all indebtedness or other obligation for borrowed money, (b) all indebtedness evidenced by any note, bond, debenture, mortgage or other debt instrument or debt security or similar instrument, (c) all obligations with respect to leases that would be required to be capitalized or otherwise recorded as finance leases pursuant to GAAP, (d) amounts owing as deferred purchase price of property or services (other than trade payables and any accrued capital expenditures in the ordinary course of business), including, for the avoidance of doubt, any earnouts, seller notes, holdbacks or similar obligations related to past acquisitions, (e) obligations under any performance, surety or similar bond or any letter of credit, but in each case only to the extent drawn or called (and not paid in full or otherwise discharged) and excluding any obligations in respect of undrawn letters of credit, (f) all obligations arising from or under, or otherwise in respect of any unpaid commissions; (g) all obligations secured by (or for which the holder of such indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property associated with the Products; (h) all obligations under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property or assets associated with the Products; (i) all outstanding obligations to current and former equityholders in their capacity as such, including any unpaid dividends or distributions or any unpaid management or advisory fees under any management services or similar agreements with any Affiliate or holder of equity interests of PureTech that are associated with the Products; and (j) all obligations with respect to government assistance programs that are subject to clawbacks or other mandatory repayments (whether or not such terms are triggered prior to the date of determination); (k) with respect to any indebtedness of a type described in clauses (a) through (j) above of any Person that is guaranteed by PureTech or that is secured by any of the Transferred Assets; (1) for clauses (a) through (k) above, all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, and any fees, costs, expenses or other payment obligations associated with any required repayment of such indebtedness on the date hereof; provided, however, that Indebtedness shall not include any Retained Liability.
“Indemnified Party” mean a Seaport Indemnified Party or a PureTech Indemnified Party, as applicable, that is eligible for indemnification under the terms of Article VIII hereof.
“Indemnifying Party” mean Seaport or PureTech, as applicable, that is obligated to provide indemnification under the terms of Article VI hereof.
“Information” means any and all information, results and data whatsoever, in any tangible or intangible form, including without limitation, inventions, practices, methods, techniques, specifications, formulations, formulae, copyrights, software, knowledge, know-how, skill, experience, trade secrets, ideas, concepts, processes, protocols, materials, samples, analytical and quality control data, any other results of experimentation and testing, studies, procedures, drawings, and legal information and descriptions, and all intellectual property rights therein.
29
“Information Privacy and Security Laws” means: any and all applicable Laws concerning the Processing of Personal Data, including, to the extent applicable, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act, as applied or interpreted by the FTC; the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the FTC’s COPPA rule; the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and all applicable HIPAA rules and regulations; state data protection Laws, including Massachusetts 201 CMR 17.00: Standards for the Protection of Personal Information of Residents of the Commonwealth; state data breach notification Laws; state privacy and consumer protection Laws; and all other applicable privacy, data security, data protection, and consumer protection laws of any jurisdiction.
“Insurance Policies” means all insurance policies carried by PureTech or for the benefit of PureTech or the Products.
“Intellectual Property” means any and all intellectual property rights and other similar proprietary rights in any jurisdiction, whether registered or unregistered, whether owned or held for use under license, including all rights and interests pertaining to or deriving from (1) Patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, domain names, copyrights, designs and trade secrets, (2) applications for and registrations of such Patents, including reexaminations, extensions and counterparts claiming priority therefrom, inventions, invention disclosures, discoveries and improvements, whether or not patentable, trademarks, service marks, trade names, domain names, copyrights and designs, (3) proprietary or confidential processes, formulae, methods, schematics, technology, know-how and computer software programs and applications, including data files, source code, object code and software-related specifications and documentation, and (4) other tangible or intangible proprietary or confidential information and materials, including proprietary databases and data compilations, in each case, including any registrations of, applications to register, and renewals and extensions of, any of the foregoing with or by any Governmental Entity in any jurisdiction.
“IRS” means the Internal Revenue Service.
“Inventory” means: (a) the entire inventory of Products and the drug substances or active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for Products, including any non-GMP and GMP materials used in the manufacture of Products; and (b) any reagents, cell lines, biological or chemical materials, samples or other materials used exclusively or primarily in research or development of Products; in each case ((a) and (b)) that is owned or held for use by PureTech or any of its Affiliates.
“Law” means any United States federal, state or local or foreign law, common law, statute, standard, ordinance, code, rule, regulation, resolution or promulgation, or any decree, order, injunction, rule, judgment, consent of or by any Governmental Entity, or any Permit or similar right granted under any of the foregoing, or any similar provision having the force or effect of law.
“Legal Proceeding” means any action, suit, proceeding (including administrative proceeding), claim, complaint, hearing, information request, notice of violation, arbitration, inquiry or investigation of or before any Governmental Entity or before any arbitrator.
30
“Liability” means any debt, loss, damage, adverse claim, fine, fee, penalty, Tax, expense, liability or obligation of any kind, whether direct or indirect, known or unknown, asserted or unasserted, accrued or unaccrued, absolute, contingent, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, disputed or undisputed, due or to become due and whether in contract, tort, strict liability or otherwise, and including all costs and expenses relating thereto including all fees, disbursements and expenses of legal counsel, experts, engineers and consultants and costs of investigation.
“Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, charge or other lien (whether arising by contract or by operation of Law), other than (a) mechanic’s, material men’s and similar liens for amounts not yet due and payable arising in the Ordinary Course of Business of the applicable PureTech and not material to PureTech. the Products or the Acquired Assets and (b) liens for Taxes, assessments or other governmental charges not yet due and payable or not yet delinquent (or which may be paid without interest or penalties) and for which adequate reserves have been established.
“Major European Market” means France, Germany, Italy, Spain or the United Kingdom.
“Monash” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Monash License.”
“Monash License” means that certain License Agreement between Monash University, ABN 12 377 614 012, a body politic and corporate constituted in accordance with the Monash University Act 2009 of Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, Australia 3800 (“Monash”) and PureTech, dated August 1, 2017, as amended.
“Net Income” means [***]
“Net Sales” means [***]
“New Seaport Employees” means the employees of PureTech and its Controlled Affiliates that leave employment with those employers directly to become employees of Seaport and its Controlled Affiliates.
“Non-controlling Party” means the Party not controlling the defense of any Third Party Action.
“Non-CNS Indication” means any indication that is not a CNS Indication.
“Order” means any judicial, administrative or arbitral order, award, decree, injunction, lawsuit, proceeding or stipulation.
“Ordinary Course of Business” means the ordinary course of business consistent with past custom and practice (including with respect to frequency and amount).
“Organizational Documents” means with respect to a corporation, the certificate of incorporation or articles of incorporation and bylaws of such corporation; with respect to a general partnership, the partnership agreement establishing such partnership; with respect to a limited liability company, the articles of organization and the operating agreement of such company, with respect to a joint venture, the joint venture agreement establishing such joint venture; with respect to a limited partnership, the limited partnership agreement and certificate of limited partnership for such entity; with respect to a trust, the instrument establishing such trust; and with respect to any other entity, any charter document or other document executed, adopted, approved, ratified or filed in connection with the formation, creation, constitution or organization of such entity.
31
“Patent” means: (i) any patent, patent application or utility models (including any provisional application, priority application, or international applications) in any country or multinational jurisdiction (including any converted application, continuation, continuation-in- part, continued prosecution application or divisional of any such application, any reissue, renewal, extension, registration, confirmation, revalidation, restoration, substitution, reexamination, supplementary protection certificate, pediatric exclusivity period or the like of any such patent); (ii) any foreign equivalent of any patent or patent application described in clause (i); and (iii) all rights of priority in any of the foregoing.
“Permit” means any federal, state or local, domestic or foreign governmental consent, approval, order, authorization, permit, concession, registration, franchise, license or similar right.
“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, firm, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, Governmental Entity or other entity.
“Personal Data” means any data or information in any media that relates to an identified or identifiable specific individual, browser, computer or other device, and any other data or information that constitutes personal data, personal information, or personally identifiable information under any applicable Law, including the Information Privacy and Security Laws, and includes a natural person’s first and last name, home or other physical address, telephone number, e-mail address, username and password, photograph, video or audio file that contains a person’s image or voice, Social Security number, driver’s license number, passport number or other government-issued identification number, biometric information, credit or debit card or other financial information, or customer or account number, IP address, cookie information, identification number, location data that relates to an identifiable person, browser, computer or device, and is capable of determining with reasonable specificity the actual physical location of such person, browser, computer or device, an online or other persistent identifier, or one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of an individual but only to the extent that any of the foregoing relates to an identified or identifiable specific individual or device.
“Processing” or “Processed” means any operation or set of operations or set of operations that is performed upon data or information, whether or not by automatic means, such as collection, recording, organization, structuring, storage, access, acquisition, creation, derivation, recordation, organization, storage, adaptation or alteration, correction, retrieval, maintenance, consultation, use, disclosure, dissemination, transmission, transfer, or otherwise making available, alignment, combination, blocking, storage, restriction, retention, deleting, erasure, or destruction.
“Product” means: (a) the Existing Products; and (b) any other pharmaceutical product or product candidate that incorporates or utilizes, or is derived from, Glyph Technology.
32
“Product Approval” means, as applicable, on a jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis, with respect to a given Product, any and all approvals, licenses, registrations or authorizations of the applicable Regulatory Authority necessary for the development, manufacture, packaging, labeling, storage, import, export, marketing, distribution, sale, use or intended use of such Product and reimbursement, if applicable, in and for the relevant jurisdiction, including any Regulatory Application.
“Product IND” means any IND(s) for any Product(s), together with all amendments, modifications, supplements and updates thereto.
“Product License Agreement” means any agreement pursuant to which Seaport or any of its Controlled Affiliates grants a Third Party (each, a “Product Licensee”) a license (or similar rights) under the Glyph IP to develop and/or commercialize any Product in any country in the Territory, including a license or agreement granting marketing and/or distribution rights with respect to Products to such Third Party; but excluding (i) any agreement pursuant to which Seaport or any of its Controlled Affiliates grants rights to a Third Party to perform development or commercialization activities on behalf of Seaport or its Controlled Affiliates where such persons are compensated at market rates for services rendered, and (ii) any agreement that is entered into as part of, or otherwise results in, a Change of Control.
“Product Licensee” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Product License Agreement.”
“PureTech Benefit Arrangement” means any (a) “employee benefit plans,” as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, together with plans or arrangements that would be so defined if they were not (i) otherwise exempt from ERISA by Section 3(3) of ERISA or another Section of ERISA or (ii) individually negotiated or applicable only to one individual and (b) any other written or oral benefit arrangement or obligation to provide benefits or compensation for services rendered, in each case within this sentence in respect of any employees, independent contractors, directors, officers or stockholders of PureTech or any Controlled Affiliate, which is sponsored or maintained by PureTech or any Controlled Affiliate or with respect to which PureTech or any Controlled Affiliate has made or is required to make payments, transfers or contributions or has or may have any Liability, directly or through its ERISA Affiliates.
“PureTech Data” means all data and information stored or Processed by or on behalf of PureTech or Controlled Affiliate, including without limitation Personal Data.
“PureTech Employee Liabilities” means any (a) Employment Claim and any other Liability for accrued wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, workers’ compensation, medical or disability benefits, vacation, sick or other paid-time off or comprehensive leave benefits of or relating to the employment or services, or termination of any current or former PureTech employees or consultants or independent contractors of PureTech or any Controlled Affiliate (including any persons who are becoming New Seaport Employees and any employees who are leaving employment with PureTech or its Controlled Affiliates to become engaged by another Affiliate), whether pursuant to any Contract or under any applicable Law or otherwise; (b) Liabilities under any PureTech Benefit Arrangements or any Contracts or other compensatory arrangements with PureTech employees (including any persons who are becoming New Seaport Employees and any
33
employees who are leaving employment with PureTech or its Controlled Affiliates to become engaged by another Affiliate) or with independent contractors or consultants of PureTech or any Controlled Affiliate (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any change in control, severance or similar payments under any Contracts with or PureTech Benefit Arrangements covering such employees); (c) any other Liabilities owing to current or former PureTech employees, consultants or independent contractors of PureTech or any Controlled Affiliate pursuant to their employment or services with or termination from PureTech or any Controlled Affiliate, as the case may be, or (d) any penalties, fines or other expenses resulting from compliance issues with any Laws regulating employment or benefits plus any payroll Taxes of PureTech or its Controlled Affiliates attributable to such Liabilities under clauses (a)-(d), together with any interest or penalties thereon.
“PureTech’s Knowledge” means the actual knowledge as of the Effective Date of this Agreement, without having done any investigation, of authorized representatives of PureTech.
“Reasonable Commercial Efforts” means commercially reasonable efforts, provided the same shall not require PureTech to initiate any legal action or expend any funds (other than de minimus amounts) that are not reimbursed by Seaport.
“Regulatory Authority” means any Governmental Entity regulating the development, manufacture, packaging, labeling, storage, import, export, marketing, distribution, sale, registration, use or intended use of a Product in any country.
“Regulatory Applications” means any and all applications, submissions or other filings with a Regulatory’ Authority seeking approval to Utilize any Product.
“Regulatory Documentation” means (i) all correspondence and submissions between PureTech or any of its Affiliates and the FDA or any other applicable Regulatory Authority with respect to Regulatory Applications and Product Approvals for any Product, including any reports, filings, or notices submitted to FDA or other Regulatory Authority to support, maintain or obtain any Product IND or any other Regulatory Applications or Product Approvals; (ii) the annual and periodic reports relating to any Product IND or any other Regulatory Applications for any Products which have been filed by or on behalf of PureTech with the FDA or other Regulatory Authority, and adverse event reports pertaining to any Product, in each case to the extent in the possession or control of PureTech or any of its Representatives; (iii) all pre-clinical data (including animal data and GLP toxicology data), clinical data, and laboratory records, data and information related to any Product, and any other records and data concerning pre-clinical or clinical studies conducted with respect to any Product; and (iv) any other regulatory applications, submissions, notifications, communications, correspondence, registrations, approvals, drug master files (DMFs) or other filings made to, received from or otherwise conducted with a Regulatory Authority in order to Utilize any Product in any country or jurisdiction, including all Regulatory Applications.
“Representatives” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s officers and directors (or persons holding comparable positions), employees, consultants, independent contractors, subcontractors, leased employees, temporary workers, equityholders, accountants, legal and other representatives, agents, executors, heirs, successors and permitted assigns.
34
“Release” means any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping or disposing into the environment (including the abandonment or discarding of barrels, containers and other closed receptacles containing any Hazardous Materials).
“Retained Tax Liabilities” means (i) any Taxes of PureTech, (ii) any Taxes related to the Acquired Assets that were incurred in or are attributable to any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending on or before the Closing Date, (iii) any Taxes of another person for which PureTech is liable, including, but not limited to Taxes for which PureTech is liable by reason of Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 (or any comparable or similar provision of federal, state, local or foreign Law), being a transferee or successor, any contractual obligation or otherwise, and (iv) any income, transfer, sales, use or other Taxes arising in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including any income Taxes arising as a result of the transfer by PureTech to Seaport of the Acquired Assets), other than Seaport’s share of transfer and other Taxes pursuant to Section 4.4(b).
“Royalty Term” means, with respect to any Seaport Glyph Product in any country, the period commencing on First Commercial Sale of such Seaport Glyph Product in such country and continuing until the later to occur of (i) expiration of the last Valid Claim of such Seaport Glyph Product in such country; or (ii) ten (10) years after first commercial sale of such Seaport Glyph Product in such country.
“Seaport Glyph Products” means: (a) the Existing Products, whether or not the composition or method of use of which (as specified in the approved Product label in the applicable country) is Covered by a Valid Claim of the Transferred Patents in the country of sale; and (b) any other Product developed or commercialized by or on behalf of Seaport, its Controlled Affiliates or Product Licensees, the composition or method of use of which (as specified in the approved Product label in the applicable country) is Covered by a Valid Claim of the Transferred Patents in the country of sale.
[***]
“Tax Returns” means any and all reports, returns (including information returns), declarations, or statements relating to Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto and any amendment thereof, filed with or submitted to. or required to be filed with or submitted to, any Governmental Entity in connection with the determination, assessment, collection or payment of Taxes or in connection with the administration, implementation or enforcement of or compliance with any legal requirement relating to any Tax.
“Taxes” means any and all taxes, charges, fees, duties, contributions, levies or other similar assessments or Liabilities, including, without limitation, income, gross receipts, corporation, ad valorem, premium, value-added, net worth, capital stock, capital gains, documentary, recapture, alternative or add-on minimum, disability, registration, recording, excise, real property, personal property, sales, use, license, lease, service, service use, transfer, withholding, employment, unemployment, insurance, social security, national insurance, business license, business organization, workers compensation, payroll, profits, severance, stamp, occupation, escheat, windfall profits, customs duties, franchise, estimated and other taxes of any kind whatsoever imposed by the United States of America or any state, local or foreign government, or any agency or political subdivision thereof, and any interest, fines, penalties, assessments or additions to tax imposed with respect to or related to such items.
35
“Territory” means anywhere in the world.
“Third Party” means any person or entity other than (a) PureTech or its Controlled Affiliates, or (b) Seaport or its Controlled Affiliates.
“Third Party Action” means any Legal Proceeding by a Third Party.
“Transaction Costs” means the fees, expenses and disbursements of PureTech and its Representatives incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including negotiation, legal, travel and due diligence expenses; provided, however, that Transaction Costs shall not include the fees and expenses of any legal counsel or firm, accounting firm or other experts, vendors or service providers engaged on behalf of Seaport, all of which shall be included in Assumed Liabilities and shall be payable by Seaport promptly after the Closing,
“Transferred Patents” means all Patents within the Transferred Assets, including the Patents licensed under the Monash License. The Transferred Patents are listed in Schedule 1.1(a).
“Utilize” means, with respect to any Product, to research, develop, manufacture, commercialize or otherwise utilize such Product (including making, having made, using, selling, offering for sale or importing such Product).
“Valid Claim” means: (a) a claim of any issued, unexpired patent that has not been revoked or held unenforceable or invalid by a decision of a court or Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction from which no appeal can be taken, or with respect to which an appeal is not taken within the time allowed for appeal, and that has not been disclaimed or admitted to be invalid or unenforceable through reissue, disclaimer, or otherwise; or (b) a claim of any patent application filed by a Person in good faith that has not been cancelled, withdrawn, or abandoned and that has been pending for no more than [***] from the earliest non-provisional filing date to which the application claims priority, [***].
7.2 Interpretation. Except where expressly stated otherwise in this Agreement, the following rules of interpretation apply to this Agreement: (a) “either” and “or” are not exclusive, the term “or” will be interpreted in the inclusive sense commonly associated with the term “and/or”, and “include,” “includes” and “including” are not limiting; (b) “hereof,” “hereto,” “hereby,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement; (c) “date of this Agreement” refers to the date set forth in the initial caption of this Agreement; (d) “extent” in the phrase “to the extent” means the degree to which a subject or other thing extends, and such phrase does not mean simply “if’; (e) the descriptive headings and table of contents included herein are included for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or any provision hereof; (f) definitions contained in this Agreement are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms; (g) references to a contract or agreement mean such contract or agreement as amended or otherwise supplemented or modified from time
36
to time; (h) references to a Person are also to its permitted successors and assigns; (i) references to an “Article,” “Section,” “Exhibit” or “Schedule” refer to an Article or Section of, or an Exhibit or Schedule to, this Agreement; (j) references to “$” or otherwise to dollar amounts refer to the lawful currency of the United States; (k) references to a federal, state, local or foreign Law include any rules, regulations and delegated legislation issued thereunder; (l) references to accounting terms used and not otherwise defined herein have the meaning assigned to them under GAAP; and (m) a term that begins with an initial capital letter, is not defined herein and reflects a different part of speech than a term that begins with an initial capital letter and is defined herein, shall be interpreted in a correlative manner. When reference is made in this Agreement to information that has been “made available” to Seaport, that shall consist of only the information that was (i) contained in PureTech’s electronic data room no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the [***] Business Day prior to the date of this Agreement or (ii) delivered to Seaport or its counsel. The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the Parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any Party hereto. No summary of this Agreement prepared by any Party shall affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. If any date on which a Party is required to make a payment or a delivery pursuant to the terms hereof is not a Business Day, then such Party shall make such payment or delivery on the next succeeding Business Day. Time shall be of the essence in this Agreement.
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
8.1 Notices. Any notice required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing, shall specifically refer to this Agreement, and shall be addressed to the appropriate Party at the address specified below or such other address as may be specified by such Party in writing in accordance with this Section 8.1. and shall be deemed to have been given for all purposes (a) when received, if hand-delivered or sent by a reputable courier service, or (b) five (5) Business Days after mailing, if mailed by first class certified or registered airmail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested.
All notices to PureTech shall be addressed as follows:
PureTech Health LLC
6 Tide Street, 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
Attention: [***]
With a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):
PureTech Health LLC
6 Tide Street, 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
Attention: [***]
37
And
Sills Cummis & Gross P.C.
One Riverfront Plaza
Newark, NJ 07102
Attention: [***]
Email: [***]
All notices to Seaport shall be addressed as follows:
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
6 Tide Street, 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
Attention: [***]
With a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):
Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP
60 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
Attention: [***]
Email: [***]
8.2 Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement, including the Exhibits hereto, sets forth the complete, final and exclusive agreement and all of the covenants, promises, agreements, warranties, representations, conditions and understandings between the Parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes, as of the Effective Date, all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. There are no covenants, promises, agreements, warranties, representations, conditions or understandings, either oral or written, between the Parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement other than as are set forth in this Agreement, including the Exhibits. No subsequent alteration, amendment, change or addition to this Agreement shall be binding upon the Parties unless reduced to writing and signed by an authorized officer of each Party.
8.3 Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is not intended to, and shall not, confer upon any other Person any rights or remedies hereunder.
8.4 Assignment.
(a) This Agreement and the rights and obligations under this Agreement may not be assigned, delegated, or otherwise transferred, in whole or in part, by operation of law or otherwise, by either Party without the other Party’s express prior written consent; provided, however, that either Party may assign its rights or delegate its obligations under this Agreement without such consent to (a) its Affiliate or (b) its successor in interest in connection with any merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of such Party to which this Agreement relates. In the event of such assignment by Seaport that occurs concurrently with or
38
following the grant of a Product License, Seaport (i.e., the original Party to this Agreement) shall remain liable for all payment obligations to PureTech pursuant to Section 1.5(b)(ii) with respect to such Product License to the extent such assignee does not fulfill such payment obligations. In the event of such assignment by Seaport that occurs concurrently with or following a Change of Control, Seaport (i.e., the original Party to this Agreement) shall remain liable for all payment obligations to PureTech pursuant to Section 1.5(b)(iii) with respect to such Change of Control of Seaport to the extent such assignee does not fulfill such payment obligations.
(b) Any successor or assignee of rights or obligations permitted hereunder (including payment obligations) shall, in writing to the other Party, expressly assume performance of such rights or obligations. In the case of any permitted assignment or transfer of or under this Agreement, this Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the successors, executors, heirs, representatives, administrators and assigns of the Parties hereto and the assigning Party shall remain liable for the obligations of its successor or assignee as set forth herein. Any attempted assignment, delegation, or transfer in violation of the foregoing will be null and void. For clarity, Seaport is free to assign, transfer and grant licenses or other rights to the Transferred Assets in its sole discretion and without the consent of PureTech, and nothing in this Section 8.4 shall be interpreted as a limitation on such assignment, transfer or grant.
8.5 Severability. If any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction from which no appeal can be or is taken, the provision shall be considered severed from this Agreement and shall not serve to invalidate any remaining provisions hereof. The Parties shall make a good faith effort to replace any invalid or unenforceable provision with a valid and enforceable one such that the objectives contemplated by the Parties when entering this Agreement may be realized.
8.6 Counterparts and Signature. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall constitute together the same document. Copies of original signature pages sent by PDF shall have the same effect as signature pages containing original signatures.
8.7 Governing Law. This Agreement (and any claims or disputes arising out of or related hereto or the transactions contemplated hereby or to the inducement of any Party to enter herein, whether for breach of contract, tortious conduct or otherwise and whether predicated on common law, statute or otherwise) shall be governed in all respects, including validity, interpretation, and effect, by and construed in accordance with the internal Laws of the State of Delaware (including in respect of the statute of limitations or other limitations period applicable to any claim, controversy or dispute) without giving effect to any choice or conflict of Law provision or rule (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of Laws of any jurisdictions other than those of the State of Delaware.
39
8.8 Remedies.
(a) Any and all remedies herein expressly conferred upon a Party will be deemed cumulative with and not exclusive of any other remedy conferred hereby, or by Law or equity upon such Party, and the exercise by a Party of any one (1) remedy will not preclude the exercise of any other remedy.
(b) The Parties hereto agree that irreparable damage may occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the Parties shall be entitled to seek an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement, in each case without posting a bond or undertaking, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at Law or in equity. Each of the Parties agrees that it will not oppose the granting of an injunction, specific performance and other equitable relief on the basis that (i) the Party seeking such remedy has an adequate remedy at Law or (ii) an award of specific performance is not an appropriate remedy for any reason at Law or equity.
8.9 Submission to Jurisdiction. Each of the Parties to this Agreement (a) consents to submit itself to the exclusive personal jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, New Castle County, or, if that court does not have jurisdiction, a federal court sitting in Wilmington, Delaware in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (b) agrees that all claims in respect of such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in any such court, (c) agrees that it shall not attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction by motion or other request for leave from any such court, (d) agrees not to bring any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in any other court, and (e) waives any right it may have to a trial by jury with respect to any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement. Each of the Parties hereto waives any defense of inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any action or proceeding so brought and waives any bond, surety or other security that might be required of any other Party with respect thereto. Any Party hereto may make service on another Party by sending or delivering a copy of the process to the Party to be served at the address and in the manner provided for the giving of notices in Section 8.1. Nothing in this Section 8.9, however, shall affect the right of any Party to serve legal process in any other manner permitted by Law.
8.10 Fees and Expenses. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all fees and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the Party incurring such fees and expenses, whether or not the Closing occurs.
8.11 Disclosure Schedule. The Disclosure Schedule shall be arranged in sections corresponding to the numbered sections contained in Article II and in such a way that it is reasonably apparent which representation and warranty in such section such disclosure is intended to qualify and the disclosure with respect to a representation and warranty contained in Article II shall qualify any other representations and warranties in Article II to the extent that it is reasonably apparent on the face of such disclosure that it also qualifies or applies to such other representations and warranties.
40
8.12 Waiver. No waiver by the Parties of any default, misrepresentation or breach of warranty or covenant hereunder, whether intentional or not, shall be deemed to extend to any prior or subsequent default, misrepresentation or breach of warranty or covenant hereunder or affect in any way any rights arising by virtue of any prior or subsequent such occurrence. No waiver by the Parties of any of the provisions hereof shall be effective unless explicitly set forth in writing and executed by the Party sought to be charged with such waiver.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank.]
41
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Seaport and PureTech have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date first written above.
| SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Charles Sherwood | |
| Name: Charles Sherwood | ||
| Title: President | ||
| PURETECH: | ||
| PURETECH HEALTH LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ Bharatt Chowrira | |
| Name: Bharatt Chowrira, PhD | ||
| Title: President | ||
| PURETECH LYT, INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Bharatt Chowrira | |
| Name: Bharatt Chowrira, PhD | ||
| Title: President | ||
AMENDMENT TO ASSET TRANSFER AGREEMENT
This Amendment (“Amendment”) to the Asset Transfer Agreement dated as of April 8, 2024, by and between Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. (“Seaport”) and PureTech Health LLC, PureTech LYT, Inc., and PureTech Management, Inc. (collectively, “PureTech”) (the “Agreement”) is effective as of the as of the last date set forth in the signature block. For purposes hereof, all capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Agreement.
WHEREAS, Seaport and PureTech desire to amend the Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties agree as follows:
| 1. | Section 4.6(d) (Change of Control) is hereby amended by deleting the term “Seaport” and replacing it with the phrase “either Party” to read as follows: |
4.6(d) PureTech’s right to request a PureTech License pursuant to this Section 4.7 will terminate upon a Change of Control of either Party.
| 2. | Miscellaneous. |
| a. | This Amendment is effective as of the latest dated signature on the signature page hereto. |
| b. | Except as specifically set forth herein, the Agreement and the obligations of Seaport and PureTech thereunder are hereby ratified and confirmed and shall remain in full force and effect. |
| c. | Unless the context requires otherwise, all references to Sections in this Amendment shall be references to the relevant section in the Agreement. |
| d. | Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement. |
| e. | This Amendment may be executed in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, 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. |
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Blank.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Amendment as of the last date set forth below.
| SEAPORT THERAPEUTICS, INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Daphne Zohar | |
| Name: Daphne Zohar | ||
| Title: CEO | ||
| PURETECH HEALTH LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ Robert Lyne | |
| Name: Robert Lyne | ||
| Title: CEO | ||
| PURETECH LYT, INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Robert Lyne | |
| Name: Robert Lyne | ||
| Title: CEO | ||
Exhibit 10.15
CERTAIN IDENTIFIED INFORMATION HAS BEEN EXCLUDED (INDICATED BY:
[***]) FROM THE EXHIBIT BECAUSE IT IS BOTH (I) NOT MATERIALS AND (II)
THE TYPE OF INFORMATION THAT THE REGISTRANT CUSTOMARILY AND
ACTUALLY TREATS AS PRIVATE OR CONFIDENTIAL.
CONFIDENTIAL
| Amended and Restated Licence Agreement
|
||||
|
Monash University
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
|
| Contents | Page | |||||
| 1. Definitions and Interpretation |
1 | |||||
| 1.1 |
Definitions | 1 | ||||
| 1.2 |
Interpretation | 6 | ||||
| 1.3 |
Headings | 7 | ||||
| 1.4 |
Business Days | 7 | ||||
| 2. Term |
7 | |||||
| 3. Commercialisation |
8 | |||||
| 3.1 |
Reasonable Commercial Endeavours | 8 | ||||
| 3.2 |
Failure to Use Reasonable Commercial Endeavours | 8 | ||||
| 3.3 |
Applicable Laws | 9 | ||||
| 3.4 |
Reporting of Activities | 9 | ||||
| 4. Monash’s Rights and Obligations |
9 | |||||
| 4.1 |
Technical assistance | 9 | ||||
| 4.2 |
Limitation of liability | 9 | ||||
| 5. Licence |
10 | |||||
| 5.1 |
Licence granted to Licensee | 10 | ||||
| 5.2 |
Right to sub-license | 10 | ||||
| 5.3 |
Prosecution and Maintenance of the Licensed Patents | 10 | ||||
| 5.4 |
Entitlement to license Licensed Patents, Licensed Information, and Background Technology | 11 | ||||
| 5.5 |
Licence granted to Monash | 11 | ||||
| 6. Research Projects |
12 | |||||
| 6.1 |
Ownership of Project IP | 12 | ||||
| 6.2 |
Project IP subject to Licence | 12 | ||||
| 6.3 |
Parties to collaborate in the Research Project | 12 | ||||
| 6.4 |
Research Results | 12 | ||||
| 6.5 |
Resources and personnel | 12 | ||||
| 6.6 |
Research premises | 13 | ||||
| 6.7 |
Conduct of Research Project | 13 | ||||
| 6.8 |
Project Management | 13 | ||||
| 6.9 |
Project Committee | 13 | ||||
| 6.10 |
Modification of Research Project | 14 | ||||
| 6.11 |
Records and Accounts; Information Reporting | 14 | ||||
| 7. Payments |
14 | |||||
| 7.1 |
Research Funding | 14 | ||||
| 7.2 |
Maintenance Fee | 14 | ||||
| 7.3 |
Ongoing Net Income Sharing and Royalty Payments | 14 | ||||
| 7.4 |
Milestone Payments | 17 | ||||
| 7.5 |
Licensee Paid-Up Licence | 17 | ||||
| 7.6 |
Deduction of Taxes | 17 | ||||
Page i
| 7.7 |
Sales of Products | 18 | ||||
| 7.8 |
Timing of payments and interest | 18 | ||||
| 7.9 |
Royalty Reports | 18 | ||||
| 7.10 |
Currency and form of payment | 18 | ||||
| 7.11 |
Books of account | 19 | ||||
| 7.12 |
Inspection and audit of books | 19 | ||||
| 8. Intellectual Property Infringement |
19 | |||||
| 8.1 |
Notification | 19 | ||||
| 8.2 |
Actions and assistance | 20 | ||||
| 8.3 |
Indemnity | 21 | ||||
| 9. Confidentiality |
21 | |||||
| 10. |
Publications and publicity | 22 | ||||
| 10.1 |
Proposed publications | 22 | ||||
| 10.2 |
Thesis publication | 22 | ||||
| 10.3 |
Use of name of the other party | 22 | ||||
| 10.4 |
No endorsement | 22 | ||||
| 10.5 |
Patent Listings | 23 | ||||
| 11. Indemnity and Insurance |
23 | |||||
| 11.1 |
Indemnity | 23 | ||||
| 11.2 |
Release | 24 | ||||
| 11.3 |
Continuing Indemnity | 24 | ||||
| 11.4 |
Insurance | 24 | ||||
| 12. Termination |
24 | |||||
| 12.1 |
Termination for Due Cause or Otherwise | 24 | ||||
| 12.2 |
Discontinuing the Activities | 25 | ||||
| 12.3 |
Consequences of Termination | 25 | ||||
| 12.4 |
Rights prior to Termination | 25 | ||||
| 13. Force Majeure |
26 | |||||
| 13.1 |
Effect of Force Majeure | 26 | ||||
| 13.2 |
Remedial action | 26 | ||||
| 14. Dispute Resolution |
26 | |||||
| 14.1 |
Good faith negotiation | 26 | ||||
| 14.2 |
Disputes generally | 26 | ||||
| 14.3 |
Mediation | 27 | ||||
| 15. Notices |
27 | |||||
| 15.1 |
Method | 27 | ||||
| 15.2 |
Address for service | 27 | ||||
Page ii
| 16. General |
28 | |||||
| 16.1 |
Amendment | 28 | ||||
| 16.2 |
Assignment | 28 | ||||
| 16.3 |
Governing law | 28 | ||||
| 16.4 |
Costs | 28 | ||||
| 16.5 |
Further assurance | 28 | ||||
| 16.6 |
Waiver of rights | 28 | ||||
| 16.7 |
Original Agreement; Entire Agreement | 29 | ||||
| 16.8 |
Consents | 29 | ||||
| 16.9 |
Relationship | 29 | ||||
| 16.10 |
Counterparts | 29 | ||||
| 16.11 |
Attorneys | 29 | ||||
| Schedule 1 |
— Project Details | |
| Schedule 2 |
— Application of Definitions and Calculations | |
| Schedule 3 |
— Development Plan | |
| Schedule 4 |
— Patents |
Page iii
This Amended and Restated License Agreement, effective as of 3 March 2025 (the “Restatement Date”), is by and between the parties identified below (each a “Party” and collectively, the “Parties”), pursuant to which the Parties agree to amend and restate the Original Agreement (as defined below) in its entirety.
Parties
| 1. | Monash University ABN 12 377 614 012, a body politic and corporate constituted in accordance with the Monash University Act 2009 of Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria, Australia 3800 (“Monash”) |
| 2. | Seaport Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation with an address at 101 Seaport Blvd., Floor 12, Boston, MA 02210 (“Licensee”) |
Recitals
| A. | Monash is the owner of the Licensed Patents, Licensed Information, and Background Technology. |
| B. | Monash and PureTech Health LLC (“PureTech”) entered into a Licence Agreement, dated August 1, 2017 (the “Commencement Date”), which was amended pursuant to Amendment No. 1 dated July 31, 2018, Amendment No. 2 dated April 8, 2019, Amendment No. 3 dated August 1, 2020, Amendment No. 4 signed in 2021, and Amendment No. 5 dated July 20, 2022 (collectively, the “Original Agreement”). |
| C. | Pursuant to the Asset Transfer Agreement between PureTech and Licensee dated April 8, 2024, PureTech assigned all its rights under the Original Agreement to Licensee and Licensee assumed all of PureTech’s obligations under the Original Agreement. Monash consented to such assignment through a consent document executed by Monash on March 28, 2024. |
| D. | The Parties enter into this Agreement to amend and restate the Original Agreement in its entirety on and with effect from the Restatement Date. |
Operative Clauses
| 1. | Definitions and Interpretation |
| 1.1 | Definitions |
In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires;
Activities means the activities set out in Clause 3.1;
Page 1
Affiliate means any entity that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with a party for so long as such control exists, where “control” for purposes of this Agreement means the decision making authority as to such entity including in relation to financial and operational policies and, further, where such control shall be presumed to exist where an entity owns more than 50% of the equity entitled to vote regarding composition of the board of directors or other body entitled to direct the affairs of the entity;
Agreement means this agreement and includes all schedules, annexures and attachments to this agreement;
Applicable Laws means all laws, regulations, statutes, by-laws, codes of conduct and industry standards applicable to the development, manufacture and/or sale of the Products;
Background Technology means all drawings, specifications, processes, techniques, samples, specimens, prototypes, designs, research and development results, test results, and other technical and scientific information which have been produced, developed, acquired, licensed or are otherwise held by Monash at the Commencement Date (subject to any prior licences to third parties the scope of which licences have been disclosed by Monash to Licensee);
Books of Account with respect to Net Income and Net Sales means all usual books and records and which are required to fully record and explain all transactions and terms comprising Net Income and Net Sales;
Business Day means a day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday in Melbourne;
Calendar Year means each year or part year after the Commencement Date ending 31 December;
Commencement Date has the meaning set forth in the recitals;
Commercialise means:
| (a) | to research, develop, manufacture, have manufactured and use; |
| (b) | to sell, offer for sale, have sold, import, export and otherwise exploit or dispose of; or |
| (c) | to license any third party to do any of the things referred to in (a) or (b) above; and Commercialisation shall be construed accordingly. |
Confidential Information means any confidential information, in any form or media relating to or representing the Background Technology and any Intellectual Property therein, or other confidential information of either party, other than information which:
| (a) | was in the public domain at the time of its disclosure or subsequently comes into the public domain otherwise than through breach by the receiving party; |
Page 2
| (b) | came into the knowledge of the receiving party by lawful means from a third party and without breach of any obligation of confidentiality by any third party; or |
| (c) | was in fact known to the receiving party, without breach of any obligation of confidentiality by any third party, prior to its disclosure to the receiving party; |
Field means [***];
Field Exception means [***];
First Commercial Sale shall mean, with respect to each Product, the first commercial sale in any country (or the relevant country, as appropriate) by Licensee or any of its Affiliates or Sublicensees;
Force Majeure means any cause which is not reasonably within the control of the Party affected, including without limitation an act of God, strike, lockout or other similar interference with work, war (declared or undeclared), blockade, lightning, fire, earthquake, storm, flood, explosion, governmental or quasi governmental restraint, expropriation, prohibition, intervention, direction or embargo unless consistent with Applicable Laws, unavailability or delay in availability of materials, equipment or transport, inability or delay in obtaining governmental or quasi governmental approvals, consents, permits, licenses, authorities or allocations;
Improvement means an improvement, enhancement, development, modification or adaptation of the subject matter claimed in the Licensed Patents but for the avoidance of doubt does not include any Monash Adaptation;
Intellectual Property or IP includes all patent, copyright and intellectual property rights of whatever nature, including without limitation all rights in relation to know-how, inventions, plant varieties, registered and unregistered trade marks (including service marks), registered designs and circuit layouts, and all other rights resulting from intellectual activity in the industrial, scientific, literary or artistic fields;
Licensed Information means any unpatented and non-public (subject to the paragraph below) IP, including proprietary know-how, trade secrets, data, or other confidential information, arising from or pertaining to the Licensed Patents, Improvements, or Project IP, produced, invented, or developed by Monash, that:
| (i) | is disclosed by Monash to the Licensee |
| (a) | prior to the Restatement Date or |
| (b) | if on or after the Restatement Date, is described in writing, or if orally disclosed then followed up in writing within [***] of disclosure; and |
Page 3
| (ii) | is used or utilized by the Licensee, its Affiliates or Sub-licensees to make, use, sell, offer to sell, or import the Licensed Product, including optimizing or improving the development, manufacture, or commercialisation of the Licensed Product; and |
| (iii) | is not confidential information of, or otherwise under any obligation to, a third party. |
For the avoidance of doubt “Licensed Information” does not include any publicly available information itself, but may include non-public information relating to its practical use, application, or embodiment as disclosed by Monash to the Licensee.
Licensed Patents means the patents and applications set out in Schedule 4, and: any patents or patent applications that claim Project IP;
| (a) | any patents or patent applications claiming priority from any of the patent applications referred to in Schedule 4 or paragraph (a), including all extensions, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, patents of addition, reissues and any corresponding foreign patent applications, including International PCT Applications; |
| (b) | the inventions disclosed and claimed in any of the patents or patent applications referred to in Schedule 4 or paragraphs (a) or (b), and any separately filed patent or patent application claiming an invention described in any of the patents or patent applications referred to in Schedule 4 or paragraphs (a) or (b); and |
| (c) | any equivalent foreign rights issuing, granted or registered on any of the patents or patent applications referred to in Schedule 4 or paragraphs (a), (b) or (c). |
Loss means, in relation to any person, a damage, loss, cost, expense or liability incurred by the person or a claim, action proceeding or demand made against the person, however arising and whether present or future, fixed or unascertained, actual or contingent;
Monash Adaptation means any invention generated by Monash other than during the course of the Research Project which [***];
MTA means the Material Transfer Agreement between the Parties dated 15 August 2016;
Net Income means [***]
Net Sales means [***]
Parties mean the parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and “Party” means any one of them;
Personnel in respect of a Party means the officers, employees, agents or contractors of the Party;
Page 4
Phase 1 Trial means a clinical study of a Product, the purpose of which is to study the safety and pharmacology of an investigational product when administered to humans, and where the Parties have no knowledge of any evidence that the product has effects likely to be safe or beneficial to the subjects of the clinical trial;
Phase 2 Trial means a clinical study of a Product, which provides for the initial trial of a Product on a limited number of patients for the purpose of determining dose and/or evaluating safety and preliminary efficacy in the proposed therapeutic indication;
Phase 3 Trial means a controlled pivotal clinical study of a Product that aims to establish the therapeutic benefit of the Product in a larger patient sample and to further demonstrate the product’s safety in patients with the target disease;
Product or Licensed Product means any and all products (i) which are within a Valid Claim, irrespective of whether a patent is held in the jurisdiction in which the Product is sold or (ii) which require the use or practice of any Licensed Information.
Project Details means the details set out in new research agreements between the parties to be agreed from time to time identifying the subject matter and details of a Research Project (comprising as a minimum the matters set out in the Schedule) which will implement the conditions of this Agreement;
Project IP means Improvements and new Intellectual Property, including research and development results, test results and data, in each case arising during the course of research and development by Monash solely or jointly with Licensee in respect of the Licensed Patents or Licensed Information under the MTA or a Research Project or otherwise pursuant to any research or other agreement entered into between the Parties;
Reasonable Commercial Endeavours means [***]
Research Funding means the amount to be paid by Licensee to progress the Research Project or otherwise relating to Commercialisation of Products as set out in Clause 7.1, but excluding Royalties or Net Income;
Research Project means a project of research and development work agreed to by the Parties from time to time as shall be more specifically set out in the Project Details, to be conducted by the Parties in accordance with the agreed objectives, subject to any variation or modification agreed by the Parties in writing;
Royalty means the royalty payments set out in Clause 7.3(b);
Royalty Period has the meaning set out in clause 7.3(b);
Sub-licensee or Sublicensee means a Third Party or Affiliate to which Licensee grants a sub-licence of its rights under Clause 5.1.
Term has the meaning set out in Clause 2.
Page 5
Valid Claim means:
| (i) | a claim in an issued and unexpired Licensed Patent where the Licensed Patent has not been: |
| a. | held permanently revoked, unenforceable, unpatentable or invalid by a decision of a patent office, court or governmental body of competent jurisdiction in a final order, from which no further appeal can be or has been taken; or |
| b. | disclaimed, admitted to be invalid or unenforceable, or rendered unenforceable through disclaimer, reissue or otherwise; or |
| c. | abandoned, dedicated to the public or finally rejected by a governmental authority from which no appeal can be taken; or |
| (ii) | a pending claim in a patent application, where neither the pending claim (provided that for this purpose a claim shall not be considered pending for more than [***] from its filing date) nor the Licensed Patent has been cancelled, withdrawn, abandoned, or finally rejected by a governmental authority from which no appeal can be or has been taken. |
| 1.2 | Interpretation |
In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires:
| (a) | a reference to: |
| (1) | legislation (including subordinate legislation) is to that legislation as amended, re-enacted or replaced, and includes any subordinate legislation issued under it; |
| (2) | a document or agreement, or a provision of a document or agreement, is to that document, agreement or provision as amended, supplemented, replaced or novated; |
| (3) | a party to this Agreement or to any other document or agreement includes a permitted substitute or a permitted assign of that party; |
| (4) | a person includes any type of entity or body of persons, whether or not it is incorporated or has a separate legal identity, and any executor, administrator or successor in law of the person; and |
| (5) | anything (including a right, obligation or concept) includes each part of it; |
| (b) | the singular includes the plural and vice versa; |
Page 6
| (c) | a reference to an individual or person includes a corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, authority, trust, state or government and vice versa; |
| (d) | a reference to any gender includes all genders; |
| (e) | a reference to a recital, clause, schedule, annexure or exhibit is to a recital, clause, schedule, annexure or exhibit of or to this Agreement; |
| (f) | a recital, schedule, annexure or a description of the Parties forms part of this Agreement; |
| (g) | where an expression is defined, another part of speech or grammatical form of that expression has a corresponding meaning; |
| (h) | if an example is given to anything (including a right, obligation or concept), such as by saying it includes something else, the example does not limit the scope of that thing; |
| (i) | a reference to dollars or $ is to United States currency; and |
| (j) | definitions used in this Agreement (including but not limited to Licensed Patents, Licensed Information, Products and Royalties in Clause 7) are intended to be read in a manner consistent with the scenarios and outcomes set out in Schedule 2, which form part of this Agreement and have equal force for the purpose of interpreting and understanding the application of the principles and definitions referred to above. |
| 1.3 | Headings |
In this Agreement, headings are for convenience only, and do not affect interpretation.
| 1.4 | Business Days |
If the day on or by which a Party must do something under this Agreement is not a Business Day the Party must do it on or by the next Business Day;
| 2. | Term |
The “Term” of this Agreement will commence and be deemed to have commenced operation on the Commencement Date and shall continue until seven (7) years after the last to expire Valid Claim unless this Agreement is earlier terminated in accordance with its terms.
Page 7
| 3. | Commercialisation |
| 3.1 | Reasonable Commercial Endeavours |
Licensee must use Reasonable Commercial Endeavours to undertake the following activities (“Activities”), which efforts may be met by the actions of Sublicensees:
| (a) | to develop at least one (1) Product in accordance with a development plan (the “Development Plan”); the Development Plan as of the Restatement Date is attached hereto as Schedule 3, and the Development Plan may be updated from time to time by written notice from Licensee to Monash; |
| (b) | to seek regulatory approval for the manufacture, marketing and sale of at least one (1) Product; and |
| (c) | after receipt of regulatory approval of a Product in the USA or any country in Europe, to promote and develop the sale of at least one (1) Product in such country. |
| 3.2 | Failure to Use Reasonable Commercial Endeavours |
| (a) | If Monash reasonably believes that Licensee has failed to use Reasonable Commercial Endeavours to diligently and expeditiously undertake the Activities, Monash must provide written notice to Licensee identifying its concern(s). |
| (b) | Upon receipt of any such notice, Licensee must provide evidence of its commercial diligence to Monash in the form of a report (the “Activity Report”) which shall be provided within [***] of a request by Monash. |
| (c) | The Parties shall, within [***] of receipt of the Activity Report, discuss the contents of the report and what action may be taken by Licensee, if any (the “Activity Report Discussion”). |
| (d) | If the situation is reasonably capable of remedy within a [***] period, Licensee shall prepare within [***] of the Activity Report Discussion, an action plan detailing action it will take to pursue Commercialisation of the Licensed Patents and Project IP (the “Action Plan”). |
| (e) | The Parties shall meet [***] to negotiate the terms of the Action Plan. If the Parties cannot agree on an Action Plan then an independent expert may be appointed with agreement of both parties and with both parties [***] to facilitate further discussion among the Parties with the goal of creating a mutually agreeable Action Plan. |
| (f) | If the parties cannot agree on an Action Plan, or Licensee does not, once an Action Plan is in place, use Reasonable Commercial Endeavours to comply with the terms of the Action Plan, Monash shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement in accordance with Clause 12.1. |
Page 8
| 3.3 | Applicable Laws |
| (a) | Licensee must ensure that all research and development activities undertaken by Licensee, its sub-contractors or Sub-licensees in respect of the Licensed Patents, Licensed Information, or Products are conducted in accordance with all Applicable Laws. |
| (b) | Licensee must ensure that the Products are made and sold by Licensee or its Sublicensees in accordance with all Applicable Laws. |
| (c) | Monash must use reasonable endeavours to ensure that all research and development activities undertaken by Monash, its sub-contractors or its Sublicensees in respect of the Licensed Patents, Licensed Information, or Products are conducted in accordance with all Applicable Laws. |
| 3.4 | Reporting of Activities |
Within [***] following the end of each Calendar Year, Licensee will submit to Monash a written report summarizing [***].
| 4. | Monash’s Rights and Obligations |
| 4.1 | Technical assistance |
To the extent reasonably possible, Monash will give or cause to be given to Licensee such reasonable technical assistance and advice based on Monash’s know-how relating to the Licensed Patents, Project IP, Background Technology and Licensed Information, as, in the reasonable opinion of Monash, may be necessary for Licensee to perform its obligations under this Agreement, which assistance and advice shall be free of charge during the pendency of the Research Projects, and provided that upon the expiry or termination of the Research Projects, Licensee shall pay Monash for such advice and assistance, based on [***] as applicable from time to time.
| 4.2 | Limitation of liability |
| (a) | Monash’s liability in relation to any Loss suffered or incurred by Licensee relating to any technical assistance provided, or research carried out under the MTA or a Research Project or otherwise, by Monash shall be limited, to the maximum extent permitted by law, [***]. |
| (b) | Monash shall not be liable for any [***]. |
Page 9
| 5. | Licence |
| 5.1 | Licence granted to Licensee |
| (a) | Monash hereby grants to Licensee a worldwide exclusive (even as to Monash, other than pursuant to Clause 5.5) licence (including a right to sub-license), under Monash’ rights in the Licensed Patents, Licensed Information, and the Project IP, to (a) perform the Activities in the Field and (ii) otherwise Commercialise Products in the Field. |
| (b) | Monash also grants to Licensee a worldwide non-exclusive licence (including a right to sub-license) to use any Background Technology or Monash Adaptation strictly to the extent necessary to exercise the licence in Clause 5.1(a). |
| (c) | Monash grants to Licensee a first right and exclusive option (“Option”) to secure an exclusive licence to the Monash Adaptations (including a right to sub-license) on reasonable commercial terms to be agreed between the parties. This Option may be exercised by Licensee in writing at any time for a period of [***] from the date of disclosure of the Monash Adaptation to Licensee (“Option Period”). If Licensee elects to exercise the Option during the Option Period, it shall do so by sending Monash a written notification of such election. Upon Licensee’s exercise of the Option, the parties shall enter into a licence agreement on terms to be agreed, provided that if Licensee does not exercise, or declines its right to, the Option during the Option Period, or if the Parties are unable to reach agreement on the terms of the licence agreement within [***] of the exercise of the Option, Licensee will have no rights to the Monash Adaptations. |
| 5.2 | Right to sub-license |
Licensee shall be free to grant sub-licences of the Licensed Patents, Licensed Information, and Project IP during the Term to any party provided that:
| (a) | the execution of a sublicense or a subcontract shall not in any way diminish, reduce or eliminate any of Licensee’s Obligations under this Agreement, and Licensee shall remain primarily liable for such obligations; |
| (b) | Licensee shall provide a copy of the sublicence agreement to Monash, which may be redacted to protect sensitive information (other than information which Monash has a reasonable need to know to enforce its rights under this Agreement) and which shall be considered Confidential Information of Licensee; and |
| (c) | Licensee shall only grant a sublicence to any Affiliate or third party which undertakes to perform those obligations of this Agreement relevant to such sublicence in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. |
| 5.3 | Prosecution and Maintenance of the Licensed Patents |
| (a) | Licensee will, at its option, have the first right to file for, obtain, prosecute and maintain the Licensed Patents including patent filing, patent application prosecution and any other patent application costs as well as ongoing maintenance fees (“Prosecution and Maintenance”). Licensee will provide Monash with a copy of any material filings or other material correspondence with a patent office |
Page 10
| at least [***] in advance of filing and shall give [***] to all reasonable comments and requests made by Monash with respect to the Prosecution and Maintenance of the Licensed Patents. If Licensee decides not to file or to discontinue Prosecution and Maintenance of any Licensed Patent in any country, Licensee will give Monash not less than [***] written notice thereof, and thereafter, Monash will have the sole right to Prosecution and Maintenance of such Licensed Patent in such country, and for the avoidance of doubt, such patent shall remain included in the definition of the Licensed Patents. |
| (b) | From the Commencement Date, Licensee will pay all costs incurred for Prosecution and Maintenance of the Licensed Patents and any Project IP and shall, within [***] of the Commencement Date, reimburse Monash for all expenses incurred in the filing of national phase patent applications for the Licensed Patents prior to the Commencement Date, including allowances for reasonable fees attributed to work performed by Monash’s internal patent attorneys. |
| (c) | Each Party will, at the responsible Party’s request but at Licensee’s cost, execute all documents and do all things reasonably necessary to assist the responsible Party in the Prosecution and Maintenance and enforcement of the Licensed Patents, provided the requesting Party shall give the other Party no less than [***] prior notice. |
| 5.4 | Entitlement to license Licensed Patents, Licensed Information, and Background Technology |
Monash warrants and represents to Licensee that:
| (a) | to the best of its actual knowledge or belief (as determined by reference to such Monash employees, contractors and agents engaged in administering this Agreement, the MTA or the Research Project), without the need to make additional enquiries, conduct searches or seek legal or patent opinion, it is free and entitled to grant the licences in the Field specified in this Clause 5 including, without limitation all necessary consents and assignments from the inventors of the Licensed Patents; and |
| (b) | it will not assign, encumber or otherwise deal with (except as permitted by clause 5.5) Licensed Patents, Licensed Information, Project IP and its Background Technology within the Field, except with the prior written approval of the Licensee [***]. |
| 5.5 | Licence granted to Monash |
Licensee agrees that the rights granted to it in this Agreement are subject to Monash’s right (on a non-exclusive, perpetual, royalty-free basis) to practise the Licensed Patents, Licensed Information, and Project IP solely for academic, teaching and non-commercial research uses, which license shall include the right to sub-license for non-commercial collaborative research to other academic institutions or non-commercial research entities.
Page 11
| 6. | Research Projects |
| 6.1 | Ownership of Project IP |
Despite anything to the contrary in the MTA, all Project IP shall vest jointly in both Parties as tenants in common in equal shares. Monash may with Licensee’s prior written consent collaborate with third parties with respect to a Research Project on terms that any Improvements that result from the collaboration will be deemed Project IP.
| 6.2 | Project IP subject to Licence |
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Project IP will be deemed to be part of Licensed Patents and Licensed Information for all purposes in this Agreement and is exclusively licensed to Licensee pursuant to Clause 5.1(a).
| 6.3 | Parties to collaborate in the Research Project |
The Parties will collaborate in conducting the research in relation to the Research Project for [***] of the Research Project. Monash agrees to provide advance notice to Licensee of any research projects at Monash that are relevant or adjacent to the Licensed Patents, Licensed Information or the Project IP, where the Project Leader specified in the Schedule has actual knowledge of such research projects, in order to provide Licensee with the option to provide funding for such research projects so that any such project would be included as a Research Project, under this Agreement if mutually agreed.
| 6.4 | Research Results |
Each Party hereby agrees that all results under any Research Project shall be Project IP and shall be disclosed to the other Party promptly through the management process set out in Clause 6.8. Licensee reserves the right to decide the scope of further research and development activities [***] following review of the results and report from the Research Project, provided that [***].
| 6.5 | Resources and personnel |
Each Party will provide all necessary resources and personnel, to allow the research to be conducted [***], in accordance with the Research Project. Supervising personnel will be those indicated in the Project Details and/or such other persons as nominated by each Party and approved from time to time by the other Party [***].
Page 12
| 6.6 | Research premises |
Monash will allow Licensee full access to its premises for the purpose of inspecting the progress of the research, reviewing the resources being applied and generally ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Research Project, upon [***] notice and subject to [***] security requirements during usual business hours. Such persons may make tests and analyses of equipment and apparatus utilised in the research and examine any books and records maintained in relation to the performance of the research.
| 6.7 | Conduct of Research Project |
Each Party must:
| (a) | use all reasonable endeavours to conduct the Research Project in accordance with this Agreement and the Project Details set out in the Schedule, provided however that Licensee acknowledges that research work is by its nature uncertain and Monash makes no representations and gives no warranties as to the standards, accuracy or outcomes of the Research Project or its ability to produce commercially useful results in a timely manner or at all; |
| (b) | use all reasonable endeavours to conduct the research in an efficient, professional and businesslike manner, including instructing any scientists or investigators to maintain contemporaneous, complete and accurate written records of Research Project activities; and |
| (c) | ensure that the research is conducted in compliance with all relevant statutory and other requirements. |
| 6.8 | Project Management |
Each Party must cooperate with the other Party and any other collaborating research organisations in relation to fulfilment of the Research Project. The management process involves two-way communication between the Parties through the committee or other process identified in the Project Details. Each Party’s supervising personnel will participate in meetings of any applicable committee, as required.
| 6.9 | Project Committee |
Unless otherwise specified in the Project Details, the project committee in relation to the Research Project shall be comprised of [***] Monash and Licensee representatives and, by agreement, other third parties as may be relevant. The project committee may meet, adjourn and otherwise regulate its meetings as it [***] thinks fit, including without limitation, convening and conferring by telephone or other means of audiovisual communications and permitting members to appoint alternatives.
The project committee will finalise the Project Details for the initial Research Project prior to the Commencement Date.
Page 13
| 6.10 | Modification of Research Project |
If on the recommendation of the project committee, it appears that the research in relation to a Research Project in whole or part is not achieving its objectives or those objectives are not commercially viable, the Parties shall meet to discuss the Research Project, including whether any variation or modification of the Research Project is required.
| 6.11 | Records and Accounts; Information Reporting |
Each Party must keep complete records and accounts in respect of the research carried out by that Party. The records and accounts must be sufficient to enable a complete understanding of all Project IP and contributions and expenditure made by the Party and all steps taken in the research. No later than [***] after either Party receives written notice of the making, creation, conception or reduction to practice of any Project IP, such Party shall provide disclosure of the same to the other Party. Such disclosure shall contain sufficient detail to enable the Parties to determine whether or not the Project IP contains patentable subject matter. Monash will provide to Licensee [***] written reports summarizing the Research Project activity not previously reported, which reports shall include [***]. In addition, Monash will provide Licensee with a final report of the activities performed and results and data obtained within [***] following the completion of the Research Project.
| 7. | Payments |
| 7.1 | Research Funding |
Licensee shall pay Monash for performance of the Research Project as mutually agreed between the Parties and set forth in the applicable Project Details. The Research Funding must be paid [***] unless otherwise agreed.
| 7.2 | Maintenance Fee |
During the Term and commencing on the third anniversary of the Commencement Date, Licensee must pay the Maintenance Fee to Monash on [***]. The Maintenance Fee shall be [***] on the [***]anniversary of the Commencement Date, and [***] on the [***]anniversary of the Commencement Date but shall not be payable after the First Commercial Sale of a Product. This fee is non-refundable and will be credited against payments due under Clause 7.3 and Clause 7.4.
| 7.3 | Ongoing Net Income Sharing and Royalty Payments |
If during the Term, on a country-by-country and Product-by-Product basis, Licensee receives any Net Income or Net Sales, then it shall pay to Monash a proportion of its Net Income, or Net Sales of such Product as follows:
| (a) | Net Income Sharing |
Page 14
| (1) | Until such time as the first dosing of the first patient in the first Phase 1 Trial of any Product (the “First Phase 1 Trial”), the percentage of Net Income payable to Monash, for all sub-licences, shall be |
[***]
In each case, the percentage of Net Income payable to Monash pursuant to this Clause 7.3(a)(1) shall be referred to herein as the “Percent Net Income”.
| (2) | Effect of other third party licence payments stacking on Net Income: In the event Net Income is attributable (at least in part) to the sublicensing of the rights of one or more third parties (in addition to the Licensed Patents and Licensed Information) to whom Licensee also has an obligation to pay a percent of such Net Income (on the basis that the bundling of rights is intended by Licensee to provide material benefit or advantage in the development and commercialisation of the bundled intellectual property), then the Net Income payable to Monash in that instance (other than any up-front, milestone, success, bonus, maintenance, periodic (including [***]) and minimum royalty payments due under any sub-licence agreement which are solely attributable to the Licensed Patents, Licensed Information, or Project IP and for which no payments are owed to any other licensor) shall be adjusted (“Adjusted Net Income”) by the ratio calculation methodology in accordance with the following paragraphs. |
Prior to determining such Adjusted Net Income, Licensee shall inform Monash of such allocation, and Monash shall have the right to have a third party expert, [***], audit such allocation to determine whether such allocation is reasonable, which audit shall be conducted at the [***] of Monash and shall otherwise be conducted in accordance with the procedures set forth for financial audits set forth in Clause 7.11. In addition, the Percent Net Income stated above shall be reduced by [***] if the Product is not covered by a Valid Claim.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adjusted Net Income shall not be reduced below [***] of the Net Income otherwise payable to Monash in the case of one additional third party (whereupon this shall in no case be less than [***] of Net Income), or in the case of more than one third party, shall not be reduced below [***] of the Net Income otherwise payable to Monash (whereupon this shall in no case be reduced to less than [***] of Net Income).
Page 15
| (b) | Royalty obligations shall commence from the First Commercial Sale of a Licensed Product and continue, on a Product-by-Product and country-by-country basis, during the Term, for a period of up to [***] from the First Commercial Sale of such Product in such country. Royalties on Net Sales of Product effected during the foregoing period of the Term (the “Royalty Period”) shall be as follows: |
| Aggregate Net Sales of all Products |
Royalty Rate | |
| Portion of Net Sales less than US [***] | [***] | |
| Portion of Net Sales equal to or greater than [***] up to [***] | [***] | |
| Portion of Net Sales equal to or greater than [***] up to [***] | [***] | |
| Portion of Net Sales equal to or greater than [***] up to [***] | [***] | |
| Portion of Net Sales equal to or greater than [***] | [***] |
| (1) | If and for so long as no Valid Claim of a Licensed Patent covers a Product in a country in which Net Sales were generated, the Royalty rate in such country shall be reduced by an amount equal to [***] of the proportion otherwise payable in accordance with the table above for the remainder of the Royalty Period. |
| (2) | If and for so long as the Commercialisation of a Product (but not any other component(s) within a Combination Product) reasonably requires Licensee to license one or more patents from a third party, then the Royalty rate payable on Net Sales of such Product may be reduced by an amount up to [***] of the royalty or other ongoing licence fee payable to such third party. For the avoidance of doubt, this reduction shall not apply to reduce the Royalty rate applicable to a Combination Product to the extent that the relevant Licensed Patents are required for the Commercialisation of the other component(s) comprised in any Combination Product. |
| (3) | If and for so long as the Royalty payable by Licensee to Monash on Net Sales by a Sub-licensee exceeds [***] of the royalty paid by the Sub-licensee to Licensee, the Royalty payable by Licensee to Monash shall be reduced to [***] of the royalty payable to Licensee from its Sublicensees. |
In the case of Royalty rate reductions as provided for in (1)., (2)., or (3)., above, such Royalty rate reduction shall be capped and the minimum Royalty rate shall in no circumstances be lower than [***] of Net Sales payable to Monash for such Product.
Page 16
| 7.4 | Milestone Payments |
On achievement of the following development milestones by the first three Licensed Products, Licensee shall pay to Monash the following milestone payments on each of the following occurrences in relation to each such Licensed Product:
Development Milestones
| [***] |
$ | US50,000 | ||
| [***] |
$ | US175,000 | ||
| [***] |
[***] | |||
| [***] |
[***] |
Commercial Milestones
| [***] |
[***] | |||
| [***] |
[***] | |||
| [***] |
[***] |
For the avoidance of doubt, if Licensee develops more than one Product, then Licensee shall pay an amount equal to [***] of each of the above Development Milestones for each additional Product that requires a separate regulatory approval, up to a maximum of three (3) Products.
| 7.5 | Licensee Paid-Up Licence |
Upon the expiration of Licensee’s obligation under Clause 7.3 to pay Royalties during the Term on Net Sales in a particular country, Licensee shall have a fully paid-up, nonexclusive licence in that country, with the right to sublicense, to research, develop, make, have made, use, sell, offer for sale, have sold, import, export or otherwise exploit, or transfer physical possession of or title in such Licensed Product for any use in that country.
| 7.6 | Deduction of Taxes |
All payments of royalties, milestones and licence fees under Clause 7, shall be made without deduction of income tax or other taxes charges or duties that may be imposed, except insofar as the Licensee is required to deduct the same to comply with applicable laws. The Parties shall cooperate and take all steps reasonably and lawfully available to them, [***] of Licensee, to avoid deducting such taxes and to obtain double taxation relief. If the Licensee is required to make any such deduction it shall provide Monash with such certificates or other documents as it can reasonably obtain to enable Monash to obtain appropriate relief from double taxation of the payment in question.
Page 17
| 7.7 | Sales of Products |
| (a) | No payments under Clause 7.3 shall be due and payable upon the sale or other transfer of Product among Licensee and its Sub-licensees, but in such cases the payment shall be due and payable and calculated upon Licensee’s or its Sub- licensee’s sale of such Product to the first entity which is not Licensee or a Sublicensee. |
| (b) | Licensee must ensure that sales of Products by Licensee and its Sub-licensees to third parties (excluding such limited quantities of promotional samples as are reasonable and customary in the markets in which such Product sales are to occur) are on an arm’s length basis and if in doubt Licensee will provide notification to Monash in advance. |
| 7.8 | Timing of payments and interest |
| (a) | Licensee shall pay to Monash any monies due under Clause 7 on a [***]basis, within [***] after the end of each [***]. With respect to Net Income and Net Sales generated during the Term but received after the end of the Term, Licensee shall pay Monash the applicable monies due under Clause 7 within [***] of receipt. |
| (b) | Licensee must pay interest on any money that it owes in relation to this agreement but fails to pay on time. Such interest accrues [***]. The rate of interest shall be [***]. |
| 7.9 | Royalty Reports |
Within [***] of the end of each Calendar Year, Licensee will make written reports setting out:
| (a) | the Net Income and Net Sales revenue earned from all Products during that Financial Year; |
| (b) | the basis for calculation of Royalties; |
| (c) | the Royalty payable for that Calendar Year; and |
| (d) | sales projections for the following Calendar Year. |
| 7.10 | Currency and form of payment |
All payments to be made by Licensee to Monash under this agreement shall be made in United States dollars or such other currency as agreed by the Parties from time to time and be paid via wire transfer or such other method as is specified by Monash from time to time in immediately available funds to a bank account in Australia in Monash’s name designated in writing by Monash from time to time.
Page 18
| 7.11 | Books of account |
Licensee must keep proper and accurate books of account and records which must contain all information and financial statements as to the production, manufacture and supply of the Products and the receipts and expenses in respect of those Products, so as to enable a correct computation to be made of the Royalty payable in respect of the Products.
| 7.12 | Inspection and audit of books |
| (a) | Licensee must, upon reasonable notice and subject to reasonable security requirement during usual business hours, permit an internationally recognised, independent, certified or chartered public accounting firm appointed by Monash (the “Auditor”) to access all records kept by Licensee in relation to the manufacture and supply of the Products to the extent relevant to calculation of the Royalty payable by Licensee in respect of any Calendar Year and to inspect and take copies of such records. Any such inspection will be at Monash’s [***] (except as set forth in Clause 7.12(b) below) and will be limited to [***]. The Auditor must sign Licensee’s reasonable form confidentiality agreement prior to any such access and all books and records reviewed will be deemed Licensee’s Confidential Information. The Auditor will be permitted to provide Monash with only a report of the results of its findings, and will provide a copy of any such report to Licensee. The Auditor’s report will be deemed Licensee’s Confidential Information. |
| (b) | If any inspection or audit made pursuant to Clause 7.12(a) reveals that any amount paid by Licensee to Monash is less than the amount required by this Agreement, Licensee must [***] pay to Monash the shortfall. If any such shortfall in payment is in excess of [***] of the amount which had initially been paid by Licensee, Licensee must immediately reimburse Monash for [***] incurred in connection with the audit or inspection which disclosed that shortfall [***]. |
| (c) | All payments made under Clause 7.12(b), are without prejudice to any other remedies that Monash may have under this Agreement or otherwise. |
| 8. | Intellectual Property Infringement |
| 8.1 | Notification |
| (a) | Each party agrees to [***]notify the other in writing of any potential infringement of any of the Licensed Patents, or misuse or misappropriation of Licensed Information or Project IP by third parties which may come to its attention (“Third Party Infringement”). |
| (b) | If either party becomes aware of a patent or other third party IP right which may be infringed by the Commercialisation of the Licensed Patents, Project IP or Products (“Necessary Third Party IP”), or receives a notice or is the subject of any action filed against it alleging such infringement (“Infringement Claim”), that party will [***]notify the other party. |
Page 19
| 8.2 | Actions and assistance |
| (a) | The Parties shall meet to discuss and consult with each other regarding the best way to respond to any Third Party Infringement, Necessary Third Party IP or Infringement Claim (collectively, “FTO Issues”), provided that if the Parties do not agree on a joint programme of action with respect to FTO Issues, including how the costs of such action are to be borne and how any damages or other sums received from such action are to be distributed, then [***]. |
| (b) | Before commencing any legal action under Clause 8.2(a) or amending any patent claims or specifications that would have the effect of reducing or limiting the extent of the patent coverage of the Licensed Patents, [***]. |
| (c) | If the alleged FTO Issue extends beyond the Field to include the Field Exemption, the Parties shall also [***] cooperate with Monash’s other licensees (if any) in relation to any such action. |
| (d) | If Licensee does not take any action under Clause 8.2(a) (which action may include, without limitation, sending a notice of infringement or entering settlement or licensing discussions) within [***] after the discussion contemplated in Clause 8.2(a), Monash may upon [***] prior written notice to Licensee take action in relation to such FTO Issues[***] and shall be entitled to keep any proceeds of any Third Party Infringement action. |
| (e) | Each Party will co-operate [***] with, and [***], the other party in respect of any action brought by or against the other party in relation to that potential infringement. Without limiting the foregoing, upon Licensee’s request [***] where Licensee is the responsible Party, Monash will join as a party plaintiff in any action regarding FTO Issues. |
| (f) | Licensee shall reimburse Monash for any [***]expenses incurred in assisting it in connection with FTO Issues and shall pay Monash Royalties, in accordance with Clause 7, on any damages received from such action as if the amount of such damages (after deduction of both Parties’ [***]expenses in such action) in relation to the action were Net Sales or Net Income as determined by the Licensee acting [***] having [***]regard to the relevant infringing conduct and basis on which the damages have been calculated. |
Page 20
| 8.3 | Indemnity |
Where one Party independently commences or defends litigation in accordance with this Clause 8, that Party:
| (a) | must indemnify and keep indemnified the other Party from and against all loss, damage, costs, charges, expenses and other liabilities which may be suffered or incurred by the other Party arising out of any claim so asserted or action instituted by the Party which commences or defends litigation in accordance with this Clause 8; and |
| (b) | must bear [***] of the costs thereof including any damages or costs awarded against Monash and/or Licensee. |
| 9. | Confidentiality |
Subject to this Clause 9, no Party shall (without the written consent of the other party) disclose the terms of this Agreement or any Confidential Information of the other Party to any third party or use any Confidential Information of the other party except for the purpose for which it was disclosed, except for disclosures:
| (a) | in the form of scientific publications expressly permitted under the MTA but nevertheless subject to Clause 10.1; or |
| (b) | required by law or government authorities; |
| (c) | to Sub-licensees, agents, contractors and employees or financial, insurance, or legal advisers and potential investors or lenders on a need to know basis and provided they agree to be bound by obligations of confidentiality; or |
| (d) | reasonably necessary in connection with: |
| (e) | filing or prosecuting patent applications; |
| (f) | prosecuting or defending litigation; |
| (g) | conduct of research studies or clinical trials; or |
| (h) | seeking regulatory approval of a Product; |
| (i) | negotiating and entering into a Sublicensee agreement, provided that such disclosure is subject to a written confidentiality agreement [***]. |
The Parties acknowledge and agree, following execution of this Agreement, they may decide to make a public announcement regarding entering into this Agreement (and if so, the terms of the public announcement shall be mutually agreed).
Page 21
| 10. | Publications and publicity |
| 10.1 | Proposed publications |
If Monash wishes to make any publication in respect of the Research Project, including thesis publications as described in Clause 10.2, it will, at least [***] prior to submitting the publication;
| (a) | forward a copy of the proposed publication to Licensee; and |
| (b) | remove from the publication any Confidential Information of Licensee, at the request of Licensee; and |
| (c) | allow Licensee [***] to seek such legal protection of the Research Project results, Licensed Patents, Project IP and future improvements and/or any material contained in the proposed publication as it considers necessary. |
| 10.2 | Thesis publication |
The Parties acknowledge that where a researcher who is actively involved in noncommercial research using the Licensed Patents and requires their results to be published, in whole or in part, as part of their examination for the award of a postgraduate research degree (Examination Work), which for the avoidance of doubt shall include a thesis, the results may be published subject to compliance with Clause 10.1 and on the following additional conditions:
| (a) | the candidate owns copyright in the Examination Work and/or thesis; and |
| (b) | the Examination Work and/or thesis, other than papers published before examination, may be distributed to the candidate’s examiners, on a confidential basis if requested by Licensee; and |
| (c) | copies of the thesis, other than papers published before examination, will be maintained only in the “restricted” section of the library of the educational institution of which the candidate is a student for such period as is reasonable to obtain protection of any intellectual property and in accordance with the statutes and regulations of the educational institution. |
| 10.3 | Use of name of the other party |
Neither Party may use the other Party’s name, logos, trade marks or indicia; or the name of any of its Personnel or Affiliates in any announcement, press release or other publicity material without, express, prior written consent of the other party (such not to be [***] where such announcement or release occurs in connection with publicity of this Agreement).
| 10.4 | No endorsement |
Neither Party may represent that another Party or any associated entity endorses its business or the Research Project, Licensed Patents, Licensed Information, Project IP or future improvements.
Page 22
| 10.5 | Patent Listings |
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, Licensee shall have [***] to make all filings with regulatory authorities in the territory with respect to the Products and Licensed Patents covering Products, including as required or allowed (a) in the United States, in the FDA’s ‘Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations’ (or the so-called ‘Orange Book’) and (b) in the European Union, under the national implementations of Article 10.1(a)(iii) of Directive 2001/EC/83 or other international equivalents. Monash shall cooperate with Licensee’s reasonable requests in connection with the foregoing, including executing any documents reasonably requested by Licensee [***].
| 11. | Indemnity and Insurance |
| 11.1 | Indemnity |
Licensee indemnifies and agrees to keep fully indemnified on demand each of Monash, and its respective directors, officers, employees and students (collectively, the Indemnified) against:
| (a) | any Loss which may be brought against the indemnified or any of them and whether at common law, in equity or pursuant to statute or otherwise to the extent arising out of: |
| (1) | any Commercialisation or use of the Licensed Patents by Licensee, |
| (2) | any manufacture, marketing, sale, distribution or use of Products by Licensee; and |
| (3) | any unlawful act or omission by Licensee (including, without limitation, any negligence or breach of contract or duty or failure to comply with any laws); |
(collectively called “Licensee’s Obligations”); and
| (b) | any breach of this agreement by Licensee, |
excluding:
| (c) | any costs, damages, expenses, claims, liabilities and losses to the extent arising as a result of any breach of this agreement, or any gross negligence or wilful act or omission by the Indemnified; and |
| (d) | any special, indirect or consequential loss or damage or loss of profits. |
Page 23
| 11.2 | Release |
Licensee hereby fully releases each indemnified from and against all Loss directly or indirectly relating to Licensee’s Obligations, except for claims described in Clause 10.1(c) of this Agreement.
| 11.3 | Continuing Indemnity |
The indemnity in Clause 11.1 is a continuing obligation despite any settlement of account or any other thing and survives termination of the Licence and the expiry or termination of this Agreement.
| 11.4 | Insurance |
Licensee must, at its [***] and before it commences human clinical development of Products, effect and maintain thereafter during the Term and for a period of no less than[***] thereafter in respect of all Products, [***] insurance against public liability and product liability and all other risks usually insured in accordance with industry custom and practice. Licensee must, on reasonable request by Monash, provide to Monash a copy of any insurance policy and the certificate of currency in respect of each such policy.
| 12. | Termination |
| 12.1 | Termination for Due Cause or Otherwise |
Without limiting any other rights it may have, a Party may terminate this agreement by written notice to the other if the other Party:
| (a) | fails to pay when due any sum payable under this Agreement and such default continues for a period of [***] after receipt of a written notice requiring payment; |
| (b) | is in material breach of any of its other obligations under this Agreement and, if that breach is capable of remedy, does not rectify that breach within [***] after receipt of a notice to remedy that breach or such other period of time agreed to by the parties; |
| (c) | is unable to pay its debts as they fall due, or makes a general assignment, scheme of arrangement or composition with or for the benefit of its creditors; |
| (d) | ceases to carry on business or disposes of the whole or a material part of its business other than as permitted under Clause 16.2 to reconstruct or amalgamate while solvent on terms acceptable by the other party (which acceptance will not be [***]); |
| (e) | takes any corporate action or any steps are taken or legal proceedings (provided that in circumstances in which such legal proceedings are involuntary, a party shall have [***] to obtain a dismissal of such a proceeding) are stated for: |
Page 24
| (f) | its winding-up, dissolution, liquidation, or re-organisation, other than as permitted by Clause 16.2 to reconstruct or amalgamate while solvent on terms approved by the other party (which approval will not be [***]); or |
| (g) | the appointment of a controller, receiver, administrator, official manager, trustee or similar officer of it or of any of its revenues and assets; or |
| (h) | seeks protection or is granted protection from its creditors, under any applicable legislation; |
| 12.2 | Discontinuing the Activities |
| (a) | If at any time, Licensee, [***], determines that the Activities are no longer commercially viable, it may give Monash [***] notice to this effect. |
| (b) | Upon this notice being given, the Parties will meet and negotiate [***] the future Commercialisation and respective rights of each party. In the event that the Parties are unable to reach a continuing agreement within that [***] period, either party may [***]terminate this Agreement upon written notice to that effect to the other party. |
| (c) | Where the Agreement is terminated under this Clause 12.2, the licences granted under Clause 5.1 shall be deemed to terminate as at the date of termination of this Agreement, and any further licence fee payment which would otherwise have been payable but for the termination will no longer be payable. |
| (d) | Where the Agreement is terminated under this Clause 12.2, a final royalty report will be promptly prepared and sent to Monash. That report will include details of Net Income and Net Sales as at the date of termination including a calculation of any payments due to Monash. Licensee will remit any payment to Monash within [***] of sending that report. |
| 12.3 | Consequences of Termination |
Subject to this Clause, upon termination of this Agreement, all further rights and obligations under this Agreement are at an end (except those that are expressly or by implication intended to survive termination). Clauses 5.5, 9, 10, and 11 shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement.
| 12.4 | Rights prior to Termination |
Any termination of this Agreement will not affect the enforceability of any other obligations of a Party or rights against a Party accrued prior to termination.
Page 25
| 13. | Force Majeure |
| 13.1 | Effect of Force Majeure |
Where a Party is unable, wholly or in part, by reason of Force Majeure, to carry out any obligation under this Agreement, and that party:
| (a) | gives the other Party prompt notice of that Force Majeure including reasonable particulars and anticipated extent to which it will be unable to perform or be delayed in performing that obligation; and |
| (b) | does what it reasonably can to remove that Force Majeure as quickly as reasonably possible (this does not require the settlement of strikes, lockouts or other labour disputes or claims or demands by any government on terms contrary to the wishes of the Party affected), that obligation is suspended so far as it is affected by Force Majeure during the continuance of that Force Majeure and that party shall be allowed a [***] extension of time to perform its obligations. |
| 13.2 | Remedial action |
If, after [***], the Force Majeure has not ceased, the Parties shall meet [***] to discuss the situation and endeavour to achieve a mutually satisfactory resolution to the problem.
| 14. | Dispute Resolution |
| 14.1 | [***] negotiation |
The Parties shall without delay and in [***] attempt to resolve any dispute or difference which may arise between them in relation to this Agreement.
| 14.2 | Disputes generally |
Any dispute or difference relating to a matter shall be resolved in accordance with the following procedure:
| (a) | the Party claiming that a dispute exists shall notify the other party in writing that a dispute exists and forthwith submit such dispute or difference to the senior representatives of each Party for resolution; |
| (b) | if the senior representatives are unable to resolve the dispute or difference within a reasonable time, a meeting shall be convened forthwith between an Officer of Licensee and a senior representative of Monash for resolution of the dispute or difference; and |
Page 26
| (c) | if the dispute or difference is not resolved by the persons referred to in Clause 14.2(b) above, within such time as they agree but not being more than [***], Clause 14.3 (mediation) shall apply. |
| 14.3 | Mediation |
If any dispute or difference is not resolved by negotiation in accordance with the above procedure, the Parties agree that it shall first be referred to mediation before either of them shall be entitled to commence any proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise in respect of such dispute or difference. However, this (and the procedure referred to under Clause 14.2) shall not preclude a Party from seeking urgent interlocutory relief in a court of competent jurisdiction.
| 15. | Notices |
| 15.1 | Method |
A notice, consent or other communication under this Agreement is only effective if it is in writing and either left at the addressee’s address or sent to the addressee by mail or email. If it is sent by mail, it is taken to have been received [***] after it is posted. If it is sent by email, it is taken to have been received at the time indicated on confirmation of transmission. However, if transmission is completed after 5.00pm on a Business Day or is sent on a day that is not a Business Day, the message is taken to have been received at 9.00am on the next Business Day.
| 15.2 | Address for service |
A Party’s address and email address are those set out below, or as the Party notifies the sender from time to time:
Seaport Therapeutics, Inc.
Address 101 Seaport Blvd., Floor 12, Boston, MA 02210, USA
Attention: [***]
with a copy by email: [***]
Monash
Address: Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia
Attention: [***], Monash Innovation
with copy by email: [***]
Page 27
| 16. | General |
| 16.1 | Amendment |
This Agreement may only be varied or replaced by a document duly executed by the Parties.
| 16.2 | Assignment |
A Party shall not dispose of or encumber any right under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party, provided, however, that either Party may assign this Agreement, without the consent of the other Party, (i) to any of its Affiliates, if the assigning Party guarantees the full performance of its Affiliates’ obligations hereunder, or (ii) in connection with the transfer or sale of all or substantially all of its assets or business or in the event of its merger or consolidation with another company, if the successor party agrees in writing to be bound by this Agreement. Monash may subcontract or collaborate with third parties in respect of any aspect of the research and development under this Agreement or the MTA with the prior written consent of Licensee (such consent not to be [***]).
| 16.3 | Governing law |
This Agreement is governed by the law in force in Victoria, Australia.
| 16.4 | Costs |
Unless otherwise agreed, each party shall bear [***] in relation to the preparation and execution of this Agreement.
| 16.5 | Further assurance |
Each party must do anything (including execute any document), and must ensure that its employees and agents do anything (including execute any document), that the other party may reasonably require to give full effect to this Agreement.
| 16.6 | Waiver of rights |
A right may only be waived in writing, signed by the Party giving the waiver, and:
| (a) | no other conduct of a Party (including a failure to exercise, or delay in exercising, the right) operates as a waiver of the right or otherwise prevents the exercise of the right; |
| (b) | a waiver of a right on one or more occasions does not operate as a waiver of that right if it arises again; and |
| (c) | the exercise of a right does not prevent any further exercise of that right or of any other right. |
Page 28
| 16.7 | Original Agreement; Entire Agreement |
This Agreement, as amended and restated, constitutes the entire understanding among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and replaces the MTA and the Original Agreement and all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, writings and discussions among the Parties with respect to issues addressed in this Agreement.
| 16.8 | Consents |
Where this Agreement contemplates that a Party may agree or consent to something (however it is described), the Party may:
| (a) | agree or consent, or not agree or consent, [***]; and |
| (b) | agree or consent subject to conditions, unless this Agreement expressly contemplates otherwise, including by providing that such consent is not to be [***]. |
| 16.9 | Relationship |
Nothing in this Agreement is to be treated as creating a partnership or joint venture between the Parties under the laws of any applicable jurisdiction and no party may act or has any authority to act as agent of or in any way bind or commit the other party to any obligation.
| 16.10 | Counterparts |
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts which may be exchanged in facsimile or electronic form.
| 16.11 | Attorneys |
Each person who executes this Agreement on behalf of a Party under a power of attorney declares that he or she is not aware of any fact or circumstance that might affect his or her authority to do so under that power of attorney.
Page 29
Schedule 1 - Project Details
[***]
Page 30
Schedule 2 - Application of Definitions and Calculations
[***]
Page 31
Schedule 3 - Development Plan
[***]
Schedule 4 - Patents
[***]
Page 32
| Execution |
| Executed as an agreement on |
| Executed by |
| Monash University |
| /s/ Professor Sharon Pickering |
| Authorised Representative |
| Professor Sharon Pickering |
| Name of Authorised Representative (please print) |
| 04 March 2025 |
| Date |
| Executed by |
| Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. |
| /s/ Daphne Zohar |
| Authorised Representative |
| Chief Executive Officer |
| Name of Authorised Representative (please print) |
| 03 March 2025 |
| Date |
Page 33
Exhibit 21.1
List of Subsidiaries
| Name |
Jurisdiction of Incorporation | |
| Seaport Therapeutics Securities Corporation | Massachusetts | |
| SPTX, Inc. | Delaware | |
| Seaport Therapeutics Australia Pty Ltd | Australia |
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Seaport Therapeutics, Inc. of our report dated February 27, 2026 relating to the financial statements of Seaport Therapeutics, Inc., which appears in this Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
April 10, 2026
| Calculation of Filing Fee Tables | |||
| | |||
| | |||
| Table 1: Newly Registered and Carry Forward Securities |
|---|
| Security Type |
Security Class Title |
Fee Calculation or Carry Forward Rule |
Amount Registered |
Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Unit |
Maximum Aggregate Offering Price |
Fee Rate |
Amount of Registration Fee |
Carry Forward Form Type |
Carry Forward File Number |
Carry Forward Initial Effective Date |
Filing Fee Previously Paid in Connection with Unsold Securities to be Carried Forward | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newly Registered Securities | |||||||||||||
| |
1 | |
|
|
$ |
|
$ |
||||||
| Fees Previously Paid | |||||||||||||
| Carry Forward Securities | |||||||||||||
| Carry Forward Securities | |||||||||||||
| Total Offering Amounts: |
$ |
$ |
|||||||||||
| Total Fees Previously Paid: |
$ |
||||||||||||
| Total Fee Offsets: |
$ |
||||||||||||
| Net Fee Due: |
$ |
||||||||||||
| Offering Note |
| 1 |
| ||||||
| | |||||||
| Table 2: Fee Offset Claims and Sources |
|---|
| Registrant or Filer Name | Form or Filing Type | File Number | Initial Filing Date | Filing Date | Fee Offset Claimed | Security Type Associated with Fee Offset Claimed | Security Title Associated with Fee Offset Claimed | Unsold Securities Associated with Fee Offset Claimed | Unsold Aggregate Offering Amount Associated with Fee Offset Claimed | Fee Paid with Fee Offset Source | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rules 457(b) and 0-11(a)(2) | |||||||||||||
| Fee Offset Claims | |||||||||||||
| Fee Offset Sources | |||||||||||||
| Rule 457(p) | |||||||||||||
| Fee Offset Claims | |||||||||||||
| Fee Offset Sources | |||||||||||||
| Table 3: Combined Prospectuses |
|---|
| Security Type |
Security Class Title |
Amount of Securities Previously Registered |
Maximum Aggregate Offering Price of Securities Previously Registered |
Form Type |
File Number |
Initial Effective Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|