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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As confidentially submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 22, 2018 as Amendment No. 3 to the confidential draft registration statement submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 13, 2018. This draft registration statement has not been filed publicly with the Securities and Exchange Commission and all information contained herein remains strictly confidential.
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
State of Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
2834 (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) |
47-4619612 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc.
230 Park Avenue
33rd Floor
New York, NY 10169
Tel. (212) 847-9841
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
Thomas Gad
Founder, Chairman, President and Head of Business Development
Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc.
230 Park Avenue
33rd Floor
New York, NY 10169
Tel. (212) 847-9844
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone
number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to: | ||
Dwight A. Kinsey, Esq. Michael D. Baird, Esq. Rina R. Patel, Esq. Satterlee Stephens LLP 230 Park Avenue New York, NY 10169 Tel: (212) 818-9200 |
Ilir Mujalovic, Esq. Shearman & Sterling LLP 599 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10022 Tel: (212) 848-4000 |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act, check the following box. o
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) 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. o
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. o
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. o
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. (check one)
Large accelerated filer o | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer ý (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Smaller reporting company o Emerging growth company ý |
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 to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ý
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
|
||||
Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered |
Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(1)(2) |
Amount of Registration Fee(3) |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share |
$ | $ | ||
|
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 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion
Preliminary Prospectus dated , 2018
PROSPECTUS
Shares
Common Stock
This is Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc.'s initial public offering. We are selling shares of our common stock.
We expect the public offering price to be between $ and $ per share. Currently, no public market exists for the shares. After pricing of the offering, we expect that the shares will trade on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "YMAB."
We are an "emerging growth company" under federal securities laws and are subject to reduced public company disclosure standards. See "SummaryImplications of Being an Emerging Growth Company."
Investing in the common stock involves risks that are described in the "Risk Factors" section beginning on page 14 of this prospectus.
|
Per Share
|
Total
|
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Public offering price |
$ | $ | |||||
Underwriting discount(1) |
$ | $ | |||||
Proceeds, before expenses, to us |
$ | $ |
The underwriters may also exercise their option to purchase up to an additional shares from us, at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount, for 30 days after the date of this prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Certain of our existing stockholders, including certain of our directors and entities affiliated with certain of our directors, have indicated an interest in purchasing an aggregate of up to approximately $ million in shares of our common stock in this offering at the initial public offering price. However, because indications of interest are not binding agreements or commitments to purchase, the underwriters may determine to sell more, fewer or no shares in this offering to any or all of these stockholders, or any or all of these stockholders may determine to purchase more, fewer or no shares in this offering. The underwriters will receive the same underwriting discount on any shares purchased by these stockholders as they will on any other shares sold to the public in this offering.
The shares will be ready for delivery on or about , 2018.
Joint Book-Running Managers
BofA Merrill Lynch |
Cowen |
The date of this prospectus is , 2018.
Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this prospectus, any amendment or supplement to this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus we may authorize to be delivered or made available to you. Neither we nor the underwriters take responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, shares of our common stock only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of shares of our common stock. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
This prospectus includes statistical and other industry and market data that we obtained from industry publications and research, surveys and studies conducted by third parties or us. Industry publications and third-party research, surveys and studies generally indicate that their information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, although they do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information. While we believe these industry publications and third-party research, surveys and studies are reliable, all of the market data used in this prospectus involves a number of assumptions and limitations, which are necessarily subject to a high degree of uncertainty, change and risk due to a variety of factors, including those described in the section titled "Risk
i
Factors." These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates made by the independent parties and by us.
FOR INVESTORS OUTSIDE 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 in the United States. Persons outside 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 common stock and the distribution of this prospectus outside the United States.
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This summary highlights, and is qualified in its entirety by, the more detailed information and financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary does not contain all of the information that may be important to you in making your investment decision. You should read and carefully consider this entire prospectus, including the sections titled "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus, before deciding to invest in our common stock.
Except as otherwise indicated herein or as the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus to "Y-mAbs," the "company," "we," "us" and "our" and similar words refer to Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc. and our wholly owned Danish subsidiary, Y-mAbs Therapeutics A/S.
Overview
We are a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel, antibody-based therapeutic products for the treatment of cancer. We have a broad and advanced product pipeline, including two pivotal-stage product candidatesnaxitamab and omburtamabwhich target tumors that express GD2 and B7-H3, respectively. We are developing naxitamab for the treatment of pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory, or R/R, high-risk neuroblastoma, or NB, and radiolabeled omburtamab for the treatment of pediatric patients with central nervous system, or CNS, leptomeningeal metastases, or LM, from NB. NB is a rare and almost exclusively pediatric cancer that develops in the sympathetic nervous system and CNS/LM is a rare and usually fatal complication of NB in which the disease spreads to the membranes, or meninges, surrounding the brain and spinal cord in the CNS.
We expect to submit a Biologics License Application, or BLA, for each of our two lead product candidates in 2019, with a goal of receiving approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, in 2020. We plan to commercialize both of our lead product candidates in the United States as soon as possible after obtaining FDA approval, if such approval occurs. We have two additional omburtamab follow-on product candidates in pre-clinical development, omburtamab-DTPA (diethylenetriamine pentaacetate) and huB7-H3, each targeting indications with large adult patient populations. We are also advancing an early-stage, novel pipeline of bispecific antibodies, or BsAbs. We believe our BsAbs have the potential to result in improved tumor-binding, longer serum half-life and significantly greater T-cell mediated killing of tumor cells without the need for continuous infusion. Our mission is to become the world leader in developing better and safer antibody-based pediatric oncology products addressing clear unmet medical needs and, as such, have a transformational impact on the lives of patients. We intend to advance and expand our product pipeline into certain adult cancer indications either independently or in collaboration with potential partners.
Naxitamab is a recombinant humanized immunoglobulin G, or IgG1k, monoclonal antibody that targets ganglioside GD2, which is highly expressed in various neuroectoderm-derived tumors and sarcomas. Naxitamab is currently being studied in several clinical trials, including pivotal-stage development (Study 201) and a Phase 1/2 clinical trial (Study 12-230) for the treatment of pediatric R/R high-risk NB, a Phase 2 clinical trial (Study 16-1643) in front-line NB, a pilot study (Study 17-251) of chemoimmunotherapy for high-risk NB and a Phase 2 clinical trial (Study 15-096) for relapsed osteosarcoma. We believe that naxitamab has multiple potential advantages over other GD2-targeting antibody-based therapies. In particular, its modest toxicity allows for doses two-and-a-half times greater than existing GD2-targeting antibody-based therapies. Unlike currently approved GD2-targeting therapies for NB, which require 10 to 20 hours of infusion and hospitalization for several days, naxitamab is administered in approximately 30 minutes in an outpatient setting. We believe this significantly shorter administration time is an important advantage considering the overall pain associated with treatment.
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In the dose escalation part of Study 12-230 for naxitamab, which together with Study 201 is expected to form the primary basis of our BLA submission, we achieved an overall response rate, or ORR, of 57% in 23 patients with pediatric R/R high-risk NB who at study entry had evaluable tumors and no evidence of progression of disease, or PD. Based on our discussions with the FDA, the profile of the non-PD R/R high-risk NB pediatric patients in Study 12-230 is representative of the intended patient population for naxitamab's target indication. The corresponding ORRs will form the primary objective of our pivotal study (Study 201). Additionally, based on our discussions with the FDA, we believe that naxitamab may qualify for accelerated approval if we can demonstrate a 30% ORR (which is significantly different from a 20% ORR at a 95% confidence interval, or CI) with a minimum 12-week duration of response. We have proposed to the FDA that, pending comparability between the study population in Study 12-230 and Study 201, the data from the two studies may be pooled for analysis. Naxitamab has been administered to more than 200 patients to date, who will form the safety portion of our planned BLA submission. In May 2018, we reported topline results from the Phase 2 part of Study 12-230. The end points of this part of the study were complete or partial tumor response. No statistical significance was observed, as this data continued to show response rates at the same levels as in the dose escalation part of the study with 13 of 15, or 87% of, primary refractory patients responding and 7 of 23, or 30% of, secondary refractory patients responding. We expect to submit the BLA for naxitamab for R/R high-risk NB in 2019. Currently, there are no FDA-approved therapies for primary refractory or second-line pediatric NB patients. Naxitamab has also received orphan drug designation, or ODD, and rare pediatric disease designation, or RPDD, from the FDA, in each case, for the treatment of NB. In addition, on August 20, 2018, naxitamab received breakthrough therapy designation, or BTD, in combination with GM-CSF, for the treatment of high-risk NB refractory to initial therapy or with incomplete response to salvage therapy in patients greater than 12 months of age with persistent, refractory disease limited to bone marrow with or without evidence of concurrent bone involvement. While our current clinical efforts for naxitamab are focused on rare pediatric cancers, we believe that we can potentially expand its application to the treatment of adults with cancers that express GD2. We estimate that there were more than 200,000 new adult patients diagnosed with GD2-positive cancers in the United States in 2017.
Omburtamab is a murine monoclonal antibody that targets B7-H3, an immune checkpoint molecule that is widely expressed in tumor cells of several cancer types. 131I-omburtamab, which is omburtamab radiolabeled with Iodine-131, is currently being studied in several clinical trials including pivotal-stage development (Study 101) and a Phase 1 clinical trial (Study 03-133) for the treatment of pediatric patients who have CNS/LM from NB. As of August 2017, 93 patients with pediatric CNS/LM from NB had been treated with 131I-omburtamab in Study 03-133. An analysis of these 93 patients demonstrated a median overall survival, or OS, of 47 months (including an estimated five-year OS of approximately 43%), as compared to historical median OS of approximately six months. We have proposed to the FDA that, pending comparability between study population and the pharmacokinetics analysis in Study 03-133 and Study 101, data from both studies may be pooled for analysis for our planned BLA submission. 131I-omburtamab has received ODD and RPDD from the FDA, in each case, for the treatment of NB, and BTD for the treatment of pediatric patients who have CNS/LM from NB. In 2019, we expect to submit the BLA for 131I-omburtamab for CNS/LM from NB.
124I-omburtamab, which is omburtamab radiolabeled with Iodine-124, is currently being studied for the treatment of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, or DIPG. 131I-omburtamab is currently being studied for the treatment of Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumors, or DSRCT. Both DIPG and DSRCT are rare, and often fatal, cancers. While our current clinical efforts are focused on rare pediatric cancers, we believe we can potentially expand omburtamab's application to the treatment of CNS/LM resulting from other adult and pediatric solid tumors expressing B7-H3 and the underlying solid systemic tumors. We estimate that, in the United States in 2017, there were more than 30,000 new patients diagnosed with cancer that has metastasized to the CNS/LM, of which the vast majority express B7-H3.
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We have initiated Study 101 and Study 201 to form the primary basis for our planned BLAs, to establish comparability of study population and pharmacokinetics analysis with Study 03-133 and Study 12-230, respectively, and to satisfy the confirmatory study and post-marketing requirements by the FDA. If the results from Study 101 and Study 201 fail to demonstrate comparability to the satisfaction of the FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities, this may lead to a delay in, or otherwise adversely affect, such clinical trials, including the timing of submission of BLAs. For a more detailed discussion of Study 101 and Study 201 see the sections entitled "BusinessStudy 101" and "BusinessStudy 201."
We have two additional B7-H3 targeting product candidates in pre-clinical development, omburtamab-DTPA, a Lutetium-177 conjugated antibody, and huB7-H3, a humanized version of omburtamab, each targeting indications with pediatric and large adult patient populations where we believe there is a significant unmet medical need. We are also advancing a pipeline of novel BsAbs through late pre-clinical development, including our huGD2-BsAb product candidate for the treatment of refractory GD2-positive adult and pediatric solid tumors and our huCD33-BsAb product candidate for the treatment of hematological cancers expressing CD33, a transmembrane receptor expressed on cells of myeloid lineage. In pre-clinical studies, huGD2-BsAb has demonstrated the potential for improved tumor-binding, longer serum half-life and significantly greater T-cell mediated killing compared to existing bispecific constructs.
We currently have three active INDs related to our product candidates. The table below sets forth the product candidate, date of the initial submission of the IND to the FDA, as well as the current sponsor, the subject matter and the current status of each such IND.
Product Candidate
|
Date of Initial Submission |
Current Sponsor |
Subject Matter of IND | Current Status | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Naxitamab | June 14, 2011 | MSK | Treatment of NB and other GD2 positive tumors | Clinical trials ongoing | ||||
Omburtamab (131I-Omburtamab and 124I-Omburtamab) |
September 22, 2000 |
Y-mAbs (MSK original sponsor) |
CNS/LM from NB, DSRCT, DIPG and other B7-H3 positive tumors |
Clinical trials ongoing |
||||
Naxitamab |
September 5, 2017 |
Y-mAbs |
Pediatric NB |
Clinical trials ongoing |
In October 2017, the FDA issued a partial clinical hold on our IND for naxitamab. A partial clinical hold, as opposed to a full clinical hold, is a delay or suspension of only a specific part of the clinical work requested under the IND, which allows otherwise unaffected parts of the clinical work to proceed under the IND. The FDA stated that the proposed acceptance criterion for the ADCC-CD16, ADCC-CD32, and CDC assays were too wide to provide sufficient control over these attributes, which are critical for safety and efficacy. ADCC and CDC refer to antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and complement-dependent cytotoxicity, respectively. We submitted a response to the FDA in March 2018, and met with the FDA on April 24, 2018. Subsequently, we submitted a complete response to the partial clinical hold to the FDA in May 2018 and the partial clinical hold was removed on June 7, 2018.
We have exclusive rights to MSK's rights in all of our current product candidates under our 2015 license agreement, or the MSK License, with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, or MSK. The MSK License also provides us with non-exclusive access to technology that involves the creation of a novel human protein tag that can potentially dimerize, or link together, bispecific T-cell engagers, or BiTEs. We refer to this technology as the MULTI-TAG technology. We plan to create a broad platform of dimerized BiTEs using the MULTI-TAG technology and are currently collaborating with MSK on several MULTI-TAG product candidates. We believe that our strong relationship with MSK, one of the world's leading cancer treatment centers, and our access to certain of MSK's technologies and substantial research capabilities affords us several competitive advantages. In addition, we believe that
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our relationship with MSK may help us with respect to patient recruitment for clinical trials. Under a separate 2017 CD33 license agreement with MSK, or the MSK CD33 License, we have a worldwide, sub-licensable license to MSK's rights in certain patent rights and intellectual property rights related to certain know-how to develop, make, and commercialize licensed products and to perform services for all therapeutic and diagnostic uses in the field of cancer diagnostics and cancer treatments in connection with certain CD33 antibodies developed in the laboratory of a specific principal investigator at MSK and constructs thereof.
Our management team has substantial public company experience and extensive knowledge in the field of antibody oncology drug development, manufacturing and commercialization. Thomas Gad, our Founder, Chairman, President and Head of Business Development, co-founded Singad Pharma ApS, a Danish pharmaceutical and distribution company, where, as part of senior management, he gained more than 12 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including in business development, financing and licensing negotiations and manufacturing site qualification. In 2006, Mr. Gad's then two year old daughter was diagnosed with high-risk NB and was treated at MSK with the murine version of naxitamab. In 2009, she relapsed with CNS/LM from NB and again was treated at MSK, this time with 131I-omburtamab. Since then, she has been disease free and is now 13 years old. Our Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Claus Juan Møller San Pedro, co-founded Genmab A/S, or Genmab, one of the largest public biotechnology companies in Europe, where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for approximately 10 years. Our Chief Financial Officer, Bo Kruse, served as Genmab's Chief Financial Officer and was directly involved in several of Genmab's financing rounds including Genmab's initial public offering. In addition, since our inception in April 2015, we have raised approximately $120 million from our founding investors and prominent biotechnology institutional investors, including HBM Healthcare Investments (Cayman) Ltd. and funds advised by or affiliated with Scopia Capital Management LP and Sofinnova Ventures, Inc., among others, and as of June 30, 2018 we had cash and cash equivalents of $70.2 million.
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The following table sets forth our product candidates and their current development stages, estimated development timelines and anticipated milestones.
Key elements of our strategy are:
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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 are discussed more fully in the "Risk Factors" section of this prospectus immediately following this prospectus summary. These risks include the following:
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other adverse finding occurs in one or more of our clinical trials of our lead product candidates, such event could adversely affect our other clinical trials of our lead product candidates.
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Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company
As a company with less than $1.07 billion of revenue during our last fiscal year, we qualify as an "emerging growth company" as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, as amended, or the JOBS Act. We may remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (i) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering, (ii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have more than $1.07 billion in annual gross revenue, (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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates exceeded $700.0 million as of the last business day of the second fiscal quarter of such fiscal year, or (iv) the date on which we issue more than $1 billion of non-convertible debt securities during the prior three-year period. For so long as we remain an emerging growth company, we are permitted and intend to rely on exemptions from certain disclosure and other requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. In particular, as an emerging growth company, in this prospectus, we (i) will have provided only two years of audited financial statements, with correspondingly reduced "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" disclosure, (ii) may avail ourselves of the exemption from the requirement to obtain an attestation and report from our auditors on the assessment of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, (iii) have not included all of the executive compensation-related information that would be required if we were not an emerging growth company and (iv) we may not require stockholder non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation or golden parachute arrangements. Accordingly, the information contained herein may be different than the information you receive from other public companies in which you hold stock.
We have chosen to opt out of the extended transition periods available to emerging growth companies under the JOBS Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that our decision to opt out of the extended transition periods for complying with new or revised accounting standards is irrevocable.
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We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on April 30, 2015. Our executive offices are located at 230 Park Avenue, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10169 and our telephone number is (212) 874-9841. Our website address is www.ymabs.com. The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not a part of this prospectus and is not incorporated by reference herein. We have included our website address in this prospectus solely as an inactive textual reference.
"Y-mAbs" is our common law trademark. Any other trademarks or service marks of our company appearing in this prospectus are the property of Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc. All other trademarks, trade names and service marks appearing in this prospectus are the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, the trademarks and trade names in this prospectus are referred to without the ® and symbols, but such references should not be construed as any indicator that their respective owners will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, their rights thereto. We do not intend our use or display of other entities' trade names, trademarks or service marks to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, any other entity.
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Common stock offered by us |
shares. | |
Common stock to be outstanding immediately following this offering |
shares. |
|
Option to purchase additional shares |
The underwriters have the option to purchase up to an additional shares of common stock from us, at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount. The underwriters may exercise this option at any time within 30 days from the date of this prospectus. |
|
Use of proceeds |
We estimate that the net proceeds to us from our issuance and sale of shares of our common stock in this offering will be approximately $ million, 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, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. If the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares, we estimate that the net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $ million. |
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We currently estimate that we will use the net proceeds from this offering, together with our existing cash and cash equivalents, as follows: (i) to fund our ongoing pivotal stage development through regulatory submission, and other clinical development and expansion into new indications of one of our lead product candidates, naxitamab, (ii) to fund our ongoing pivotal stage development through regulatory submission, and other clinical development and expansion into new indications of another of our lead product candidates, omburtamab, (iii) to fund through a Phase 2 clinical trial of our omburtamab-DTPA product candidate, (iv) to fund through the submission of INDs and through Phase 1 clinical trials of our BsAb product candidates, (v) to fund additional pre-clinical research and clinical development activity related to our other product candidates and programs, and (iv) the remainder for working capital and other general corporate purposes, which may include funding for additional research, hiring additional personnel, capital and commercialization expenditures and the costs of operating as a public company. See "Use of Proceeds." |
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Risk factors |
You should carefully read the "Risk Factors" section of this prospectus and other information included in this prospectus for a discussion of factors to consider carefully before deciding to invest in shares of our common stock. |
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Reserved share program |
At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to , % of the shares offered by this prospectus for sale to some of our directors, officers, employees, business associates and related persons. If these persons purchase reserved shares it will reduce the number of shares available for sale to the general public. Any reserved shares that are not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same terms as the other shares offered by this prospectus. |
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Dividend policy |
We currently intend to retain all of our future earnings, if any, to finance the growth and development of our business. We do not intend to pay cash dividends in respect of our common stock in the foreseeable future. |
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Proposed Nasdaq Global Market symbol |
"YMAB." |
The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after this offering is based on shares of our common stock outstanding as of , 2018.
Unless otherwise indicated herein, the number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after this offering excludes:
Unless otherwise indicated herein, all information in this prospectus assumes or gives effect to:
Certain of our existing stockholders, including certain of our directors and entities affiliated with certain of our directors, have indicated an interest in purchasing an aggregate of up to approximately $ million in shares of our common stock in this offering at the initial public offering price. However, because indications of interest are not binding agreements or commitments to purchase, the underwriters may determine to sell more, fewer or no shares in this offering to any or all of these stockholders, or any or all of these stockholders may determine to purchase more, fewer or no shares in this offering. The underwriters will receive the same underwriting discount on any shares purchased by these stockholders as they will on any other shares sold to the public in this offering.
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SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following tables set forth our summary consolidated financial data for the periods indicated. We have derived the consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. We have derived the selected financial data for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018, and the balance sheet data as of June 30, 2018, from our unaudited consolidated financial statements, which have been included elsewhere in this prospectus and have been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements. In the opinion of management, the unaudited data reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the financial information in those statements. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results that should be expected for any future period. You should read the following summary consolidated financial data together with the more detailed information contained in "Selected Consolidated Financial Data," "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.
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Year Ended December 31, | Six Months Ended June 30, |
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2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||
|
(in thousands, except per share data) |
(in thousands, except per share data) |
|||||||||||
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data: |
|||||||||||||
Revenue |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||||
Operating expenses: |
|||||||||||||
Research and development |
13,855 | 14,307 | 4,606 | 14,497 | |||||||||
General and administrative |
3,184 | 4,937 | 1,521 | 3,240 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total operating expenses |
17,039 | 19,244 | 6,127 | 17,737 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss from operations |
(17,039 | ) | (19,244 | ) | (6,127 | ) | (17,737 | ) | |||||
Interest and other income (expense) |
(18 | ) | 83 | 46 | (51 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss |
$ | (17,057 | ) | $ | (19,161 | ) | $ | (6,081 | ) | $ | (17,788 | ) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss attributable to common stockholders |
$ | (17,057 | ) | $ | (19,161 | ) | $ | (6,081 | ) | $ | (17,788 | ) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholdersbasic and diluted(1) |
$ | (1.21 | ) | $ | (0.99 | ) | $ | (0.34 | ) | $ | (0.66 | ) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted-average common shares outstanding used in computing net loss per share attributable to common stockholdersbasic and diluted(1) |
14,087,456 | 19,397,506 | 17,644,530 | 26,749,666 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
12
|
As of June 30, 2018 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Actual | As Adjusted(2)(3) | |||||
|
(in thousands) |
||||||
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: |
|||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 70,152 | $ | ||||
Working capital(1) |
66,002 | ||||||
Total assets |
73,298 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
7,777 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(59,349 | ) | |||||
Total stockholders' equity |
65,521 |
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Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Before you decide to invest in our common stock, you should consider carefully the risks described below, together with the other information contained in this prospectus, including "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation" and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes. The risks and uncertainties described below are the risks that we believe are material to us as of the date of this prospectus. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of, or that we currently believe are not material, may also become important factors that affect us. If any of the following risks occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and future growth prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In these circumstances, the market price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Related to Our Financial Condition and Need for Additional Capital
We have a limited operating history and have incurred significant losses since inception. We have no products approved for commercial sale and we expect to incur significant losses for the foreseeable future. We may never achieve or maintain profitability, which may cause the market value of our common stock to decline significantly.
We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a limited operating history. Since our inception in 2015, we have incurred significant losses each year. Our net losses were $17.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, $19.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 and $17.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018. As of June 30, 2018, we had an accumulated deficit of $59.3 million. We have financed our operations principally through private placements of our common stock. To date, we have devoted substantially all of our efforts to research and development of our lead product candidates. While our lead product candidates are in pivotal clinical trials, we cannot assure you that we will receive regulatory approval for the sale of these or other product candidates in the near term, if at all. Our other product candidates are in the early stages of clinical development or pre-clinical research. As a result, we expect that it will be a number of years, if ever, before we have any of these other product candidates approved and ready for commercialization. We expect to continue to incur significant expenses and increasing operating losses for the foreseeable future. The net losses we incur may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter.
We have no product candidates approved for commercial sale, have not generated any revenue from product sales, and do not anticipate generating any revenue from product sales until sometime after we receive regulatory approval for the commercial sale of a product candidate. We cannot assure you that we will ever receive regulatory approval for any of our product candidates.
Our ability to generate revenue and achieve profitability depends significantly on our success in many factors, including:
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Even if one or more of the product candidates that we develop is approved for commercial sale, we anticipate incurring research, development, clinical trial, manufacturing and marketing costs associated with commercializing any approved products. Our expenses could increase beyond expectations if we are required by the FDA or other regulatory agencies, domestic or foreign, to change our manufacturing processes or assays, or to perform clinical, non-clinical, or other types of studies in addition to those that we currently anticipate. If we are successful in obtaining regulatory approvals to market one or more of our product candidates, our revenue will be dependent, in part, upon the size of the markets in the territories for which we gain regulatory approval, the accepted price for the product, the ability to obtain reimbursement at any price, and whether we own the commercial rights for that territory. If the number of our addressable disease patients is not as significant as we estimate, the indication approved by regulatory authorities is narrower than we expect, or the reasonably expected population for treatment is narrowed by competition, physician choice or treatment guidelines, we may not generate significant revenue from sales of such products, even if approved. If we are not able to generate sufficient revenue from the sale of any approved products, we may never become profitable.
Our limited operating history may make it difficult for you to evaluate the success of our business to date and to assess our future viability.
We were incorporated and began our operations on April 30, 2015. Our operations to date have been limited to organizing and staffing our company, business planning, raising capital, conducting clinical trials of our lead product candidates, conducting pre-clinical studies of our other product candidates, and identifying additional potential product candidates. We have not yet demonstrated our ability to successfully complete any clinical trials, including large-scale, pivotal clinical trials, obtain marketing approvals, manufacture a commercial-scale drug or arrange for a third party to do so on our behalf, or conduct sales and marketing activities necessary for successful drug commercialization. Typically, it takes about six to 10 years to develop a new drug from the time it is in Phase 1 clinical trials to when it is approved for treating patients, but in many cases it may take longer. Consequently, any predictions you make about our future success or viability may not be as accurate as they could be if we had a longer operating history or a history of successfully developing and commercializing pharmaceutical products. In addition, as a business with a limited operating history, we may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other known and unknown factors as we continue to develop and commercialize our product candidates. As we continue to build our business, we expect our financial condition and operating results to fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year due to a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, you should not rely upon the results of any particular quarterly or annual periods as indications of future operating performance.
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Our payment obligations to MSK may be a drain on our cash resources, or may cause us to incur debt obligations or issue additional equity securities to satisfy such payment obligations, which may adversely affect our financial position and results of operations.
Under the MSK License, we have committed to funding scientific research as well as conducting certain clinical trial activities at MSK through 2020. As licensed product candidates progress through clinical development and commercialization, certain milestone payments will come due, and we will owe MSK customary royalties on commercial sales of our approved products, if any, including, unless such royalties become due earlier, an annual fixed minimum royalty of $80,000 over the royalty term starting in 2020. These milestone payments become due upon achievement of the related clinical, regulatory or sales-based milestone set forth in the MSK License. Certain of the clinical and regulatory milestone payments become due at the earlier of completion of the related milestone activity or the date indicated in the MSK License, whether or not the milestone activity has been achieved. Total clinical and regulatory milestones potentially due under the MSK License are $2,450,000 and $9,000,000, respectively. There are also sales-based milestones that become due should we achieve certain amounts of sales of licensed products with total sales-based milestones potentially due of $20,000,000. In addition, we have committed to acquire certain personnel and laboratory services at MSK under a Master Data Services Agreement, or MDSA, and two separate Core Facility Service Agreements, or CFSAs. We have also entered into an Investigator-Sponsored Master Clinical Trial Agreement, or MCTA, under which we will provide drug product and funding for certain clinical trials at MSK under separate appendices to be executed. Additionally, we entered into a master sponsored research agreement, or the SRA, with MSK pursuant to which we agreed to pay MSK to conduct certain research projects over a period of five years related to the intellectual property licensed under the MSK License.
These payments could be significant and in order to satisfy our obligations to MSK, if and when they are triggered, we may use our existing cash, incur debt obligations or issue additional equity securities, which may materially and adversely affect our financial position and results of operations.
If we engage in future acquisitions or strategic partnerships, this may increase our capital requirements, dilute our stockholders if we issue equity securities, cause us to incur debt or assume contingent liabilities, and subject us to other risks.
We may evaluate various acquisitions and strategic partnerships, including licensing or acquiring complementary products, intellectual property rights, technologies, or businesses. Any potential acquisition or strategic partnership may entail numerous risks, including:
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In addition, if we undertake acquisitions, we may issue dilutive securities, assume or incur debt obligations, incur large one-time expenses and acquire intangible assets that could result in significant future amortization expense. Moreover, we may not be able to locate suitable acquisition opportunities, which could impair our ability to grow or obtain access to technology or products that may be important to the development of our business.
We will need substantial additional funding for our product candidates. If we fail to obtain additional funding for our product candidates, we may be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our research and drug development programs or future commercialization efforts and our license and other agreements may be terminated.
Developing pharmaceutical products, including conducting pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, is a very time-consuming, expensive and uncertain process that takes years to complete. We expect our expenses to increase in connection with our ongoing activities, particularly as we conduct clinical trials of, and seek marketing approval for our lead product candidates and our other product candidates. In addition, if we obtain marketing approval for any of our product candidates, we expect to incur commercialization expenses, which may be significant, related to product sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution to the extent that such sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution are not the responsibility of any collaborator that we may have at such time for any such product candidate. Furthermore, commencing upon the closing of this offering, we expect to incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company. Accordingly, we will need to obtain substantial additional funding in connection with our continuing operations. If we are unable to raise sufficient amounts of additional capital when needed or on attractive terms, we may be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our research and drug development programs or our future commercialization efforts.
As of June 30, 2018, we had approximately $70.2 million in cash and cash equivalents. We estimate that the net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $ million after deducting the estimated offering expenses payable by us. We believe that such proceeds, together with our existing cash and cash equivalents, will be sufficient to fund our operations through . However, changing circumstances may cause us to increase our spending significantly faster than we currently anticipate, and we may need to spend more money than currently expected because of circumstances beyond our control. We will require additional capital for further development and commercialization of our product candidates and may need to raise additional funds earlier if we choose to expand more rapidly than we presently anticipate.
In addition, we cannot be certain that additional funding will be available on acceptable terms, or at all. We have no firmly committed source of additional capital and if we are unable to raise additional capital in sufficient amounts or on terms acceptable to us, we may have to significantly delay, scale back or discontinue the development or commercialization of our product candidates or other research and development initiatives. Our licenses and other agreements may also be terminated if we are unable to meet the payment obligations under the agreements. We could be required to seek collaborators for our product candidates at an earlier stage than otherwise would be desirable or on terms that are less favorable than might otherwise be available or relinquish or license on unfavorable terms our rights to our product candidates in markets where we otherwise would seek to pursue development or commercialization ourselves. Any of the above events could significantly harm our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations and cause the price of our common stock to decline.
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Raising additional capital may cause dilution to our stockholders, including purchasers of common stock in this offering, restrict our operations or require us to relinquish rights to our product candidates on terms unfavorable to us.
We expect our expenses to increase in connection with our planned operations. Until such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial revenues from the sale of our product candidates, we expect to finance our cash needs through a combination of cash on hand, equity offerings, debt financings, collaborations, strategic alliances and/or licensing arrangements. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, your ownership interest will be diluted, and the terms of these securities could include liquidation or other preferences and anti-dilution protections that could adversely affect your rights as a common stockholder. In addition, debt financing, if available, would result in fixed payment obligations and may involve agreements that include restrictive covenants that limit our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures, creating liens, redeeming stock or declaring dividends, that could adversely impact our ability to conduct our business. In addition, securing financing could require a substantial amount of time and attention from our management and may divert a disproportionate amount of their attention away from day-to-day activities, which may adversely affect our management's ability to oversee the development of our product candidates.
If we raise additional funds through collaborations, strategic alliances or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights related to our intellectual property, future revenue streams or any of our future product candidates or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. If we are unable to raise additional funds when needed, we may be required to delay, reduce and/or eliminate our product development or future commercialization efforts or grant rights to develop and market product candidates that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves.
We may expend our resources to pursue a particular product candidate or indication and fail to capitalize on other product candidates or indications that may be more profitable or for which there is a greater likelihood of success.
We intend to focus our efforts and managerial resources on specific product candidates and on specific indications. As a result, we may forgo or delay pursuit of opportunities with other product candidates or for other indications that may prove to have greater commercial potential. Our resource allocation decisions may cause us to fail to capitalize on viable commercial products or profitable market opportunities. Failure to properly assess potential product candidates for indications could result in focusing on product candidates for indications with lower market potential, which could harm our business and financial condition. Our spending on current and future research and development programs and product candidates for specific indications may not yield any commercially viable product candidates. If we do not accurately evaluate the commercial potential or target market for a particular product candidate, we may relinquish valuable rights to that product candidate through partnering, licensing or other royalty arrangements in cases in which it would have been more advantageous for us to retain sole development and commercialization rights to such product candidate or product.
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It has been determined that we have material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. If our remediation of these material weaknesses is not effective, or if we experience additional material weaknesses or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls in the future, we may not be able to accurately or timely report our financial condition or results of operations, which may adversely affect investor confidence in us and, as a result, the value of our common stock. In addition, because of our status as an emerging growth company, our independent registered public accounting firm is not required to provide an attestation report as to our internal control over financial reporting for the foreseeable future.
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. 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, or GAAP. As a result of becoming a public company, we will be required, pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, to furnish a report by our management on, among other things, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for the first fiscal year beginning after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. This assessment will need to include disclosures of any material weaknesses identified by our management in our internal control over financial reporting. A "material weakness" is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. We are in the very early stages of the costly and challenging process of planning the activities necessary to perform the evaluation needed to comply with Section 404.
In connection with the audit of our financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, it was determined that we lack a sufficient number of trained professionals with an appropriate level of accounting knowledge, training and experience to: (a) design and maintain formal accounting policies, procedures and controls over the fair presentation of our financial statements; (b) analyze, record and disclose complex accounting matters timely and accurately, including share-based compensation arrangements and accounting for license arrangements; and (c) design and maintain controls over the preparation and review of account reconciliations, journal entries and financial statements, including maintaining appropriate segregation of duties.
Each of these control deficiencies could result in a misstatement of these accounts or disclosures that would result in a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected, and accordingly, it was determined that these control deficiencies constitute material weaknesses.
We have begun evaluating and implementing additional procedures to address these material weaknesses, however, we cannot assure you that these or other measures will fully remediate the material weaknesses described above in a timely manner. We intend to begin addressing the material weaknesses identified above by hiring additional finance and accounting personnel and increasing the oversight and review procedures with regard to financial reporting, financial processes and procedures and internal control procedures. Nevertheless, we cannot assure you that we will be able to remedy our current material weaknesses. If we are unable to remediate the material weaknesses, or otherwise maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to report our financial results accurately, prevent fraud or file our periodic reports in a timely manner. If our remediation of these material weaknesses is not effective, or if we experience additional material weaknesses or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls in the future, we may not be able to accurately or timely report our financial condition or results of operations, which may adversely affect investor confidence in us and, as a result, the value of our common stock. We cannot assure you that all of our existing material weaknesses have been identified, or that we will not in the future identify additional material weaknesses.
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Our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to formally attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 until the later of the year following our first annual report required to be filed with the SEC, or the date we are no longer an "emerging growth company" as defined in the JOBS Act, if we take advantage (as we expect to do) of the exemptions contained in the JOBS Act. We will remain an "emerging growth company" for up to five years, although if the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of June 30 of any year before that time, we would cease to be an "emerging growth company" as of December 31 of that year. At such time, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue a report that is adverse in the event it is not satisfied with the level at which our controls are documented, designed or operating. Our remediation efforts may not enable us to avoid material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting in the future.
If we are unsuccessful in building an appropriate accounting infrastructure, we may not be able to prepare and disclose, in a timely manner, our financial statements and other required disclosures, or comply with existing or new reporting requirements. Any failure to report our financial results on an accurate and timely basis could result in sanctions, lawsuits, delisting of our shares from the Nasdaq Global Market or other adverse consequences that would materially harm to our business. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our business and results of operations could be harmed and investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information. Any of the foregoing occurrences, should they come to pass, could negatively impact the public perception of our company, which could have a negative impact on our stock price.
Risks Related to Product Development and Commercialization
Our product candidates and related technologies are novel approaches to cancer treatment that present significant challenges, and our ability to generate product revenue is dependent on the success of one or more of our lead product candidates, which will require additional clinical testing before we can seek regulatory approval and begin commercial sales.
Our product candidates and related technologies represent novel approaches to cancer treatment generally, and developing and commercializing our product candidates subjects us to a number of challenges. We currently generate no revenues from sales of any products, we have never obtained marketing approval for a product candidate and we may never be able to develop a marketable product. Our ability to generate product revenue is highly dependent on our ability to obtain regulatory approval of and successfully commercialize one or more of our lead product candidates, which will require additional clinical and non-clinical development, regulatory review and approval in each jurisdiction in which we intend to market them, substantial investment, access to sufficient commercial manufacturing capacity, and significant marketing efforts before we can generate any revenue from product sales. We cannot be certain that any of our product candidates will be successful in clinical studies and they may not receive regulatory approval even if they are successful in clinical studies.
The success of our product candidates, including our lead product candidates, will depend on several factors, including the following:
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We do not have complete control over many of these factors, including certain aspects of clinical development and the regulatory submission process, potential threats to our intellectual property rights and the manufacturing, marketing, distribution and sales efforts of any future collaborator.
In addition, because our lead product candidates are our most advanced product candidates, and because our other product candidates are based on similar technology, if our lead product candidates encounter safety or efficacy problems, developmental delays, regulatory issues, or other problems, our development plans and business could be significantly harmed. Further, competitors who are developing products with similar technology may experience problems with their products that could identify problems that would potentially harm our business.
Drug development is a lengthy and expensive process, with an uncertain outcome. If clinical trials of our product candidates fail to demonstrate safety and efficacy to the satisfaction of regulatory authorities or do not otherwise produce positive results, we may incur additional costs, experience delays in completing, or ultimately be unable to complete, the development of our product candidates or be unable to obtain marketing approval. We may encounter substantial delays in our clinical trials, or may not be able to conduct our trials on the timelines we expect.
Before obtaining marketing approval from regulatory authorities for the sale of our product candidates, we must complete pre-clinical development and then conduct extensive clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of our product candidates. Clinical testing is expensive, difficult to design and implement, can take many years to complete and is uncertain as to outcome. Failure of one or more clinical trials can occur at any stage of testing. The outcome of pre-clinical studies and early-stage clinical trials may not be predictive of the success of later clinical trials, and interim results of a clinical trial, such as the results of our ongoing clinical trials of our lead product candidates, do not necessarily predict final results. Moreover, pre-clinical and clinical data are often susceptible to varying interpretations and analyses, and many companies that have believed their product candidates performed satisfactorily in pre-clinical studies and clinical trials have nonetheless failed to obtain marketing approval of their drugs.
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We cannot guarantee that any clinical studies will be conducted as planned or completed on schedule, if at all. In addition, we cannot be sure that we will be able to submit INDs for any of our product candidates in the future and we cannot be sure that submission of an IND will result in the FDA allowing clinical trials to begin. Moreover, even if these trials begin, issues may arise that could suspend or terminate such clinical trials. A failure of one or more clinical studies can occur at any stage of testing, and our future clinical studies may not be successful.
The market opportunities for our product candidates may be limited to those patients who are ineligible for or have failed prior treatments and may be small. If we encounter difficulties enrolling patients in our clinical trials, our clinical development activities could be delayed or otherwise adversely affected.
Our current potential patient population is based on our beliefs and estimates regarding the incidence or prevalence of certain types of cancers that may be addressable by our product candidates, which is derived from a variety of sources, including scientific literature, surveys of clinics, patient foundations, or market research. Our projections may prove to be incorrect and the number of potential patients may turn out to be lower than expected. Even if we obtain significant market share for our product candidates, because the potential target populations are small, we may never achieve profitability without obtaining regulatory approval for additional indications, including use of our product candidates for front-line and second-line therapy.
We expect to initially seek approval of some of our product candidates as second or third-line therapies for patients who have failed other approved treatments. Subsequently, for those product candidates that prove to be sufficiently beneficial, if any, we would expect to seek approval as a second-line therapy and potentially as a front-line therapy, but there is no guarantee that our product candidates, even if approved for third-line therapy, would be approved for second-line or front-line therapy. In addition, we may have to conduct additional clinical trials prior to gaining approval for second-line or front-line therapy.
The timely completion of clinical trials in accordance with their protocols depends, among other things, on our ability to enroll a sufficient number of patients who remain in the trial until its conclusion. We may experience difficulties in patient enrollment in our clinical trials for a variety of reasons, including:
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In addition, our clinical trials will 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. We expect to conduct some of our clinical trials at the same clinical trial sites that some of our competitors use, which will reduce the number of patients who are available for our clinical trials at such clinical trial sites. Moreover, because our product candidates represent a departure from more commonly used methods for cancer treatment, potential patients and their doctors may be inclined to only use conventional therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation, rather than enroll patients in any future clinical trial.
Even if we are able to enroll a sufficient number of patients in our clinical trials, delays in patient enrollment may result in increased costs or may affect the timing or outcome of the planned clinical trials, which could prevent completion of these trials and adversely affect our ability to advance the development of our product candidates.
Our product candidates may cause serious adverse events, or SAEs, undesirable side effects or have other properties that could halt their clinical development, prevent, delay, or cause the withdrawal of their regulatory approval, limit their commercial potential, or result in significant negative consequences, including death of patients. If any of our product candidates receives marketing approval and we, or others, later discover that the drug is less effective than previously believed or causes undesirable side effects that were not previously identified, our ability, or that of any potential future collaborators, to market the drug could be compromised.
As with most biological drug products, use of our product candidates could be associated with undesirable side effects or adverse events which can vary in severity from minor reactions to death and in frequency from infrequent to prevalent. Undesirable side effects or unacceptable toxicities caused by our product candidates could cause us or regulatory authorities to interrupt, delay, or halt clinical trials. To date, there have been no significant long-term toxicities among patients treated with our lead product candidates.
Treatment-related undesirable side effects or adverse events could also affect patient recruitment or the ability of enrolled subjects to complete the trial, or could result in potential product liability claims. In addition, these side effects may not be appropriately or timely recognized or managed by the treating medical staff, particularly outside of the research institutions that collaborate with us. We expect to have to educate and train medical personnel using our product candidates to understand their side effect profiles, both for our planned clinical trials and upon any commercialization of any product candidates. Inadequate training in recognizing or managing the potential side effects of our product candidates could result in adverse effects to patients, including death. Any of these occurrences may materially and adversely harm our business, financial condition and prospects.
Clinical trials of our product candidates must be conducted in carefully defined subsets of patients who have agreed to enter into clinical trials. Consequently, it is possible that our clinical trials, or those of any potential future collaborator, 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. If one or more of our product candidates receives marketing approval and we, or others, discover that the drug is less effective than previously believed or causes undesirable side effects that were not previously identified, including during any long-term follow-up observation period recommended or required for patients who receive treatment using our products, a number of potentially significant negative consequences could result, including:
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Any of the foregoing could prevent us from achieving or maintaining market acceptance of the particular product candidate, if approved, and could significantly harm our business, results of operations, and prospects, and could adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations or the market price of our common stock.
The outcome of pre-clinical studies and early clinical trials may not be predictive of the success of later clinical trials, interim results of a clinical trial do not necessarily predict final results, and the results of our clinical trials may not satisfy the requirements of the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities, and if an adverse safety issue, clinical hold or other adverse finding occurs in one or more of our clinical trials of our lead product candidates, such event could adversely affect our other clinical trials of our lead product candidates.
Success in pre-clinical studies and early-stage clinical trials does not mean that future larger registration clinical trials will be successful because product candidates in later-stage clinical trials may fail to demonstrate sufficient safety and efficacy to the satisfaction of the FDA and non-U.S. regulatory authorities despite having progressed through pre-clinical studies and early-stage clinical trials. Product candidates that have shown promising results in pre-clinical studies and early-stage clinical trials may still suffer significant setbacks in subsequent clinical trials. Additionally, the outcome of pre-clinical studies and early-stage clinical trials may not be predictive of the success of later-stage clinical trials.
From time to time, we may publish or report interim or preliminary data from our clinical trials. Interim or preliminary data from clinical trials that we may conduct may not be indicative of the final results of the trial and are 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. Interim or preliminary data also remain subject to audit and verification procedures that may result in the final data being materially different from the interim or preliminary data. As a result, interim or preliminary data should be viewed with caution until the final data are available.
In addition, the design of a clinical trial can determine whether its results will support approval of a drug and flaws in the design of a clinical trial may not become apparent until the clinical trial is well advanced. We may be unable to design and conduct a clinical trial to support marketing approval. Further, if our product candidates are found to be unsafe or lack efficacy, we will not be able to obtain marketing approval for them and our business would be harmed. A number of companies in the pharmaceutical industry, including those with greater resources and experience than us, have suffered significant setbacks in advanced clinical trials, even after obtaining promising results in pre-clinical studies and earlier clinical trials.
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In some instances, there can be significant variability in safety and efficacy results between different clinical trials of the same product candidate due to numerous factors, including changes in trial protocols, differences in size and type of the patient populations, differences in and adherence to the dosing regimen and other trial protocols and the rate of dropout among clinical trial participants. We do not know whether any clinical trials we may conduct will demonstrate consistent or adequate efficacy and safety sufficient to obtain marketing approval to market our product candidates. We have multiple clinical trials of our lead product candidates currently ongoing. In the event that an adverse safety issue, clinical hold or other adverse finding occurs in one or more of our clinical trials of our lead product candidates, such event could adversely affect our other clinical trials of our lead product candidates.
In October 2017, the FDA issued a partial clinical hold on our IND for naxitamab. A partial clinical hold, as opposed to a full clinical hold, is a delay or suspension of only a specific part of the clinical work requested under the IND, which allows otherwise unaffected parts of the clinical work to proceed under the IND. The FDA stated that the proposed acceptance criterion for the ADCC-CD16, ADCC-CD32, and CDC assays were too wide to provide sufficient control over these attributes, which are critical for safety and efficacy. ADCC and CDC refer to antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and complement-dependent cytotoxicity, respectively. We submitted a response to the FDA in March 2018, and met with the FDA on April 24, 2018. Subsequently, we submitted a complete response to the partial clinical hold to the FDA in May 2018 and the partial clinical hold was removed on June 7, 2018. One or more clinical trials of our lead product candidates may be subject to additional clinical holds in the future, which may ultimately delay or otherwise adversely affect the clinical development of our lead product candidates.
In addition, we have initiated Study 101 and Study 201 to form the primary basis for our planned BLAs, to establish comparability of study population and phamacokinetics analysis with Study 03-133 and Study 12-230, respectively, and to satisfy the confirmatory study and post-marketing requirements by the FDA. If the results of these studies fail to demonstrate comparability to the satisfaction of the FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities, this may lead to a delay in, or otherwise adversely affect, such clinical trials, including the timing of submission of BLAs.
Further, our product candidates may not be approved even if they achieve their primary endpoints in Phase 3 trials or other pivotal trials. The FDA or non-U.S. regulatory authorities may disagree with our trial design and our interpretation of data from pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. In addition, any of these regulatory authorities may change requirements for the approval of a product candidate even after reviewing and providing comments or advice on a protocol for a pivotal clinical trial that has the potential to result in approval by the FDA or another regulatory authority. In addition, any of these regulatory authorities may also approve a product candidate for fewer or more limited indications than we request or may grant approval contingent on the performance of costly post-marketing clinical trials. The FDA or other non-U.S. regulatory authorities may not approve the labeling claims that we believe would be necessary or desirable for the successful commercialization of our product candidates.
Before obtaining marketing approvals for the commercial sale of any product candidate for a target indication, we must demonstrate with substantial evidence gathered in pre-clinical studies and well-controlled clinical studies, and, with respect to approval in the United States, to the satisfaction of the FDA, that the product candidate is safe and effective for use for that target indication. There is no assurance that the FDA or non-U.S. regulatory authorities will consider our future clinical trials to be sufficient to serve as the basis for approval of one of our product candidates for any indication. The FDA and non-U.S. regulatory authorities retain broad discretion in evaluating the results of our clinical trials and in determining whether the results demonstrate that a product candidate is safe and effective. If we are required to conduct additional clinical trials of a product candidate than we expect prior to
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its approval, we will need substantial additional funds and there is no assurance that the results of any such additional clinical trials will be sufficient for approval.
Research and development of biopharmaceutical products is inherently risky. We may not be successful in our efforts to create a pipeline of product candidates and develop commercially successful products. If we fail to develop additional product candidates, our commercial opportunity will be limited.
The product candidates and related technologies we have licensed have not yet led, and may never lead, to approved or commercially successful products. Even if we are successful in continuing to build our pipeline, obtaining regulatory approvals and commercializing our product candidates will require substantial additional funding beyond the net proceeds of this offering and are prone to the risks of failure inherent in medical product development. Investment in biopharmaceutical product development involves significant risk that any potential product candidate will fail to demonstrate adequate efficacy or an acceptable safety profile, gain regulatory approval, and/or become commercially viable. We cannot provide you any assurance that we will be able to successfully advance any of these additional product candidates through the development process. Our research programs may initially show promise in identifying potential product candidates, yet fail to yield product candidates for clinical development or commercialization for many reasons, including the following:
If any of these events occur, we may be forced to abandon our development efforts for a program or programs, or we may not be able to identify, discover, develop, or commercialize additional product candidates, which would have a material adverse effect on our business and could potentially cause us to cease operations. Even if we receive approval to market our product candidates from the FDA, the EMA, or other regulatory bodies, whether for the treatment of cancers or other diseases, we cannot assure you that any such product candidates will be successfully commercialized, widely accepted in the marketplace or more effective than other commercially available alternatives.
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Even if any of our product candidates receive marketing approval, they may fail to achieve the degree of market acceptance by physicians, patients, healthcare payors and others in the medical community necessary for commercial success.
If any of our product candidates receive marketing approval, they may nonetheless fail to gain sufficient market acceptance by physicians, patients, healthcare payors and others in the medical community. For example, current cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy are well-established in the medical community, and doctors may continue to rely on these treatments. If our product candidates do not achieve an adequate level of acceptance, we may not generate significant revenues from sales of drugs 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:
We currently have no marketing and sales organization and have no experience in marketing products. We may not be successful in commercializing our product candidates if and when they are approved unless we are able to establish sales and marketing capabilities or enter into agreements with third parties to sell and market such approved products.
We do not have a sales or marketing infrastructure and have no experience in the sale or marketing of pharmaceutical drugs. We are not currently a party to a strategic collaboration that provides us with access to a collaborator's resources in selling or marketing drugs. To achieve commercial success for any approved drug for which sales and marketing is not the responsibility of any strategic collaborator that we may have in the future, we must either develop a sales and marketing organization or outsource these functions to other third parties. In the future, we may choose to build a sales and marketing infrastructure to market or co-promote some of our product candidates if and when they are approved, or enter into collaborations with respect to the sale and marketing of our product candidates.
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There are risks involved with both establishing our own sales and marketing capabilities and entering into arrangements with third parties to perform these services. For example, recruiting and training even a small sales force can be expensive and time-consuming and could delay any commercial launch of a product candidate. If the commercial launch of a product candidate for which we recruit a sales force and establish marketing capabilities is delayed or does not occur for any reason, we would have prematurely or unnecessarily incurred these commercialization expenses. This may be costly, and our investment would be lost if we cannot retain or reposition our sales and marketing personnel.
Factors that may inhibit our efforts to commercialize our drugs on our own after obtaining any regulatory approval to gain market acceptance include:
If we enter into arrangements with third parties to perform sales and marketing services, our revenues from the sale of drugs or the profitability of these revenues to us are likely to be lower than if we were to market and sell any drugs that we develop ourselves. In addition, we may not be successful in entering into arrangements with third parties to sell and market our product candidates or may be unable to do so on terms that are favorable to us. We likely will have little control over such third parties, and any of them may fail to devote the necessary resources and attention to sell and market our drugs effectively. If we do not establish sales and marketing capabilities successfully, either on our own or in collaboration with third parties, we will not be successful in commercializing our product candidates.
A variety of risks associated with operating our business internationally could materially adversely affect our business.
We plan to seek regulatory approval of our product candidates outside of the United States and, accordingly, we expect that we, and any potential collaborators in those jurisdictions, will be subject to additional risks related to operating in foreign countries, including:
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These and other risks associated with our planned international operations may materially adversely affect our ability to attain or maintain profitable operations.
We face significant competition from other biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, and our operating results will suffer if we fail to compete effectively.
The biopharmaceutical industry, and the market for developing antibody-based products in particular, is characterized by intense competition and rapid innovation. Our competitors may be able to develop other compounds or drugs that are able to achieve similar or better results. Our potential competitors include major multinational pharmaceutical companies, established biotechnology companies, specialty pharmaceutical companies, universities, and other research institutions. Many of our competitors have substantially greater financial, technical and other resources, such as larger research and development staff and experienced marketing and manufacturing organizations as well as established sales forces. Smaller or early-stage companies may also prove to be significant competitors, particularly through collaborative arrangements with large, established companies. Mergers and acquisitions in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries may result in even more resources being concentrated in our competitors. Competition may increase further as a result of advances in the commercial applicability of technologies and greater availability of capital for investment in these industries. Our competitors, either alone or with collaborative partners, may succeed in developing, acquiring or licensing on an exclusive basis drug or biologic products that are more effective, safer, more easily commercialized, or less costly than our product candidates or may develop proprietary technologies or secure patent protection that we may need for the development of our product candidates and related technologies.
Specifically, MacroGenics, Inc. and Daiichi Sankyo Co. are developing antibodies against B7-H3. United Therapeutics Corporation has commercialized Unituxin (dinutuximab), an antibody against GD2, in the United States. In addition, naxitamab may face competition from dinutuximab beta, a similar antibody product against GD2 developed by Apeiron Biologics AG, or Apeiron, that was approved in Europe in May 2017 to treat high-risk NB. Apeiron has announced that it has plans to file for registration of dinutuximab beta in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2019. In October 2016, EUSA Pharma (UK) Ltd., or EUSA, announced that it had acquired global commercialization rights to dinutuximab beta, which is currently being commercialized under the name Qarziba® in Europe.
Even if we obtain regulatory approval of our product candidates, we may not be the first to market and that may affect the price or demand for our product candidates. Additionally, the availability and price of our competitors' products could limit the demand and the price we are able to charge for our product candidates. We may not be able to implement our business plan if the
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acceptance of our product candidates is inhibited by price competition or the reluctance of physicians to switch from existing methods of treatment to our product candidates, or if physicians switch to other new drug or biologic products or choose to reserve our product candidates for use in limited circumstances. Additionally, a competitor could obtain orphan product exclusivity from the FDA with respect to such competitor's product. If such competitor product is determined to be the same product as one of our product candidates, that may prevent us from obtaining approval from the FDA for such product candidate for the same indication for seven years, except in limited circumstances.
We have entered into several agreements with MSK that are important to our business. We may also form or seek other collaborations or strategic alliances or enter into additional licensing arrangements in the future but may not realize the benefits of such collaborations or strategic alliances. If we are unable to enter into future collaborations, or if such collaborations are not successful, our business could be adversely affected.
We currently have in place several agreements with MSK that are important and we may form or seek strategic alliances, create joint ventures or collaborations, or enter into additional licensing arrangements with third parties that we believe will complement or augment our development and commercialization efforts with respect to our product candidates and any future product candidates that we may develop. Any of these relationships may require us to incur other charges, increase our near and long-term expenditures, issue securities that dilute our existing stockholders, or disrupt our management and business. In addition, we face significant competition in seeking appropriate strategic partners and the negotiation process is time-consuming and complex. Moreover, we may not be successful in our efforts to establish a strategic partnership or other alternative arrangements for our product candidates because they may be deemed to be at too early a stage of development for collaborative effort and third parties may not view our product candidates as having the requisite potential to demonstrate safety and efficacy.
Further, arrangements with third parties, such as our arrangement with MSK, or any potential future collaborations we may enter into involving our product candidates, are subject to numerous risks, including the following:
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As a result, if we are unable to maintain current arrangements or enter into and maintain future arrangements and collaborations, or if such arrangements or collaborations are not successful, our business could be adversely affected. If we enter into certain arrangements or collaboration agreements and strategic partnerships or license our products or businesses, we may not be able to realize the benefit of such transactions if we are unable to successfully integrate them with our existing operations and company culture, which could delay our timelines or otherwise adversely affect our business. We also cannot be certain that, following a strategic transaction or license, we will achieve the revenue or specific net income that justifies such transaction. Any delays in entering into new collaborations or strategic partnership agreements related to our product candidates could delay the development and commercialization of our product candidates in certain territories for certain indications, which would harm our business prospects, financial condition, and results of operations.
If we or third parties, such as contract research organizations, or CROs, or contract manufacturing organizations, or CMOs, use hazardous and biological materials in a manner that causes injury or violates applicable law, we may be liable for damages.
Our research and development activities may involve the controlled use of potentially hazardous substances, including chemical and biological materials, by us or third parties, such as CROs and CMOs. The use of Iodine-131, Iodine-124 and Lutetium-177-labeled antibody treatments involves the inherent risk of exposure from gamma ray emissions, which can alter or harm healthy cells in the body. We and such third parties are subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations in the United States and Europe governing the use, manufacture, storage, handling, and disposal of medical and hazardous materials. Although we believe that our and such third-parties' procedures for using, handling, storing, and disposing of these materials comply with legally prescribed standards, we cannot completely eliminate the risk of contamination or injury resulting from medical or hazardous materials. As a result of any such contamination or injury, we may incur liability or local, city, state, or federal authorities may curtail the use of these materials and interrupt our business operations. In the event of an accident, we could be held liable for damages or penalized with fines, and the liability could exceed
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our resources. Compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations is expensive, and current or future environmental regulations may impair our research, development and production efforts, which could harm our business, prospects, financial condition, or results of operations. We currently maintain insurance coverage for injuries resulting from the hazardous materials we use; however, future claims may exceed the amount of our coverage. Also, we do not have insurance coverage for pollution cleanup and removal. Currently the costs of complying with such federal, state, local and foreign environmental regulations are not significant, and consist primarily of waste disposal expenses. However, they could become expensive, and current or future environmental laws or regulations may impair our research, development, production and commercialization efforts.
Our internal computer systems, or those used by our third-party research institution collaborators, CROs or other contractors or consultants, may fail or suffer security breaches.
Despite the implementation of security measures, our internal computer systems and those of our future CROs and other contractors and consultants are vulnerable to damage from computer viruses and unauthorized access. Although to our knowledge we have not experienced any such material system failure or security breach to date, if such an event were to occur and cause interruptions in our operations, it could result in a material disruption of our development programs and our business operations. For example, the loss of clinical trial data from completed or future clinical trials could result in delays in our regulatory approval efforts and significantly increase our costs to recover or reproduce the data. Likewise, we rely on our third-party research institution collaborators for research and development of our product candidates and other third parties for the manufacture of our product candidates and to conduct clinical trials, and similar events relating to their computer systems could also have a material adverse effect on our business. To the extent that any disruption or security breach were to result in a loss of, or damage to, our data or applications, or inappropriate disclosure of confidential or proprietary information, we could incur liability and the further development and commercialization of our product candidates could be delayed.
Business disruptions could seriously harm our future revenue and financial condition and increase our costs and expenses.
Our operations, and those of our third-party research institution collaborators, CROs, CMOs, suppliers, and other contractors and consultants, could be subject to earthquakes, power shortages, telecommunications failures, water shortages, floods, hurricanes, typhoons, fires, extreme weather conditions, medical epidemics, terrorist activities, and other natural or man-made disasters or business interruptions, for which we are predominantly self-insured. In addition, we rely on our third-party research institution collaborators for conducting research and development of our product candidates, and they may be affected by government shutdowns or withdrawn funding. The occurrence of any of these business disruptions could seriously harm our operations and financial condition and increase our costs and expenses. We rely on third-party manufacturers to produce and process our product candidates. Our ability to obtain clinical supplies of our product candidates could be disrupted if the operations of these suppliers are affected by a man-made or natural disaster or other business interruption. Damage or extended periods of interruption to our third-party collaborators', including MSK's, corporate, development or research facilities due to fire, natural disaster, power loss, communications failure, unauthorized entry or other events could cause us to cease or delay development of some or all of our product candidates. Although we intend to maintain property damage and business interruption insurance coverage on these facilities, our insurance might not cover all losses under such circumstances and our business may be seriously harmed by such delays and interruption.
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If product liability lawsuits are brought against us, we may incur substantial liabilities and may be required to limit commercialization of our product candidates.
We face an inherent risk of product liability as a result of the clinical testing of our product candidates and will face an even greater risk if we commercialize any products. For example, we may be sued if our product candidates cause or are perceived to cause injury or are found to be otherwise unsuitable during clinical testing, manufacturing, marketing or sale. Any such product liability claims may include allegations of defects in manufacturing, defects in design, a failure to warn of dangers inherent in the product, negligence, strict liability or a breach of warranties. Claims could also be asserted under state consumer protection acts. If we cannot successfully defend ourselves against product liability claims, we may incur substantial liabilities or be required to limit commercialization of our product candidates. Even successful defense would require significant financial and management resources. Regardless of the merits or eventual outcome, liability claims may result in:
Our inability to obtain sufficient product liability insurance at an acceptable cost to protect against potential product liability claims could prevent or inhibit the commercialization of products we develop, alone or with collaborators. Although we carry $5.0 million of clinical trial insurance, the amount of such insurance coverage may not be adequate, we may be unable to maintain such insurance, or we may not be able to obtain additional or replacement insurance at a reasonable cost, if at all. Our insurance policies may also have various exclusions, and we may be subject to a product liability claim for which we have no coverage. We may have to pay any amounts awarded by a court or negotiated in a settlement that exceed our coverage limitations or that are not covered by our insurance, and we may not have, or be able to obtain, sufficient capital to pay such amounts. Even if our agreements with any future corporate collaborators entitle us to indemnification against losses, such indemnification may not be available or adequate should any claim arise.
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Risks Related to Our Dependence on Third Parties
Third parties have sponsored all clinical trials of our lead product candidates so far, and our ability to influence the design and conduct of such clinical trials has been limited. We have incurred significant expenses and are obligated to make significant payments in the future with respect to such clinical trials. We plan to assume control over the future clinical and regulatory development of such product candidates, including obtaining sponsorship of existing INDs or filing new company-sponsored INDs, which will entail substantial additional expenses and may be subject to delay. Any failure by a third party to meet its obligations with respect to the clinical and regulatory development of our product candidates may delay or impair our ability to obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates and result in liability for our company.
We have sponsored only a limited number of clinical trials relating to our lead product candidates. Instead, faculty members at our third-party research institution collaborators, or those institutions themselves, have sponsored most of the clinical trials relating to these product candidates, in each case, under their own INDs. We have incurred significant expenses and are obligated to make significant payments in the future with respect to such clinical trials. To date, we have assumed control of only a limited number of such clinical trials and plan to assume control of the overall clinical and regulatory development of our lead product candidates for future clinical trials and obtain sponsorship of the INDs or file new company-sponsored INDs, all of which will cause us to incur substantial additional expenses and may be subject to delay. Failure to obtain, or delays in obtaining, sponsorship of INDs or in filing new company-sponsored INDs for these or any other product candidates we determine to advance could negatively affect the timing of our potential future clinical trials. Such an impact on timing could increase research and development costs and could delay or prevent obtaining regulatory approval for our most advanced product candidates, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Further, even in the event that the IND sponsorship is obtained for existing and new INDs, we did not control the design or conduct of the previous trials. It is possible that the FDA will not accept these previous trials as providing adequate support for future clinical trials, whether controlled by us or third parties, for any reason, including the safety, purity, and potency of the product candidate, the degree of product characterization, elements of the design or execution of the previous trials or safety concerns, or other trial results. We may also be subject to liabilities arising from any treatment-related injuries or adverse effects in patients enrolled in these previous trials. As a result, we may be subject to unforeseen third-party claims and delays in our potential future clinical trials. We may also be required to repeat in whole or in part clinical trials previously conducted by our third-party research institution collaborators, which will be expensive and delay the submission and licensure or other regulatory approvals with respect to any of our product candidates. Any such delay or liability could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Moreover, we have so far been dependent on contractual arrangements with our third-party research institution collaborators and will continue to be until we assume control. Such arrangements provide us certain information rights with respect to the previous trials, including access to and the ability to use and reference the data, including for our own regulatory filings, resulting from the previous trials. However, if the data prove to be inadequate compared to the first-hand knowledge we might have gained had the completed trials been corporate-sponsored trials, then our ability to design and conduct our planned corporate-sponsored clinical trials may be adversely affected. Additionally, the FDA may disagree with the sufficiency of our right to reference the pre-clinical, manufacturing, or clinical data generated by these prior investigator-sponsored trials, or our interpretation of pre-clinical, manufacturing, or clinical data from these clinical trials. Moreover, the FDA may require us to obtain and submit additional pre-clinical, clinical, manufacturing, clinical, toxicology or other in vivo or in vitro datas before we may begin our planned trials and/or may not accept such additional data as adequate to begin our planned trials.
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We will rely on third parties to conduct our clinical trials. If these third parties do not successfully carry out their contractual duties or meet expected deadlines or comply with regulatory requirements, we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval of or commercialize our product candidates.
We will rely on third parties to conduct our clinical trials under agreements with MSK, universities, medical institutions, CROs, strategic partners, and others. Nevertheless, we are responsible for ensuring that each of our studies is conducted in accordance with the applicable protocol and legal, regulatory, and scientific standards, and our reliance on third parties does not relieve us of our regulatory responsibilities. We and these third parties are required to comply with current good clinical practices, or cGCPs, which are regulations and guidelines enforced by the FDA and comparable foreign regulatory authorities for product candidates in clinical development. Regulatory authorities enforce these cGCPs through periodic inspections of trial sponsors, principal investigators, and trial sites. If we or any of these third parties fail to comply with applicable cGCP regulations, the clinical data generated in our clinical trials may be deemed unreliable and the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may require us to perform additional non-clinical or clinical trials before approving our marketing applications. We cannot be certain that, upon inspection, such regulatory authorities will determine that any of our clinical trials comply with the cGCP regulations. In addition, our clinical trials must be conducted with biologic product produced under cGMP regulations and will require a large number of test patients. Our failure or any failure by these third parties to comply with these regulations or to recruit a sufficient number of patients may require us to repeat clinical trials, which would delay the regulatory approval process. Moreover, our business may be implicated if any of these third parties violates federal or state fraud and abuse or false claims laws and regulations or healthcare privacy and security laws.
If these third parties do not successfully carry out their contractual duties or obligations or meet expected deadlines, if they need to be replaced, or if the quality or accuracy of the clinical data they obtain is compromised due to the failure to adhere to our clinical protocols or regulatory requirements or for other reasons, our clinical trials may be extended, delayed, or terminated and we may not be able to complete development of, obtain regulatory approval of or successfully commercialize our product candidates. We may also rely on investigator-reported interim data in making business decisions. Independent review of the data could fail to confirm the investigator-reported interim data, which may lead to revisions in disclosed clinical trial results in the future. Any such revisions that reveal more negative data than previously disclosed investigator-reported interim data could have an adverse impact on our business prospects and the trading price of our common stock. Such revisions could also reduce investor confidence in investigator-reported interim data that we disclose in the future.
If any of our relationships with these third-party CROs terminate, we may not be able to enter into arrangements with alternative CROs or do so on commercially reasonable terms. Switching or adding additional CROs involves additional cost and delays and requires management time and focus. Though we intend to carefully manage our relationships with our CROs, there can be no assurance that we will not encounter similar challenges in the future or that these challenges will not have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and prospects.
We will rely on third parties to manufacture our product candidates for our pre-clinical studies, and in the case of our lead product candidates, our ongoing clinical trials, as well as any additional clinical trials of our other product candidates we may conduct. We also expect to rely on third parties for the manufacturing process of our product candidates, if approved. Our business could be harmed if those third parties fail to provide us with sufficient quantities of product supplies or product candidates, or fail to do so at acceptable quality levels or prices.
We do not currently own any facility that may be used as a clinical-scale manufacturing and processing facility and we intend to rely on outside vendors to manufacture supplies and process our
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product candidates for pre-clinical studies and clinical trials under the guidance our management team. Our lead product candidates have only been manufactured or processed on a limited basis and we may not be able to continue doing so for any of our product candidates. Our manufacturing process may be more difficult or expensive than the approaches currently in use. We may make changes as we work to optimize the manufacturing process, and we cannot be sure that even minor changes in the process will not result in significantly different products that may not be as safe and effective as any product candidates deployed by our third-party research institution collaborators.
To date, we have obtained the active pharmaceutical ingredient, or API, of our lead product candidates from a limited number of third-party manufacturers. We have engaged a separate third-party manufacturer to conduct fill-and-finish and labeling services, as well as for the storage and distribution of our lead product candidates to clinical sites. We do not have a long-term supply agreement with any of these third-party manufacturers, and we purchase our required drug supplies on a purchase order basis.
We expect to rely on third-party manufacturers or third-party collaborators for the manufacture of our product candidates for commercial supply of any of our product candidates for which we or any of our potential future collaborators obtain marketing approval. We may be unable to establish any agreements with third-party manufacturers or to do so on acceptable terms. Even if we are able to establish agreements with third-party manufacturers, reliance on third-party manufacturers entails additional risks, including:
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Each of these risks could delay or prevent the completion of our clinical trials or the approval of any of our product candidates by the FDA, result in higher costs or adversely impact commercialization of our product candidates. For example, we recently experienced a shortage in the supply of Iodine-131, one of the components of our 131I-omburtamab product candidate, from our single source supplier. We have established a relationship with an additional supplier which we believe will be able to provide us with adequate supplies of Iodine-131. While we have not yet experienced any delays in the research and development of our 131I-omburtamab product candidate to date, any such shortages in the supply of such raw materials used in the manufacture of our product candidates could delay or prevent the completion of our clinical trials or the approval of any of our product candidates by the FDA, result in higher costs or adversely impact commercialization of our product candidates. In addition, we will rely on third parties to perform certain specification tests on our product candidates prior to delivery to patients. If these tests are not appropriately done and test data are not reliable, patients could be put at risk of serious harm and the FDA could place significant restrictions on our company until deficiencies are remedied.
The facilities used by our contract manufacturers to manufacture our product candidates must be approved by the FDA pursuant to inspections that will be conducted after we submit our BLA to the FDA. We do not have complete control over all aspects of the manufacturing process of, and are dependent on, our contract manufacturing partners for compliance with cGMP regulations for manufacturing both active drug substances and finished drug products. Any product candidates that we may develop may compete with product candidates of other companies for access to manufacturing facilities. There are a limited number of manufacturers that operate under cGMP regulations and that might be capable of manufacturing for us. Our failure, or the failure of our third-party manufacturers, to comply with applicable regulations could result in sanctions being imposed on us, including fines, injunctions, civil penalties, delays, suspension or withdrawal of approvals, license revocation, seizures or recalls of product candidates or drugs, operating restrictions and criminal prosecutions, any of which could significantly and adversely affect supplies of our drugs and harm our business and results of operations.
Any performance failure on the part of our existing or future manufacturers could delay clinical development or marketing approval. We do not currently have arrangements in place for redundant supply of our lead product candidates and we only currently use a different single third-party manufacturer for fill-and-finish services for our lead product candidates. If our current contract manufacturers cannot perform as agreed, we may be required to replace those manufacturers. Although we believe that there may be potential alternative manufacturers who could manufacture our product candidates, we may incur added costs and delays in identifying and qualifying any such replacement.
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We are and will continue to rely in significant part on outside scientists and their third-party research institutions for research and development and early clinical testing of our product candidates. These scientists and institutions may have other commitments or conflicts of interest, which could limit our access to their expertise and adversely affect the timing of our IND filings and our ability to conduct future planned clinical trials.
We currently have no internal research and development capabilities and we have not and are not currently conducting any independent clinical trials. Therefore, we currently rely on third-party research institutions for both capabilities.
Currently, MSK is conducting clinical trials to address pediatric R/R high-risk NB and a clinical trial to address relapsed osteosarcoma using our naxitamab product candidate. We are also conducting a clinical trial at MSK for CNS/LM from NB and clinical trials for DIPG and DSRCT for our omburtamab product candidate. Under the terms of the MSK License, we are obligated to pay for the costs associated with these clinical trials.
We have agreed to fund certain research and development costs under both the MSK License and the MSK CD33 License. However, the research we have agreed to fund constitutes only a small portion of the overall research of MSK. Other research being conducted by MSK may receive higher priority than research on the programs we may fund.
The outside scientists who conduct the clinical testing of our current product candidates, and who conduct the research and development upon which our product candidate pipeline depends, are not our employees; rather they serve as either independent contractors or the primary investigators under research and other agreements that we have entered into with MSK. Such scientists and collaborators may have other commitments that would limit their availability to us. Although our scientific advisors generally agree not to do competing work, if an actual or potential conflict of interest between their work for us and their work for MSK or another entity arises, we may lose their services. These factors could adversely affect the timing of our IND filings and our ability to conduct future planned clinical trials. It is also possible that some of our valuable proprietary knowledge may become publicly known through these scientific advisors if they breach their confidentiality agreements with us, which would cause competitive harm to, and have a material adverse effect on, our business.
Our existing agreements with MSK may be subject to termination by MSK upon the occurrence of certain circumstances as described in more detail in the section of this prospectus captioned "BusinessIntellectual PropertyMSK License." If MSK terminates the MSK License, the MSK CD33 License or its other agreements with us, the research and development of the relevant product candidates would be suspended, and we would not be able to research, develop, and license our existing and future product candidates as currently contemplated. We may be required to devote additional resources to the development of our product candidates or seek a new collaboration partner, and the terms of any additional collaborations or other arrangements that we establish may not be favorable to us. Switching or adding third parties to conduct our clinical trial would involve substantial costs and delays and require extensive management time and focus, which can materially impact our ability to meet our desired clinical development timelines.
Our product candidates are biologics and the manufacture of our product candidates is complex. We, or any of our third-party manufacturers, may encounter difficulties in production, particularly with respect to process development or scaling-up of our manufacturing capabilities. For some reagents, equipment, and materials, we rely or may rely on sole source vendors or a limited number of vendors. Such difficulties may result in an inadequate supply of our product candidates for clinical trials or our products for patients, if approved, could be delayed or stopped, or we may be unable to maintain a commercially viable cost structure.
Our product candidates are biologics and the process of manufacturing them is complex, highly-regulated and subject to multiple risks. As a result of the complexities, the cost to manufacture
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biologics is generally higher than traditional small molecule chemical compounds, and the manufacturing process for biologics is less reliable and is more difficult to reproduce. In addition, manufacturing our product candidates will require many reagents, which are substances used in our manufacturing processes to bring about chemical or biological reactions, and other specialty materials and equipment, some of which are manufactured or supplied by small companies with limited resources and experience to support commercial biologics production. Our manufacturing process may be susceptible to product loss or failure due to interruptions in the manufacturing process variability in product characteristics, quality control, contamination, equipment or reagent failure, improper installation or operation of equipment, product testing, vendor or operator error, availability of qualified personnel, logistics and shipping as well as compliance with strictly enforced federal, state and foreign regulations. Even minor deviations from normal manufacturing processes could result in reduced production yields, product defects, and other supply disruptions. If microbial, viral, or other contaminations are discovered in our product candidates or in the manufacturing facilities in which our product candidates are made, such manufacturing facilities may need to be closed for an extended period of time to investigate and remedy the contamination. We cannot assure you that any stability failures or other issues relating to the manufacture of our product candidates will not occur in the future.
Further, as product candidates are developed through pre-clinical to late-stage clinical trials towards approval and commercialization, it is common that various aspects of the development program, such as manufacturing methods, 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, and 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. Moreover, as we develop and/or scale-up our manufacturing process, we expect that we will need to obtain rights to and supplies of certain materials and equipment to be used as part of that process. We may not be able to obtain rights to such materials on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.
In addition, the manufacturing process for any products that we may develop is subject to FDA, EMA and other foreign regulatory authority approval process, and we will need to contract with manufacturers who can meet all applicable FDA, EMA and other foreign regulatory authority requirements on an ongoing basis. If we, or our CMOs, are unable to reliably produce products to specifications acceptable to the FDA, EMA or other foreign regulatory authorities, we may not obtain or maintain the approvals we need to commercialize such products. Even if we obtain regulatory approval for any of our product candidates, there is no assurance that either we or our CMOs will be able to manufacture the approved product to specifications acceptable to the FDA, EMA or other foreign regulatory authorities, to produce it in sufficient quantities to meet the requirements for the potential launch of the product, or to meet potential future demand. Any of these challenges could delay completion of clinical trials, require bridging clinical trials or the repetition of one or more clinical trials, increase clinical trial costs, delay approval of our product candidate, impair commercialization efforts, increase our cost of goods, and have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. Although we are working to develop commercially viable processes, our manufacturing capabilities could be affected by cost-overruns, unexpected delays, equipment failures, labor shortages, natural disasters, power failures and numerous other factors that could prevent us from realizing the intended benefits of our manufacturing strategy and have a material adverse effect on our business. We may ultimately be unable to, among another things, develop a manufacturing process and distribution network that will, reduce the cost of goods for our product candidates to levels that will allow for an attractive return on investment if and when those product candidates are commercialized.
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Although we currently plan to retain all commercial rights to our product candidates, we may enter into strategic collaborations for the development, marketing and commercialization of all or some our product candidates. If those collaborations are not successful, or if we are unable to establish any such collaborations, we may have to alter or delay our development and commercialization plans.
As we further develop our lead product candidates, we may build a commercial infrastructure with the capability to directly market it to a variety of markets and territories. Although we currently plan to retain all commercial rights to our product candidates, we may enter into strategic collaborations for the development, marketing and commercialization of all or some of our product candidates. Our likely collaborators for any collaboration arrangements include large and mid-size pharmaceutical companies, regional and national pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology companies. We would face significant competition in seeking appropriate collaborators. Whether we reach a definitive agreement for a collaboration will depend, among other things, upon our assessment of the collaborator's resources and expertise, the terms and conditions of the proposed collaboration and the proposed collaborator's evaluation of a number of factors. If we do enter into any such arrangements with any third parties, we will likely have limited control over the amount and timing of resources that our collaborators dedicate to the development, marketing and/or commercialization of our product candidates. Our ability to generate revenues from these arrangements will depend on our collaborators' abilities to successfully perform the functions assigned to them in these arrangements. In addition, any future collaborators may have the right to abandon research or development projects and terminate applicable agreements, including funding obligations, prior to or upon the expiration of the agreed upon terms.
Collaborations involving our product candidates pose risks to us, including the following:
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Collaboration agreements may not lead to development or commercialization of product candidates in the most efficient manner, or at all.
We may not be able to negotiate collaborations on a timely basis, on acceptable terms, or at all, if and when we seek to enter into collaborations. If we are unable to do so, we may have to curtail the development of a product candidate, reduce or delay its development program or one or more of our other development programs, delay its potential commercialization or reduce the scope of any sales or marketing activities, or increase our expenditures and undertake development or commercialization activities at our own expense. If we elect to increase our expenditures to fund development or commercialization activities on our own, we may need to obtain additional capital, which may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. If we do not have sufficient funds, we may not be able to further develop our product candidates or bring them to market and generate revenue from sales of drugs.
Reimbursement decisions by third-party payors may have an adverse effect on pricing and market acceptance. If there is not sufficient reimbursement for our products, it is less likely that our products will be widely used.
Even if our product candidates are approved for sale by the appropriate regulatory authorities, market acceptance and sales of these products will depend on reimbursement policies and may be affected by future healthcare reform measures. Government authorities and third-party payors, such as private health insurers and health maintenance organizations, decide which drugs they will reimburse and establish payment levels and, in some cases, utilization management strategies, such as tiered formularies and prior authorization. We cannot be certain that reimbursement will be available for any products that we develop or that the reimbursement level will be adequate to allow us to operate profitably. Also, we cannot be certain that reimbursement policies will not reduce the demand for, or the price paid for, our products. If reimbursement is not available or is available on a limited basis, or if the reimbursement amount is inadequate, we may not be able to successfully commercialize any of our approved products.
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Risks Related to Government Regulation; Market Approval and Other Legal Compliance Matters
Even if we complete the necessary pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, the FDA regulatory approval process is lengthy, time-consuming, and inherently unpredictable, and we or any of our potential future collaborators may experience significant delays in the clinical development and regulatory approval, if any, for the commercialization of our product candidates. As a result, we cannot predict when or if, and in which territories, we, or any of our potential future collaborators, will obtain marketing approval to commercialize a product candidate.
The research, testing, manufacturing, labeling, approval, selling, import, export, marketing, and distribution of drug products, including biologics, are subject to extensive regulation by the FDA and other regulatory authorities in the United States. Even if we complete the necessary pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, we will not be permitted to market any biological drug product in the United States until we receive a Biologics License from the FDA. We plan to begin additional clinical trials with our lead product candidates in 2018 and 2019. We intend to conduct each of these clinical trials in the United States and Europe. We intend to discuss with the FDA and EMA submission of BLAs for respective approval of such product candidates as treatments for indications that currently lack FDA-approved treatments.
The FDA standard for regular approval of a BLA generally requires two well-controlled Phase 3 studies or one large and robust, well-controlled Phase 3 study in the patient population being studied that provides substantial evidence that a biologic is safe, pure and potent. Phase 3 clinical studies typically involve hundreds of patients, have significant costs and take years to complete. However, product candidates studied for their safety and effectiveness in treating serious or life-threatening illnesses and that provide meaningful therapeutic benefit over existing treatments may be eligible for accelerated approval and may be approved on the basis of adequate and well-controlled clinical trials establishing that the product candidate has an effect on a surrogate endpoint that is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit, or on a clinical endpoint that can be measured earlier than irreversible morbidity or mortality, that is reasonably likely to predict an effect on irreversible morbidity or mortality or other clinical benefit, taking into account the severity, rarity or prevalence of the condition and the availability or lack of alternative treatments. As a condition of accelerated approval, the FDA may require a sponsor of a drug or biologic receiving accelerated approval to perform post-marketing studies to verify and describe the predicted effect on irreversible morbidity or mortality or other clinical endpoint, and the drug or biologic may be subject to withdrawal procedures by the FDA that are more accelerated than those available for regular approvals. We believe our accelerated approval strategy is warranted given the currently limited alternative therapies for patients with pediatric relapsed or refractory, or R/R, from neuroblastoma, or NB, but the FDA may not agree. The FDA may ultimately require one or multiple Phase 3 clinical trials prior to approval.
We have not previously submitted a BLA to the FDA, or similar approval filings to comparable foreign authorities. A BLA must include extensive pre-clinical and clinical data and supporting information to establish that the product candidate is safe, pure, and potent for each desired indication. The BLA must also include significant information regarding the chemistry, manufacturing, and controls for the product, and the manufacturing facilities must complete a successful pre-license inspection. We expect the novel nature of our product candidates to create further challenges in obtaining regulatory approval from the FDA and other regulatory authorities. The FDA may also require a panel of experts, referred to as an Advisory Committee, to deliberate on the adequacy of the safety and efficacy data to support licensure. The opinion of the Advisory Committee, although not binding, may have a significant impact on our ability to obtain licensure of the product candidates based on the completed clinical trials. Accordingly, the regulatory approval pathway for our product candidates may be uncertain, complex, expensive, and lengthy, and approval may not be obtained.
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The process of obtaining marketing approvals, both in the United States and abroad, is a lengthy, expensive and uncertain process. It may take many years, 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. Securing marketing approval requires the submission of extensive pre-clinical and clinical data and supporting information to regulatory authorities for each therapeutic indication to establish the product candidate's safety and efficacy. Securing marketing approval also requires the submission of information about the product manufacturing process to, and inspection of manufacturing facilities by, the regulatory authorities. The FDA or other regulatory authorities have substantial discretion and may determine that our product candidates are not safe and effective, only moderately effective or have undesirable or unintended side effects, toxicities or other characteristics that preclude our obtaining marketing approval or prevent or limit commercial use. Any marketing approval we ultimately obtain may be limited or subject to restrictions or post-approval commitments that render the approved product not commercially viable.
In addition, clinical trials can be delayed or terminated for a variety of reasons, including delays or failures related to:
Patient enrollment is a significant factor in the timing of clinical trials and is affected by many factors. See the risk factor above "The market opportunities for our product candidates may be limited to those patients who are ineligible for or have failed prior treatments and may be small. If we encounter difficulties enrolling patients in our clinical trials, our clinical development activities could be delayed or otherwise adversely affected." for additional information on risks related to patient enrollment. Further, a clinical trial may be suspended or terminated by us, the IRBs for the institutions in which such trials are being conducted, the Data Monitoring Committee for such trial, or the FDA or other regulatory authorities 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 regulatory authorities resulting in the imposition of a clinical hold, 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. If we experience termination of, or delays in the completion of, any clinical trial of our product candidates, the commercial prospects for our product candidates will be harmed, and our ability to generate potential future product revenue will be delayed.
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In addition, any delays in completing our clinical trials will increase our costs, slow down our product development and approval process and jeopardize our ability to commence product sales and generate revenue.
Our third-party research institution collaborators may also experience similar difficulties in completing ongoing clinical trials and conducting future clinical trials of product candidates. Many of the factors that cause, or lead to, a delay in the commencement or completion of clinical trials may also ultimately lead to the denial of regulatory approval of our product candidates.
Our product candidates could fail to receive marketing approval for many reasons, including the following:
This lengthy approval process as well as the unpredictability of clinical trial results may result in our failing to obtain marketing approval to market any of our product candidates, which would significantly harm our business, results of operations and prospects.
In addition, changes in marketing approval policies during the development period, changes in or the enactment or promulgation of additional statutes, regulations or guidance or changes in regulatory review for each submitted drug application may cause delays in the approval or rejection of an application. 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 pre-clinical studies, clinical trials, toxicology or other in vivo or in vitro data to support the initiation of other studies and testing. In addition, varying interpretations of the data obtained from pre-clinical studies and clinical trials could delay, limit or prevent marketing approval of a product candidate. Any marketing approval we, or any collaborators we may have in the future, ultimately
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obtain may be limited or subject to restrictions or post-approval commitments that render the approved drug not commercially viable.
Any delay in obtaining or failure to obtain required approvals could materially adversely affect our ability or that of any collaborators we may have to generate revenue from the particular product candidate, which likely would result in significant harm to our financial position and adversely impact our stock price.
The European Medicines Agency, or the EMA, or comparable foreign regulatory authorities, may disagree with our regulatory plans, including our plans to seek accelerated approval, and we may fail to obtain regulatory approval of our product candidates, which would prevent our product candidates from being marketed abroad. Any approval we are granted for our product candidates in the United States would not assure approval of our product candidates in foreign jurisdictions.
In order to market and sell our drugs in the European Union and many other jurisdictions, we, and any collaborators we may have in the future, must obtain separate marketing approvals and comply with numerous and varying regulatory requirements. The approval procedure varies among countries and can involve additional testing. The time required to obtain approval may differ substantially from that required to obtain FDA approval. The marketing approval process outside of the United States generally includes all of the risks associated with obtaining FDA approval. In addition, in many countries outside of the United States, it is required that the drug be approved for reimbursement before the drug can be approved for sale in that country. We, and any collaborators we may have in the future, may not obtain approvals from regulatory authorities outside of the United States on a timely basis, if at all. Approval by the FDA does not ensure approval by regulatory authorities in other countries or jurisdictions, and approval by one regulatory authority outside of the United States does not ensure approval by regulatory authorities in other countries or jurisdictions or by the FDA.
As part of its marketing authorization process, the EMA may grant marketing authorizations on the basis of less complete data than is normally required, when, for certain categories of medicinal products, doing so may meet unmet medical needs of patients and serve the interest of public health. In such cases, it is possible for the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, or CHMP, to recommend the granting of a marketing authorization, subject to certain specific obligations to be reviewed annually, which is referred to as a conditional marketing authorization. This may apply to medicinal products for human use that fall under the jurisdiction of the EMA, including those that aim at the treatment, the prevention, or the medical diagnosis of seriously debilitating diseases or life-threatening diseases and those designated as orphan medicinal products.
A conditional marketing authorization may be granted when the CHMP finds that, although comprehensive clinical data referring to the safety and efficacy of the medicinal product have not been supplied, all the following requirements are met:
The granting of a conditional marketing authorization is restricted to situations in which only the clinical part of the application is not yet fully complete. Incomplete non-clinical or quality data may only be accepted if duly justified and only in the case of a product intended to be used in emergency situations in response to public-health threats.
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Conditional marketing authorizations are valid for one year, on a renewable basis. The holder will be required to complete ongoing studies or to conduct new studies with a view to confirming that the benefit-risk balance is positive. In addition, specific obligations may be imposed in relation to the collection of pharmacovigilance data.
The granting of a conditional marketing authorization will allow medicines to reach patients with unmet medical needs earlier than might otherwise be the case and will ensure that additional data on a product are generated, submitted, assessed and acted upon. Although we may seek a conditional marketing authorization for one or more of our product candidates by the EMA, the EMA or CHMP may ultimately not agree that the requirements for such conditional marketing authorization have been satisfied.
Our clinical trial results may also not support approval, whether accelerated approval, conditional marketing authorizations, or regular approval. The results of pre-clinical and clinical studies may not be predictive of the results of later-stage clinical trials, and product candidates in later stages of clinical trials may fail to show the desired safety and efficacy despite having progressed through pre-clinical studies and initial clinical trials. In addition, our product candidates could fail to receive regulatory approval for many reasons, including the following:
Additionally, on June 23, 2016, the electorate in the United Kingdom voted in favor of leaving the European Union, commonly referred to as Brexit. On March 29, 2017, the country formally notified the European Union of its intention to withdraw pursuant to Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. Since a significant proportion of the regulatory framework in the United Kingdom is derived from European Union directives and regulations, the referendum could materially impact the regulatory regime with respect to the approval of our product candidates in the United Kingdom or the European Union. Any delay in obtaining, or an inability to obtain, any marketing approvals, as a result of Brexit or otherwise, would prevent us from commercializing our product candidates in the United Kingdom and/or the
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European Union and restrict our ability to generate revenue and achieve and sustain profitability. If any of these outcomes occur, we may be forced to restrict or delay efforts to seek regulatory approval in the United Kingdom and/or European Union for our product candidates, which could significantly and materially harm our business.
Failure to obtain regulatory approval to market any of our product candidates would significantly harm our business, results of operations, and prospects.
We may seek BTD for one or more of our other product candidates. We may not receive such designation, and even if we do, such designation may not lead to a faster development or regulatory review or approval process.
In 2012, the FDA established BTD, which is intended to expedite the development and review of products that treat serious or life-threatening diseases when "preliminary clinical evidence indicates that the drug may demonstrate substantial improvement over existing therapies on one or more clinically significant endpoints, such as substantial treatment effects observed early in clinical development." The designation of a product candidate as a breakthrough therapy provides potential benefits that include more frequent meetings with FDA to discuss the development plan for the product candidate and ensure collection of appropriate data needed to support approval; more frequent written correspondence from FDA about such things as the design of the proposed clinical trials and use of biomarkers; intensive guidance on an efficient drug development program, beginning as early as Phase 1; organizational commitment involving senior managers; and eligibility for rolling review and priority review.
If the FDA determines that a product candidate offers a treatment for a serious condition and, if approved, the product would provide a significant improvement in safety or effectiveness, the FDA may designate the product candidate for priority review. A priority review designation means that the goal for the FDA to review an application is six months, rather than the standard review period of 10 months. We may request priority review for our product candidates. The FDA has broad discretion with respect to whether or not to grant priority review status to a product candidate, so even if we believe a particular product candidate is eligible for such designation or status, the FDA may decide not to grant it. Moreover, a priority review designation does not necessarily mean a faster development or regulatory review or approval process or necessarily confer any advantage with respect to approval compared to conventional FDA procedures. Receiving priority review from the FDA does not guarantee approval within the six-month review cycle or at all. BTD does not change the standards for product approval.
In June 2017, 131I-omburtamab received BTD for the treatment of pediatric patients with R/R NB who have CNS/LM from NB. In addition, on August 20, 2018, naxitamab received BTD in combination with GM-CSF, for the treatment of high-risk NB refractory to initial therapy or with incomplete response to salvage therapy in patients greater than 12 months of age with persistent, refractory disease limited to bone marrow with or without evidence of concurrent bone involvement. We may seek BTD for some or all of our other product candidates, but we may never receive such BTD, or, if received, the development of our product candidates may not be expedited or benefited by such designation.
Designation as a breakthrough therapy is within the discretion of the FDA. Accordingly, even if we believe that one of our product candidates meets the criteria for designation as a breakthrough therapy, the FDA may disagree and instead determine not to make such designation. Even if we receive BTD, the receipt of such designation for a product candidate may not result in a faster development or regulatory review or approval process compared to drugs considered for approval under conventional FDA procedures and does not assure ultimate approval by the FDA. In addition, even if one or more of our product candidates qualify as breakthrough therapies, the FDA may later
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decide that the product candidates no longer meet the conditions for qualification or decide that the time period for FDA review or approval will not be shortened.
Our product candidates may not be able to obtain ODD or RPDD or obtain or maintain orphan drug exclusivity. We will not be eligible to receive PRVs in the event that our product candidates are not approved before October 1, 2022.
Regulatory authorities in some jurisdictions, including the United States and the European Union, may designate drugs for relatively small patient populations as orphan drugs. Under the Orphan Drug Act, the FDA may designate a product as an orphan drug if it is a drug intended to treat a rare disease or condition, which is generally defined as a patient population of fewer than 200,000 individuals annually in the United States, or a patient population greater than 200,000 in the United States where there is no reasonable expectation that the cost of developing the drug will be recovered from sales in the United States. In August 2016, the FDA granted ODD to omburtamab for the treatment of NB. In April 2017, the EMA granted ODD to omburtamab for the treatment of CNS/LM from NB.
In the United States, ODD entitles a party to financial incentives such as opportunities for grant funding towards clinical trial costs, tax advantages and user-fee waivers. In addition, if a product that has ODD subsequently receives the first FDA approval for the disease for which it has such designation, the product is entitled to orphan drug exclusivity. Orphan drug exclusivity in the United States provides that the FDA may not approve any other applications, including a full BLA, to market the same drug for the same indication for seven years, except in limited circumstances. The applicable exclusivity period is 10 years in Europe. The European exclusivity period can be reduced to six years if a drug no longer meets the criteria for ODD or if the drug is sufficiently profitable so that market exclusivity is no longer justified.
In 2012, the United States Congress effectuated a Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher Program, or PRV Program, to incentivize pharmaceutical sponsors to develop drugs for rare pediatric diseases. A sponsor who obtains approval of a New Drug Application or BLA for a rare pediatric disease may be eligible for a Priority Review Voucher, or PRV, under this program, which may be redeemed by the owner of such PRV to obtain priority review for a marketing application. A PRV is fully transferrable and can be sold to any sponsor, who in turn can redeem the PRV for priority review of a marketing application in six months, compared to the standard timeframe of approximately 10 months. The terms of our MSK License provide that MSK is entitled to receive 40-50% of any income generated from the sale of first such PRV, and 33% of any income generated from the sale of any subsequent PRV or the sale of other comparable incentives provided by any non-U.S. jurisdiction. Additionally, the terms of our MSK CD33 License provide that MSK is entitled to receive 25% of any income generated from the sale of any PRV or the sale of other comparable incentives provided by any non-U.S. jurisdiction. In December 2016, the 21st Century Cures Act, or the Cures Act, became effective, which, among other initiatives, reauthorized the PRV Program until 2020. Under the Cures Act, a drug that receives RPDD before October 1, 2020, will continue to be eligible for a PRV if the drug is approved before October 1, 2022.
Even if our other product candidates obtain ODD or RPDD in the future, they may not be able to obtain or maintain orphan drug exclusivity, priority review or expedited regulatory approval for that product candidate. We may not be the first to obtain marketing approval of any product candidate that has obtained ODD for the orphan-designated indication due to the uncertainties associated with developing pharmaceutical products. In addition, exclusive marketing rights in the United States may be limited if we seek approval for an indication broader than the orphan-designated indication or may be lost if the FDA later determines that the request for designation was materially defective or if we are unable to assure sufficient quantities of the product to meet the needs of patients with the rare disease or condition. Further, even if we, or any future collaborators, obtain orphan drug exclusivity for a
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product, that exclusivity may not effectively protect the product from competition because different drugs with different active moieties may be approved for the same condition. Even after an orphan drug is approved, the FDA can subsequently approve the same drug with the same active moiety for the same condition if the FDA concludes that the later drug is clinically superior in that it is shown to be safer, more effective or makes a major contribution to patient care or the manufacturer of the product with orphan exclusivity is unable to maintain sufficient product quantity. ODD neither shortens the development time or regulatory review time of a drug nor gives the drug any advantage in the regulatory review or approval process.
Even if we, or any collaborators we may have in the future, obtain marketing approvals for our product candidates, the terms of approvals and ongoing regulation of our drugs could require substantial expenditure of resources and may limit how we, or they, manufacture and market our drugs, which could materially impair our ability to generate revenue.
Once marketing approval has been granted, an approved drug and its manufacturer and marketer are subject to ongoing review and extensive regulation. These requirements include submissions of safety and other post-marketing information and reports, registration and listing requirements, requirements relating to manufacturing, quality control, quality assurance and corresponding maintenance of records and documents, requirements regarding the distribution of samples to physicians and recordkeeping. We, and any collaborators we may have in the future, must also comply with requirements concerning advertising and promotion for any of our product candidates for which we or they obtain marketing approval. Promotional communications with respect to prescription drugs are subject to a variety of legal and regulatory restrictions and must be consistent with the information in the drug's approved labeling. Thus, we, and any collaborators we may have in the future, may not be able to promote any drugs we develop for indications or uses for which they are not approved.
The FDA may also impose requirements for costly post-marketing studies or clinical trials and surveillance to monitor the safety or efficacy of a drug. For example, the approval may be subject to limitations on the indicated uses for which the drug may be marketed or to the conditions of approval, including the requirement to implement a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy, which could include requirements for a restricted distribution system. Manufacturers of approved drugs and those manufacturers' facilities are also required to comply with extensive FDA requirements, including ensuring that quality control and manufacturing procedures conform to cGMPs, which include requirements relating to quality control and quality assurance as well as the corresponding maintenance of records and documentation and reporting requirements. We, our contract manufacturers, our future collaborators and their contract manufacturers could be subject to periodic unannounced inspections by the FDA to monitor and ensure compliance with cGMPs.
Accordingly, assuming we, or our potential future collaborators, receive marketing approval for one or more of our product candidates, we, and our potential future collaborators, and our and their contract manufacturers will continue to expend time, money and effort in all areas of regulatory compliance, including manufacturing, production, product surveillance and quality control.
If we, and our future potential collaborators, are not able to comply with post-approval regulatory requirements, we, and our potential future collaborators, could have the marketing approvals for our drugs withdrawn by regulatory authorities and our, or our potential future collaborators', ability to market any future drugs could be limited, which could adversely affect our ability to achieve or sustain profitability. Further, the cost of compliance with post-approval regulations may have a negative effect on our operating results and financial condition.
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The FDA's and other regulatory authorities' policies may change and additional government regulations may be enacted that could prevent, limit or delay regulatory approval of our product candidates, which would impact our ability to generate revenue.
In December 2016, the Cures Act was signed into law. The Cures Act, among other things, is intended to modernize the regulation of drugs and spur innovation, but its ultimate implementation is unclear. 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, which would adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
We also cannot predict the likelihood, nature or extent of government regulation that may arise from future legislation or administrative or executive action, either in the United States or abroad. For example, certain policies of the Trump administration may impact our business and industry. Namely, the Trump administration has taken several executive actions, including the issuance of a number of Executive Orders, that could impose significant burdens on, or otherwise materially delay, the FDA's ability to engage in routine regulatory and oversight activities such as implementing statutes through rulemaking, issuance of guidance, and review and approval of marketing applications. Notably, on January 30, 2017, President Trump issued an Executive Order, applicable to all executive agencies, including the FDA, which requires that for each notice of proposed rulemaking or final regulation to be issued in fiscal year 2017, the agency shall identify at least two existing regulations to be repealed, unless prohibited by law. These requirements are referred to as the "two-for-one" provisions. This Executive Order includes a budget neutrality provision that requires the total incremental cost of all new regulations in the 2017 fiscal year, including repealed regulations, to be no greater than zero, except in limited circumstances. For fiscal years 2018 and beyond, the Executive Order requires agencies to identify regulations to offset any incremental cost of a new regulation and approximate the total costs or savings associated with each new regulation or repealed regulation. In interim guidance issued by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs within OMB on February 2, 2017, the administration indicates that the "two-for-one" provisions may apply not only to agency regulations, but also to significant agency guidance documents. In addition, on February 24, 2017, President Trump issued an Executive Order directing each affected agency to designate an agency official as a "Regulatory Reform Officer" and establish a "Regulatory Reform Task Force" to implement the two-for-one provisions and other previously issued Executive Orders relating to the review of federal regulations; however, it is difficult to predict how these requirements will be implemented, and the extent to which they will impact the FDA's ability to exercise its regulatory authority. If these executive actions impose constraints on FDA's ability to engage in oversight and implementation activities in the normal course, our business may be negatively impacted.
Any of our product candidates for which we, or our potential future collaborators, obtain marketing approval in the future will be subject to substantial penalties if we, or they, fail to comply with regulatory requirements or if we, or they, experience unanticipated problems with our drugs following approval.
Any of our product candidates for which we, or our potential future collaborators, obtain marketing approval in the future, will be subject to continual review by the FDA and other regulatory authorities.
The FDA and other agencies, including the Department of Justice, or the DOJ, closely regulate and monitor the post-approval marketing and promotion of drugs to ensure that they are manufactured, marketed and distributed only for the approved indications and in accordance with the provisions of the approved labeling. The FDA imposes stringent restrictions on manufacturers' communications regarding off-label use and if we, or our potential future collaborators, do not market any of our product candidates for which we, or they, receive marketing approval for only their approved indications, we, or they, may be subject to warnings or enforcement action for off-label
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marketing. Violation of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938, or FDCA, and other statutes, including the False Claims Act, relating to the promotion and advertising of prescription drugs may lead to investigations or allegations of violations of federal and state healthcare fraud and abuse laws and state consumer protection laws.
In addition, later discovery of previously unknown adverse events or other problems with our drugs or their manufacturers or manufacturing processes, or failure to comply with regulatory requirements, may yield various results, including:
Current and future legislation, and a change in existing government regulations and policies, may increase the difficulty and cost for us and our potential future collaborators to obtain marketing approval of and commercialize our product candidates and affect the prices we, or they, may obtain.
In the United States and some foreign jurisdictions, there have been and continue to be a number of legislative and regulatory changes and proposed changes regarding the healthcare system that could prevent or delay marketing approval of our product candidates, restrict or regulate post-approval activities and affect our ability, or the ability of our potential future collaborators, to profitably sell any drugs for which we, or they, obtain marketing approval. We expect that current laws, as well as other healthcare reform measures that may be adopted in the future, may result in more rigorous coverage criteria and additional downward pressure on the price that we, or our potential future collaborators, may receive for any approved drugs.
In the United States, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, or the MMA, changed the way Medicare covers and pays for pharmaceutical products and could decrease the coverage and price that we, or our potential future collaborators, may receive for any approved drugs. While the MMA only addresses drug benefits for Medicare beneficiaries, private
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payors often follow Medicare coverage policy and payment limitations in setting their own reimbursement rates. Therefore, any reduction in reimbursement that results from the MMA may result in a similar reduction in payments from private payors.
In March 2010, then-President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, or collectively the Affordable Care Act, or ACA, which substantially changes the way healthcare is financed by both governmental and private insurers. The provisions of the Affordable Care Act of potential importance to our product candidates are the following:
In addition, other legislative changes have been proposed and adopted since the ACA was enacted. These changes included the Budget Control Act of 2011, which, among other things, led to aggregate reductions to Medicare payments to providers of up to 2% per fiscal year that started in 2013 and, due to subsequent legislative amendments to the statute, will stay in effect through 2024 unless additional Congressional action is taken. The 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. These new laws may result in additional reductions in Medicare and other healthcare funding and
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otherwise affect the prices we may obtain for any of our product candidates for which we may obtain regulatory approval or the frequency with which any such product candidate is prescribed or used. More recently, President Trump has suggested that he plans to seek repeal of all or portions of the ACA, and he has indicated that he wants Congress to replace the ACA with new legislation. We cannot predict whether these challenges will continue or other proposals will be made or adopted, or what impact these efforts may have on us. Further, here has been heightened governmental scrutiny over the manner in which manufacturers set prices for their marketed products, which has resulted in several recent Congressional inquiries and proposed bills designed to, among other things, bring more transparency to drug pricing, review the relationship between pricing and manufacturer patient programs, reduce the price of drugs under Medicare and reform government program reimbursement methodologies for drug products. We expect that 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 expect that the ACA, as well as other healthcare reform measures that may be adopted in the future, may result in additional reductions in Medicare and other healthcare funding, more rigorous coverage criteria, new payment methodologies and additional downward pressure on the price that we receive for any approved product and/or the level of reimbursement physicians receive for administering any approved product we might bring to market. Reductions in reimbursement levels may negatively impact the prices we receive or the frequency with which our products are prescribed or administered. Any reduction in reimbursement from Medicare or other government programs may result in a similar reduction in payments from private payors.
Some of the provisions of the ACA have yet to be implemented, and there have been legal and political challenges to certain aspects of the ACA. Since January 2017, President Trump has signed two executive orders and other directives designed to delay, circumvent, or loosen certain requirements mandated by the ACA. Moreover, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, or the Tax Reform Bill, was enacted on December 22, 2017, and includes a provision repealing, effective January 1, 2019, the tax-based shared responsibility payment imposed by the ACA on certain individuals who fail to maintain qualifying health coverage for all or part of a year that is commonly referred to as the "individual mandate." Congress may consider other legislation to repeal or replace additional elements of the ACA. We continue to evaluate the effect that the ACA, the repeal of the individual mandate, and any additional possible repeal and replacement efforts may have on our business but expect that the ACA, as currently enacted or as it may be amended in the future, and other healthcare reform measures that may be adopted in the future could have a material adverse effect on our industry generally and on our ability to maintain or increase sales of our existing products that we successfully commercialize or to successfully commercialize our product candidates, if approved. In addition to the ACA, there will continue to be proposals by legislators at both the federal and state levels, regulators and third party payors to keep healthcare costs down while expanding individual healthcare benefits.
Additional changes that may affect our business include the expansion of new programs such as Medicare payment for performance initiatives for physicians under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, which will be fully implemented in 2019. At this time, it is unclear how the introduction of the Medicare quality payment program will impact overall physician reimbursement. The costs of prescription pharmaceuticals in the United States has also been the subject of considerable discussion in the United States, and members of Congress and the Administration have stated that they will address such costs through new legislative and administrative measures. This focus has resulted in several Congressional inquiries and proposed bills 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.
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We expect that these and other 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. 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 or other healthcare reforms may prevent us from being able to generate revenue, attain profitability, or commercialize our product candidates. We expect that 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 drug candidates or additional pricing pressures.
The cost of prescription pharmaceuticals in the United States has also been the subject of considerable discussion in the United States, and members of Congress and the Administration have stated that they will address such costs through new legislative and administrative measures. 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 that of 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.
Legislative and regulatory proposals have also 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 of our product candidates, if any, may be. In addition, increased scrutiny by the Congress of the FDA's approval process may significantly delay or prevent marketing approval, as well as subject us and any future collaborators to more stringent drug labeling and post-marketing testing and other requirements.
Government price controls or other changes in pricing regulation could restrict the amount that we are able to charge for our lead product candidates, if approved, or any of our other product candidates that may be approved in the future, which would adversely affect our revenue and results of operations.
We expect that coverage and reimbursement of pharmaceutical products may be increasingly restricted both in the U.S. and internationally. The escalating cost of health care has led to increased pressure on the health care industry to reduce costs. In particular, drug pricing by pharmaceutical companies recently has come under increased scrutiny and continues to be subject to intense political and public debate in the U.S. and abroad. Government and private third-party payors have proposed health care reforms and cost reductions. A number of federal and state proposals to control the cost of health care, including the cost of drug treatments, have been made in the U.S. Specifically, there have been several recent U.S. Congressional inquiries and proposed bills designed to, among other things, bring more transparency to drug pricing, review the relationship between pricing and manufacturer patient programs and reform government program reimbursement methodologies for drugs. In some international markets, the government controls the pricing, which can affect the profitability of drugs. Current government regulations and possible future legislation regarding health care may affect coverage and reimbursement for medical treatment by third-party payors, which may render our product candidates, if approved, not commercially viable or may adversely affect our anticipated future revenues and gross margins.
We cannot predict the extent to which our business may be affected by these or other potential future legislative or regulatory developments. However, future price controls or other changes in pricing regulation or negative publicity related to the pricing of pharmaceutical drugs generally could restrict
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the amount that we are able to charge for our future products, which would adversely affect our anticipated revenue and results of operations.
Our relationships with healthcare providers, physicians and third-party payors will be subject to applicable anti-kickback, fraud and abuse and other healthcare laws and regulations, which could expose us to penalties, including criminal sanctions, civil penalties, contractual damages, reputational harm and diminished profits and future earnings.
Our relationships with healthcare providers, physicians and third-party payors will subject us to additional healthcare statutory and regulatory requirements and enforcement by the federal government and the states and foreign governments in which we conduct our business. Our future arrangements with healthcare providers, physicians and third-party payors and patients may expose us to broadly applicable fraud and abuse and other healthcare laws and regulations that may constrain the business or financial arrangements and relationships through which we market, sell and distribute our products for which we obtain marketing approval. Restrictions under applicable federal and state healthcare laws and regulations include the following:
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involving the use or disclosure of individually identifiable health information, including mandatory contractual terms and technical safeguards, with respect to safeguarding the privacy, security and transmission of individually identifiable health information, and require notification to affected individuals and regulatory authorities of certain breaches of security of individually identifiable health information;
Some state laws require pharmaceutical companies to comply with the pharmaceutical industry's voluntary compliance guidelines and the relevant compliance guidance promulgated by the federal government and require drug manufacturers to report information related to payments and other transfers of value to physicians and other healthcare providers or marketing expenditures and pricing information. State and foreign laws also govern the privacy and security of health information in some circumstances, many of which differ from each other in significant ways and often are not preempted by HIPAA, thus complicating compliance efforts.
Efforts to ensure that our business arrangements with third parties will comply with applicable healthcare laws and regulations will involve substantial costs. It is possible that governmental authorities will conclude that our business practices may not comply with current or future statutes, regulations or case law involving applicable fraud and abuse or other healthcare laws and regulations. If our operations are found to be in violation of any of these laws or any other governmental regulations that may apply to us, we may be subject to significant civil, criminal and administrative penalties, damages, fines, imprisonment, exclusion of drugs from government funded healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, and the curtailment or restructuring of our operations. Although effective compliance programs can mitigate the risk of investigation and prosecution for violations of these laws, these risks cannot be entirely eliminated. Any action against us for an alleged or suspected violation could cause us to incur significant legal expenses and could divert our management's attention from the operation of our business, even if our defense is successful. If any of the physicians or other healthcare providers or entities with whom we expect to do business is found to be not in compliance with applicable laws, it may be costly to us in terms of money, time and resources, and they may be subject to criminal, civil or administrative sanctions, including exclusions from government-funded healthcare programs.
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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 our product candidates profitably.
Successful sales of our product candidates, if approved, depend on the availability of adequate coverage and reimbursement from third-party payors. In addition, because our product candidates represent relatively new approaches to the treatment of cancer, we cannot accurately estimate the potential revenue from our product candidates.
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. Adequate coverage and reimbursement from governmental healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, and commercial payors are critical to new product acceptance.
Government authorities and 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:
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 on a payor-by-payor basis, with no assurance that coverage and adequate reimbursement will be obtained. Even if we obtain coverage for a given product, the resulting reimbursement payment rates might not be adequate for us to achieve or sustain profitability or may require co-payments that patients find unacceptably high. Additionally, third-party payors may not cover, or provide adequate reimbursement for, long-term follow-up evaluations required following the use of our products, if approved. Patients are unlikely to use our product candidates unless coverage is provided and reimbursement is adequate to cover a significant portion of the cost of our product candidates. Because our product candidates have a higher cost of goods than conventional therapies, and may require long-term follow up evaluations, the risk that coverage and reimbursement rates may be inadequate for us to achieve profitability may be greater.
We intend to seek approval to market our product candidates in both the United States and 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 EU, the pricing of biologics is subject to governmental control. 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 health care reform measures.
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Our employees, independent contractors, consultants, commercial partners and vendors may engage in misconduct or other improper activities, including noncompliance with regulatory standards and requirements.
We are exposed to the risk of fraud, misconduct or other illegal activity by our employees, independent contractors, consultants, commercial partners and vendors. Misconduct by these parties could include intentional, reckless and negligent conduct that fails to: comply with the laws of the FDA and other similar foreign regulatory bodies; provide true, complete and accurate information to the FDA and other similar foreign regulatory bodies; comply with manufacturing standards we have established; comply with healthcare fraud and abuse laws in the United States and similar foreign fraudulent misconduct laws; or report financial information or data accurately or to 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 such laws will increase significantly, and our costs associated with compliance with such laws are also likely to increase significantly. These laws may impact, among other things, our current activities with principal investigators and research patients, as well as proposed and future sales, marketing and education programs. In particular, the promotion, sales and marketing of healthcare items and services, as well as certain business arrangements in the healthcare industry, are subject to extensive laws designed to prevent fraud, kickbacks, self-dealing and other abusive practices. These laws and regulations may restrict or prohibit a wide range of pricing, discounting, marketing and promotion, structuring and commission(s), certain customer incentive programs and other business arrangements generally. Activities subject to these laws also involve the improper use of information obtained in the course of patient recruitment for clinical trials, which could result in regulatory sanctions and cause serious harm to our reputation. It is not always possible to identify and deter misconduct by employees and other parties, and the precautions we take to detect and prevent this activity may not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses or in protecting us from governmental investigations or other actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure to comply with these 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 significant impact on our business, including the imposition of significant fines or other sanctions.
If we fail to comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, we could become subject to fines or penalties or incur costs that could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We are subject to numerous environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including those governing laboratory procedures and the handling, use, storage, treatment and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes. Our operations involve the use of hazardous, radioactive 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 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 hazardous and flammable materials, including chemicals and biological 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.
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Laws and regulations governing any international operations we may have in the future may preclude us from developing, manufacturing and selling certain product candidates outside of the United States and require us to develop and implement costly compliance programs.
We currently have operations in the United States and Denmark and we maintain relationships with CMOs in other parts of Europe as well as in the United States for the manufacture of our product candidates. If we further expand our operations outside of the United States, we must comply with numerous laws and regulations in each new jurisdiction in which we plan to operate. The creation and implementation of international business practices compliance programs is costly and such programs are difficult to enforce, particularly where reliance on third parties is required. We cannot assure you that our compliance policies and procedures are or will be sufficient or that our directors, officers, employees, representatives, consultants and agents have not engaged and will not engage in conduct for which we may be held responsible, nor can we assure you that our business partners have not engaged and will not engage in conduct that could materially affect their ability to perform their contractual obligations to us or even result in our being held liable for such conduct.
The FCPA prohibits any U.S. individual or business from paying, offering, authorizing payment or offering of anything of value, directly or indirectly, to any foreign official, political party or candidate for the purpose of influencing any act or decision of the foreign entity in order to assist the individual or business in obtaining or retaining business. The FCPA also obligates companies whose securities are listed in the United States to comply with certain accounting provisions requiring the company to maintain books and records that accurately and fairly reflect all transactions of the corporation, including international subsidiaries, and to devise and maintain an adequate system of internal accounting controls for international operations. The anti-bribery provisions of the FCPA are enforced primarily by the DOJ. The Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, is involved with enforcement of the books and records provisions of the FCPA.
Compliance with the FCPA is expensive and difficult, particularly in countries in which corruption is a recognized problem. In addition, the FCPA presents particular challenges in the pharmaceutical industry because, in many countries, hospitals are operated by the government, and doctors and other hospital employees are considered foreign officials. Certain payments to hospitals in connection with clinical trials and other work have been deemed to be improper payments to government officials and have led to FCPA enforcement actions.
Various laws, regulations and executive orders also restrict the use and dissemination outside of the United States, or the sharing with certain non-U.S. nationals, of information classified for national security purposes, as well as certain products and technical data relating to those products. If we expand our presence outside of the United States, it will require us to dedicate additional resources to comply with these laws, and these laws may preclude us from developing, manufacturing, or selling certain drugs and product candidates outside of the United States, which could limit our growth potential and increase our development costs.
The failure to comply with laws governing international business practices may result in substantial penalties, including suspension or debarment from government contracting. Violation of the FCPA or other export control, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws or regulations can result in significant civil and criminal penalties. Indictment alone under the FCPA can lead to suspension of the right to do business with the U.S. government until the pending claims are resolved. Conviction of a violation of the FCPA can result in long-term disqualification as a government contractor. The termination of a government contract or relationship as a result of our failure to satisfy any of our obligations under laws governing international business practices would have a negative impact on our operations and harm our reputation and ability to procure government contracts. The SEC also may suspend or bar issuers from trading securities on U.S. exchanges for violations of the FCPA's accounting provisions.
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The impact of the Tax Reform Bill could have a negative effect on us or our stockholders.
On December 20, 2017, Congress passed the Tax Reform Bill and on December 22, 2017, President Trump signed the Tax Reform Bill into law. The Tax Reform Bill makes significant changes to the U.S. federal income tax rules applicable to both individuals and entities, including corporations. There is significant uncertainty as to the impact of the Tax Reform Bill on us, including, but not limited to, our ability to utilize our net operating loss carry forwards, and on any investment in our common stock. For losses arising in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the amount of net operating losses that we can use to offset taxable income is limited to 80% of our taxable income. You should consult with your tax advisor with respect to the status of U.S. federal tax reform and its potential effect on your investment in our common stock.
Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property
Our success depends in part on our ability to protect our intellectual property. It is difficult and costly to protect our proprietary rights and technology, and we may not be able to ensure their protection.
Our commercial success will depend in large part on obtaining and maintaining patent, trademark and trade secret protection of our product candidates, products and related proprietary technologies, their respective components, formulations, methods used to manufacture them and methods of treatment, as well as successfully defending these patents against third-party challenges. Our ability to stop unauthorized third parties from making, using, selling, offering to sell or importing our product candidates or products and related proprietary technologies is dependent upon the extent to which we have rights under valid and enforceable patents or trade secrets that cover these activities.
The patenting process is expensive and time-consuming, and we may not be able to file and prosecute all necessary or desirable patent applications at a reasonable cost or in a timely manner. In addition, we may not be able to pursue or obtain patent protection in all relevant markets. It is also possible that we will fail to identify patentable aspects of our research and development output before it is too late to obtain patent protection. Our pending and future patent applications may not result in issued patents that protect our product candidates, products or related technologies, in whole or in part. In addition, our existing patents and any future patents we obtain may not be sufficiently broad to prevent others from using our technology or from developing competing product candidates or products and related technologies.
We currently depend on proprietary technology licensed from MSK and may depend on other third party licensors in the future. If we lose our existing licenses or are unable to acquire or license additional proprietary rights from MSK or other third parties, we may not be able to continue developing our products.
We currently in-license certain intellectual property from MSK. In the future we may in-license intellectual property from other licensors. We rely on certain of these licensors to file and prosecute patent applications and maintain patents and otherwise protect the intellectual property we license from them. We have limited control over these activities or any other intellectual property that may be related to our in-licensed intellectual property. For example, we cannot be certain that such activities by these licensors have been or will be conducted in compliance with applicable laws and regulations or will result in valid and enforceable patents and other intellectual property rights. We have limited control over the manner in which our licensors initiate an infringement proceeding against a third-party infringer of the intellectual property rights, or defend certain of the intellectual property that is licensed to us. It is possible that the licensors' infringement proceeding or defense activities may be less vigorous than had we conducted them ourselves.
The growth of our business may depend in part on our ability to acquire or in-license additional proprietary rights. For example, our programs may involve additional product candidates that may require the use of additional proprietary rights held by third parties. Our product candidates or
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products may also require specific formulations to work effectively and efficiently. These formulations may be covered by intellectual property rights held by others. We may develop products containing our compounds and pre-existing pharmaceutical compounds. These pharmaceutical compounds may be covered by intellectual property rights held by others. We may be required by the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities to provide a companion diagnostic test or tests with our product candidates. These diagnostic test or tests may be covered by intellectual property rights held by others. We may be unable to acquire or in-license any relevant third-party intellectual property rights that we identify as necessary or important to our business operations. We may fail to obtain any of these licenses at a reasonable cost or on reasonable terms, if at all, which would harm our business. We may need to cease use of the compositions or methods covered by such third-party intellectual property rights, and may need to seek to develop alternative approaches that do not infringe on such intellectual property rights which may entail additional costs and development delays, even if we were able to develop such alternatives, which may not be feasible. Even if we are able to obtain a license under such intellectual property rights, any such license may be non-exclusive, which may allow our competitors to access the same technologies licensed to us.
Additionally, we sometimes collaborate with academic and other institutions, such as MSK, to accelerate our pre-clinical research or development under written agreements with these institutions. In certain cases, these institutions provide us with an option to negotiate a license to any of the institution's rights in technology resulting from the collaboration. Regardless of such option, we may be unable to negotiate a license within the specified timeframe or under terms that are acceptable to us. If we are unable to do so, the institution may offer the intellectual property rights to others, potentially blocking our ability to pursue our program. If we are unable to successfully obtain rights to required third-party intellectual property or to maintain the existing intellectual property rights we have, we may have to abandon development of such program and our business and financial condition could suffer.
The licensing and acquisition of third-party intellectual property rights is a competitive practice, and companies that may be more established, or have greater resources than we do, may also be pursuing strategies to license or acquire third-party intellectual property rights that we may consider necessary or attractive in order to commercialize our product candidates, products and related proprietary technologies. More established companies may have a competitive advantage over us due to their larger size and cash resources or greater clinical development and commercialization capabilities. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully complete such negotiations and ultimately acquire the rights to the intellectual property surrounding the additional product candidates that we may seek to acquire.
We are a party to license agreements with MSK and others, pursuant to which we in-license key patent and patent applications for our product candidates, products and related proprietary technologies. These existing licenses impose various diligence, milestone payment, royalty, insurance and other obligations on us. If we fail to comply with these obligations or otherwise materially breach a license agreement, our licensors may have the right to terminate the license, in which event we would not be able to develop or market the products covered by such licensed intellectual property. In addition, any claims asserted against us by our licensors may be costly and time-consuming, divert the attention of key personnel from business operations or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business.
Uncertainty as to the issuance, scope, validity, enforceability and value of patents, and the potential for future changes in patent and other intellectual property protections, may result in inadequate protection of our as well as in-licensed intellectual property or may result in alleged or actual infringement of the intellectual property rights of third parties.
The patent position of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies generally is highly uncertain and involves complex legal and factual questions for which many legal principles remain
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unresolved. In recent years patent rights have been the subject of significant litigation. As a result, the issuance, scope, validity, enforceability and commercial value of our patent rights and in-licensed patent rights are highly uncertain. Our pending and future patent applications and in-licensed patent applications may not result in patents being issued in the United States or in other jurisdictions which protect our product candidates, products or related technologies or which effectively prevent others from commercializing competitive technologies and products. Changes in either the patent laws or interpretation of the patent laws in the United States and other countries may diminish the value of our and in-licensed 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 as the laws of the United States. Publications of discoveries in the scientific literature often lag behind the actual discoveries, and patent applications in the United States and other jurisdictions are typically not published until 18 months after filing, or in some cases not at all. Therefore, we cannot be certain that we were the first to make the inventions claimed in our patents or pending patent applications, or that we were the first to file for patent protection of such inventions. In addition, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO, might require that the term of a patent issuing from a pending patent application be disclaimed and limited to the term of another patent that is commonly owned or names a common inventor. As a result, the issuance, scope, validity, enforceability and commercial value of our as well as in-licensed patent rights are highly uncertain.
Recent or future patent reform legislation could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of our and in-licensed patent applications and the enforcement or defense of the issued patents. In March 2013, under the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, or America Invents Act, the United States moved from a "first to invent" to a "first-to-file" system. Under a "first-to-file" system, assuming the other requirements for patentability are met, the first inventor to file a patent application generally will be entitled to a patent on the invention regardless of whether another inventor had made the invention earlier. The America Invents Act includes a number of other significant changes to U.S. patent law, including provisions that affect the way patent applications are prosecuted, redefine prior art and establish a new post-grant review system. The effects of these changes are currently unclear as the USPTO only recently developed new regulations and procedures in connection with the America Invents Act and many of the substantive changes to patent law, including the "first-to-file" provisions, only became effective in March 2013. In addition, the courts have yet to address many of these provisions and the applicability of the act and new regulations on specific patents discussed herein have not been determined and would need to be reviewed. However, the America Invents Act and its implementation could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of our patent applications and the enforcement or defense of our issued patents, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. We may become involved in opposition, interference, derivation, inter partes review or other proceedings challenging our patent rights or the patent rights of others, and the outcome of any proceedings are highly uncertain. An adverse determination in any such proceeding could reduce the scope of, or invalidate, our and in-licensed patent rights, allow third parties to commercialize our products, product candidates and related technologies and compete directly with us, without payment to us, or result in our inability to manufacture or commercialize products without infringing third-party patent rights.
Intellectual property rights do not necessarily address all potential threats.
Even if our or in-licensed patent applications issue as patents, they may not issue in a form that will provide us with any meaningful protection, prevent competitors from competing with us or otherwise provide us with any competitive advantage. Our competitors may be able to circumvent our owned or licensed patents by developing similar or alternative technologies or products in a non-infringing manner. The issuance of a patent is not conclusive as to its scope, validity or enforceability, and our owned and in-licensed patents may be challenged in the courts or patent offices in the United States and abroad. Such challenges may result in the patent claims of our owned or
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in-licensed patents being narrowed, invalidated or held unenforceable, which could limit our ability to stop or prevent us from stopping others from using or commercializing similar or identical technology and products, or limit the duration of the patent protection of our product candidates, products and technology. Given the amount of time required for the development, testing and regulatory review of new product candidates, patents protecting such candidates might expire before or shortly after such candidates are commercialized. As a result, our and in-licensed patent portfolio may not provide us with sufficient rights to exclude others from commercializing products similar or identical to ours or otherwise provide us with a competitive advantage.
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:
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In addition, during the course of business we have decided not to pursue certain products or processes and we may do so again in the future. If it is later determined that our activities or product candidates infringe this intellectual property we may be liable for damages, enhanced damages or subjected to an injunction, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We also may rely on trade secrets to protect our technology, especially where we do not believe patent protection is appropriate or obtainable. However, trade secrets are difficult to protect, and we have limited control over the protection of trade secrets used by our licensors, collaborators and suppliers. Although we use reasonable efforts to protect our trade secrets, our employees, consultants, contractors, outside scientific collaborators and other advisors may unintentionally or willfully disclose our information to competitors or use such information to compete with us. Moreover, our competitors may independently develop equivalent knowledge, methods and know-how. If our confidential or proprietary information is divulged to or acquired by third parties, including our competitors, our competitive position in the marketplace will be harmed and this would have a material adverse effect on our business.
If any of our owned or in-licensed patents are found to be invalid or unenforceable, or if we are otherwise unable to adequately protect our rights, it could have a material adverse impact on our business and our ability to commercialize or license our technology and product candidates. Likewise, our current owned and in-licensed patents covering our proprietary technologies and our product candidates are expected to expire on various dates from 2021 through 2031, without taking into account any possible patent term adjustments or extensions. Our earliest in-licensed patents were only filed in the United States and may expire before, or soon after, our first product achieves marketing approval in the United States. Upon the expiration of our current patents, we may lose the right to exclude others from practicing these inventions. The expiration of these patents could also have a similar material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. We own or in-license pending patent applications covering our proprietary technologies or our product candidates that if issued as patents are expected to expire from 2021 through 2035 (2038 assuming the future filing of a priority claiming Patent Cooperation Treaty application), without taking into account any possible patent term adjustments or extensions. However, we cannot be assured that the USPTO or relevant foreign patent offices will grant any of these patent applications.
We may incur substantial costs as a result of litigation or other proceedings relating to patents, and we may be unable to protect our rights to our product candidates, products and technologies.
If we or our licensors choose to go to court to stop a third party from using the inventions claimed in our owned or in-licensed patents, that third party may ask the court to rule that the patents are invalid and/or should not be enforced against that third party. These lawsuits are expensive and would consume time and other resources even if we or they, as the case may be, were successful in stopping the infringement of these patents. In addition, there is a risk that the court will decide that
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these patents are not valid and that we or they, as the case may be, do not have the right to stop others from using the inventions.
There is also the risk that, even if the validity of these patents is upheld, the court will refuse to stop the third party on the ground that such third party's activities do not infringe our owned or in-licensed patents. In addition, the U.S. Supreme Court has recently changed some legal principles that affect patent applications, granted patents and assessment of the eligibility or validity of these patents. As a consequence, issued patents may be found to contain invalid claims according to the newly revised eligibility and validity standards. Some of our owned or in-licensed patents may be subject to challenge and subsequent invalidation or significant narrowing of claim scope in proceedings before the USPTO, or during litigation, under the revised criteria which could also make it more difficult to obtain patents.
We, or our licensors, may not be able to detect infringement against our owned or in-licensed patents, as the case may be, which may be especially difficult for manufacturing processes or formulation patents. Even if we or our licensors detect infringement by a third party of our owned or in-licensed patents, we or our licensors, as the case may be, may choose not to pursue litigation against or settlement with the third party. If we, or our licensors, later sue such third party for patent infringement, the third party may have certain legal defenses available to it, which otherwise would not be available except for the delay between when the infringement was first detected and when the suit was brought. Such legal defenses may make it impossible for us or our licensors to enforce our owned or in-licensed patents, as the case may be, against such third party.
If another party questions the patentability of any of our claims in our owned or in-licensed U.S. patents, the third party can request that the USPTO review the patent claims such as in an inter partes review, ex parte re-exam or post-grant review proceedings. These proceedings are expensive and may result in a loss of scope of some claims or a loss of the entire patent. In addition to potential USPTO review proceedings, we may become a party to patent opposition proceedings in the European Patent Office, or EPO, or similar proceedings in other foreign patent offices, where either our owned or in-licensed foreign patents are challenged. The costs of these opposition or similar proceedings could be substantial, and may result in a loss of scope of some claims or a loss of the entire patent. An unfavorable result at the USPTO, EPO or other patent office may result in the loss of our right to exclude others from practicing one or more of our inventions in the relevant country or jurisdiction, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We may incur substantial costs as a result of litigation or other proceedings relating to intellectual property rights other than patents, and we may be unable to protect our rights to our product candidates, products and technologies.
We may rely on trade secrets and confidentiality or nondisclosure agreements to protect our proprietary technology and know-how, especially where we do not believe patent protection is appropriate or obtainable. Where we enter into agreements imposing confidentiality or nondisclosure obligations upon employees or third parties to protect our proprietary technology and know-how, these confidentiality obligations may be breached or may not provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets or proprietary technology and know-how. Furthermore, despite the existence of such confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements, or other contractual restrictions, we may not be able to prevent the unauthorized disclosure or use of our confidential proprietary information or trade secrets by consultants, vendors, former employees or current employees. In addition, adequate remedies may not be available in the event of an unauthorized access, use, or disclosure of our trade secrets or know-how.
Enforcing a claim that a third party illegally obtained and is using any of our trade secrets is expensive and time consuming, and the outcome is unpredictable. In addition, courts outside the
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United States may be less willing to protect trade secrets effectively or to the same extent as the laws of the United States. If we choose to go to court to stop a third party from using any of our trade secrets, we may incur substantial costs. These lawsuits may consume our time and other resources even if we are successful.
Third parties may obtain knowledge of our trade secrets through independent development or other access by legal means. The occurrence of such events could limit or preclude our ability to produce or sell our products in a competitive manner or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business.
If we are sued for infringing patents or other intellectual property rights of third parties, it will be costly and time consuming, and an unfavorable outcome in that litigation may have a material adverse effect on our business.
Our commercial success depends upon our ability to develop, manufacture, market and sell our product candidates or products and use our proprietary technologies without infringing the proprietary rights of third parties. U.S. and foreign issued patents and pending patent applications, which are owned by third parties, exist in the fields relating to our product candidates or products. As the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries expand and more patents are issued, the risk increases that others may assert that our product candidates or products infringe others' patent rights. Moreover, it is not always clear to industry participants, including us, which patents cover various types of drugs, products or their methods of use or manufacture. Thus, because of the large number of patents issued and patent applications filed in our fields, there may be a risk that third parties may allege they have patent rights encompassing our product candidates or products, technologies or methods.
In addition, because some patent applications in the United States may be maintained in secrecy until the patents are issued, patent applications in the United States and many foreign jurisdictions are typically not published until 18 months after filing, and publications in the scientific literature often lag behind actual discoveries, we cannot be certain that others have not filed patent applications for technology covered by our owned and in-licensed issued patents or our pending applications, or that we or, if applicable, a licensor were the first to invent the technology. Our competitors may have filed, and may in the future file, patent applications covering our products or technology similar to ours. Any such patent application may have priority over our owned and in-licensed patent applications or patents, which could require us to obtain rights to issued patents covering such technologies. If another party has filed a U.S. patent application on inventions similar to those owned by or in-licensed to us, we or, in the case of in-licensed technology, the licensor may have to participate in an interference proceeding declared by the USPTO to determine priority of invention in the United States. If we or one of our licensors is a party to an interference proceeding involving a U.S. patent application on inventions owned by or in-licensed to us, we may incur substantial costs, divert management's time and expend other resources, even if we are successful.
There is a substantial amount of litigation involving patent and other intellectual property rights in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries generally. We may be subject to, or threatened with litigation by third parties having patent or other intellectual property rights alleging that our product candidates or products and/or proprietary technologies infringe, misappropriate or violate their intellectual property rights.
If a third party claims that we infringe its intellectual property rights, we may face a number of issues, including, but not limited to:
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Some of our competitors may be able to sustain the costs of complex patent litigation more effectively than we can because they have substantially greater resources. In addition, any uncertainties resulting from the initiation and continuation of any litigation could have a material adverse effect on our ability to raise the funds necessary to continue our operations or could otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.
We may choose to challenge the patentability of claims in a third party's U.S. patent by requesting that the USPTO review the patent claims in an ex-parte re-exam, inter partes review or post-grant review proceedings. These proceedings are expensive and may consume our time or other resources. We may choose to challenge a third party's patent in patent opposition proceedings in the EPO, or other foreign patent office. The costs of these opposition proceedings could be substantial, and may consume our time or other resources. If we fail to obtain a favorable result at the USPTO, EPO or other patent office then we may be exposed to litigation by a third party alleging that the patent may be infringed by our product candidates or products or proprietary technologies.
We may not be able to protect our intellectual property rights with patents throughout the world.
Filing, prosecuting and defending patents on all of our product candidates or products throughout the world would be prohibitively expensive. Competitors may use our technology in jurisdictions where we have not obtained patent protection to develop their own products and, further, may export otherwise infringing products to territories where we have patent protection but where enforcement is not as strong as in the United States. These products may compete with our product candidates or products in jurisdictions where we do not have any issued patents and our patent claims or other intellectual property rights may not be effective or sufficient to prevent them from so competing. Many companies have encountered significant problems in protecting and defending intellectual property rights in foreign jurisdictions. The legal systems of certain countries, particularly certain developing countries, do not favor the enforcement of patents and other intellectual property protection, particularly those relating to biopharmaceuticals, which could make it difficult for us to stop the infringement of our patents or marketing of competing products against third parties in violation of our proprietary rights generally. The initiation of proceedings by third parties to challenge the scope or validity of our patent rights in foreign jurisdictions could result in substantial cost and divert our efforts and attention from other aspects of our business.
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Obtaining and maintaining our patent protection depends upon compliance with various procedural, document submission, fee payment and other requirements imposed by governmental patent agencies, and our patent protection could be reduced or eliminated for non-compliance with these requirements.
The USPTO and various foreign governmental patent agencies require compliance with a number of procedural, documentary, fee payment and other provisions during the patent prosecution process and following the issuance of a patent. Our failure to comply with such requirements could 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 if our patent were in force, which would have a material adverse effect on our business.
We may be subject to claims that our licensors, employees, consultants or advisors have wrongfully used or disclosed alleged trade secrets of their former employers or their clients.
As is common in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, we employ individuals who were previously employed at other biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies, including our competitors or potential competitors. Although no claims against us are currently pending, we may be subject to claims that these employees or we have inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed trade secrets or other proprietary information of their former employers. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these claims. If we fail in defending any such claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, we may lose valuable intellectual property rights or personnel. Even if we are successful in defending against such claims, litigation or other legal proceedings relating to intellectual property claims may cause us to incur significant expenses, and could distract our technical and management personnel from their normal responsibilities. In addition, there could be public announcements of the results of hearings, motions or other interim proceedings or developments, and, if securities analysts or investors perceive these results to be negative, it could have a substantial adverse effect on the price of our common stock. This type of litigation or proceeding could substantially increase our operating losses and reduce our resources available for development activities. We may not have sufficient financial or other resources to adequately conduct such litigation or proceedings. Some of our competitors may be able to sustain the costs of such litigation or proceedings more effectively than we can because of their substantially greater financial resources. Uncertainties resulting from the initiation and continuation of patent litigation or other intellectual property related proceedings could adversely affect our ability to compete in the marketplace.
We have not yet registered our trademarks in the United States. Failure to secure such registrations could adversely affect our business.
We have not yet registered our trademarks in the United States. If we do not successfully register our trademarks, we may encounter difficulty in enforcing, or be unable to enforce, our trademark rights against third parties, which could adversely affect our business and our ability to effectively compete in the marketplace. We have also not yet registered trademarks for any of our product candidates in any jurisdiction. When we file registration applications for trademarks relating to our product candidates, those applications may be rejected, and registered trademarks may not be obtained, maintained or enforced. During trademark registration proceedings in the United States and foreign jurisdictions, we may receive rejections. We are given an opportunity to respond to those rejections, but we may not be able to overcome such rejections. In addition, in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and in comparable agencies in many foreign jurisdictions, third parties may oppose pending trademark registration applications or seek to cancel registered trademarks. Opposition or cancellation proceedings may be filed against our trademarks, and our trademark registrations may not survive such proceedings.
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In addition, any proprietary name we propose to use with any of our product candidate in the United States must be approved by the FDA, regardless of whether we have registered, or applied to register, the proposed proprietary name as a trademark. The FDA typically conducts a review of proposed product names, including an evaluation of potential for confusion with other product names. If the FDA objects to any of our proposed proprietary product names, we may be required to expend significant additional resources in an effort to identify a suitable proprietary product name that would qualify under applicable trademark laws, not infringe the existing rights of third parties and be acceptable to the FDA.
If our trademarks and trade names are not adequately protected, then we may not be able to build name recognition in our markets of interest, which may have a material adverse effect on our business.
We rely on our trademarks, trade names, service marks, domain names and logos, as appropriate, to market our brands and to build and maintain brand recognition. We rely on trademark protections to protect our business and our products and services. We generally seek to register and continue to register and renew, or secure by contract where appropriate, trademarks, trade names and service marks as they are developed and used, and reserve, register and renew domain names as appropriate. Our registered trademarks, if any, or unregistered trademarks, trade names or service marks may be challenged, infringed, circumvented or declared generic or determined to be infringing on other marks. Effective trademark protection may not be available or may not be sought in every country in which our products are made available and contractual disputes may affect the use of marks governed by private contract. Similarly, not every variation of a domain name may be available or be registered, even if available. We may not be able to protect our rights to these trademarks, trade names, service marks and domain names, which we need to build brand name recognition in our markets of interest. And while we seek to protect the trademarks we use in the United States and in other countries, we may be unsuccessful in obtaining registrations and/or otherwise protecting these trademarks. If that were to happen, we may be prevented from using our names, brands and trademarks unless we enter into appropriate royalty, license or coexistence agreements. Over the long term, if we are unable to establish name recognition based on our trademarks, trade names, service marks and domain names, then we may not be able to compete effectively, resulting in a material adverse effect on our business.
Risks Related to Employee Matters and Managing Growth
We have a limited number of employees and depend heavily on our executive officers and consultants. Our future success depends on our ability to retain our senior management and other key executives and to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel. The loss of their services could materially harm our business.
We are highly dependent on Thomas Gad, our Founder, Chairman, President and Head of Business Development; Dr. Claus Juan Møller San Pedro, M.D., Ph.D., our Chief Executive Officer; Bo Kruse, our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer; Joris Wiel Jan Wilms, our Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; Dr. Torben Lund-Hansen, Ph.D., our Senior Vice President and Head of Technical Operations; and Dr. Steen Lisby, M.D., DMSc, our Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, as well as the other principal members of our management and scientific teams. Our agreements with our executive officers do not prevent them from terminating their employment with us at any time. We do not maintain "key person" insurance for any of our executives or other employees. The loss of the services of any of these persons could impede the achievement of our research, development and commercialization objectives.
Recruiting and retaining qualified scientific, clinical, manufacturing and sales and marketing personnel will also be critical to our success. We intend to conduct our operations in the New York City metropolitan area, in a region that is headquarters to many other biopharmaceutical companies and many academic and research institutions. Competition for skilled personnel is intense and the
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turnover rate can be high, which may limit our ability to hire and retain highly qualified personnel on acceptable terms or at all. We expect that we will need to recruit talent from outside of our region, and doing so may be costly and difficult.
To induce valuable employees to join and remain at our company, in addition to salary and cash incentives, we have provided, and intend to continue to provide, stock option and/or restricted stock grants that vest over time. The value to employees of these equity grants that vest over time may be significantly affected by movements in the fair market value of our capital stock that are beyond our control, and may at any time be insufficient to counteract more lucrative offers from other companies. Although we have employment agreements with our key employees, these employment agreements provide for at-will employment, which means that any of our employees could leave our employment at any time, with or without notice.
In addition, we rely on consultants and advisors, including scientific and clinical advisors, to assist us in formulating our research and development and commercialization strategy. Our consultants and advisors may be employed by employers other than us and may have commitments under consulting or advisory contracts with other entities that may limit their availability to us.
We expect to expand our development and regulatory capabilities and our sales and marketing capabilities, and as a result, we may encounter difficulties in managing our growth, which could disrupt our operations.
We expect to experience significant growth in the number of our employees and the scope of our operations, particularly in the areas of drug development, clinical operations, regulatory affairs and, potentially, sales and marketing. To manage our anticipated future growth, we must continue to implement and improve our managerial, operational and financial systems, expand our facilities and continue to recruit and train additional qualified personnel. 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 of our operations or recruit and train additional qualified personnel. The physical expansion of our operations may lead to significant costs and may divert our management and business development resources. Any inability to manage growth could delay the execution of our business plans or disrupt our operations.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock and This Offering
After this offering, our executive officers, directors and principal stockholders will maintain ownership of a significant percentage of our stock and will be able to exercise significant influence over matters subject to stockholder approval.
Upon the closing of this offering, our executive officers and directors and our existing stockholders, which own more than 5% of our outstanding common stock before this offering, will, in the aggregate, beneficially own shares representing approximately % of our common stock, not including any shares purchased by these stockholders in this offering. As a result, if these stockholders were to choose to act together, they would be able to control all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, as well as our management and affairs. For example, these persons, if they choose to act together, would control the election of directors and approval of any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. This concentration of voting power could delay or prevent an acquisition of our company on terms that other stockholders may desire. Certain of our existing stockholders, including certain of our directors and entities affiliated with certain of our directors, have indicated an interest in purchasing an aggregate of up to approximately $ million in shares of our common stock in this offering at the initial public offering price. However, because indications of interest are not binding agreements or commitments to purchase, the underwriters may determine to sell more, fewer or no shares in this offering to any or all of these stockholders, or any or all of these stockholders may determine to purchase more, fewer or no shares in this offering. The underwriters
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will receive the same underwriting discount on any shares purchased by these stockholders as they will on any other shares sold to the public in this offering. The foregoing discussion does not give effet to any potential purchases by these stockholders in this offering.
Provisions in our corporate charter documents and under Delaware law could make an acquisition of us, which may be beneficial to our stockholders, more difficult and may prevent attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management.
Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws that will become effective upon the closing of this offering may discourage, delay or prevent a merger, acquisition or other change in control of us that stockholders may consider favorable, including transactions in which you might otherwise receive a premium for your 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:
Moreover, because we are incorporated in Delaware, we are governed by the provisions of Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or 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.
If you purchase shares of common stock in this offering, you will suffer immediate dilution of your investment.
The initial public offering price of shares of our common stock is substantially higher than the as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock. Therefore, if you purchase shares of our common stock in this initial public offering, you will pay a price per share of common stock that substantially exceeds our as adjusted net tangible book value per share of common stock after this
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initial public offering. To the extent shares of our common stock are issued under outstanding options, you will incur further dilution. Based on the initial public offering price of $ per share of common stock, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus, you will experience immediate dilution of $ per share of common stock, representing the difference between our as adjusted net tangible book value per share of common stock after giving effect to this offering and the assumed initial public offering price per share of common stock. In addition, purchasers of shares of our common stock in this offering will have contributed approximately % of the aggregate price paid by all purchasers of shares of our common stock but will own only approximately % of our common stock outstanding after this offering.
An active trading market for our common stock may not develop and, as a result, it may be difficult for you to sell your shares of our common stock.
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. The initial public offering price for our common stock will be determined through negotiations with the underwriters. Although we plan to list our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market, an active trading market for our shares may never develop or be sustained following this offering. If an active market for our common stock does not develop or is not sustained, it may be difficult for you to sell shares you purchase in this offering without depressing the market price for the shares, or at all.
If securities analysts do not publish research or reports about our business or if they publish negative evaluations of our stock, the price of our stock could decline.
The trading market for our common stock will rely in part on the research and reports that industry or financial analysts publish about us or our business. We do not currently have and may never obtain research coverage by industry or financial analysts. If no or few analysts commence coverage of us, the trading price of our stock would likely decrease. Even if we do obtain analyst coverage, if one or more of the analysts covering our business downgrade their evaluations of our stock, the price of our stock could decline. If one or more of these analysts cease to cover our stock, we could lose visibility in the market for our stock, which in turn could cause our stock price to decline.
The price of our common stock may be volatile and fluctuate substantially, which could result in substantial losses for purchasers of our common stock in this offering.
Our stock price is likely to be volatile. The stock market in general and the market for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in particular have experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. As a result of this volatility, you may not be able to sell your common stock at or above the initial public offering price. The market price for our common stock may be influenced by many factors, including:
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We could be subject to securities class action litigation.
In the past, securities class action litigation has often been brought against a company following a decline in the market price of its securities. This risk is especially relevant for us because pharmaceutical companies have experienced significant stock price volatility in recent years. If we face such litigation, it could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management's attention and our resources, which could harm our business.
We have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds from this offering and may not use them effectively.
Our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds from this offering and could spend the proceeds in ways that do not improve our results of operations or enhance the value of our common stock. The failure by our management to apply these funds effectively could result in financial losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, cause the price of our common stock to decline and delay the development of our product candidates. Pending their use, we may invest the net proceeds from this offering in a manner that does not produce income or that loses value.
We are an "emerging growth company" and the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies may make our common stock less attractive to investors.
We are an "emerging growth company" as defined in the JOBS Act. We may remain an emerging growth company for up to five years, or until such earlier time as we have more than $1.07 billion in annual revenue, the market value of our stock held by non-affiliates is more than $700 million or we issue more than $1 billion of non-convertible debt over a three-year period. 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. These exemptions include not being required to comply with the auditor
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attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or Section 404, not being required to comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor's report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements, being permitted to present only two years of audited financial statements and a correspondingly reduced "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" disclosure in this prospectus, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. 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 cannot predict whether investors will find our common stock less attractive if we 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.
In addition, 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 irrevocably elected not to avail ourselves of this exemption from new or revised accounting standards and, therefore, we will be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies.
We will incur 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.
As a public company, and particularly after we are no longer an "emerging growth company," we will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and rules subsequently implemented by the SEC and Nasdaq have imposed various requirements on public companies, including establishment and maintenance of effective disclosure and financial controls and corporate governance practices. Our management and other personnel will need to devote a substantial amount of time to these compliance initiatives. Moreover, these rules and regulations will increase our legal and financial compliance costs and will make some activities more time-consuming and costly. For example, we expect that these rules and regulations may make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance.
Pursuant to Section 404, we will be required to furnish a report by our management on our internal control over financial reporting, including an attestation report on internal control over financial reporting issued by our independent registered public accounting firm. However, while we remain an emerging growth company, we will not be required to include an attestation report on internal control over financial reporting issued by our independent registered public accounting firm. To achieve compliance with Section 404 within the prescribed period, we will be engaged in a process to document and evaluate our internal control over financial reporting, which is both costly and challenging. In this regard, we will need to continue to dedicate internal resources, potentially engage outside consultants and adopt a detailed work plan to assess and document the adequacy of internal control over financial reporting, continue steps to improve control processes as appropriate, validate through testing that controls are functioning as documented and implement a continuous reporting and improvement process for internal control over financial reporting. There is a risk that neither we nor our independent registered public accounting firm will be able to conclude within the prescribed timeframe that our internal control over financial reporting is effective as required by Section 404. This could result in an adverse reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of confidence in the reliability of our financial statements.
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Our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards and certain other tax attributes may be limited.
Utilization of net operating loss carry forwards depends on many factors, including our future income, which cannot be assured, and the impact of the Tax Reform Bill. 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 cumulative change (by value) in the equity ownership of certain stockholders over a rolling three-year period), the corporation's ability to use its pre-change net operating loss carryforwards and other pre-change tax attributes to offset its post-change taxable income or taxes may be limited. As a result of our current and planned fund raising activities, including this offering, we may experience such an "ownership change." We may also experience ownership changes in the future as a result of subsequent shifts in our stock ownership, some of which changes are outside our control. As a result, our ability to use any pre-change net operating loss carryforwards and other pre-change tax attributes to offset post-change taxable income or taxes may be subject to limitation and may harm our future operating results by effectively increasing our future tax obligations.
Because we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our capital stock for the foreseeable future, capital appreciation, if any, of our common stock will be your sole source of gain.
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our capital stock. We currently intend to retain all of our future earnings, if any, to finance the growth and development of our business. In addition, the terms of any future debt agreements may preclude us from paying dividends. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our common stock will be your sole source of gain for the foreseeable future.
A significant portion of our total outstanding shares are restricted from immediate resale but may be sold into the market in the near future, which could cause the market price of our common stock to drop significantly, even if our business is doing well.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market could occur at any time. These sales, or the perception in the market that the holders of a large number of shares intend to sell shares, could reduce the market price of our common stock. After this offering, we will have outstanding shares of common stock based on the number of shares outstanding as of , 2018. Of these shares of our common stock, shares to be sold in this offering, plus any shares sold upon exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares, will be freely tradable, without restriction, in the public market immediately following this offering, unless purchased by our affiliates. All of the remaining shares are currently restricted as a result of securities laws or lock-up agreements but will be able to be sold after the offering as described in the "Shares Eligible for Future Sale" section of this prospectus, including with the prior written consent of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Cowen and Company, LLC during the term of the lock-up agreements. Moreover, after this offering, holders of an aggregate of shares of our common stock will have rights, subject to certain conditions, to require us to file registration statements covering their shares or to include their shares in registration statements that we may file for ourselves or other stockholders. We also intend to register all shares of common stock that we may issue under our equity compensation plans. Once we register these shares, they can be freely sold in the public market upon issuance, subject to volume limitations applicable to affiliates and the lock-up agreements described in the "Underwriting" section of this prospectus.
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Our certificate of incorporation that will become effective upon the closing of this offering designates the state courts in the State of Delaware or, if no state court located within the State of Delaware has jurisdiction, the federal court for the District of Delaware, as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could discourage lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and employees.
Our certificate of incorporation that will become effective upon the closing of this offering provides that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware) will be the sole and exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers or employees to our company or our stockholders, any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or our certificate of incorporation or bylaws, or any action asserting a claim against us governed by the internal affairs doctrine. This exclusive forum provision may limit the ability of our stockholders to bring a claim in a judicial forum that such stockholders find favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and employees.
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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INDUSTRY DATA
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, contained in this prospectus, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenue, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management and expected market growth are forward-looking statements. The words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "target," "would" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.
These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements about:
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We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements we make. We have included important factors in the cautionary statements included in this prospectus, particularly in the "Risk Factors" section, that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements that we make. 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.
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We estimate that the net proceeds to us from our issuance and sale of shares of our common stock in this offering will be approximately $ million, 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, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. If the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares, we estimate that the net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $ million.
A $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 page of this prospectus, would increase or decrease our net proceeds from this offering by approximately $ million, 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 estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We may also increase or decrease the number of shares we are offering. An increase or decrease of 1,000,000 shares in the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase or decrease our net proceeds from this offering by approximately $ million, assuming no change in the assumed initial public offering price per share and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
As of June 30, 2018, we had cash and cash equivalents of $70.2 million. We currently estimate that we will use the net proceeds from this offering, together with our existing cash and cash equivalents, as follows:
This expected use of the net proceeds from this offering and our existing cash and cash equivalents represents our intentions based upon our current plans and business conditions, which could change in the future as our plans and business conditions evolve. The amounts and timing of our actual expenditures may vary significantly depending on numerous factors, including the progress of our development and commercialization efforts, the status of and results from clinical trials, any collaborations that we may enter into with third parties for our product candidates and any unforeseen cash needs. Moreover, our estimates of the costs to fund our clinical trials are based on the current designs of the trials. If we were to modify the design of any of these clinical trials, for instance, to increase the number of patients in the clinical trials, our costs to fund the clinical trials could increase.
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As a result, our management will retain broad discretion over the allocation of the net proceeds from this offering.
Based on our current plans, we believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents, together with the net proceeds from this offering, will be sufficient to 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 use our available capital resources sooner than we currently expect. We expect that the net proceeds from this offering and our existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to enable us to complete each of our ongoing pivotal stage clinical trials for our lead product candidates, naxitamab and omburtamab. However, we do not expect that the net proceeds from this offering and our existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to enable us to conduct through completion any additional clinical trials of our lead product candidates for other indications or to otherwise conduct and complete the development of our other product candidates. Accordingly, we will need to raise substantial additional funds for these purposes. We do not currently have any committed external sources of funds.
Pending our use of the net proceeds from this offering, we intend to invest the net proceeds in a variety of capital preservation investments, including short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing instruments and U.S. government securities.
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We have never declared nor paid cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain all available funds and all of our future earnings, if any, to finance the growth and development of our business. We do not intend to pay cash dividends in respect of our common stock in the foreseeable future. In addition, future debt instruments may materially restrict our ability to pay dividends on our common stock. Payment of future cash dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of the board of directors after taking into account various factors, including our financial condition, operating results, current and anticipated cash needs, the requirements of then-existing debt instruments, if any, and other agreements and other factors the board of directors deems relevant.
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The following table summarizes our cash and capitalization as of June 30, 2018:
Our capitalization following the closing of this offering will be adjusted based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of the offering determined at pricing. You should read this table together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus and the "Selected Consolidated Financial Data" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of this prospectus.
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As of June 30, 2018 |
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|
Actual | As Adjusted | |||||
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(in thousands) |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 70,152 | $ | ||||
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| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Stockholders' equity: |
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Common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 26,749,666 shares issued and outstanding, actual; 100,000,000 shares authorized, shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted |
3 | ||||||
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value per share, 5,500,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding, actual; 5,500,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding, as adjusted |
| ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
124,955 | ||||||
Accumulated and other comprehensive income |
(88 | ) | |||||
Accumulated deficit |
(59,349 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total stockholders' equity |
65,521 | ||||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Total capitalization |
$ | 65,521 | $ | ||||
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| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The as adjusted information above 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. A $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share of common stock, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase or decrease the as adjusted amount of each of cash and cash equivalents, 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 estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. An increase or decrease of 1,000,000 shares of common stock in the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase or decrease the as adjusted amount of each of cash and cash equivalents, common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, additional paid-in capital, total stockholders' equity and total capitalization by $ million, assuming no change in the assumed initial public
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offering price per share and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
The table above is based on the number of outstanding shares of our common stock as of June 30, 2018, and excludes:
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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 public offering price per share of our common stock and the as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock after this offering.
Our historical net tangible book value (deficit) as of June 30, 2018 was $65.5 million, or $2.45 per share of our common stock. Our historical net tangible book value (deficit) is the amount of our total tangible assets less our total liabilities. Historical net tangible book value (deficit) per share represents our historical net tangible book value (deficit) divided by the 26,749,666 shares of our common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2018.
After giving effect to receipt of the net proceeds from our issuance and sale of shares of our common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share of common stock, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, and the application of the net proceeds from this offering as described in "Use of Proceeds," our as adjusted net tangible book value as of June 30, 2018 would have been $ million, or $ per share. This represents an immediate increase in as adjusted net tangible book value per share of $ to existing stockholders and immediate dilution of $ in as adjusted net tangible book value per share to new investors purchasing common stock in this offering.
Dilution per share to new investors is determined by subtracting as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering from the assumed initial public offering price per share paid by new investors. The following table illustrates this dilution on a per share basis:
Assumed initial public offering price per share |
$ | ||||||
Historical net tangible book value (deficit) per share as of June 30, 2018 |
$ | 2.45 | |||||
Increase in as adjusted net tangible book value per share attributable to new investors purchasing shares in this offering |
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| | | | | | | |
As adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering |
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Dilution per share to new investors purchasing shares in this offering |
$ | ||||||
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A $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 page of this prospectus, would increase or decrease our as adjusted net tangible book value by $ million, our as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering by $ and dilution per share to new investors purchasing shares in this offering by $ , 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 estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. An increase of 1,000,000 shares in the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase the as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering by $ and decrease the dilution per share to new investors participating in this offering by $ , assuming no change in the assumed initial public offering price and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. A decrease of 1,000,000 shares in the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would decrease the as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering by $ and increase the dilution per share to new investors participating in this offering by $ , assuming no change in the assumed initial public offering price and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full, our as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering would be $ per share, representing an
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immediate increase in as adjusted net tangible book value per share of $ to existing stockholders and immediate dilution in as adjusted net tangible book value per share of $ to new investors purchasing common stock in this offering, 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 estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. If any shares are issued upon exercise of outstanding options, you will experience further dilution.
The following table summarizes as of June 30, 2018, on the as adjusted basis described above, the number of shares of common stock purchased from us, the total consideration paid to us and the average price per share paid by existing stockholders and by new investors purchasing shares of common stock in this offering. The calculation below is 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, before deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us:
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Shares Purchased | Total Consideration | |
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Number | Percent | |
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Weighted Average Price Per Share |
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% | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||
Existing stockholders |
% | $ | % | $ | ||||||||||||
New investors |
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Total |
100.0 | % | $ | 100.0 | % | $ | ||||||||||
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A $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 page of this prospectus, would increase or decrease the total consideration paid by new investors by $ million and, in the case of an increase, would increase the percentage of total consideration paid by new investors by percentage points and, in the case of a decrease, would decrease the percentage of total consideration paid by new investors by percentage points, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same. An increase or decrease of 1,000,000 shares in the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase or decrease the total consideration paid by new investors by $ million and, in the case of an increase, would increase the percentage of total consideration paid by new investors by percentage points and, in the case of a decrease, would decrease the percentage of total consideration paid by new investors by percentage points, assuming no change in the assumed initial public offering price.
The table above assumes no exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares in this offering. If the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full, the number of shares of our common stock held by existing stockholders would be reduced to % of the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding after this offering, and the number of shares of common stock held by new investors participating in the offering would be increased to % of the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding after this offering.
The number of shares purchased from us by existing stockholders is based on shares of our common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2018, and excludes:
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Furthermore, we may choose to raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities due to market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. New investors will experience further dilution if any of our outstanding options or warrants are exercised, new options are issued and exercised under our equity incentive plans or we issue additional shares of common stock, other equity or convertible debt securities in the future. See the section herein entitled "Risk FactorsIf you purchase shares of common stock in this offering, you will suffer immediate dilution of your investment."
Certain of our existing stockholders, including certain of our directors and entities affiliated with certain of our directors, have indicated an interest in purchasing an aggregate of up to approximately $ million in shares of our common stock in this offering at the initial public offering price. However, because indications of interest are not binding agreements or commitments to purchase, the underwriters may determine to sell more, fewer or no shares in this offering to any or all of these stockholders, or any or all of these stockholders may determine to purchase more, fewer or no shares in this offering. The underwriters will receive the same underwriting discount on any shares purchased by these stockholders as they will on any other shares sold to the public in this offering. The foregoing discussion does not give effect to any potential purchases by these stockholders in this offering.
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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following tables set forth our selected consolidated financial data for the period indicated. We have derived the consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017 from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. We have derived the selected financial data for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018, and the balance sheet data as of June 30, 2018, from our unaudited consolidated financial statements, which have been included elsewhere in this prospectus and have been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements. In the opinion of management, the unaudited data reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the financial information in those statements. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results that should be expected for any future period. You should read the following selected consolidated financial data together with the more detailed information contained in "Management's Discussion and Analysis
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of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
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Year Ended December 31, | Six Months Ended June 30, |
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2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||
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(in thousands, except per share data) |
(in thousands, except per share data) |
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Consolidated Statement of Operations Data: |
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Revenue |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||||
Operating expenses: |
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Research and development |
13,855 | 14,307 | 4,606 | 14,497 | |||||||||
General and administrative |
3,184 | 4,937 | 1,521 | 3,240 | |||||||||
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Total operating expenses |
17,039 | 19,244 | 6,127 | 17,737 | |||||||||
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Loss from operations |
(17,039 | ) | (19,244 | ) | (6,127 | ) | (17,737 | ) | |||||
Interest and other income (expense) |
(18 | ) | 83 | 46 | (51 | ) | |||||||
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Net loss |
$ | (17,057 | ) | $ | (19,161 | ) | $ | (6,081 | ) | $ | (17,788 | ) | |
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Net loss attributable to common stockholders |
$ | (17,057 | ) | $ | (19,161 | ) | $ | (6,081 | ) | $ | (17,788 | ) | |
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Net loss per share attributable to common stockholdersbasic and diluted(1) |
$ | (1.21 | ) | $ | (0.99 | ) | $ | (0.34 | ) | $ | (0.66 | ) | |
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Weighted-average common shares outstanding used in computing net loss per share attributable to common stockholdersbasic and diluted(1) |
14,087,456 | 19,397,506 | 17,644,530 | 26,749,666 | |||||||||
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As of December 31, | |
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As of June 30, 2018 |
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2016 | 2017 | ||||||||
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(in thousands) |
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Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 16,875 | $ | 90,483 | $ | 70,152 | ||||
Working capital(1) |
14,286 | 83,430 | 66,002 | |||||||
Total assets |
17,261 | 92,127 | 73,298 | |||||||
Total liabilities |
5,200 | 9,975 | 7,777 | |||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(22,400 | ) | (41,561 | ) | (59,349 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders' equity |
12,061 | 82,152 | 65,521 |
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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 together with our accompanying financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this prospectus, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business and related financing, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, including those factors set forth in the "Risk Factors" section of this prospectus, our actual results could differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis. For convenience of presentation some of the numbers have been rounded in the text below.
Overview
We are a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel, antibody-based therapeutic products for the treatment of cancer. We have a broad and advanced product pipeline, including two pivotal-stage product candidatesnaxitamab and omburtamabwhich target tumors that express GD2 and B7-H3, respectively. We are developing naxitamab for the treatment of pediatric patients with R/R high-risk NB, and radiolabeled omburtamab for the treatment of pediatric patients with CNS/LM, from NB. NB is a rare and almost exclusively pediatric cancer that develops in the sympathetic nervous system and CNS/LM is a rare and usually fatal complication of NB in which the disease spreads to the membranes, or meninges, surrounding the brain and spinal cord in the CNS.
We expect to submit a BLA for each of our two lead product candidates in 2019, with a goal of receiving approval by the FDA in 2020. We plan to commercialize both of our lead product candidates in the United States as soon as possible after obtaining FDA approval, if such approval occurs. Additionally, we have two omburtamab follow-on product candidates in pre-clinical development, omburtamab-DTPA and huB7-H3, a humanized version of omburtamab, each targeting indications with large adult patient populations. We are also advancing a pipeline of novel BsAbs through late pre-clinical development, including our huGD2-BsAb product candidate for the treatment of refractory GD2-positive adult and pediatric solid tumors and our huCD33-BsAb product candidate for the treatment of hematological cancers expressing CD33, a transmembrane receptor expressed on cells of myeloid lineage. We believe our BsAbs have the potential to result in improved tumor-binding, longer serum half-life and significantly greater T-cell mediated killing of tumor cells without the need for continuous infusion. Our mission is to become the world leader in developing better and safer antibody-based pediatric oncology products addressing clear unmet medical needs and, as such, have a transformational impact on the lives of patients. We intend to advance and expand our product pipeline into certain adult cancer indications either independently or in collaboration with potential partners.
Since our inception in April 2015, we have devoted substantially all of our resources to organizing and staffing our company, business planning, identifying potential product candidates, conducting pre-clinical studies of our product candidates and clinical trials of our lead product candidates, raising capital, and acquiring and developing our technology platform among other matters. We do not have any products approved for sale and have not generated any revenues from product sales. To date, we have financed our operations primarily through private placements of our securities. We have received aggregate gross proceeds of $119.6 million through June 30, 2018 from the sale and issuance of our common stock.
As of June 30, 2018, we had an accumulated deficit of $59.3 million. Our net losses were $17.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, $19.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, $6.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and $17.8 million for the six months ended
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June 30, 2018. We have incurred significant net operating losses in every year since our inception and expect to continue to incur increasing net operating losses and significant expenses for the foreseeable future. Our net losses may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year. We anticipate that our expenses will increase significantly as we:
We believe that our cash on hand together with the net proceeds from this offering will be sufficient to fund our operations through . We do not expect to generate revenues from product sales unless and until we successfully complete development and obtain regulatory approval for a product candidate, which is subject to significant uncertainty and may never occur. Although no assurance can be given, our goal is to complete the development of our lead product candidates, naxitamab for the treatment of pediatric R/R high-risk NB, and omburtamab for the treatment of CNS/LM from NB, by the end of 2019. Additionally, we currently use CROs and CMOs to carry out our pre-clinical and clinical development activities and we do not yet have a sales organization.
Moreover, pursuant to the MSK License, we have obtained exclusive rights to MSK's rights in our current product candidates. Under the MSK License, we have committed to funding scientific research and conducting certain clinical trial actitivities at MSK through 2020. As these product candidates progress through clinical development, regulatory approval and commercialization, certain milestone payments will come due either as a result of the milestones having been met or the passage of time even if the milestones have not been met. Also, we will owe MSK customary royalties on commercial sales of our approved products, including a fixed minimum royalty starting in 2020 whether or not product sales are ever achieved. In addition, we have committed to obtain certain personnel and laboratory services at MSK under our MDSA, and two separate CFSAs. Also under our MCTA with MSK, we will provide drug product and funding for certain clinical trials at MSK. These MSK agreements are important to our business. For a more detailed discussion of the terms and conditions of these agreements, see the section herein entitled "BusinessIntellectual PropertyMSK Agreements."
If we obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates, we expect to incur significant commercialization expenses related to product sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution. Accordingly, we may continue to fund our operations through public or private equity or debt financings or other sources, including strategic collaborations. We may, however, be unable to raise additional funds or enter into such other arrangements when needed on favorable terms or at all. Our failure to raise capital or enter into such other arrangements as and when needed would have a negative impact on our financial condition and our ability to develop our current product candidates, or any additional product candidates, if developed. Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with the development of our existing product candidates and any future product candidates,
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our platform and technology and because the extent to which we may enter into collaborations with third parties for development of any of our product candidates is unknown, we are unable to estimate the amounts of increased capital outlays and operating expenses associated with completing the research and development of our product candidates. If we raise additional funds through collaborations, strategic alliances, or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams, research programs, product candidates or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us and could have a negative impact on our financial condition.
Components of Our Results of Operations
Revenue
To date, we have not generated any revenue from product sales and do not expect to do so in the near future. We expect that we will experience increasing losses as we continue our development of, and seek regulatory approvals for, our product candidates and begin to commercialize any approved products. Our ability to generate revenue for each product candidate for which we receive regulatory approval, if any, will depend on numerous factors, including reimbursement, coverage, competition, commercial manufacturing capability and market acceptance of such approved products.
Operating Expenses
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses consist of expenses incurred in connection with the discovery and development of our product candidates. We expense research and development costs as incurred. These expenses include:
The successful development of our product candidates is highly uncertain. At this time, we cannot reasonably estimate or know the nature, timing and costs of the efforts that will be necessary to complete the remainder of the development of, or when, if ever, material net cash inflows may commence from naxitamab and omburtamab or any future product candidates we may develop. This uncertainty is due to the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with the duration and cost of clinical trials, which vary significantly over the life of a project as a result of many factors, including:
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Our expenditures are subject to additional uncertainties, including the terms and timing of regulatory approvals. We may never succeed in achieving regulatory approval for naxitamab, omburtamab or any other product candidates we may develop.
A change in the outcome of any of these variables with respect to the development of a product candidate could mean a significant change in the costs and timing associated with the development of that product candidate. For example, if the FDA or another regulatory authority were to require us to conduct clinical trials beyond those that we anticipate will be required for the completion of clinical development of a product candidate, or if we experience significant delays in our clinical trials due to patient enrollment or other reasons, we would be required to expend significant additional financial resources and time on the completion of clinical development.
Research and development activities are central to our business model. Product candidates in later stages of clinical development, like naxitamab and omburtamab, generally have higher development costs than those in earlier stages of clinical development, primarily due to the increased size and duration of later-stage clinical trials. We expect our research and development expenses to increase significantly over the next several years as we increase personnel costs, including stock-based compensation, conduct clinical trials and potentially prepare regulatory filings for naxitamab and omburtamab.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of employee related expenses, including salaries, bonus, benefits, and stock-based compensation expenses for personnel in executive, finance and administrative functions. Other significant costs include facility costs not otherwise included in research and development expenses, legal fees relating to corporate matters, and fees for patent, accounting, tax, and consulting services.
We anticipate that our general and administrative expenses will increase in the future to support continued research and development activities, potential commercialization of our product
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candidates and increased costs associated with operating as a public company, including expenses related to services associated with maintaining compliance with exchange listing and the SEC requirements, regulatory expenses, director and officer insurance costs and investor and public relations costs. These increases will likely include increased costs related to the hiring of additional personnel and fees to outside consultants, lawyers and accountants, among other expenses. Additionally, if and when we believe a regulatory approval of a product candidate appears likely, we anticipate an increase in payroll and other employee-related expenses as a result of our preparation for commercial operations, especially as it relates to the sales and marketing of that product candidate.
Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Judgments and Estimates
Our management's discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our financial statements, which we have prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. We believe that several accounting policies are significant to understanding our historical and future performance. We refer to these policies as critical because these specific areas generally require us to make judgments and estimates about matters that are uncertain at the time we make the estimate, and different estimateswhich also would have been reasonablecould have been used. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those described in greater detail below. We base our estimates on historical experience and other market-specific or other relevant assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
While our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in the notes to our financial statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, we believe the following accounting policies to be most critical to the judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development costs are charged to operations when incurred and are included in operating expenses. Research and development costs consist principally of compensation cost for our employees and consultants that perform our research activities, the fees paid to maintain our licenses, the payments to third parties for manufacturing and clinical research organizations and additional product development, and consumables and other materials used in research and development. We record accruals for estimated ongoing research costs. When evaluating the adequacy of the accrued liabilities, we analyze progress of the studies or clinical trials, including the phase or completion of events, invoices received and contracted costs. Actual results could differ from our estimates. We are obligated to make certain milestone and royalty payments in accordance with the contractual terms of the MSK License based upon the resolution of certain contingencies. Certain of these milestone payments are due and payable with the passage of time whether or not the milestones have actually been met. We record the milestone and royalty payment when the achievement of the milestone (including the passage of time) or payment of the milestone or royalty is probable and the amount of the payment is reasonably estimable.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions reflected in these financial statements include, but are not limited to, the accrual for research and development expenses, the accrual of milestone and royalty payments, the valuation of shares of common stock and stock options.
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Estimates are periodically reviewed in light of changes in circumstances, facts and experience. Changes in estimates are recorded in the period in which they become known. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes under the asset and liability approach for the financial accounting and reporting of income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to net operating loss carry forwards and temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. These assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is established when management determines that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
We prepare and file tax returns based on its interpretation of tax laws and regulations. In the normal course of business, our tax returns are subject to examination by various taxing authorities. Such examinations may result in future tax and interest assessments by these taxing authorities. In determining our tax provision for financial reporting purposes, we establish a reserve for uncertain tax positions unless such positions are determined to be more likely than not of being sustained upon examination based on their technical merits. We consider many factors when evaluating and estimating our tax positions and tax benefits, which may require periodic adjustments and which may not accurately anticipate actual outcomes. Accordingly, we will report a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from any uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return.
Our policy is to recognize, when applicable, interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions as part of income tax expense.
Stock-Based Compensation
We measure stock options granted to employees and directors based on the fair value on the date of the grant and recognize compensation expense of those awards, over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period of the respective award. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur. We issue stock options to employees and directors with only service-based vesting conditions and record the expense for these awards using the straight-line method over the requisite service period.
For share-based awards granted to non-employees, compensation expense is recognized over the period during which services are rendered by such non-employees until completed. At the end of each financial reporting period prior to completion of the service, the fair value of these awards is remeasured using the then-current fair value of our shares of common stock and updated assumption inputs in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.
The fair value of each stock option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Historically, we have been a private company and lack company-specific historical and implied volatility information for our shares. Therefore, we estimate our expected share price volatility based on the historical volatility of a group of publicly-traded peer companies and we expect to continue to do so until such time as we have adequate historical data regarding the volatility of our own traded share price. The expected term of our stock options has been determined utilizing the "simplified" method for awards as we have limited historical data to support the expected term assumption. The expected term of stock options granted to non-employees is equal to the contractual term of the option award. The risk-free interest rate is determined by reference to the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant of the award for time periods approximately equal to the expected term of the award. The expected dividend yield is based on the fact that we have never paid
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cash dividends on shares of our common stock and do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
Determination of the Fair Value of Common Stock
As there has been no public market for our common stock to date, the estimated fair value of our common stock has been determined by our board of directors as of the date of each award grant, with input from management, considering our most recently completed or ongoing private placement activities and most recently available third-party valuation of our common stock. 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. This process resulted in estimated fair value of our common stock of $0.20 per share as of June 6, 2015; $4.38 per share as of May 20, 2016; $4.38 per share as of October 21, 2016; $4.38 per share as of August 22, 2016; $8.50 per share as of December 14, 2016; $9.35 per share as of September 13, 2017; $9.35 per share as of December 5, 2017 and $11.16 per share as of April 24, 2018. In addition to considering the results of such recently completed or ongoing private placements, our board of directors considered various objective and subjective factors to determine the fair value of our common stock as of each grant date including:
The assumptions underlying these valuations represent management's best estimates, which involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. As a result, if factors or expected outcomes change and we use significantly different assumptions or estimates, our stock-based compensation expense could be materially different.
Following the completion of this offering, the fair value of our common stock will be determined based on the quoted market price of our common stock.
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Stock Options Granted
The following table sets forth by grant date the number of shares of common stock subject to options granted in 2016 and 2017, the per share exercise price of the options, the fair value per share of common stock on each grant date, and the per share estimated fair value of the options:
Grant Date
|
Type of Award |
Number of Shares |
Per Share Exercise Price |
Estimated Fair Value Per Share on Grant Date |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
May 20, 2016 |
Option | 220,000 | $ | 4.38 | $ | 2.66 | ||||||
August 22, 2016 |
Option | 20,000 | $ | 4.38 | $ | 2.58 | ||||||
October 21, 2016 |
Option | 571,000 | $ | 4.38 | $ | 2.63 | ||||||
December 14, 2016 |
Option | 48,000 | $ | 8.50 | $ | 5.26 | ||||||
September 13, 2017 |
Option | 40,000 | $ | 9.35 | $ | 5.58 | ||||||
December 5, 2017 |
Option | 20,000 | $ | 9.35 | $ | 5.62 | ||||||
April 24, 2018 |
Option | 520,373 | $ | 11.16 | $ | 6.42 - $8.09 |
Fair Value of Stock Options
The fair value of each stock option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
The assumptions that the Company used to determine the fair value of the stock options granted to employees and directors were as follows, presented on a weighted average basis:
|
Year Ended | Year Ended | Period Ended | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
December 3l, 2017 |
December 3l, 2016 |
June 30, 2018 |
|||||||
|
|
|
(unaudited) |
|||||||
Risk-free interest rate |
2.10 | % | 1.77 | % | 2.95 | % | ||||
Expected term (in years) |
7.0 | 7.0 | 6.3 | |||||||
Expected volatility |
58.9 | % | 60.6 | % | 58.2 | % | ||||
Expected dividend yield |
0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % |
The assumptions that the Company used to determine the fair value of the stock options granted to non-employees were as follows, presented on a weighted average basis:
|
Period Ended June 30, 2018 |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
|
(unaudited) |
|||
Risk-free interest rate |
3.00 | % | ||
Expected term (in years) |
10.0 | |||
Expected volatility |
62.7 | % | ||
Expected dividend yield |
0 | % |
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Results of Operations
Comparison of the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2018
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018:
|
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | Change | |||||||
|
(in thousands) |
|
||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||
Research and development |
$ | 4,606 | $ | 14,497 | $ | 9,891 | ||||
General and administrative |
1,521 | 3,240 | 1,719 | |||||||
Total operating expenses |
6,127 | 17,737 | 11,610 | |||||||
Loss from operations |
(6,127 | ) | (17,737 | ) | (11,610 | ) | ||||
Interest and other income (expense) |
46 | (51 | ) | (97 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss |
$ | (6,081 | ) | $ | (17,788 | ) | $ | (11,707 | ) | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Research and Development Expenses
We do not record our research and development expenses on a program-by-program or on a product-by-product basis as they primarily relate to personnel, research, manufacturing, license fees, non-cash expense in connection with equity issuances to strategic partner and consumable costs, which are simultaneously deployed across multiple projects under development. These costs are included in the table below.
|
Six Months Ended June 30, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
|
(in thousands) |
||||||
Outsourced manufacturing |
$ | 1,709 | $ | 4,719 | |||
License Agreements (milestone and royalty obligations) |
150 | 700 | |||||
Clinical Trials |
84 | 2,246 | |||||
Outsourced research and supplies |
1,824 | 4,014 | |||||
Personnel costs |
250 | 1,259 | |||||
Professional and consulting fees |
438 | 477 | |||||
Stock based compensation |
74 | 709 | |||||
Other |
77 | 373 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
$ | 4,606 | $ | 14,497 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
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Research and development expenses increased by $9.9 million from $4.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, to $14.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018. This was primarily due to a $4.4 million increase in clinical trial costs and outsourced research and supplies for our lead product candidates, naxitamab and omburtamab. In addition, outsourced manufacturing expenses increased by $3.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, due to our increased need for clinical trial supply. Employee-related costs including salary, benefits and non-cash stock-based compensation for personnel related to our research activities, increased by $1.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, due to our expanding work force. Fees paid under license agreements increased by $0.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses increased by $1.7 million, from $1.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, to $3.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to a $0.9 million increase in fees for auditors, legal advice and other consultancy services. In addition, employee related costs, including salary, benefits and non-cash stock-based compensation for personnel related to our business activities increased by $0.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The increase in general and administrative expenses primarily relates to the infrastructure and administrative costs of becoming a public company.
Interest and Other Income (Expense)
Other Income for the six months ended June 30, 2017 were $46,000 as compared to Other Expenses of $(51,000) for the six months ended June 30, 2018. Our interest income has not been significant due to low investment balances and low interest earned on those balances.
Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2017
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017:
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | Change | |||||||
|
(in thousands) |
|
||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||
Research and development |
$ | 13,855 | $ | 14,307 | $ | 452 | ||||
General and administrative |
3,184 | 4,937 | 1,753 | |||||||
Total operating expenses |
17,039 | 19,244 | 2,205 | |||||||
Loss from operations |
(17,039 | ) | (19,244 | ) | (2,205 | ) | ||||
Interest and other income (expense) |
(18 | ) | 83 | 101 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss |
$ | (17,057 | ) | $ | (19,161 | ) | $ | (2,104 | ) | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Research and Development Expenses
We do not record our research and development expenses on a program-by-program or on a product-by-product basis as they primarily relate to personnel, research, manufacturing, license fees, non-cash expense in connection with equity issuances to strategic partner and consumable costs, which
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are simultaneously deployed across multiple projects under development. These costs are included in the table below.
|
Year Ended December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | |||||
|
(in thousands) |
||||||
Outsourced manufacturing |
$ | 6,007 | $ | 5,931 | |||
License agreements (milestone and royalty obligations) |
2,875 | 700 | |||||
Non-cash expense in connection with equity issuance to strategic partner |
2,280 | | |||||
Clinical Trials |
| 634 | |||||
Outsourced research and supplies |
2,064 | 5,063 | |||||
Personnel costs |
321 | 892 | |||||
Professional and consulting fees |
310 | 884 | |||||
Stock based compensation |
93 | 167 | |||||
Biotechnology tax credit |
(200 | ) | (167 | ) | |||
Other |
105 | 203 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
$ | 13,855 | $ | 14,307 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Research and development expenses increased by $0.4 million, from $13.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, to $14.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. This was primarily due to a $3.0 million increase in outsourced services and supplies, primarily obtained from MSK and CROs for our lead product candidates, naxitamab and omburtamab. Other clinical trial costs increased by $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Employee-related costs including salary, benefits and non-cash stock-based compensation for personnel related to our research activities, increased by $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Professional and consulting fees increased by $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. These increases were partly offset by $2.3 million of non-cash expense in connection with equity issuance to MSK in 2016 and a $2.2 million decrease in milestone and royalty obligations expensed under the Company's license agreements.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses increased by $1.7 million, from $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, to $4.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to a $0.6 million increase in employee-related costs, including salary, benefits and non-cash stock-based compensation for personnel related to our business activities. In addition, fees for auditors, legal advice and other consultancy services increased by $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Interest and Other Income (Expense)
Other Expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 were $(18,000) as compared to Other Income of $83,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017. Our interest income has not been significant due to low investment balances and low interest earned on those balances.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Since our inception we have incurred significant net operating losses and expect to continue to incur increasing net operating losses and significant expenses for the foreseeable future. Our net losses may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year. We do not currently have any approved products and have never generated any revenue from product sales. We have financed our
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operations through June 30, 2018 primarily through gross proceeds of $119.6 million from the sale of our common stock. As of June 30, 2018, we had cash and cash equivalents of $70.2 million. We will need additional capital to continue funding our operations, which we may obtain from additional equity or debt financings, collaborations, licensing arrangements, or other sources.
Cash Flows
The following table provides information regarding our cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2018:
|
Year Ended December 31, |
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||
|
(in thousands) |
||||||||||||
Cash used in operating activities |
$ | (11,166 | ) | $ | (15,870 | ) | $ | (6,882 | ) | $ | (18,464 | ) | |
Cash used in investing activities |
| | | (124 | ) | ||||||||
Cash provided by financing activities |
18,972 | 89,586 | 10,137 | (1,768 | ) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 7,806 | $ | 73,608 | $ | 3,180 | $ | (20,331 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
The use of cash in all periods resulted primarily from our net losses adjusted for non-cash charges and changes in components of working capital.
Net cash used in operating activities was $11.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to $15.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. The $4.7 million increase in net cash used in operations was primarily due to an increase in our net loss of $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. This increase was primarily due to an increase in our operating expenses in connection with the development of our lead product candidates, naxitamab and omburtamab, and the expansion of our other business activities. The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2016 included a $2.3 million non-cash expense in connection with an equity issuance to MSK. Non-cash expenses also included stock-based compensation to employees, which increased by $0.4 million. Adjustment of working capital reflects changes in other assets, accrued expenses, accounts payable, and other non-current liabilities of $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to $3.4 million the year ended December 31, 2016.
Net cash used in operating activities was $6.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, as compared to $18.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The $11.6 million increase in net cash used in operations was primarily due to an increase of $11.7 million in our net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2018. This increase was primarily due to our operational expenses in connection with the development of our lead product candidates, naxitamab and omburtamab, and the expansion of our other business activities. Non-cash expenses also included stock-based compensation to employees, which increased by $0.8 million. Adjustments to working capital reflect changes in other current assets, other assets, accrued liabilities, accounts payable and other non-current liabilities of $1.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, as compared to $1.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $0.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, as compared to no investment activities for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The $0.1 million increase in net cash used in investing activities was primarily caused by a $0.1 million investment in furniture for our new office facilities.
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Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $19.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to $89.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in cash provided by financing activities was attributable to net proceeds of $89.9 million related to the issuance of common stock from private placements in the year ended December 31, 2017.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $10.1 million as net proceeds from a private placement of common stock during the six month period ended June 30, 2017, as compared to a cost of $1.8 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2018. The cash used in financing activities in the six month period ended June 30, 2018, was attributable to payment of common stock offering costs and payment of offering costs in connection with this offering.
Funding Requirements
We expect our expenses to increase in connection with our ongoing activities, particularly as we complete clinical development of our lead product candidates, naxitamab and omburtamab, and potentially initiate our planned BLA submissions for both product candidates. In addition, we plan to advance the development of other pipeline programs, initiate new research and pre-clinical development efforts and seek marketing approval for any additional product candidates that we successfully develop. If we obtain marketing approval for any of our product candidates, we expect to incur commercialization expenses, which may be significant, related to establishing sales, marketing, manufacturing capabilities, distribution and other commercial infrastructure to commercialize such products. Furthermore, upon the closing of this offering, we expect to incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company. Accordingly, we might need to obtain substantial additional funding in connection with our continuing operations. If we are unable to raise capital when needed or on attractive terms, we would be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our research and development programs and/or future commercialization efforts.
We believe that the anticipated net proceeds from this offering, together with our existing cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2018, will enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements through , .
We have based our projections of operating capital requirements on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect and we may use all of our available capital resources sooner than we expect. Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with the development and commercialization of naxitamab and omburtamab, and the research, development and commercialization of other potential product candidates, we are unable to estimate the exact amount of our operating capital requirements. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including:
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Identifying potential product candidates and conducting pre-clinical studies and clinical trials is a time-consuming, expensive and uncertain process that takes many years to complete, and we may never generate the necessary data or results required to obtain marketing approval and achieve product sales. In addition, our product candidates, if approved, may not achieve commercial success. Accordingly, we will need to continue to rely on additional financing to achieve our business objectives. Adequate additional financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all.
Until such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial product revenues, we expect to finance our cash needs through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings, collaborations, strategic alliances and licensing arrangements. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, your ownership interest in our company may be materially diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect your rights as a common stockholder. Debt financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends.
If we raise 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 or product candidates or to grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. If we are unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our product development or future commercialization efforts or grant rights to develop and market product candidates that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We did not have during the periods presented, and we do not currently have, any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined under the applicable regulations of the SEC.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
There were no contractual obligations as of December 31, 2017 that require disclosure in the contractual obligations table.
We enter into contracts in the normal course of business with CROs, CMOs, clinical sites and other third parties for clinical trials, pre-clinical research studies and testing, professional consultants for expert advice and other vendors for clinical supply, manufacturing and other services. These
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contracts are not considered contractual obligations, as they provide for termination upon prior notice, and, therefore, are cancelable contracts and do not include any minimum purchase commitments. Payments due upon cancellation consist only of payments for services provided or expenses incurred, including non-cancellable obligations of our service providers, up to the date of cancellation. These payments are not included in the table of contractual obligations and commitments above.
As further described below, under various licensing and related agreements with third parties, we have agreed to make milestone and royalty payments to third parties. We have not included the contingent payment of certain milestones in the table above, which timing cannot be determined because they are not date certain. In addition, we have other contingent payment obligations, such as such as royalties or other third party milestones, which are not included in the table above as the amount, timing and likelihood of such payments are not known.
We have entered into two license agreements and certain other agreements with MSK. The license agreements are further described below as the MSK License and the MSK CD33 License.
Under the MSK License and MSK CD33 License we are obligated to (i) make certain payments to MSK, which become due based upon the achievement of the related milestone activities or the passage of time in the event such milestone activities are not achieved, as well as certain sales-related milestones, (ii) pay mid to high single-digit royalties to MSK, on a product-by-product and country-by-country basis, of a mid-to-high single-digit royalties based on net sales of products licensed under the applicable agreement and (iii) pay to MSK a percentage of any sublicense fees received by us. Under the MSK License, we are also obligated to pay annual minimum royalties of $80,000 over the royalty term, starting in 2020. Under the MSK CD33 License, we are obligated to pay annual minimum royalties of $40,000 over the royalty term beginning in 2027, increasing to $60,000 once a patent within the licensed rights is issued. These amounts are non-refundable but are creditable against royalty payments otherwise due under the respective agreements. Total expensed minimum royalty payments in 2016 under the MSK License were $1,200,000, upon determination that the payment of such minimum royalties was probable and the amount was estimable in 2016. We are also obligated to pay MSK certain clinical, regulatory and sales-based milestone payments under the MSK License and MSK CD33 License. Certain of the clinical and regulatory milestone payments become due at the earlier of completion of the related milestone activity or the date indicated in the MSK License. Total clinical, regulatory and sales based milestones potentially due under the MSK License are $2,450,000, $9,000,000 and $20,000,000, respectively. In addition, under the MSK CD33 License, we are obligated to make potential payments of $550,000, $500,000 and $7,500,000 for clinical, regulatory and sales based milestones, respectively. We record milestones in the period in which the contingent liability is probable and the amount is reasonably estimable. Research and development is inherently uncertain and, should such research and development fail, the MSK License and MSK CD33 License are cancelable at our option. We have also considered the development risk and each party's termination rights under the two license agreements when considering whether any contingent payments, certain of which also contain time-based payment requirements, were probable. In addition, to the extent we enter into sublicense arrangements, we are obligated to pay to MSK a percentage of certain payments that we receive from sublicensees of the rights licensed to us by MSK, which percentage will be based upon the achievement of certain clinical milestones. To date, we have not entered into any sublicenses related to the MSK License or MSK CD33 License. Our failure to meet certain conditions under such arrangements could cause the related license to such licensed product to be canceled and could result in termination of the entire respective arrangement with MSK. In addition, we may terminate the MSK License or MSK CD33 License with prior written notice to MSK. Total milestones expensed in 2017 and 2016 under the MSK License were $150,000 and $1,675,000, respectively, all of which related to clinical milestones, which become due either based upon the passage of time or achievement of the related milestone activities. Total milestones expensed in 2017 under the MSK CD33 License was
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$550,000, all of which related to clinical milestones, which become due either based upon the passage of time or achievement of the related milestone activities.
On June 27, 2018, we entered into the Sublicense Agreement, or the MabVax Sublicense, with MabVax Therapeutics Holdings, Inc., or MabVax, pursuant to which MabVax granted us all of the exclusive rights granted to MabVax under its license agreement with MSK, or the MabVax-MSK License, for a bi-valent ganglioside based vaccine intended to treat NB, or the NB vaccine. MSK originally developed the NB vaccine and licensed to MabVax as part of a portfolio of anti-cancer vaccines. Under the terms of the Mabvax Sublicense, we paid MabVax an upfront payment of $700,000, and, if we decide to move forward with the development of the vaccine, we have agreed to make an additional payment of $600,000 on the first anniversary of the MabVax Sublicense, provided that no notice of termination has been made by us before such date. We will also be responsible for any potential downstream payment obligations to MSK related to the NB vaccine that were specified in the MabVax-MSK license agreement. This includes the obligation to pay development milestones totaling $1,400,000 and mid single-digit royalty payments to MSK. In addition, if we obtain FDA approval for the NB vaccine, then we are obligated to file with the FDA for a PRV. If the PRV is granted and subsequently sold, MabVax will receive a percentage of the proceeds from the sale thereof. The MabVax Sublicense will terminate upon the termination or expiration of the MabVax-MSK License.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Refer to Note 3, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
Internal Controls and Procedures
We will be required, pursuant to Section 404(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or Section 404, to furnish a report by management on, among other things, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for the year following our first annual report required to be filed with the SEC. This assessment will need to include disclosure of any material weaknesses identified by management over our internal control over financial reporting. However, our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) until the later of the year following our first annual report required to be filed with the SEC, or the date we are no longer an "emerging growth company" if we take advantage of the exemptions contained in the JOBS Act.
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 GAAP. Prior to this offering, we were a private company and we are currently planning a process for reviewing, documenting and testing our internal control over financial reporting. Certain material weaknesses have been identified in our internal control over financial reporting. See the section herein entitled "Risk FactorsIt has been determined that we have material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. If our remediation of these material weaknesses is not effective, or if we experience additional material weaknesses or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls in the future, we may not be able to accurately or timely report our financial condition or results of operations, which may adversely affect investor confidence in us and, as a result, the value of our common stock. In addition, because of our status as an emerging growth company, our independent registered public accounting firm is not required to provide an attestation report as to our internal control over financial reporting for the foreseeable future." If we fail to maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting, our ability to produce timely and accurate financial statements or comply with applicable regulations could be impaired. If we are unable to remediate these identified material weaknesses, or if we experience additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may
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not be able to accurately or timely report our financial condition or results of operations, or comply with the accounting and reporting requirements applicable to public companies, which may adversely affect investor confidence in us and, as a result, the value of our common stock.
We have not performed an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, nor have we engaged an independent registered public accounting firm to perform an audit of our internal control over financial reporting as of any balance sheet date or for any period reported in our financial statements. Presently, we are not an accelerated filer, as such term is defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, and therefore, our management is not presently required to perform an annual assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. This requirement will first apply to our second Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our independent public registered accounting firm will first be required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the first year we are no longer an "emerging growth company."
We are in the very early stages of the costly and challenging process of compiling the system and processing documentation necessary to perform the evaluation needed to comply with Section 404. We may not be able to complete our evaluation, testing or any required remediation in a timely fashion. During the evaluation and testing process, if we identify one or more material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, we will be unable to assert that our internal controls are designed and operating effectively, which could result in a loss of investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports. This could cause the price of our common stock to decline, and we may be subject to investigation or sanctions by the SEC.
Emerging Growth Company Status; The JOBS Act
The JOBS Act permits an "emerging growth company" such as us to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have irrevocably elected to "opt out" of this provision and, as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards when they are required to be adopted by public companies that are not emerging growth companies.
For so long as we are an emerging growth company we expect that:
We will remain an emerging growth company for up to five years, although we will cease to be an "emerging growth company" upon the earliest of: (i) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of this offering, (ii) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenues are $1.07 billion or more, which amount is periodically updated, (iii) the date on which we have, during the previous rolling three-year period, issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible
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debt securities or (iv) the date on which we are deemed to be a "large accelerated filer" as defined in the Exchange Act.
Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates. As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, we had cash and cash equivalents of $16.9 million and $90.5 million, respectively, maintained primarily with financial institutions in federally insured accounts and held in an unrestricted escrow account. We currently have, and may, from time to time in the future, cash in banks in excess of FDIC insurance limits. We have not experienced any losses to date resulting from this practice. We mitigate our risk by maintaining the majority of our cash and equivalents with high quality financial institutions. Our exposure to changes in the general level of U.S. interest rates is considered immaterial, particularly because our cash equivalents are primarily held in day-to-day bank accounts. Due to short-term nature of such balances, an immediate 100 basis point change in interest rates would not have any effect on the fair market value of cash balances.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
Our primary exposure to market risk is foreign exchange rate sensitivity to the Danish Kroner (DKK), the currency used in the Kingdom of Denmark, where our wholly owned subsidiary, Y-mAbs Therapeutics A/S, is located. As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, we had cash and cash equivalents denominated in DKK of $0.6 million and $0.6 million, respectively, and an immediate 5% change in DKK exchange rate would not have any material effect on the fair market value of cash balances with the subsidiary.
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Overview
We are a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel, antibody-based therapeutic products for the treatment of cancer. We have a broad and advanced product pipeline, including two pivotal-stage product candidatesnaxitamab and omburtamabwhich target tumors that express GD2 and B7-H3, respectively. We are developing naxitamab for the treatment of pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory, or R/R, high-risk neuroblastoma, or NB, and radiolabeled omburtamab for the treatment of pediatric patients with central nervous system, or CNS, leptomeningeal metastases, or LM, from NB. NB is a rare and almost exclusively pediatric cancer that develops in the sympathetic nervous system and CNS/LM is a rare and usually fatal complication of NB in which the disease spreads to the membranes, or meninges, surrounding the brain and spinal cord in the CNS.
We expect to submit a Biologics License Application, or BLA, for each of our two lead product candidates in 2019, with a goal of receiving approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, in 2020. We plan to commercialize both of our lead product candidates in the United States as soon as possible after obtaining FDA approval, if such approval occurs. We have two additional omburtamab follow-on product candidates in pre-clinical development, omburtamab-DTPA and huB7-H3, a humanized version of omburtamab, each targeting indications with large adult patient populations. We are also advancing an early-stage, novel pipeline of bispecific antibodies, or BsAbs. We believe our BsAbs have the potential to result in improved tumor-binding, longer serum half-life and significantly greater T-cell mediated killing of tumor cells without the need for continuous infusion. Our mission is to become the world leader in developing better and safer antibody-based pediatric oncology products addressing clear unmet medical needs and, as such, have a transformational impact on the lives of patients. We intend to advance and expand our product pipeline into certain adult cancer indications either independently or in collaboration with potential partners.
Naxitamab is a recombinant humanized immunoglobulin G, or IgG1k, monoclonal antibody that targets ganglioside GD2, which is highly expressed in various neuroectoderm-derived tumors and sarcomas. Naxitamab is currently being studied in several clinical trials, including pivotal-stage development (Study 201) and a Phase 1/2 clinical trial (Study 12-230) for the treatment of pediatric R/R high-risk NB, a Phase 2 clinical trial (Study 16-1643) in front-line NB, a pilot study (Study 17-251) of chemoimmunotherapy for high-risk NB and a Phase 2 clinical trial (Study 15-096) for relapsed osteosarcoma. We believe that naxitamab has multiple potential advantages over other GD2-targeting antibody-based therapies. In particular, its modest toxicity allows for doses two-and-a-half times greater than existing GD2-targeting antibody-based therapies. Unlike currently approved GD2-targeting therapies for NB, which require 10 to 20 hours of infusion and hospitalization for several days, naxitamab is administered in approximately 30 minutes in an outpatient setting. We believe this significantly shorter administration time is an important advantage considering the overall pain associated with treatment.
In the dose escalation part of Study 12-230 for naxitamab, which together with Study 201 is expected to form the primary basis of our BLA submission, we achieved an overall response rate, or ORR, of 57% in 23 patients with pediatric R/R high-risk NB who at study entry had evaluable tumors and no evidence of progression of disease, or PD. Based on our discussions with the FDA, the profile of the non-PD R/R high-risk NB pediatric patients in Study 12-230 is representative of the intended patient population for naxitamab's target indication. The corresponding ORRs will form the primary objective of our pivotal study (Study 201). Additionally, based on our discussions with the FDA, we believe that naxitamab may qualify for accelerated approval if we can demonstrate a 30% ORR (which is significantly different from a 20% ORR at a 95% confidence interval, or CI) with a minimum 12-week duration of response. We have proposed to the FDA that, pending comparability between the
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study population in Study 12-230 and Study 201, the data from the two studies may be pooled for analysis. Naxitamab has been administered to more than 200 patients to date, who will form the safety portion of our planned BLA submission. In May 2018, we reported topline results from the Phase 2 part of Study 12-230. This data continued to show response rates at the same levels as in the dose escalation part of the study with 13 of 15, or 87% of, primary refractory patients responding and 7 of 23, or 30% of, secondary refractory patients responding. We expect to submit the BLA for naxitamab for R/R high-risk NB in 2019. Currently, there are no FDA-approved therapies for primary refractory or second-line pediatric NB patients. Naxitamab has also received orphan drug designation, or ODD, and rare pediatric disease designation, or RPDD, from the FDA for the treatment of NB. In addition, on August 20, 2018, naxitamab received breakthrough therapy designation, or BTD, in combination with GM-CSF, for the treatment of high-risk NB refractory to initial therapy or with incomplete response to salvage therapy in patients greater than 12 months of age with persistent, refractory disease limited to bone marrow with or without evidence of concurrent bone involvement. While our current clinical efforts for naxitamab are focused on rare pediatric cancers, we believe that we can potentially expand its application to the treatment of adults with cancers that express GD2. We estimate that there were more than 200,000 new adult patients diagnosed with GD2-positive cancers in the United States in 2017.
Omburtamab is a murine monoclonal antibody that targets B7-H3, an immune checkpoint molecule that is widely expressed in tumor cells of several cancer types. 131I-omburtamab, which is omburtamab radiolabeled with Iodine-131, is currently being studied in several clinical trials including pivotal-stage development (Study 101) and a Phase 1 clinical trial (Study 03-133) for the treatment of pediatric patients who have CNS/LM from NB. As of August 2017, 93 patients with pediatric CNS/LM from NB had been treated with 131I-omburtamab in Study 03-133. An analysis of these 93 patients demonstrated a median overall survival, or OS, of 47 months (including an estimated five-year OS of approximately 43%), as compared to historical median OS of approximately six months. We have proposed to the FDA that, pending comparability between study population in Study 03-133 and Study 101, data from both studies may be pooled for analysis for our planned BLA submission. 131I-omburtamab has received ODD and RPDD from the FDA for the treatment of NB, and BTD for the treatment of pediatric patients who have CNS/LM from NB. In 2019, we expect to submit the BLA for 131I-omburtamab for CNS/LM from NB.
124I-omburtamab, which is omburtamab radiolabeled with Iodine-124, is currently being studied for the treatment of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, or DIPG. 131I-omburtamab is currently being studied for the treatment of Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumors, or DSRCT. Both DIPG and DSRCT are rare, and often fatal, cancers. While our current clinical efforts are focused on rare pediatric cancers, we believe we can potentially expand omburtamab's application to the treatment of CNS/LM resulting from other adult and pediatric solid tumors expressing B7-H3 and the underlying solid systemic tumors. We estimate that, in the United States in 2017, there were more than 30,000 new patients diagnosed with cancer that has metastasized to the CNS/LM, of which the vast majority express B7-H3.
We have initiated Study 101 and Study 201 to form the primary basis for our planned BLAs, to establish comparability of study population and pharmacokinetics analysis with Study 03-133 and Study 12-230, respectively, and to satisfy the confirmatory study and post-marketing requirements by the FDA. If the results from Study 101 and Study 201 fail to demonstrate comparability to the satisfaction of the FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities, this may lead to a delay in, or otherwise adversely affect, such clinical trials, including the timing of submission of BLAs.
We have two additional B7-H3 targeting product candidates in pre-clinical development, omburtamab-DTPA (diethylenetriamine pentaacetate), a Lutetium-177 conjugated antibody, and huB7-H3, a humanized version of omburtamab, each targeting indications with pediatric and large adult patient populations where we believe there is a significant unmet medical need. We are also advancing
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a pipeline of novel BsAbs through late pre-clinical development, including our huGD2-BsAb product candidate for the treatment of refractory GD2-positive adult and pediatric solid tumors and our huCD33-BsAb product candidate for the treatment of hematological cancers expressing CD33, a transmembrane receptor expressed on cells of myeloid lineage. In pre-clinical studies, huGD2-BsAb has demonstrated the potential for improved tumor-binding, longer serum half-life and significantly greater T-cell mediated killing compared to existing bispecific constructs.
We currently have three active INDs related to our product candidates. The table below sets forth the product candidate, date of the initial submission of the IND to the FDA, as well as the current sponsor, the subject matter and the current status of each such IND.
Product Candidate
|
Date of Initial Submission |
Current Sponsor |
Subject Matter of IND | Current Status | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Naxitamab | June 14, 2011 | MSK | Treatment of NB and other GD2 positive tumors | Clinical trials ongoing | ||||
Omburtamab (131I-Omburtamab and 124I-Omburtamab) |
September 22, 2000 |
Y-mAbs (MSK original sponsor) |
CNS/LM from NB, DSRCT, DIPG and other B7-H3 positive tumors |
Clinical trials ongoing |
||||
Naxitamab |
September 5, 2017 |
Y-mAbs |
Pediatric NB |
Clinical trials ongoing |
In October 2017, the FDA issued a partial clinical hold on our IND for naxitamab. A partial clinical hold, as opposed to a full clinical hold, is a delay or suspension of only a specific part of the clinical work requested under the IND, which allows otherwise unaffected parts of the clinical work to proceed under the IND. The FDA stated that the proposed acceptance criterion for the ADCC-CD16, ADCC-CD32, and CDC assays were too wide to provide sufficient control over these attributes, which are critical for safety and efficacy. ADCC and CDC refer to antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and complement-dependent cytotoxicity, respectively. We submitted a response to the FDA in March 2018, and met with the FDA on April 24, 2018. Subsequently, we submitted a complete response to the partial clinical hold to the FDA in May 2018 and the partial clinical hold was removed on June 7, 2018.
We have exclusive rights to MSK's rights in all of our current product candidates under our 2015 license agreement, or the MSK License, with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, or MSK. The MSK License also provides us with non-exclusive access to technology that involves the creation of a novel human protein tag that can potentially dimerize, or link together, bispecific T-cell engagers, or BiTEs. We refer to this technology as the MULTI-TAG technology. We plan to create a broad platform of dimerized BiTEs using the MULTI-TAG technology and are currently collaborating with MSK on several MULTI-TAG product candidates. We believe that our strong relationship with MSK, one of the world's leading cancer treatment centers, and our access to certain of MSK's technologies and substantial research capabilities affords us several competitive advantages. In addition, we believe that our relationship with MSK may help us with respect to patient recruitment for clinical trials. Under a separate 2017 CD33 license agreement with MSK, or the MSK CD33 License, we have a worldwide, sub-licensable license to MSK's rights in certain patent rights and intellectual property rights related to certain know-how to develop, make, and commercialize licensed products and to perform services for all therapeutic and diagnostic uses in the field of cancer diagnostics and cancer treatments in connection with certain CD33 antibodies developed in the laboratory of a specific principal investigator at MSK and constructs thereof.
Our management team has substantial public company experience and extensive knowledge in the field of antibody oncology drug development, manufacturing and commercialization. Thomas Gad, our Founder, Chairman, President and Head of Business Development, co-founded Singad Pharma
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ApS, a Danish pharmaceutical and distribution company, where, as part of senior management, he gained more than 12 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including in business development, financing and licensing negotiations and manufacturing site qualification. In 2006, Mr. Gad's then two year old daughter was diagnosed with high-risk NB and was treated at MSK with the murine version of naxitamab. In 2009, she relapsed with CNS/LM from NB and again was treated at MSK, this time with 131I-omburtamab. Since then, she has been disease free and is now 13 years old. Our Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Claus Juan Møller San Pedro, was the co-founder of Genmab A/S, one of the largest public biotechnology companies in Europe, where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for approximately 10 years. Our Chief Financial Officer, Bo Kruse, served as Genmab's Chief Financial Officer and was directly involved in several of Genmab's financing rounds including Genmab's initial public offering. Our Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Joris Wiel Jan Wilms, has extensive industry experience in clinical development, primarily within oncology and hematology indications, and was responsible for overseeing several first-in-human studies and pivotal clinical trials, leading to the approval of two monoclonal antibody-based products while at his previous positions as Vice PresidentClinical Trial Services and Pharmacovigilance at KLIFO A/S, and Associate Director of Clinical Development at Genmab. Our Senior Vice President of Technical Operations, Dr. Torben Lund-Hansen, has substantial experience in antibody process development and manufacturing. Dr. Lund-Hansen held similar positions at Genmab where he was responsible for sourcing clinical and commercial drug substance and product manufacturing. Our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Steen Lisby, also comes from Genmab where he was Genmab's Chief Medical Officer until July 2017 when he joined our company. Dr. Lisby also has substantial experience in antibody drug development. In addition, since our inception in April 2015, we have raised approximately $120 million from our founding investors and prominent biotechnology institutional investors, including HBM Healthcare Investments (Cayman) Ltd. and funds advised by or affiliated with Scopia Capital Management LP and Sofinnova Ventures, Inc., among others, and as of June 30, 2018, we had cash and cash equivalents of $70.2 million.
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Our Pipeline
The following table sets forth our product candidates and their current development stages, estimated development timelines and anticipated milestones.
Our Business Strategy
Our mission is to become the world leader in developing better and safer antibody-based pediatric oncology products addressing clear unmet medical needs and, as such, have a transformational impact on the lives of patients. We intend to advance and expand our product pipeline into certain adult cancer indications either independently or in collaboration with potential partners.
Key elements of our strategy to achieve this goal are:
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is a significant unmet medical need by exploring additional indications, as well as expanding the target population within existing indications. For example, we are developing naxitamab for the treatment of front-line NB and relapsed osteosarcoma and we intend to discuss our BLA strategy in these indications with the FDA after completing the BLA submission for naxitamab in pediatric R/R high-risk NB. We are also currently developing radiolabeled omburtamab for the treatment of pediatric patients with DIPG and DSRCT, both currently in Phase 1/2 clinical trials. After completing the BLA submission for 131I-omburtamab for pediatric CNS/LM from NB, we intend to discuss with the FDA the protocol for the continuation and expansion of the ongoing DIPG and DSRCT clinical trials. We believe that we may qualify for a supplemental BLA, or sBLA, in each of these indications assuming positive pivotal data.
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Current Approaches to the Treatment of Cancer
Cancer Overview
Cancer is a broad group of diseases in which cells divide and grow in an uncontrolled fashion, forming malignancies that can invade other parts of the body. Cancers can subsequently spread throughout the body by processes known as invasion and metastases. Cancer cells that arise in the lymphatic system and bone marrow, or BM, are referred to as hematological malignancies. Cancer cells that arise in other tissues or organs are referred to as solid tumors.
Cancer is a major public health problem in the United States and worldwide. The American Cancer Society, or ACS, estimated that approximately 40% of all men and women in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime (based on 2011-2013 data). According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, cancer is currently the second leading cause of death in the United States, and is expected to surpass heart disease as the leading cause of death in the next several years. Although progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, the ACS estimates that over 1.6 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the United States and over 600,000 people will have died from cancer in 2017. Thus, there remains a significant need for novel and improved treatment options for cancer patients.
Cancer treatment has traditionally included chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, surgery or a combination of these approaches. While small molecule chemotherapy agents and cytotoxic agents have demonstrated efficacy in treating certain types of cancers, they can also cause toxicities that may lead to life-threatening consequences, lower quality of life or untimely termination of treatment. Furthermore, these treatments are only partially effective in solid tumors, in part because the maximal achievable doses are limited by systemic toxicity, which consequently hinders the prospects of long-term remission in patients. In the last 20 years, cancer research and treatment has shifted to more targeted therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, and immuno-oncology, a new field of cancer therapy focused on enhancing antitumor immune responses.
Advances in understanding the immune system's role in treating cancer have established immunotherapy, or the practice of harnessing immune system functions to combat malignant cell growth, as an important treatment approach. Cancer immunotherapy began with treatments that nonspecifically activated the immune system and had limited efficacy and/or significant toxicity. In contrast, new immunotherapy treatments can activate specific, key immune cells, leading to improved targeting of cancer cells, efficacy, and safety.
Cancer therapies are sometimes characterized as front-line, second-line, or third-line, and the FDA often approves new therapies initially only for third-line use. When cancer is detected early enough, front-line therapy is sometimes adequate to effectively treat the cancer or prolong life. Whenever front-line therapy, usually chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or a combination of these, proves unsuccessful, second-line therapy may be administered. Second-line therapies often consist of more chemotherapy, surgery, antibody drugs, tumor-targeted therapies such as monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors, or a combination of these. Third-line therapies can include bone marrow transplantation, antibody and small molecule targeted therapies, more invasive forms of surgery, and new technologies.
Immune System and Introduction to Antibodies
The immune system is often described as having two main branchesinnate (non-specific) and adaptive (acquired) immunity. It defends against invading pathogens such as viruses, parasites, and bacteria, and provides surveillance against cancers. The innate immune system is the initial response to an infection, and the response is the same every time regardless of prior exposure to the infectious
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agent. The adaptive immune system includes B-cells, which secrete antibodies and T-cells, which can be either helper T-cells, supressor T-cells or cytotoxic T-cells.
An antibody, also known as an IgG, is a large, Y-shaped protein produced mainly by plasma cells in response to foreign substances, such as viruses or cancer cells. Antibodies circulating in the bloodstream function by binding to the target or antigen they are generated to fight. The binding process involves a lock-and-key mechanism in which the paratope region of the antibody, analogous to a lock, binds to one particular epitope of a specific antigen, analogous to a key. This allows the antibody to bind to a specific antigen with precision, thereby attacking only its intended target.
Different types of antibodies include: (i) Monoclonal Antibodieslaboratory-made antibodies typically derived from immune cells of mammals that have been immunized with a desired antigen and are all clones of a unique parent; (ii) Humanized/Chimeric Antibodiesantibodies with both mouse and human antibody proteins that are humanized (i.e., engineered to replace mouse components with more human components) to reduce the immune system response against antibodies identified as foreign (i.e., from a different species) in nature; (iii) Naked Monoclonal Antibodiesantibodies without any drug or radioactive material attached and which are the most common type of antibodies in treating cancer; (iv) Antibody Drug Conjugates, or ADCsmonoclonal antibodies that are joined to a chemotherapy drug, a radioactive particle or cancer cell killing agent, in which the monoclonal antibody is used as a homing device to deliver these substances directly to the cancer cell; and (v) Bispecific antibodies comprised of two different monoclonal antibody constructs, which allows the antibody to bind to two specific therapeutic targets at the same time, typically one target on the tumor cell and one target on an immune system cell.
Antibodies may function through multiple mechanisms simultaneously, including binding to cancer cells and flagging for B-cells and T-cells to more easily detect the target, or delivering radiation treatment by acting as a vehicle to transfer small radioactive particles directly to the cancer cells and to minimize the effect of radiation on normal cells. Other mechanisms include triggering cell-membrane destruction, preventing cell growth or blood vessel growth, blocking immune system inhibitors, directly attacking cancer cells and delivering chemotherapy or binding cancer cells and immune cells simultaneously.
Studies have shown that, as a drug class, antibodies have transformed oncology treatment and include some of the best-selling therapies on the biopharmaceutical market. Drugs derived from antibodies were the fastest growing subsegment of the global biopharmaceutical market in 2016 with $81.9 billion in sales, representing approximately 42% of total biopharmaceutical sales and 10% of the global market for prescription drugs.
Our Product Candidates
We have a broad and advanced product pipeline including two late-stage and clinically validated product candidates, naxitamab and omburtamab, which target tumors that express GD2 and B7-H3, respectively. Naxitamab and omburtamab are currently in pivotal stage development for pediatric R/R high-risk NB and pediatric CNS/LM from NB, respectively, both rare and life-threatening pediatric cancers for which no FDA approved products currently exist. We expect to submit a BLA for each of our two lead product candidates in 2019, with a goal of receiving approval by the FDA in 2020. We plan to commercialize both of our lead product candidates in the United States as soon as possible after obtaining FDA approval, if such approval occurs. Naxitamab and omburtamab are also in mid-stage clinical development for additional cancers, and we have initiated clinical development for both product candidates in several other indications. Furthermore, we have two additional B7-H3 targeting product candidates in pre-clinical development, omburtamab-DTPA and huB7-H3, a humanized version of omburtamab, each targeting indications with large adult cancer patient populations where there is a significant unmet medical need. We are also advancing a pipeline of novel
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BsAbs through late pre-clinical development, including our huGD2-BsAb product candidate for the treatment of refractory GD2-positive adult and pediatric solid tumors and our huCD33-BsAb product candidate for the treatment of hematological cancers expressing CD33, a transmembrane receptor expressed on cells of myeloid lineage. We have exclusive worldwide commercial rights to all of our current product candidates.
Naxitamab Overview
Naxitamab is a humanized monoclonal antibody being evaluated for the treatment of R/R NB and other GD2-positive tumors, including osteosarcoma. Naxitamab targets GD2, which, based on our research, is expressed on almost all of NB cancer cells regardless of disease stage and in almost all osteosarcomas. Naxitamab is currently in pivotal stage development for patients with pediatric R/R high-risk NB and was granted BTD in this indication in 2018. Naxitamab has also received ODD and RPDD from the FDA for the treatment of NB in 2013 and 2017, respectively. The RPDD qualifies us for receipt of a PRV upon approval of naxitamab for treatment of NB, if such approval occurs. Naxitamab has been administered to more than 200 patients in several clinical trials conducted at MSK since 2011. In the dose escalation part of Study 12-230, of the 23 patients with pediatric R/R high-risk NB, with evaluable tumors and who did not have PD at study entry, 13 patients, or 57%, achieved a clinical response. In May 2018, we reported topline results from the Phase 2 part of Study 12-230. This data continued to show response rates at the same levels as in the dose escalation part of the study with 13 of 15, or 87% of, primary refractory patients responding and 7 of 23, or 30% of, secondary refractory patients responding.
In pediatric R/R high-risk NB, we believe that naxitamab has multiple potential advantages over other GD2 targeting antibody-based therapies. In particular, the modest toxicity it exhibits allows for doses 2.5 times greater than the other GD2 targeting antibody-based therapies. Naxitamab also has a significantly shorter infusion time (approximately 30 minutes compared to 10 to 20 hours for other GD2 targeting antibody-based therapies being used in front-line therapy, which we believe is important given the pain associated with the therapy) and the ability to be administered in an outpatient setting (compared to hospitalization stays of four days or longer for other GD2 targeting antibody-based therapies).
Based on our discussions with the FDA, profile of the non-PD pediatric R/R high-risk NB patients in Study 12-230 is representative of the intended patient population for our target indication. The corresponding ORRs will form the primary objective of our pivotal study (Study 201). Additionally, based on our discussions with the FDA, we believe that a 30% ORR (which is significantly different from a 20% ORR at a 95% confidence interval, or CI) with a minimum 12-week duration of response may qualify naxitamab for accelerated approval. We have proposed to the FDA that, pending comparability between the study population in Study 12-230 and Study 201, the data from the two studies may be pooled for analysis for our planned BLA submission. In addition, naxitamab is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2 clinical study (Study 16-1643) in front-line NB, a pilot study (Study 17-251) of chemoimmunotherapy for high-risk NB and a Phase 2 clinical study (Study 15-096) in second-line relapsed osteosarcoma patients.
GD2 Overview
We believe that monoclonal antibodies such as naxitamab that target ganglioside GD2 are one of the most promising cancer immunotherapy approaches. Gangliosides, including GD2, GM2, GD3, NGcGM3 and OAcGD2, have been shown to be expressed at very high levels in tumor cells of several types of cancers.
As a potential target molecule for anti-tumor therapy, GD2 has certain advantages when compared to other tumor-associated gangliosides because it is highly expressed in tumor cells of several
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types of cancers and is not expressed at all, or expressed at very low levels, in normal cells. The National Cancer Institute pilot program for the prioritization of the most important cancer antigens ranks GD2 as number 12 out of 75 potential targets for cancer therapy based on therapeutic function, immunogenicity, role of the antigen in oncogenicity, specificity, expression level and percent of antigen-positive cells, stem cell expression, number of patients with antigen-positive cancers, number of antigenic epitopes, and cellular location of antigen expression. GD2 ranks as number six when compared to antigens that are directly targetable on the cell surface. Antibodies directed against GD2 have been shown to effectively induce cell death through a combination of both apoptosis and tumor cell necrosis in GD2-positive tumors.
GD2 Expression in Various Cancer Types
Studies have shown that GD2 is highly expressed on neuroectoderm-derived tumors and sarcomas, including NB, retinoblastoma, melanoma, small cell lung cancer, brain tumors, osteosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma in children and adolescents, as well as liposarcoma, fibrosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma and other soft-tissue sarcomas in adults. These cancers have a high mortality rate ranging from 20-80% depending on the tumor type.
We believe there is a large market opportunity for the treatment of solid tumors that express GD2. Based on our own research and our review of published research, we believe GD2 expression occurs in approximately 60-100% of tumor samples from various cancer types, and in substantially all NB and osteosarcoma tumor samples. We estimate that there were more than 200,000 new patients diagnosed with GD2-positive cancer in the United States in 2017. While our clinical development efforts for naxitamab are currently focused on rare pediatric cancers, we believe we have the potential to expand naxitamab's application beyond pediatric cancers to the treatment of adults with cancers that express GD2.
NaxitamabMechanism of Action
Our pre-clinical studies have shown that naxitamab binds to GD2 molecules on tumor cells with high affinity and a slow off-rate, which indicates naxitamab's strong binding ability. In mice that have been transplanted with human NB tissue, naxitamab demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of tumor growth (i.e., the effect of naxitamab varied with dosage) and generally increased survival. In vitro studies show that when naxitamab binds to tumor cells, it induces tumor cell death through antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. Naxitamab may also inhibit tumor cell migration through its inhibitory effect on GD2 molecules, which are involved in tumor cell adhesion and migration. In vitro studies also show that Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor, or GM-CSF, enhances the activity of naxitamab in a dose-dependent manner and is therefore generally combined with naxitamab in our clinical trials.
Naxitamab for the Treatment of Pediatric Relapsed or Refractory High-Risk Neuroblastoma
Naxitamab is currently in pivotal stage development (Study 201) for the treatment of pediatric R/R high-risk NB and was granted BTD in this indication in 2018. Naxitamab has also received ODD and RPDD from the FDA for the treatment of NB in 2013 and 2017, respectively. The RPDD qualifies us for receipt of a PRV upon approval of naxitamab for treatment of NB by the FDA, if such approval occurs. In the dose escalation part of Study 12-230, we achieved an ORR of 57% in patients with pediatric R/R high-risk NB who had evaluable tumors and who did not have PD at study entry. Patients with these characteristics are the intended patient population for our first potential indication for treatment with naxitamab. Based on our discussions with the FDA, we believe that a 30% ORR (which is significantly different from a 20% ORR at a 95% CI) with a minimum 12-week duration of response may qualify for consideration of an expedited approval of naxitamab. We have proposed to the FDA that, pending comparability between the study population in Study 12-230 and Study 201, the
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data from the two studies may be pooled for analysis. There would also be a post-marketing commitment to provide data on progression free survival, or PFS, supporting the efficacy of the product. We believe naxitamab has multiple potential advantages over other GD2 targeting antibodies such as higher doses administered on an outpatient basis.
In our studies to date, naxitamab has demonstrated relatively modest toxicity, which allows for 2.5 times greater dosing as compared to other GD2 targeting antibody-based therapies. This results in fewer doses per cycle and a significantly shorter infusion time (approximately 30 minutes versus 10 to 20 hours for dinutuximab). Notably, since severe pain is one of the most common side effects of treatment with GD2 targeting antibody-based therapies, we believe that the ability to reduce infusion time to approximately 30 minutes is very important for patients and may result in a significant reduction in demand for pain medication such as morphine. These factors allow naxitamab to be administered in an outpatient setting whereas other GD2 targeting antibody-based therapies require hospitalization which usually lasts for four days or more. In addition, unlike other GD2 targeting antibody-based therapies, we have not observed any life-threatening side effects with naxitamab to date.
Overview of Neuroblastoma
NB is a rare and almost exclusively a pediatric cancer that develops in the sympathetic nervous system, a network of nerves that carries messages from the brain throughout the body. It is the third most common childhood cancer, after leukemia and brain tumors, and is the most common solid extracranial tumor in children. NB is a life-threatening disease associated with poor long-term survival. It accounts for approximately seven percent of all childhood cancers and approximately 15% of pediatric cancer deaths. Nearly 90% of patients with NB are diagnosed by age five and NB is very rare in people over the age of 10 years. The average age of children when they are diagnosed with NB is one to two years.
The stage of NB, which describes how far the cancer has spread, is based on results of physical exams, imaging tests, and biopsies. The International Neuroblastoma Staging System stages the disease from Stage 1 to Stage 4. Other factors that also affect prognosis of NB include age and amplification of MYCN oncogene.
NB patients can also be placed into different risk groups from low, intermediate to high based on the stage and other prognostic factors. High-risk NB is defined as MYCN amplified Stage 2, 3, 4S and 4 in patients of any age and MYCN non-amplified Stage 4 in patients over 18 months of age.
Naxitamab is initially being evaluated for the treatment of pediatric R/R high-risk NB. There are approximately 700 children diagnosed with high-risk NB in the United States each year. We believe the European market is at least one and a half times the size of the U.S. market and that there are approximately 1,050 patients diagnosed with high-risk NB in Europe each year. We believe the current addressable market for naxitamab consists of approximately 960 new front-line high-risk NB patients each year and 675 primary or second-line eligible R/R NB pediatric patients each year, representing approximately 40% of all pediatric patients diagnosed with NB in the United States and Europe, combined. Moreover, based on the protocol we have developed with MSK, between treatment and maintenance therapy, we believe that typically patients will receive five to 10 treatment cycles of naxitamab, each cycle consisting of 3 doses.
Naxitamab for Pediatric Relapsed or Refractory High-Risk NeuroblastomaCurrent Treatment Landscape and Associated Limitations
Currently front-line treatment for pediatric NB patients usually occurs in three stages: induction, consolidation, and maintenance. During the induction phase, patients receive chemotherapy, radiotherapy and possibly surgery to eliminate as much tumor tissue and as many tumor cells as possible. Commonly used agents for induction treatment include cisplatin, etoposide, doxorubicin,
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cyclophosphamide, and vincristine. Following surgery and/or radiotherapy, most patients enter into consolidation therapy with the goal of eliminating any residual tumor usually with single dose myeloablative agents (e.g. carboplatin-etoposide-melphalan) with stem cell support or an autologous stem cell transplant or repeated transplants with thiotepa-cyclophosphamide followed by cyclophosphamide, etoposide, and ranimustine. Many treatment centers also use immunotherapy as part of the consolidation stage of treatment.
Relapse is a frequent occurrence after consolidation. Although there are no approved therapies in the United States for R/R NB patients, treatments typically include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other experimental therapies.
In 2015, the FDA and the European Medicines Agency, or the EMA, approved Unituxin (dinutuximab), a monoclonal GD2 targeting antibody developed by United Therapeutics Corporation, or United Therapeutics, and administered in combination with GM-CSF, interleukin-2, or IL-2, and isotretinoin, also known as 13-cis-retinoic acid, for the treatment of pediatric patients with high-risk NB who achieve at least a partial response, or PR, to prior front-line multiagent, multimodality therapy. The marketing authorization for Unituxin was voluntarily withdrawn by United Therapeutics in the European Union in 2017. Recently, the EMA approved Dinutuximab beta Apeiron (also known as dinutuximab beta, ch14.18/CHO, Isqette), a monoclonal GD2 targeting antibody, for the treatment of high-risk NB in patients aged 12 months and older, who have had some improvement with previous treatments or patients whose NB has not improved with other cancer treatments or has relapsed.
Naxitamab for Pediatric Relapsed or Refractory High-Risk NeuroblastomaClinical Development Program
An earlier murine version of naxitamab was studied in 17 clinical trials at MSK with a total of more than 800 patients over 25 years. Naxitamab has been studied in several clinical trials for the treatment of pediatric R/R NB and other diseases, of which Study 201, Study 12-230, Study 11-009, Study 15-096 and Study 16-1643 are currently ongoing. We expect to receive topline data from our ongoing pivotal trial (Study 201) in pediatric R/R high-risk NB and submit the BLA in 2019.
Based on our discussion with the FDA, ORR will form the primary objective for our pivotal Study 201. We have proposed to the FDA that, pending comparability analysis between study population in Study 12-230 and Study 201, the data from the two studies may be pooled to form the primary basis of our BLA. Based on our discussions with the FDA, we believe that a 30% ORR (which is significantly different from a 20% ORR at a 95% confidence interval) with a minimum 12 week duration of response may qualify for accelerated approval. Thirty-seven patients are expected to be included in Study 201. We expect that the safety portion of our planned BLA submission will be comprised of more than 200 patients treated with naxitamab across multiple indications.
Study 12-230: Phase 1/2 Study of Combination Therapy of Antibody Naxitamab with Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory High-Risk Neuroblastoma
Phase 1 Portion of Study 12-230
Primary Objective
Secondary Objectives
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Patient Population
In addition to satisfying certain other criteria, patients must be over one year of age and must have been diagnosed with NB as defined by a) histopathology, or b) BM metastases or Meta-iodobenzylguanidine, or MIBG, avid lesion(s) plus high urine catecholamine levels.
Patients must have R/R high-risk NB (including MYCN-amplified Stage 2, 3, 4, or 4S of any age and MYCN-non amplified Stage 4 in patients over 18 months of age) resistant to standard therapy. Standard therapy for these types of patients includes intensive induction chemotherapy, followed by a variety of consolidation or salvage therapies, depending on response.
Patients will be mainly children and adolescents.
Treatment Protocol
The Phase 1 portion of Study 12-230 assessed dose escalation of intravenous, or IV, naxitamab (days one, three, five) in the presence of subcutaneous GM-CSF (days minus four through five). These three doses of naxitamab and 10 days of GM-CSF constituted a single treatment cycle. Patients were eligible for up to five cycles in the initial part of this treatment. The diagram below depicts the treatment schedule per cycle in Study 12-230:
Results of Phase 1 Portion of Study 12-230
A total of 57 patients were enrolled in the Phase 1 portion of Study 12-230 between December 2012 and May 2016. A summary of patient characteristics is provided in the table below.
Study 12-230 patient characteristics (Phase 1)
Measure
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Value | |
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Years from diagnosis | 0.6 - 9.0 (median 3.1) | |
Age at study entry (years) | 2.4 - 31.3 (median 6.8) | |
Prior anti-GD2 immunotherapy | 47/57 (82%) | |
Autologous stem-cell transplantation | 24/57 (42%) | |
131I-MIBG therapy | 17/57 (30%) |
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All 57 patients were heavily treated prior to entering the study as indicated by the high number of patients previously receiving 131I-MIBG (n=17) and anti-GD2 mAbs (n=47).
Safety Results
MTD was not reached. The maximum dose used was 9.6 mg/kg per cycle. This dose was more than 2.5 times greater than the doses that can be given when using the earlier murine version of naxitamab or dinutuximab, and manageable acute side effects allowed treatment to occur in an outpatient setting. Dose limiting toxicities, or DLTs, occurred in four of 57 patients. These DLTs did not show any consistent pattern, ranging from elevated liver enzymes, anaphylactic reactions, acute renal failure, and hypertension. Thirty-three patients experienced a total of 150 SAEs, of which 27 SAEs were treatment-related, and none were fatal. Two patients experienced Grade 4 toxicity that necessitated withdrawal from the study. One patient developed an anaphylactic reaction at cycle 7. Another one patient developed Grade 4 angioedema immediately after completing the second cycle. All 57 patients experienced at least one Treatment Emergent Adverse Event, or TEAE, which is defined as "an event that emerges during treatment, having been absent pretreatment, or worsens relative to the pretreatment state" of any grade. Most frequent observed TEAEs were pain, hypotension, fever, pruritus, and urticaria. Most TEAEs were low-grade adverse events. The only TEAE occurring in greater than five percent of the patients was hypoxia. In addition to pain, neuropathic side effects included Adie's pupil in five of 57 (9%) subjects in the study, which has also been noted with other anti-GD2 antibodies.
Pharmacokinetic Results
The protocol requires patients to be administered naxitamab at dose levels from 0.3 to 3.6 mg/kg per dose on days one, three, and five of a cycle (0.9 to 10.8 mg/kg per cycle).
Human Anti-human Antibody (HAHA) Results
Of the 57 patients, 10 patients developed human anti-human antibody, or HAHA, response. Of the same 57 patients, 47 patients had previously been exposed to anti-GD2 based therapies, including the earlier murine version of naxitamab.
Efficacy Results
Evidence of anti-NB activity was observed at all dose levels; however, a dose-response relationship was not possible due to intra-patient dose escalation after two cycles as permitted by the protocol.
After excluding two patients with early DLT, 55 of 57 patients were included in the overall analysis of efficacy. Of these 55 patients at study entry, 25 patients had no evidence of disease, or NED, and 30 patients had evaluable disease. Of the 30 patients with evaluable disease, seven patients had PD at study entry.
Of the remaining 23 non-PD patients with primary or secondary refractory disease, 13 patients achieved either a complete response (also known as complete remission), or CR, or a PR, which resulted in an ORR of 57% (13/23). Further, one patient had SD, another six patients had PD and two patients were only available for short term follow-up (long term data not available).
As shown in the table below, eight of 11 primary refractory patients achieved an ORR of approximately 73%, and five of 12 secondary refractory patients achieved an ORR of approximately 42%.
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Study 12-230 efficacy results among non-PD patients (Phase 1)
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Patient group | CR/PR | SD | PD | Short f/u | | |||||||
Primary refractory (n = 11) | 8 (72.7%) | 1 (9.1%) | 1 (9.1%) | 1 (9.1%) | ||||||||
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Secondary refractory (n = 12)* | 5 (41.7%) | 0 (0%) | 5 (41.7%) | 1 (8.3%) | ||||||||
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All patients with non-progressive evaluable disease (n = 23) |
13 (56.5%) | 1 (4.3%) | 6 (26.1%) | 2 (8.7%) | ||||||||
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CR = complete response; PR = partial response; SD = stable disease; PD = progressive disease; Short f/u = Short-Term follow-up |
The scan on the left below shows multiple 123I-MIBG hot spots (NB lesions) localized to the bone and BM. In the scan on the right below, taken after naxitamab and GM-CSF treatment, nearly all the metastatic lesions have disappeared. Although not every patient will experience similar results, we believe these scans are indicative of a patient that has responded favorably to naxitamab and GM-CSF treatment.
Among the 25 patients with NED, it was not possible to classify response by International Neuroblastoma Response Criteria, or INRC criteria, including with 123I-MIBG. These patients, who had one to five prior relapses and therefore had a poor prognosis, showed an encouraging two-year event-free survival, or EFS, of 24%.
Treatment in Study 12-230 with naxitamab in patients previously exposed to other anti-GD2 antibodies (dinutuximab or earlier murine version of naxitamab)
A large proportion of the patients (n=47) had previously been treated with anti-GD2 mAbs. We have also demonstrated that naxitamab has efficacy when used following front-line treatment with dinutuximab. A survival analysis was completed in all 16 patients with prior exposure to dinutuximab.
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Phase 2 Portion of Study 12-230
The Study 12-230 protocol was amended in May 2016 to include an expansion Phase 2 portion. In May 2018, topline results from the first 71 patients in this Phase 2 study were presented, which continued to show response rates at the same levels as in the dose escalation part of the study with 13 of 15, or 87% of, primary refractory patients responding and 7 of 23, or 30% of, secondary refractory patients responding.
The expansion Phase 2 single-arm portion of Study 12-230 was designed to assess the anti-NB activity of naxitamab and GM-CSF in patients who presented with lesions that could be objectively measured and/or monitored by 123I-MIBG scans and who were deemed to have measurable disease and be eligible for response classification by the INRC classification incorporating 123I-MIBG scans. These patients were classified as having evaluable disease and consisted of patients that were primary refractory patients or secondary refractory patients. Another group of patients included those with NED but with a high risk of relapse.
Patient Population
In addition to satisfying certain other criteria, patients must be over one year of age and will be mainly children and adolescents.
Primary Objectives
Secondary Objectives
Safety Results
HAHA developed in 11 out of 71, or 15% of the, patients. Nine out of the 11 HAHA-positive patients were previously treated with anti-GD2 antibody.
Treatment was outpatient, without unexpected toxicities.
Efficacy Results
Group 1 included 29 patients 0.9-to-17.8 (median 3.3) years post-diagnosis, 2.2-to-24.5 (median 6.3) years old, 25/29 prior-treated with ³1 anti-GD2 antibody, and status-post 1 (n=18) or ³2 (n=11) relapses; 12-month EFS was 74%.
Group 2 included 17 patients with 15 evaluable for response 5-to-19 (median 6.6) months post-diagnosis, 2.9-to-10.9 (median 5.1) years old, and 9/15 with Curie scores 7-to-23 plus marrow(+). Thirteen out of 15, or 87% of the, patients achieved CR/PR.
Group 3 included 25 patients 0.9-to-10.6 (median 3.5) years post-diagnosis, 2.6-to-23.6 (median 6.5) years old, 23/25 prior-treated with ³1 anti-GD2 antibody, and status-post 1 (n=15) or
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2-to-6 (n=10) relapses; 12-month PFS was 55%, and seven out of 23, or 30% of the, patients evaluable for response achieved CR/PR.
Study 201: A Phase 2 Trial of Antibody Naxitamab and Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) in High-Risk Neuroblastoma Patients with Primary or Secondary Refractory Osteomedullary Disease
Study 201 is a single-arm multi-center pivotal study using current Good Manufacturing Practices, or cGMP, manufactured naxitamab, which commenced recruitment in the second quarter of 2018. We expect to enroll a total of 37 patients with recruitment ongoing in four sites.
Patient population
In addition to satisfying certain other criteria, patients must have high-risk NB with primary or secondary refractory osteomedullary disease. Primary refractory disease is defined as no prior relapse but incomplete response to treatment in BM as documented by histology and/or 123I-MIBG scan. Secondary refractory disease is defined as prior relapse and incomplete response to salvage therapy in BM as documented by histology and/or 123I-MIBG scan. Patients must be older than one year of age.
Treatment Protocol
Study 201 will follow the same treatment protocol as previously described for Study 12-230 above.
Primary Objective
Secondary Objectives
We have initiated Study 201 to form the primary basis for our planned BLA, to establish comparability of study population with Study 12-230 and to satisfy the confirmatory study and post-marketing requirements by the FDA. If the results from Study 201 fail to demonstrate comparability to the satisfaction of the FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities, this may lead to a delay in, or otherwise adversely affect, such clinical trials, including the timing of submission of the BLA.
In October 2017, the FDA issued a partial clinical hold on our IND for naxitamab. A partial clinical hold, as opposed to a full clinical hold, is a delay or suspension of only a specific part of the clinical work requested under the IND, which allows otherwise unaffected parts of the clinical work to proceed under the IND. The FDA stated that the proposed acceptance criterion for the ADCC-CD16, ADCC-CD32, and CDC assays were too wide to provide sufficient control over these attributes, which are critical for safety and efficacy. ADCC and CDC refer to antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and complement-dependent cytotoxicity, respectively. We submitted a response to the FDA in March 2018, and met with the FDA on April 24, 2018. Subsequently, we submitted a complete
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response to the partial clinical hold to the FDA in May 2018 and the partial clinical hold was removed on June 7, 2018.
Study 16-1643: Naxitamab/GM-CSF Immunotherapy Plus Isotretinoin for Consolidation of First Remission of Patients with High-Risk Neuroblastoma: A Phase 2 Study
Study 16-1643 is a Phase 2 single-arm clinical trial where patients with high-risk NB in first CR/VGPR undergo consolidation with naxitamab and GM-CSF for five cycles and isotretinoin for six cycles. The primary objective of the study is to determine relapse-free survival following treatment with naxitamab combined with GM-CSF and isotretinoin. As of October 2017, 12 patients had been enrolled in the study.
Patient population
In addition to satisfying certain other criteria, patients must have diagnosis of NB as defined by a) histopathology, or b) BM metastases or MIBG-avid lesion(s) plus high urine catecholamine levels. Patients must have high-risk NB (MYCN-amplified Stage 2, 3, 4, and 4S of any age and MYCN-nonamplified Stage 4 in patients above 18 months of age). Patients must be in first CR/VGPR.
Patients will mainly be children and adolescents.
Treatment protocol
The dosing and regimen for naxitamab and GM-CSF is similar to the protocol in Study 12-230. Naxitamab and GM-CSF is given for five cycles and isotretinoin for six cycles. In addition to naxitamab and GM-CSF, isotretinoin, which has been shown to decrease the risk of relapse in patients treated in CR, is administered at 160mg/m2/d, divided into two doses, for 14 days. This treatment can be repeated after a minimum rest period of 14 days, for a total of six cycles starting after two cycles of naxitamab and GM-CSF unless HAHA develops and precludes timely administration of cycle 2 of naxitamab and GM-CSF. The interval between end of a treatment cycle of naxitamab and GM-CSF and start of next treatment cycle is two to four weeks through cycle 4, then the interval is up to six to eight weeks until cycle 5.
Primary Objective
Secondary Objective
Safety Results
One patient was reported with an unexpected neuropathic event. The patient suffered from short-term lower limb paralysis that resolved upon hospitalization treatment. The investigator described the event as myelitis.
Study 11-009: Phase 1 Study of Naxitamab Monoclonal Antibody in Patients with High-Risk Neuroblastoma and GD2-Positive Tumors
Study 11-009 is a Phase 1 clinical dose escalation study with IV naxitamab given as monotherapy in patients with high-risk NB or other GD2-positive tumors. We intend to use the safety data from this study, when available, to support our planned BLA submission for naxitamab in pediatric R/R high-risk NB. As of October 2017, 68 patients had been enrolled in the study, and we expect to enroll a total of 74 patients. The primary objective of the study is to establish the MTD of naxitamab. The secondary objectives are to study the pharmacokinetics, to assess activity of naxitamab
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against NB and other GD2-positive tumors, and to quantitate pain during naxitamab treatment. As of October 2017, a MTD had not been reached in the study. Two patients experienced reversible DLT of elevated liver transaminases.
Study 17-251: Pilot Study of Naxitamab, Irinotecan/Temozolomide and Sargramostim (HITS) Chemoimmunotherapy for High-Risk Neuroblastoma
Study 17-251 is a single arm pilot study in high-risk R/R NB patients with soft tissue disease. Patients will be treated with naxitamab in combination with irinotecan, temozolomide and sargramostim, or HITS. As of May 2018, 13 patients have been enrolled in the study. The regimen will be considered acceptable if there are no toxicities requiring discontinuation of therapy in at least nine out of 10 patients during the first two cycles. If the regimen is found to be acceptable, then we plan to initiate a Phase 2/3 study.
Patient population
In addition to satisfying certain other criteria, the patients must have a diagnosis of NB as defined by international criteria, including histopathology or bone marrow metastases plus high urine catecholamine levels.
High-risk NB is defined as any of the following:
Patients must have a history of tumor progression or relapse or failure to achieve CR following standard therapy. Patients must also have evaluable disease documented after completion of prior systemic therapy.
Treatment protocol
Each cycle consists of four doses of naxitamab, five doses each of irinotecan and temozolomide and five doses of sargramostim. Irinotecan 50mg/m2/day IV will be administered from day one through five concurrently with temozolomide 150mg/m2/day orally. Naxitamab 2.25mg/kg IV will be administered on days two, four, eight and 10. Sargramostim 250mg/m2/day subcutaneous will be administered from day six through 10. If patients do not experience significant toxicity they will commence a second cycle four to six weeks after the first cycle. If there is no progressive disease and patients do not experience significant toxicity they may receive combination therapy up to two years
Primary Objective
Secondary Objective
Safety results
Currently, no published safety data is available for this study.
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Naxitamab for the Treatment of Relapsed Osteosarcoma
Naxitamab is currently being evaluated in an ongoing Phase 2 clinical study (Study 15-096) for the treatment of patients with relapsed osteosarcoma that have been rendered surgically free of evident disease. As of October 2017, 14 patients had been enrolled and we expect to enroll a total of 39 patients. The trial is designed to distinguish between 12-month EFS of 30% versus 50%.
Overview of Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is the most commonly diagnosed primary malignancy of bone, particularly among children and adolescents. It is relatively rare and represents less than one percent of all cancers diagnosed in the United States. According to the ACS, most osteosarcomas occur in children and adolescents between the ages of 10 and 30. In young patients, it most often arises in the metaphyses of long bones, such as the distal femur, proximal tibia, and proximal humerus.
Each year, approximately 1,000 new patients are diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the United States. Assuming similar prevalence as in the United States, we estimate approximately 1,500 patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma per year in Europe. If approved, we would expect to treat approximately 300 patients per year in the United States and Europe, combined.
Naxitamab for Relapsed OsteosarcomaCurrent Treatment Landscape and Associated Limitations
Current treatment options for front-line and relapsed osteosarcoma consist of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of the three. Multimodality treatment is increasingly recognized as an important approach for increasing a patient's chance of prolonged survival. Approximately 50% to 70% of patients treated with aggressive surgical resection and systemic therapy (combination methotrexate, doxorubicin, and cisplatin chemotherapy) achieve long-term EFS if they have localized disease at diagnosis. However, as discussed below, the prognosis for patients with metastatic disease at diagnosis or those with relapsed disease is very poor. Over the past three decades, several attempts at improving the prognosis for these patients have achieved little success. Strategies that incorporated dose-intensification of existing agents or addition of other conventional chemotherapeutic agents as well as biological agents, have not achieved long-term benefit in patients with relapsed osteosarcoma. We believe that at present, there are no novel compounds that have demonstrated activity in relapsed osteosarcoma and few therapeutic options exist for patients with relapsed disease.
The poor prognosis in relapsed osteosarcoma has been confirmed in several reports. A study from the Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study Group reported that while only one of 205 patients with recurrence survived past five years without surgical resection, the five-year OS and EFS rates were 32% and 18% for second recurrence, 26% and 0% for third recurrence, 28% and 13% for fourth recurrence, and 53% and 0% for fifth recurrence, respectively, in which a renewed surgical remission was achieved.
Naxitamab for Relapsed OsteosarcomaClinical Development Program
Currently, naxitamab is being evaluated in an ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial (Study 15-096) for the treatment of relapsed osteosarcoma. This Phase 2 clinical trial is designed to assess the efficacy of naxitamab when combined with GM-CSF in patients with relapsed osteosarcoma who have been rendered surgically free of evident disease. The study commenced in July 2015, and as of October 2017, 14 patients had been enrolled. We expect to recruit a total of 39 patients. This trial is designed to distinguish between a 12-month EFS of 30% versus 50%.
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Study 15-096: A Phase 2 Study of Monoclonal Antibody Naxitamab with Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) in the Treatment of Recurrent Osteosarcoma
Study 15-096 is a Phase 2 clinical trial to assess the efficacy of the humanized anti-GD2 antibody, naxitamab, when combined with GM-CSF, in patients with recurrent osteosarcoma who have been rendered surgically free of evident disease.
Patient Population
In addition to satisfying certain other criteria, patients must be older than one year and up to 40 years of age. To enroll, patients must have a diagnosis of relapsed osteosarcoma. Patients must also be in or beyond their second CR.
Treatment Protocol
Each cycle of therapy is 10 days. The treatment protocol defined one cycle of treatment with IV naxitamab at a dose of 2.4 mg/kg/dose for three days (days one, three, and five) in the presence of subcutaneous GM-CSF (administered on day minus four before dose one of naxitamab). These three doses of naxitamab with GM-CSF administered subcutaneously before dose one of naxitamab constitute a treatment cycle. Cycles can be repeated at two to four week intervals between first days of naxitamab, through five cycles. A maximum of five cycles were administered on protocol. No simultaneous anti-cancer therapy was permitted while on study.
The primary objective of the study is to evaluate EFS at 12 months and secondary objectives are to evaluate time to recurrence, OS and toxicity associated with naxitamab and GM-CSF.
Omburtamab Overview
Omburtamab is a novel murine monoclonal antibody currently designed for compartmental immunotherapy, for example in the CNS. Omburtamab targets B7-H3, an immune checkpoint molecule that is widely expressed in tumor cells of several types of cancers. We have radiolabeled omburtamab with either Iodine-131 (131I-omburtamab) or Iodine-124 (124I-omburtamab). 131I-omburtamab is currently in pivotal stage development for the treatment of pediatric CNS/LM from NB, and was granted BTD in this indication in 2017. In 2016, 131I-omburtamab was granted ODD and RPDD, in each case, for the treatment of NB. The RPDD qualifies us for receipt of a PRV upon approval of omburtamab for treatment of NB, if such approval occurs. An analysis of 93 treated patients treated through August 2017 demonstrated median OS of 47 months (including a five-year median OS of approximately 43%), as compared to historical median OS of approximately six months. We expect to submit the BLA for 131I-omburtamab for treatment of patients with R/R NB who have CNS/LM from NB in 2019. In addition, radiolabeled omburtamab is in Phase 1/2 clinical development for two additional rare pediatric cancers, DSRCT and DIPG. The most recent set of DSRCT data was presented in April 2018. We believe that we are well positioned to submit sBLAs in each of these two indications, assuming positive results in these Phase 1/2 clinical trials after approval of our BLA for 131I-omburtamab for CNS/LM. Further, we believe that omburtamab has the potential to address several other tumors in children and adults that express B7-H3 such as prostate, ovarian, breast, colon, renal, non-small cell lung, pancreatic, head and neck cancers, as well as melanoma, glioblastoma, and NB and other small round blue cell tumors of childhood.
B7-H3 Overview
B7-H3 is a member of the B7 family of immune-regulatory ligands. The family includes B7-1, B7-2, PD-L1, PD-L2, B7-H3, B7-H4, B7-H6 and their ligands on T-cells PD-1, CD28, CTLA-4 and ICOS. B7-H3 is highly expressed on many solid cancers and displays high tumor-versus-normal tissue binding differential. In mice, studies have shown that members of the B7 family have the capability to regulate the immune system through both stimulatory and inhibitory signals. Inhibition of certain
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members of the B7 family has been shown to have significant anti-tumor effects in several solid tumor types. As such, we believe that B7-H3 is a promising target for designing targeted therapeutics with a range of modalities.
B7-H3 Expression in Various Cancer Types
Studies have shown that B7-H3 is highly expressed on a variety of solid cancer tumors, including prostate, ovarian, breast, colon, renal, non-small cell lung, pancreatic, head and neck cancers, as well as melanoma, glioblastoma, and NB and other small round blue cell tumors of childhood. In addition, a high degree of B7-H3 expression on solid tumors has been correlated with greater disease severity, poor outcomes and worse median OS in a number of these cancer types.
We believe there is a large market opportunity for the treatment of solid tumors that express B7-H3, with hundreds of thousands of new cases estimated in the United States in 2017. Based on our review of published research, we believe that B7-H3 expression occurs in a range of 70% to 100% of tumor samples for various cancer types, which makes B7-H3 a promising immunotherapy target. Our literature review also revealed that B7-H3 expression on the systemic tumor is replicated in the metastasized tumor. While our clinical development efforts for omburtamab are currently focused on rare pediatric cancers, we believe we have the potential to expand omburtamab's application to both the treatment of CNS/LM from solid tumors that express B7-H3 and the underlying solid systemic tumor. As part of Study 03-133, we have also treated a small number of adult patients with solid tumors that have metastasized to the CNS/LM compartment with 131I-omburtamab and preliminary indications potentially suggest promising results.
131I-omburtamab and 124I-omburtamabMechanism of Action
131I-omburtamab and 124I-omburtamab are monoclonal antibodies that are radiolabeled with either Iodine-131 or Iodine-124, respectively, and both target B7-H3. Upon administration, radiolabeled omburtamab binds selectively to B7-H3 ligand that is expressed on the tumor cell surface. Both Iodine-131 and Iodine-124 emit beta radiation, resulting in deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, damage and tumor cell death. Beta radiation from both iodine isotopes penetrates 1-3 mm, affecting not only the antibody bound cell but also the neighboring tumor cells. Iodine-131 has a half-life of eight days while Iodine-124 has a half-life of four days. In contrast to Iodine-131, which emits electrons, Iodine-124 is a positron-emitting iodine isotope, enabling measurement of iodine uptake using positron emission tomography, or PET scans. This is important when using radiotherapy in a critical organ such as pons, where overdosing may have serious consequences. Radiolabeling of omburtamab with either Iodine-124 or Iodine-131 takes place at qualified radiopharmacies according to a well-established procedure.
131I-Omburtamab for the Treatment of Pediatric Central Nervous System/Leptomeningeal Metastases from Neuroblastoma
131I-omburtamab is currently in pivotal stage development for the treatment of pediatric CNS/LM from NB, and was granted BTD in this indication in 2017. In 2016, 131I-omburtamab was granted ODD and RPDD, in each case, for the treatment of NB. The RPDD qualifies us for receipt of a PRV upon approval of omburtamab for treatment of NB, if such approval occurs. At our meeting with the FDA in June 2017, we proposed to the FDA that data from Study 03-133 may be pooled with data from Study 101 and utilized for our planned BLA submission. As of August 2017, 93 patients with pediatric CNS/LM from NB had been treated with 131I-omburtamab in Study 03-133. An analysis of these 93 patients demonstrated a median OS of 47 months (including an estimated five-year OS of approximately 43%), as compared to historical median OS of approximately six months. 131I-omburtamab can be administered as a push injection in an outpatient setting. We expect to submit a BLA for each of our two lead product candidates in 2019, with a goal of receiving approval by the FDA in 2020. We plan to commercialize both of our lead product candidates in the United States as soon as possible after obtaining FDA approval, if such approval occurs.
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Overview of Central Nervous System/Leptomeningeal Metastases from Neuroblastoma
CNS/LM is a rare and usually fatal complication of NB in which the disease spreads to the membranes, or meninges, surrounding the brain and spinal cord in the CNS. In CNS/LM from NB, the CNS has emerged as a sanctuary site for NB tumor cells leading to relapse with an incidence of CNS/LM from NB of approximately 6% to 10%. It is expected that the incidence of CNS/LM from NB disease will increase concurrently with better treatment options for systemic NB, as more patients achieve longer systemic remissions allowing for more CNS relapses. Relapsed metastatic NB is difficult to treat particularly in patients with R/R NB who have CNS/LM from NB. The median OS after detection of the CNS/LM from NB is approximately six months even with early detection and intervention.
Omburtamab is currently being evaluated for the treatment of CNS/LM from NB. There are approximately 700 children diagnosed with NB in the United States each year. Of these, approximately 50-60% are high-risk, and of those at high-risk, we believe approximately 20% will suffer from CNS/LM from NB. A published study analyzing frozen sections from tumors with histologically confirmed diagnosis of NB using immunohistochemistry showed 87 out of 90 sections (or approximately 97%) were B7-H3 positive. We believe the European market is at least one and a half times the size of the U.S. market and that there are approximately 1,050 patients diagnosed with NB in Europe each year. We believe the current addressable market for our product candidate, omburtamab, consists of approximately 200 new patients each year with CNS/LM from NB in the United States and Europe, combined.
131I-omburtamab for Pediatric Central Nervous System/Leptomeningeal Metastases from NeuroblastomaCurrent Treatment Landscape and Associated Limitations
There are currently no approved products for patients with R/R NB who have CNS/LM from NB. A variety of treatments are used alone and in combination with other treatments. It is widely accepted that no effective treatment regimens for CNS/LM from NB are available, and the goals of treatment are generally palliative. For recurrence in the CNS, the therapeutic approach consists primarily of surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. These treatments have had very limited success, with median OS of approximately six months. The current standard of care treatment paradigm typically involves the following:
The uniformly poor outcomes associated with these different regimens highlight the significant unmet medical need for treatment of CNS/LM from NB:
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131I-omburtamab for Pediatric Central Nervous System/Leptomeningeal Metastases from NeuroblastomaClinical Development Program
Currently, 131I-omburtamab is in pivotal stage development for the treatment of pediatric CNS/LM from NB as a monotherapy after patients have completed standard of care treatment. At our meeting with the FDA in June 2017, we proposed to the FDA that data from Study 03-133 may be pooled with data from Study 101 and utilized for our planned BLA submission. As of August 2017, 93 patients with pediatric CNS/LM from NB had been treated with 131I-omburtamab in Study 03-133. We are planning to treat an additional 18 patients in a multi-center pivotal Phase 2 trial (Study 101) for the purposes of pharmacokinetic and dosimetry comparability between study sites using 131I-omburtamab from our cGMP commercial manufacturer, versus drug product previously produced by MSK. Study 101 has also been designed to satisfy the confirmatory study and post-marketing requirement by the FDA, and, as a result, we will continue to recruit 14 more patients in addition to the initial 18 patients required for the BLA submission. We expect to submit the BLA for 131I-omburtamab for treatment of patients with CNS/LM from NB in 2019.
Study 03-133: Phase 1/2 Study of Intrathecal Radioimmunotherapy using 131I-omburtamab for Central Nervous System/Leptomeningeal Neoplasms
The trial was originally designed as a Phase 1/2 clinical dose escalation study followed by cohort expansion at the recommended dose. To determine the MTD, patients received up to 70 millicurie, or mCi, 131I-omburtamab as outpatients. Although not DLT, myelosuppression was observed in patients who had received craniospinal radiation and 131I-omburtamab at dose levels of 60 and 70 mCi, as a result a 50 mCi dose was chosen for subsequent enrollment. Once the therapeutic dose of 50 mCi was established, an extension of phase 2 was implemented by a protocol amendment. At our meeting with the FDA in June 2017, we proposed to the FDA that data from Study 03-133 may be pooled with data from Study 101 and utilized for our planned BLA. As of August 2017, 93 patients with pediatric CNS/LM from NB had been treated with 131I-omburtamab in Study 03-133. Of these 93 patients, 81 had been treated with 50 mCi 131I-omburtamab. We expect that the safety portion of the BLA will be comprised of data from more than 200 patients treated with 131I-omburtamab or 124I-omburtamab across multiple indications. Study 03-133 has been held open for recruitment even after the August 2017 data cutoff date so that we may be able to continue to offer this promising treatment to patients.
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The table below presents a general clinical overview, including safety data, from Study 03-133 conducted from January 2004 through August 2017. The outlined information in the below table refers to patients treated in Study 03-133.
OmburtamabClinical Overview
Study 03-133Patient Profile and AEs (January 2004 - August 2017)
Patient Population
In addition to satisfying certain other criteria, patients must have a histologically confirmed diagnosis of a malignancy known to be reactive to omburtamab, a B7-H3 binding antibody. Furthermore, patients must have CNS/LM from NB disease which is refractory to conventional therapies or for which no conventional therapy exists, or a relapsed brain tumor with a predilection for LM dissemination (primitive neuroectodermal tumor, rhabdoid tumor, medulloblastoma).
Before enrollment in Study 03-133, most patients underwent biopsy or debulking surgery to remove brain metastases as much as possible, followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy. A majority of the patients were also treated with an anti-GD2 immunotherapy such as naxitamab to control systemic disease after completing the 131I-omburtamab treatment under Study 03-133. All patients had an intraventricular device implanted before enrollment in the study.
Approximately 80% of all CNS/LM from NB patients presenting at MSK since the initiation of the study were included in the study and the remaining patients were primarily excluded due to the fact that they had already received maximum dose of previous radiotherapy to CNS, or had progressive systemic disease.
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Treatment Protocol
Patients are treated with up to two cycles (consisting of two treatment and dosimetry doses) of 131I-omburtamab administered through intrathecal infusion via an Ommaya reservoir by which the drug is distributed at the intrathecal space to the entire CSF, (as shown in the figure on the left below). A treatment cycle with 131I-omburtamab under Study 03-133 proceeds as follows:
Administration of our radiolabeled omburtamab via Ommaya reservoir | PET scan of distribution of our radiolabeled omburtamab two hours after administration | |
The diagram on the left depicts how our radiolabeled omburtamab can be administered via the Ommaya reservoir and catheter into the deep ventricles of the brain where the CSF is produced. From the ventricles, our radiolabeled omburtamab will flow with the CSF and spread throughout the entire CNS compartment potentially binding and killing B7-H3 positive cancer cells it may find on its way. The diagram on the right is a PET scan showing the distribution of our radiolabeled omburtamab two hours after administration where it has flowed from the central ventricles throughout the entire CNS compartment.
Primary Objective
Secondary Objective
Safety Results
No MTD was reached in the dose escalation portion of the trial. Although not a DLT, myelosuppression was observed in patients who had received craniospinal radiation and 131I-omburtamab at dose levels six and seven (60 and 70 mCi, respectively). As a result, a dose of 50 mCi was chosen for the expansion cohort. Among the 93 patients treated with 131I-omburtamab, a
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total of 293 injections were administered and myelosuppression was observed in approximately 83 patients.
Long-term toxicities: There were no significant long-term toxicities directly attributed to 131I-omburtamab. There was no increased risk of radionecrosis; specifically, neurologic deficits secondary to radionecrosis have not been observed in long-term survivors. However, among long-term survivors with a history of prior high dose induction chemotherapy, myeloablative regimens, craniospinal radiation therapy and 131I-omburtamab, observed toxicity included short stature and growth hormone deficiency (n=11), hypothyroidism (n=11), cataracts (n=2), persistence of a seizure disorder since CNS NB onset (n=1), and one patient with both an osteochondroma and meningioma (n=1). Unrelated to omburtamab, there were four long-term events causing death in patients who were otherwise in remission due to infection (n=1), pulmonary fibrosis (n=1), and treatment related mortality for secondary leukemia (n=2). Cognitive deficits were noted in three infants who received additional tutorial assistance in school.
Eighty-one SAEs were reported in CNS/LM from NB patients of which 44 were definitely, possibly or probably treatment-related SAEs. Among the 44 treatment-related SAEs, 36 were Grade 4, six were Grade 3 and two were Grade 2. The most common SAEs were hematological, including BM suppression. The Grade 2 adverse events included fever, headaches, vomiting, elevations of aspartate aminotransferase, or AST, and alanine aminotransferase, or ALT, Grade 3 adverse events included elevated ALT and Grade 4 adverse events included decreased platelets (usually treated with thrombocyte infusion). According to the FDA, the term "grade" refers to the severity of the adverse eventGrade 1 Mild; asymptomatic or mild symptoms; clinical or diagnostic observations only; no intervention indicatedGrade 2 Moderate; minimal, local or noninvasive intervention indicated; limiting age-appropriate instrumental activities of daily living, or ADLGrade 3 Severe or medically significant but not immediately life threatening; hospitalization or prolongation of hospitalization indicated; disabling; limiting self-care ADLGrade 4 Life-threatening consequences; urgent intervention indicatedGrade 5 Death related to the adverse event.
Efficacy Results
Data reported as of August 2017 indicates that the median OS for the 93 patients with R/R NB who have CNS/LM from NB at relapse treated under Study 03-133 was 47 months. As of August 2017, of these 93 patients, 51, or approximately 55%, were alive. We believe that the median OS may continue to increase. Based on calculations per the Kaplan-Meier Plot, the estimated three-year OS is 56% and the estimated five-year OS is 43%.
In a previous presentation of ASCO, an analysis of 80 patients showed that 38 patients died. Twenty, or approximately 53%, of these patients were attributed to reasons unrelated to any recurrence of CNS/LM from NB disease. We believe this is further indication of the potential effectiveness of 131I-omburtamab in treating CNS/LM from NB.
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Comparison of Median Overall Survival (Months)
The figure above compares median OS data from Study 03-133 with historical controls (described previously). Historical patient data extracted from three sources revealed median OS of 8.7 months in the literature, 4.7 months in the German NB Trials, and 5.5 months in the MSK historical cohort prior to the introduction of 131I-omburtamab treatment. These results further demonstrate the lack of an established, effective therapy for these patients that we believe can potentially be addressed by 131I-omburtamab.
The chart below shows the historical comparable data and median OS following the introduction of 131I-omburtamab treatment. This represents 93 treated patients from Study 03-133 as at August 2017. The estimated three-year median OS was 56% and the five-year median OS was 43%. Survivors have been followed for up to 11.1 years, with a current mean duration of follow up of
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2.6 years. Fifty-one, or approximately 55%, of the 93 patients treated with 131I-omburtamab remained alive at their last follow up.
Study 101: A Multicenter Phase 2/3 Trial of the Efficacy and Safety of Intracerebroventricular Radioimmunotherapy using 131I-omburtamab for Neuroblastoma Central Nervous System/Leptomeningeal Metastases
Study 101 is a pivotal Phase 2/3 single-arm, open-label, non-randomized, multi-center efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics and dosimetry trial of intracerebroventricular 131I-omburtamab in pediatric patients with R/R NB who have CNS/LM from NB. Patients will receive up to two cycles of 131I-omburtamab. This study commenced in the second quarter of 2018, and we plan to treat an initial 18 patients for BLA submission purposes. The purpose of the study is to demonstrate pharmacokinetic and dosimetry comparability between study sites using 131I-omburtamab from our cGMP commercial manufacturer and drug product previously produced by MSK. Study 101 has also been designed to satisfy the confirmatory study and post-marketing requirement by the FDA, and as a result, we will continue to recruit at least 14 more patients in addition to the initial 18 patients. We expect to submit the BLA for CNS/LM from NB in pediatric patients and expect to complete this submission in 2019.
An interim analysis will be performed when 18 patients have completed evaluations at week six, at which dosimetry and pharmacokinetics objective and available safety and efficacy data will be assessed. Data from this analysis will also be combined with the data from Study 03-133 to support a potential accelerated approval for 131I-omburtamab for the treatment of pediatric patients with R/R NB who have CNS/LM from NB.
Safety and efficacy data will be investigated with short-term follow-up at 26 weeks after treatment and with long-term follow-up for up to three years following treatment. Final analysis will be performed when all 32 treated patients have completed long-term follow-up (three years or until death).
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Median OS at three years and its 95% CI will be estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods. Efficacy will be achieved if the lower limit of the 95% CI of three-year median OS exceeds 10%. PFS will also be analyzed using Kaplan-Meier methods.
Patient Population
In addition to satisfying certain other criteria, patients must be less than 18 years of age at the time of screening. Patients must have a histologically confirmed diagnosis of CNS/LM from NB with relapse.
Treatment Protocol
A single treatment cycle will last five weeks and will include premedication, intracerebroventricular 131I-omburtamab administration (one dosimetry dose and one treatment dose), an observation period, and post-treatment evaluations (see figure below).
One 131I-omburtamab treatment cycle for Study 101
Patients without objective PD are eligible for a second dosing cycle.
Primary Objective
Secondary Objectives
We have initiated Study 101 to form the primary basis for our planned BLA, to establish comparability of study population and pharmacokinetics analysis with Study 03-133 and to satisfy the confirmatory study and post-marketing requirements by the FDA. If the results from Study 101 fail to demonstrate comparability to the satisfaction of the FDA and other comparable regulatory authorities, this may lead to a delay in, or otherwise adversely affect, such clinical trials, including the timing of submission of the BLA.
124I-omburtamab for the Treatment of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma
124I-omburtamab is currently being evaluated in an ongoing Phase 1/ 2 clinical trial (Study 11-011) for the treatment of DIPG. In contrast to Iodine-131, which emits electrons, Iodine-124 is a positron-emitting iodine isotope. This enables measurement of iodine uptake using PET scans, which we believe is important when using radiotherapy in a critical organ such as pons, where
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overdosing may have serious consequences. In 2016, 124I-omburtamab received RPDD from the FDA for the treatment of DIPG. As of October 2017, we have treated 33 patients with DIPG with 124I-omburtamab. Interim clinical results from the dose escalation portion of the study, which were reported at the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or ASCO, in June 2017, demonstrated that convention-enhanced delivery, or CED, of 124I-omburtamab in the brainstem of children with DIPG appears to be a generally feasible approach for drug delivery, based on an evaluation using distribution and pharmacokinetics. We believe that we may qualify for a sBLA, assuming positive pivotal data.
Overview of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma
DIPG is a highly aggressive, malignant and difficult to treat brain tumor that forms from the glial (supportive) cells of the brain. The tumor grows in the area of the brainstem, called the pons, a critical area of the brain. Pons are involved in regulating critical body functions such as respiration and consciousness. They also house cranial nerves that facilitate essential functions such as eye movements, chewing, swallowing, facial expressions, hearing and balance, and assists in the transmission of messages between the various structures of brain and the spinal cord.
DIPG typically affects children between the ages of five to nine years old and is the most common brainstem tumor in children, representing 75% to 80% of pediatric brainstem tumors. There are an estimated 300 children diagnosed with DIPG per year in the United States. One published research analysis evaluating DIPG specimens using immunohistochemistry demonstrated that 100% (nine out of nine) of the tested specimens were B7-H3 positive. While DIPG accounts for approximately 10% to 15% of brain tumors in the pediatric population, it constitutes approximately 80% of brain tumor-related deaths. Assuming similar prevalence as in the United States, we estimate approximately 450 new pediatric patients diagnosed with DIPG per year in Europe. We believe the current addressable market for DIPG consists of approximately 750 new pediatric DIPG patients each year in the United States and Europe, combined.
124I-omburtamab for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine GliomaCurrent Treatment Landscape and Associated Limitations
DIPG grows diffusely and infiltrates healthy tissue in the critical structures of the brainstem and surgical treatment is not possible. The standard of care for the past three decades for children with newly diagnosed DIPG has been focal radiation therapy. Radiotherapy provides temporary improvement or stabilization of symptoms and extends median OS by an average of approximately three months. Within three to eight months after completion of radiation therapy, most children with DIPG have clinical or radiographic evidence of PD. Due to the strong likelihood of the development of PD in the vast majority of children with DIPG, many receive adjuvant chemotherapy at some point during their disease course in an attempt to improve survival. Despite numerous investigational trials, including those evaluating the efficacy of hyperfractionated radiotherapy and high-dose chemotherapy, the limited survival of patients with DIPG remains unchanged.
The prognosis for DIPG remains very poor and the median OS of children with DIPG is less than one year from diagnosis and no meaningful improvement in median OS has been realized in more than three decades. The prognosis for children with DIPG is significantly worse than that of other brainstem tumors.
124I-omburtamab for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine GliomaClinical Development Program
124I-omburtamab is currently being evaluated in an ongoing Phase 1 clinical study (Study 11-011) for the treatment of DIPG.
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Study 11-011: A Phase 1 Study of Convection-Enhanced Delivery of 124I-omburtamab for Patients with Non-Progressive Diffuse Pontine Gliomas Previously Treated with External Beam Radiation Therapy
MSK is conducting a Phase 1, dose escalation study of CED of 124I-omburtamab in children with non-progressive DIPG previously treated with external beam radiation therapy. The study commenced in December 2011 and as of October 2017, 33 patients had been enrolled. We expect to enroll a total of 64 patients.
Patient Population
In addition to satisfying certain other criteria, patients must be two years of age or older, and 21 years of age or younger. Patients must have non-PD DIPG previously treated with external beam radiation therapy. At least four weeks but not more than 14 weeks must have elapsed from the completion of radiotherapy.
Treatment Protocol
The intervention is a surgical procedure using interstitial infusion of 124I-omburtamab into the brainstem tumor. It is performed by stereotactic placement of a small caliber infusion cannula into the tumor followed by a slow infusion CED of 124I-omburtamab, which was initially administered at doses ranging from 0.25 mCi to 4.0 mCi. Study 11-011 was subsequently amended for further dose escalation cohorts (using 6, 8, 10 and 12 mCi/injection, respectively).
Primary Objective
Secondary Objectives
Safety Results
As noted above, interim data was presented at the June 2017 annual meeting of ASCO, which demonstrated that CED appears to be a feasible approach for drug delivery in the brainstem of children with DIPG as evaluated using distribution and pharmacokinetics. As of June 2017, 28 patients had been enrolled, of which 25 patients were evaluable. Three patients were not evaluable due to partial dose delivery. Of the 25 evaluable patients, one patient experienced alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase elevation and one patient experienced Grade 3 hemiparesis.
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Multi-Center Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium Study
The principal investigator for Study 11-011, in collaboration with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium, is currently drafting a feasibility study to expand the experiences from Study 11-011 to other sites. This study will be a non-randomized, multi-center, feasibility trial using CED in the brainstem of children with DIPG. Each patient will have previously received external beam radiotherapy to the brainstem and will not have shown clear evidence of tumor progression following this therapy. Diagnostic and eligibility decisions for patients entering the study will be made by a multidisciplinary pediatric neuro-oncology team at the treating site. Eligibility and surgical planning will be centrally reviewed. Patients will undergo a single treatment using CED of 124I-omburtamab. MRI and PET will be used for confirmation of appropriate drug distribution patterns. Perioperative morbidity, device performance (catheter for antibody delivery in pons), and patient tolerance after CED treatment will be monitored. OS and time to recurrence will be monitored. Advanced MR-based algorithms will be used to monitor for geometric response. Serial liquid biopsies (serum, urine, CSF) will be explored as a correlate of tumor response.
131I-omburtamab for Treatment of Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor
131I-omburtamab is currently being evaluated in an ongoing Phase 1 clinical study (Study 09-090) for the treatment of DSRCT. In the data from 39 out of 41 patients that was presented in April 2018, no DLTs were observed and a MTD was not reached. In addition, there was no significant myelosuppression and stem cell rescue was not required. We believe that we may qualify for a sBLA, assuming positive pivotal data.
Overview of Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor
DSRCT is a rare and aggressive type of a soft tissue cancer (sarcoma) that primarily affects children and young adults and is more common in males. It is formed by small, round cancer cells surrounded by scar-like tissue and is often found in the peritoneum (the tissue that lines the inside of the abdomen and pelvis). Most patients present with abdominal or pelvic tumors, with subsequent metastases to distant lymph nodes, BM and lungs. Due to the rarity of this neoplasm, no large population based studies exist. Analysis presented in literature suggests there are approximately 100 patients diagnosed with DSRCT per year in the United States. Assuming similar prevalence as in the United States, we estimate approximately 150 patients diagnosed with DSRCT per year in Europe. A published report examining DSRCT samples using immunohistochemistry showed that 44 of 46 (or 96%) of tumor samples were B7-H3 positive. We believe the current addressable market for DSRCT consists of approximately 160 new DSRCT patients each year, representing approximately 65% of all new patients diagnosed with DSRCT in the United States and Europe, combined.
131I-omburtamab for Desmoplastic Small Round Cell TumorCurrent Treatment Landscape and Associated Limitations
Patients are typically managed with aggressive multimodal therapy, including neoadjuvant chemotherapy, maximal surgical debulking, intraperitoneal, or IP, chemotherapy in some cases, adjuvant whole abdominopelvic radiation therapy, and stem cell or BM transplant. Studies have shown that use of intense alkylator therapy and gross total resection have been associated with limited improvements in patient survival; thus, there is still a significant unmet clinical need. Because DSRCT most commonly presents as a multicentric abdominal mass, complete upfront resection is not often possible. DSRCTs are chemosensitive, but often recur, necessitating multimodality therapy with radiotherapy, surgery, and/or high dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue. Additionally, research shows that with a five-year OS rate of less than 15%, patients almost invariably relapse.
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Although many strategies have been attempted, survival in patients with DSRCT remains poor. A review of the published research, including two retrospective studies performed by MSK, suggests that the median OS of DSRCT patients ranges from 17 to 25 months.
131I-omburtamab for Desmoplastic Small Round Cell TumorClinical Development Program
Currently, 131I-omburtamab is being evaluated in an ongoing clinical study (Study 09-090) for the treatment of DSRCT. After completing the BLA submission for CNS/LM from NB, we intend to discuss with the FDA the protocol for the continuation and expansion of this DSRCT study. We believe that we may qualify for a sBLA, assuming positive pivotal data.
Study 09-090: Phase 1 Study of Intraperitoneal Radioimmunotherapy with 131I-omburtamab for Patients with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumors and Other Solid Tumors Involving the Peritoneum
MSK is conducting a clinical study of IP 131I-omburtamab for treatment of patients with DSRCT and other B7-H3 positive solid tumors metastatic to the peritoneum. The primary purpose of the study is to define the toxicity and the MTD, assess the pharmacokinetics, and assess response of DSRCT and other solid tumors. The study commenced in April 2010 and as of May 2018, 50 patients had been enrolled.
Patient Population
In addition to satisfying certain other criteria, patients must be over one year old and able to cooperate with radiation safety restrictions during therapy period. Patients must have a diagnosis of 131I-omburtamab reactive DSCRT or solid tumors that involve the peritoneum.
Treatment Protocol
The study was designed as an open-label single-arm dose escalation study to evaluate IP 131I-omburtamab, which was administered at doses ranging from 30 mCi/m2 to 90 mCi/m2. The expansion cohort comprised an additional 10 patients who were dosed at 80 mCi/m2.
Primary Objective
Secondary Objectives
Safety Results
In the data from 41 patients with DSRCT presented in April 2018, no DLTs were observed and a MTD was not reached. In addition, there was no significant myelosuppression and stem cell rescue was not required. Three patients experienced Grade 3 neutropenia, three patients experienced Grade 4 neutropenia, six patients experienced Grade 3 thrombocytopenia, one patient experienced Grade 3 AST elevation and four patients experienced Grade 2 abdominal pain. We believe that the initial data from the first group of patients supports continued investigation of the benefit of 131I-omburtamab in this patient population.
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Non-Clinical Safety
In non-clinical studies evaluating the pharmacology and toxicology of omburtamab, no significant toxicity were observed in different species, including rats and non-human primates. Omburtamab has preferential affinity for a spectrum of cancerous tissues that express B7-H3, with minimal binding to normal tissues. Omburtamab specifically targets the membrane of cancer cells. We believe that the lack of cross-reactivity with normal human tissue, specifically within the brain, and the localized binding of omburtamab to the membranes of cancer cells that express B7-H3, makes omburtamab a viable candidate for a targeted radiotherapy.
OmburtamabDTPA Overview
We intend to leverage our expertise with omburtamab to develop product candidates for the treatment of indications associated with pediatric and large adult patient populations. We believe that our clinical experience with 131I-omburtamab in 41 patients with tumors such as sarcoma, melanoma and medulloblastoma supports this objective. Our first such product candidate targeted towards larger patient populations is DTPA-conjugated omburtamab radiolabeled with Lutetium-177, which is currently in pre-clinical development for the treatment of B7-H3 positive LM from solid tumors. Animal toxicity studies of 177Lu-omburtamab-DTPA have been completed on current Good Laboratory Practices, or GLP, material and cGMP production has been established. DTPA (diethylenetriamine pentaacetate) is an organic molecule that acts as a chelator of metals such as Lutetium. DTPA can bind to radioactive materials to decrease the amount of time it takes to flush the radioactive material from the body. The resulting product candidate, omburtamab-DTPA-Lutetium-177 conjugate, or 177Lu-omburtamab-DTPA, can be distributed directly to hospitals, already conjugated and ready to use. It may then be administered to patients as a single-step push dose via an Ommaya reservoir, similar to the administration of 131I-omburtamab in CNS/LM from NB. We believe this is an important advantage because radiopharmacies within hospitals have limited capacity for radiolabeling. Therefore, we believe that a more easily available ready to use radiolabeled antibody such as 177Lu-omburtamab-DTPA could be used more frequently, thereby significantly expanding our patient population beyond children. We expect to file an IND for 177Lu-omburtamab-DTPA for treatment of B7-H3 positive LM from solid tumors in the first half of 2019.
Overview of B7-H3 Positive Central Nervous System/Leptomeningeal Metastases from Solid Tumors
As previously described, CNS/LM is a rare and usually fatal complication of cancer in which the disease spreads to the membranes, or meninges, surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Based on autopsy studies, the incidence of metastatic brain tumors is estimated to be 200,000 to 300,000 people per year. Studies have shown that the most common tumors which metastasize to the brain express B7-H3.
Although any cancer can metastasize to the leptomeninges, breast cancer (12% to 35%), lung cancer (10% to 26%), melanoma (5% to 25%), gastrointestinal malignancies (4% to 14%), and cancers of unknown primary (1% to 7%) are the most common causes of solid-tumor-related LM. We believe that the annual incidence of CNS/LM across all tumor types is at least 30,000 patients in the United States and Europe combined.
Despite aggressive treatment, CNS/LM has a poor prognosis with less than 15% of all patients surviving one year following diagnosis. The median OS of untreated patients with CNS/LM is four to six weeks. The median OS of patients with combined treatment (often comprising surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy) is usually less than eight months.
The incidence of CNS/LM is increasing. An important factor contributing to the increasing incidence of CNS/LM is the availability of more effective systemic therapies. These therapies may increase survival time and could therefore lead to a higher incidence of metastatic disease.
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177Lu-Omburtamab-DTPA in Central Nervous System/Leptomeningeal MetastasesCurrent Treatment Landscape and Associated Limitations
Treatment of most patients with CNS/LM requires a combination of surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy. However, CNS/LM has been proven difficult to treat due to the localization of the tumor within the CNS compartment making complete removal by surgery difficult. Moreover, the blood-brain barrier, a membrane that selectively regulates molecules entering the brain from the blood, often inhibits drug delivery to the brain due to the inability of large molecules to cross the blood-brain barrier. Because the most common tumors that metastasize to the brain express B7-H3, in contrast with normal brain tissue that lacks B7-H3 expression, we believe that the incidence of B7-H3 expression makes omburtamab a viable antibody for targeting metastatic tumors in the CNS.
177Lu-Omburtamab-DTPA in Central Nervous System/Leptomeningeal MetastasesMechanism of Action
We are developing a Lutetium-177 conjugated omburtamab with DTPA as chelator. 177Lu-omburtamab-DTPA will be given as a single-step push dose administration to patients. The administration for CNS/LM will be intrathecal via an Ommaya reservoir similar to the administration of 131I-omburtamab in CNS/LM from NB. This form of administration will allow us to bypass the blood brain barrier and gain direct access to the CNS/LM. Lutetium-177 is a medium-energy beta-emitter with a maximal tissue penetration of 2 mm. Its half-life is approximately 6.7 days. Lutetium-177 also emits low-energy Gamma rays, which allows scintigraphy and subsequent dosimetry with the same therapeutic compound. Lutetium-177 is bound to omburtamab by DTPA. The resulting product 177Lu-omburtamab-DTPA conjugate can be distributed conjugated ready to use. Lutathera, a Lutetium-177-DOTA conjugated somatostatin analogue peptide, has already demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in patients with progressive neuro endocrine tumors, or NETs, and is approved by the EMA, and the FDA, in this orphan indication. In a multi-center, randomized, comparator-controlled, parallel-group Phase 3 study that has been the basis for regulatory submission for Lutathera, it demonstrated a significant improvement in PFS in patients with inoperable progressive midgut NETs compared to the general standard of care, with limited acute toxic effects. The beta radiation of Lutetium-177 is similar to the beta radiation emitted from radioactive iodine, which already has demonstrated efficacy in CNS/LM from NB when conjugated to omburtamab.
We believe Lutetium-177 may have a number of potential advantages over both Iodine-131 and Iodine-124. In particular, the radiolabeling of omburtamab-DTPA with Lutetium-177 involves a relatively simple one-step procedure and can be distributed conjugated ready to use.
Humanized Omburtamab Overview
We are also developing huB7-H3, a humanized version of omburtamab, for the treatment of B7-H3 positive adult solid tumors where systemic immunotherapy is needed. We expect that huB7-H3 will be used as a radio-conjugated antibody designed to overcome limitations of murine antibodies that may induce HAMA, which may lead to decreased efficacy and increased toxicity when used for systemic immunotherapy.
Bispecific Antibody Program Overview
We are advancing a promising pipeline of novel bivalent tumor targeting BsAbs for the treatment of cancer. We believe that our BsAbs have the potential to overcome limitations associated with existing BsAb constructs. Our first BsAb product candidate, huGD2-BsAb, is a humanized anti-GD2 and anti-CD3 BsAb.
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Our second BsAb product candidate, huCD33-BsAb, is a humanized anti-CD33 and anti-CD3 BsAb. We are in pre-clinical development for our huCD33-BsAb product candidate for the treatment of huCD-33-positive hermatological cancers.
In addition, the MSK License provides us with non-exclusive access to MSK's technology that facilitates the creation of a novel human protein tag that can dimerize, or link together, BiTEs, which we refer to as the MULTI-TAG technology platform. BiTEs are an important class of BsAbs that has shown significant promise in the treatment of cancer due to their high potency. Based on our pre-clinical studies, we believe that this novel class of BiTEs has the potential to result in better tumor-binding, longer serum half-life and significantly greater T-cell mediated killing of tumor cells without the need for continuous infusion. We plan to utilize this technology to create a diverse platform of dimerized BiTEs. We are currently working on several MULTI-TAG candidates with MSK.
Overview of Current Bispecific Antibody Treatment Approaches
BsAbs are engineered proteins capable of simultaneously binding to two different epitopes, on the same or different antigens. Through simultaneous recognition of two different targets, BsAbs can serve as mediators for the redirection of immune effector cells, such as Natural Killer cells, or NK cells, and T-cells, to tumor cells, in order to enhance tumor cell destruction. In addition, by targeting two different receptors in combination on the same cell, BsAbs can induce modifications of cell signaling, including the inactivation of pathways. BsAbs represent an exciting approach to cancer immunotherapy because, among other factors, they have the potential to overcome the limitations of conventional monoclonal antibody approaches to treating cancers. Moreover, BsAbs can be mass produced without the manufacturing complications and risk of persistent systemic toxicity associated with other new immunotherapy approaches such as CAR-T therapy.
BsAbs are generally divided into two classes, IgG-like molecules and non-IgG-like molecules. IgG-like BsAbs retain the traditional monoclonal antibody structure but bind to multiple antigens. Although IgG-like BsAbs generally demonstrate adequate stability and effector functions, their large size limits tissue penetration.
Non-IgG-like BsAbs lack a fragment crystallizable, or Fc, region, consisting instead of chemically linked variable regions and various types of multivalent single-chain variable fragments, or scFvs. One type of non-IgG-like BsAbs are BiTEs. BiTEs are relatively small and have more efficient penetration, however, they exhibit short serum half-lives. They bind monovalently to tumor targets, which often results in suboptimal tumor binding relative to conventional IgG-like BsAbs that bind bivalently. Finally, therapeutic dosing of BiTEs is limited by the risk of excessive cytokine release in patients.
The only approved BsAb in the United States is blinatumomab, a BiTE, approved for the treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia.
huGD2-BsAb Overview
The figure below depicts our first BsAb product candidate, huGD2-BsAb, a fully humanized IgG-scFv format antibody, in which the anti-CD3 scFv is linked to the carboxyl end of the naxitamab IgG1 and the Fc region is mutated to help prevent cytokine release as well as complement-mediated pain side effects.
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Naxitamab (anti-GD2 and anti-CD3) Bispecific Antibody
We believe that huGD2-BsAb may have several potential advantages over other BsAbs, including:
Knockout mice, which lack murine T-cells, B-cells and NK cells, were used for human cancer xenograft studies. The picture below demonstrates a study where mice were transplanted with human M14-Luc melanoma and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, or PBMC, or activated T-cells, or ATC, as effector cells. Tumor growth was assessed by luciferin bioluminescence.
Mice, in a control group, treated with saline without effector cells (huGD2-BsAb only), or effector cells plus ATC+naxitamab-C825, used as the control BsAb and which does not bind to T-cells, had equally rapid tumor progression. In contrast, mice treated with huGD2-BsAb in the presence of
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human effector cells (ATC+huGD2-BsAb or PBMC+huGD2-BsAb) demonstrated nearly total tumor elimination. The picture below is a representative image at day 31.
Based on this pre-clinical evidence, in 2019, we plan to submit an IND to commence a Phase 1/2 trial of huGD2-BsAb in patients with GD2-positive solid tumors refractory to available therapy.
huCD33-BsAb Overview
Our second BsAb product candidate, huCD33-BsAb, is a humanized anti-CD33 and anti-CD3 BsAb for the treatment of hematological cancers expressing CD33, a transmembrane receptor expressed on cells of myeloid lineage. Currently we are planning to set up GLP and cGMP production allowing for initiation of formal pre-clinical toxicology in 2018 and potential IND filing in 2019.
MULTI-TAG Technology Overview
We believe that our non-exclusive access to the MULTI-TAG technology will help us make further advances to our BsAb program by optimizing BiTEs. While there has been significant enthusiasm for BiTEs given their high potency and ability to penetrate more efficiently than conventional IgG-like BsAbs, their efficacy remains hampered by their size and binding characteristics. BiTEs are relatively small in size, approximately 55kD, resulting in a short serum half-life given rapid renal clearance. As a result, they require continuous infusion for several weeks in order to achieve a therapeutic response. They also bind monovalently, which often results in suboptimal tumor binding. Further, therapeutic dosing of BiTEs is limited by the risk of excessive cytokine release in patients.
Using the MULTI-TAG technology, we have designed a novel protein tag of human origin that dimerizes, or links, BiTEs, in a unique conformation, which we believe may result in improved tumor binding, a longer half-life, and greater T-cell mediated tumor cell killing. We are using the MULTI-TAG technology platform to dimerize our BsAbs into proteins of approximately 120kD in size, thereby increasing serum half-life without the need for continuous infusion. The unique dimerized
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conformation, while binding bivalently to tumors, also binds monovalently to T-cells, which we believe, leads to limiting excessive cytokine release. Below is a graphic illustration of the MULTI-TAG technology, to which, under our MSK License, we have unlimited access to use MSK's rights in the technology for any target.
MULTI-TAGDimerization technology to enhance potency of T-cell engaging antibodies
We are currently working on several MULTI-TAG candidates with MSK.
Manufacturing
Currently, we contract with third party cGMP vendors for the manufacturing of our product candidates for pre-clinical studies and clinical trials and intend to do so in the future, including for commercialization if our product candidates receive marketing approval. We do not currently own or operate any manufacturing facilities for the production of clinical or commercial quantities of our product candidates. We currently have no plans to build our own clinical or commercial scale manufacturing capabilities. To meet our projected needs for commercial manufacturing, if the need arises, third parties with whom we currently work may need to increase their scale of production or we may need to secure alternate suppliers. Although we rely on our cGMP manufacturers, we have personnel with substantial manufacturing experience to oversee our relationships with such manufacturers.
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Manufacturing clinical products is subject to extensive regulations that impose various procedural and documentation requirements, which govern record keeping, manufacturing processes and controls, personnel, quality control and quality assurance. Our vendors are required to comply with cGMP regulations, which are regulatory requirements enforced by the FDA and other regulatory bodies like the EMA to assure proper design, monitoring and control of manufacturing processes and facilities for human pharmaceuticals.
Our current product candidates are mAbs and BsAbs. The manufacturing process for antibodies involves the genetic engineering of a parental host cell line to isolate a cell that produces the antibody. Once the cell or clone (colony of cells derived from a single cell) is isolated, a cell bank is produced under prescribed and documented conditions. The cell bank, preserved frozen, is tested, as required by regulations, to demonstrate that the engineered cell line is free from potentially harmful impurities and contaminants, such as viruses.
The drug substance is an active ingredient that is intended to furnish pharmacological activity or other direct effect in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease or to affect the structure or any function of the human body, but does not include intermediates used in the synthesis of such ingredient while the drug product is a finished dosage form. The manufacturing process for the drug substance begins with the thaw of vials from the cell bank and growth of these cells in established media until sufficient cells are cultured to inoculate a production bioreactor. The cells in the production bioreactor are grown in chemical defined media and under controlled and monitored conditions that stimulate the production of the antibody into the culture media. The production bioreactor is cultured for an established time period and is then harvested by filtration to remove the cells from the culture media.
The antibody solution is purified through a number of steps to remove known process- and product-derived impurities. The technologies employed include ultrafiltration and column and membrane chromatography. Additional steps are performed to inactivate or remove viruses. The final step of the drug substance process adjusts the antibody concentration and produces the final formulation to be used for drug product production. The drug substance is tested to meet pre-established criteria for purity, potency and safety, and is then periodically tested to demonstrate stability upon storage as required by regulations. The drug substance is stored at prescribed temperatures, typically refrigerated or frozen.
The drug product is produced by sterilization filtration of the drug substance solution, followed by aseptic filling into glass vials and then stoppered. The drug product is subjected to release testing for purity, potency and safety according to pre-established specifications. Drug product lots are periodically tested to demonstrate stability over the established storage expiry period. The drug product is stored and shipped under temperature-controlled conditions, typically refrigerated, to sites designated for clinical trial testing, or eventually to commercial pharmaceutical logistics providers.
Naxitamab is a recombinant humanized IgG1k monoclonal antibody against GD2 expressed in Chinese Hamster Ovary, or CHO, cells. One mL ampoule from the master or working cell bank is used as seeding for a 1000 L fed batch bioreactor in chemical defined media with no animal derived component. After the growths of the cells are completed the un-processed bulk from the bioreactor containing the naxitamab drug substance undergoes conditioned clarified harvests, filtration, and subsequent multi-step product purification.
The naxitamab drug substance in manufactured by Patheon UK Limited in Groningen, The Netherlands and the naxitamab drug product is manufactured at Patheon Manufacturing Services LLC in Greenville, North Carolina, or collectively Patheon, in compliance with cGMP regulations and no excipients of human or animal origin have been used. The naxitamab drug product is packaged in 10 mL ISO 10R glass vials and frozen.
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Omburtamab is a murine IgG1 monoclonal antibody against B7-H3. The antibody is manufactured in a 200 L bioreactor in chemical defined media with no animal derived components. After harvests, clarification of the fermentation and a multi-step purification process, the final drug substance is ready for radiolabeling. This non-radiolabeled omburtamab is packaged in 2 mL ISO 2R glass vials and frozen. The drug substance is manufactured by EMD Millipore Corporation, or EMD, in Martillac, France, and the omburtamab drug product is manufactured by Patheon in Ferentino, Italy.
While we believe that Patheon and EMD are capable of producing sufficient quantities of drug product to support our currently planned clinical trials for naxitamab and omburtamab, we also believe that there are a number of alternative third-party manufacturers that have similar capabilities that would be capable of providing sufficient quantities of drug product for our planned clinical trials. However, should Patheon and/or EMD not be able to provide sufficient quantities of drug product for our planned clinical trials, we would be required to seek another contract manufacturer to provide this drug product, likely resulting in a delay in such trials.
Commercialization Plan
The sales call points for our late-stage product candidates in the United States and the European Union are highly concentrated around a few major hospitals and, therefore, can be effectively serviced with a small commercial organization. Both our existing clinical trials at all the relevant sites, as well as our partnership with MSK, have already afforded us the opportunity to identify patients for our product candidates, if approved. We believe these factors position us well for commercialization.
Our management team understands the complexity of rare oncological diseases and we believe we have the necessary expertise to be a true partner to patients, caregivers, and advocacy and healthcare teams leading to shared success. As we advance our product pipeline to address larger patient populations, we intend to establish a specialty sales force and develop an organizational infrastructure to support the network of relevant hospitals, cancer centers, oncologists and other physicians as well as provide support to patients, care-givers and other healthcare providers. We plan to commercialize our future product candidates in the United States and Europe ourselves, and will evaluate strategic collaborations in select territories in order to maximize the potential of our product candidates.
As additional product candidates advance through our pipeline, our commercial plans may change. The size of the development programs, size of the target market, size of a commercial infrastructure, and manufacturing needs may all influence our strategies in the United States, the European Union and other parts of the world.
Competition
The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries generally, and the cancer drug sector specifically, are characterized by rapidly advancing technologies, evolving understanding of disease etiology, intense competition and a strong emphasis on intellectual property. While we believe that our product candidates and our knowledge and experience provide us with competitive advantages, we face substantial potential competition from many different sources, including large and specialty pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic research institutions and governmental agencies and public and private research institutions.
In addition to the current standard of care for patients, commercial and academic clinical trials are being pursued by a number of parties in the field of immunotherapy. Early results from these trials have fueled continued interest in immunotherapy, which is being pursued by several biotechnology companies as well as by large pharmaceutical companies. Many of our current or potential competitors, either alone or with their collaboration partners, have significantly greater financial resources and
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expertise in research and development, manufacturing, pre-clinical studies, conducting clinical trials, and marketing approved products than we do. Mergers and acquisitions in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology industries may result in even more resources being concentrated among a smaller number of our competitors. Smaller or early-stage companies may also prove to be significant competitors, particularly through collaborative arrangements with large and established companies. These competitors also compete with us in recruiting and retaining qualified scientific and management personnel and establishing clinical trial sites and patient registration for clinical trials, as well as in acquiring technologies complementary to, or necessary for, our programs.
Specifically, MacroGenics, Inc. and Daiichi Sankyo Co. are developing antibodies against B7-H3. United Therapeutics Corporation has commercialized Unituxin (dinutuximab), an antibody against GD2, in the United States. In addition, naxitamab may face competition from dinutuximab beta, a similar antibody product against GD2 developed by Apeiron Biologics AG, or Apeiron, that was approved in Europe in May 2017 to treat high-risk NB. Apeiron has announced that it has plans to file for registration of dinutuximab beta in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2019. In October 2016, EUSA Pharma (UK) Ltd., or EUSA, announced that it had acquired global commercialization rights to dinutuximab beta, which is currently being commercialized under the name Qarziba® in Europe.
Intellectual Property
Patent Portfolio
We strive to protect and enhance the proprietary technology, inventions, and improvements that we believe are commercially important to our business, including seeking, maintaining, and defending patent rights, whether developed internally or licensed from our collaborators or other third parties. Our policy is to seek to protect our proprietary position by, among other methods, filing patent applications in the United States and in jurisdictions outside of the United States related to our proprietary technology, inventions, improvements, and product candidates that are important to the development and implementation of our business. We also rely on trade secrets and know-how relating to our proprietary technology and product candidates, continuing innovation, and in-licensing opportunities to develop, strengthen, and maintain our proprietary position in the field of immunotherapy. We additionally rely on data exclusivity, market exclusivity, and patent term extensions when available, and plan to seek and rely on regulatory protection afforded through orphan drug designations. Our commercial success will depend in part on our ability to obtain and maintain patent and other proprietary protection for our technology, inventions, and improvements, whether developed internally or licensed from our collaborators or other third parties; to preserve the confidentiality of our trade secrets; to maintain our licenses to use intellectual property owned by third parties; to defend and enforce our proprietary rights, including our patents; and to operate without infringing on the valid and enforceable patents and other proprietary rights of third parties.
We have in-licensed numerous patents and patent applications and substantial know-how relating to the development and commercialization of our immunotherapy product candidates, including related manufacturing processes and technology. These in-licensed patents and patent applications claim the inventions of investigators at MSK, as described in more detail in the section herein entitled "BusinessIntellectual PropertyMSK Agreements."
As of December 31, 2017, our patent portfolio included:
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applications in other jurisdictions, including Europe, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and India. We expect that any patents that issue in this first family will expire in June 2031. A core U.S. patent in this family is expected to expire on June 20, 2031. The second family consists of applications with composition of matter claims covering high affinity anti-GD2 antibodies, and includes one pending patent application in the United States and nine pending patent applications in other jurisdictions, including Europe, Canada, Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Brazil and Russia. We expect that any patents that issue in this second family will expire in March 2034.
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The term of individual patents depends upon the legal term for patents in the countries in which they are granted. In most countries, including the United States, the patent term is generally 20 years from the earliest claimed filing date of a non-provisional patent application in the applicable country. In the United States, a patent's term may, in certain cases, be lengthened by patent term adjustment, which compensates a patentee for administrative delays by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO, in examining and granting a patent, or may be shortened if a patent is terminally disclaimed over a commonly owned patent or a patent naming a common inventor and having an earlier expiration date. The Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, or the Hatch-Waxman Act, permits a patent term extension of up to five years beyond the expiration date of a U.S. patent as partial compensation for the length of time the drug is under regulatory review while the patent is in force. A patent term extension cannot extend the remaining term of a patent beyond a total of 14 years from the date of product approval, only one patent applicable to each regulatory review period may be extended and only those claims covering the approved drug, a method for using it or a method for manufacturing it may be extended. We cannot provide any assurance that any patent term extension with respect to any U.S. patent will be obtained and, even if obtained, what the duration of such extension may be.
Similar provisions are available in the European Union and certain other non-U.S. jurisdictions to extend the term of a patent that covers an approved drug. In the future, if and when our product candidates receive approval by the FDA or non-U.S. regulatory authorities, we expect to apply for patent term extensions on issued patents covering those products, depending upon the length of the clinical trials for each drug and other factors. The expiration dates referred to above are without regard to potential patent term extension or other market exclusivity that may be available to us. However, we cannot provide any assurances that any such patent term extension of a non-U.S. patent will be obtained and, even if obtained, the duration of such extension.
As for the immunotherapy products and processes we develop and commercialize, in the normal course of business, we intend to pursue, when possible, composition, method of use, dosing and formulation patent protection. We may also pursue patent protection with respect to manufacturing and drug development processes and technology.
Individual patents extend for varying periods of time, depending upon the date of filing of the patent application, the date of patent issuance, and the legal term of patents in the countries in which they are obtained. Generally, patents issued for applications filed in the United States are effective for 20 years from the earliest effective filing date. In addition, in certain instances, a patent term can be extended to recapture a portion of the term effectively lost as a result of the FDA regulatory review period. The restoration period cannot be longer than five years and the total patent term, including the restoration period, must not exceed 14 years following FDA approval. The duration of patents outside of the United States varies in accordance with provisions of applicable local law, but typically is also 20 years from the earliest effective filing date. Generally, as noted above, our in-licensed issued patents in all jurisdictions will expire on dates ranging from 2021 to 2031. If patents are issued on our pending patent applications, the resulting patents are projected to expire on dates ranging from 2021 to 2035 (2038 assuming the future filing of a priority claiming Patent Cooperation Treaty application). However, the actual protection afforded by a patent varies on a product-by-product basis, from country-to-country, and depends upon many factors, including the type of patent, the scope of its coverage, the availability of regulatory-related extensions, the availability of legal remedies in a particular country, and the validity and enforceability of the patent.
Trademarks
We have filed an application with the USPTO to secure trademark registration for the "Y-mAbs" mark. We currently rely on our unregistered trademarks, trade names and service marks, as well as our domain names and logos, as appropriate, to market our brands and to build and maintain
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brand recognition. We are seeking to register and will continue to seek to register and renew, or secure by contract where appropriate, trademarks, trade names and service marks as they are developed and used, and reserve, register and renew domain names as appropriate. However, we have not yet registered any of our trademarks, trade names or service marks with the USPTO. If we do not secure successfully register trademark registration for our trademarks, including the "Y-mAbs" mark, we may encounter difficulty in enforcing, or be unable to enforce, our rights in our trademarks, trade names and service marks against third parties.
Trade Secrets
We may also rely, in some circumstances, on trade secrets to protect our technology. However, trade secrets are difficult to protect. We seek to protect our technology and product candidates, in part, by entering into confidentiality agreements with those who have access to our confidential information, including our employees, contractors, consultants, collaborators, and advisors. We also seek to preserve the integrity and confidentiality of our proprietary technology and processes by maintaining physical security of our premises and physical and electronic security of our information technology systems. Although we have confidence in these individuals, organizations, and systems, agreements or security measures may be breached and we may not have adequate remedies for any breach. In addition, our trade secrets may otherwise become known or may be independently discovered by competitors. To the extent that our employees, contractors, consultants, collaborators, and advisors use intellectual property owned by others in their work for us, disputes may arise as to the rights in related or resulting know-how and inventions. For this and more comprehensive risks related to our intellectual property and proprietary technology, inventions, improvements and products, please see the section on "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Intellectual Property."
MSK Agreements
On August 20, 2015, we entered into the MSK License, which grants us a worldwide, sub-licensable license to MSK's rights in certain patent rights and intellectual property rights related to certain know-how to develop, make and commercialize licensed products and to perform services for all therapeutic and diagnostic uses in the field of cancer diagnostics and cancer treatments. The MSK License is exclusive with respect to MSK rights in such patent rights and tangible materials within such know-how, and nonexclusive with respect to MSK's rights in such know-how and related intellectual property rights. The patents and patent applications covered by the MSK License are directed, in part, to the naxitamab and omburtamab antibody families, including humanized and chimeric antibodies, as well as MSK's rights in BsAbs, compositions, and their respective use for immunotherapy. Upon entering into the MSK License in 2015 and in exchange for the licenses thereunder, we paid to MSK an upfront payment of $500,000, issued 1,428,500 shares of our common stock to MSK and agreed to provide certain anti-dilution rights to MSK as further described below. In addition, we are required to pay to MSK certain royalty and milestone payments. We recorded a total expense of $285,700 for the shares of common stock issued to MSK in 2015 based on the estimated fair value of the shares of common stock of $0.20 per share at issuance date.
Pursuant to our MSK License and MSK CD33 License, as of December 31, 2017, we have rights to approximately 10 issued U.S. patents, approximately six pending U.S. patent applications, and other patents and patent applications in jurisdictions outside the United States. Upon entering the MSK License, we made an upfront payment to MSK, and we are required to make to MSK certain royalty payments, including minimum annual royalty payments commencing on the fifth anniversary of the MSK License, which are fully creditable against earned royalties.
The MSK License requires us to pay to MSK mid to high single-digit royalties based on annual net sales of licensed products or the performance of licensed services by us and our affiliates and sublicensees. We are required to pay annual minimum royalties of $80,000 over the royalty term,
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starting in 2020, which amounts are non-refundable but are creditable against royalty payments otherwise due thereunder. Total expensed minimum royalty payments under the MSK License were $1,200,000 in 2016, all of which were recorded as long-term accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, respectively, upon determination that the payment of such minimum royalties was probable and the amount was estimable. We are also obligated to pay to MSK certain clinical, regulatory and sales-based milestone payments under the MSK License, which payments become due upon achievement of the related clinical, regulatory or sales-based milestones. Certain of these clinical and regulatory milestone payments become due at the earlier of completion of the related milestone activity or the date indicated in the MSK License. Total potential clinical and regulatory milestones potentially due under the MSK License are $2,450,000 and $9,000,000, respectively. There are also sales-based milestones that become due should we achieve certain amounts of sales of licensed products resulting from the license arrangement with MSK, with total potential sales-based milestones potentially due of $20,000,000. We have not entered into any sublicenses related to the MSK License. As product candidates progress through clinical development, regulatory approval and commercialization, certain milestone payments will come due either as a result of the milestones having been met or the passage of time even if the milestones have not been met. We will also owe MSK mid to high single digit royalties on commercial sales of our approved products, including an annual fixed minimum royalty of $80,000 over the royalty term starting in 2020 whether or not product sales are ever achieved. In addition, to the extent we enter into sublicense arrangements, we are required to pay to MSK a percentage of certain payments that we receive from sublicensees of the rights licensed to us by MSK, which percentage will be based upon the date we receive such payments or the achievement of certain clinical milestones. Additionally, the terms of our MSK License provide that MSK is entitled to receive 40-50% of any income generated from the sale of first such PRV, and 33% of any income generated from the sale of any subsequent PRV or the sale of other comparable incentives provided by any non-U.S. jurisdiction. Additionally, the terms of our MSK CD33 License provide that MSK is entitled to receive 25% of any income generated from the sale of any PRV or the sale of other comparable incentives provided by any non-U.S. jurisdiction.
The MSK License will expire, on a country-by-country basis, and on a licensed-product-by-licensed-product or licensed-service-by-licensed-service basis, on the later of (i) the expiration of the last to expire of the patents and patent applications covering such licensed product or service in such country, (ii) the expiration of any market exclusivity period granted by a regulatory authority for such licensed product or service in such country, or (iii) 15 years from the first commercial sale of such licensed product or service in such country.
MSK may terminate the MSK License upon prior written notice in the event of our uncured material breach, or upon prior written notice if such breach is of a payment obligation. MSK may also terminate the MSK License upon written notice in the event of our bankruptcy or insolvency or our conviction of a felony relating to the licensed products, or if we challenge the validity or enforceability of any licensed patent right. In addition, we have the right to terminate the MSK License in its entirety at will upon prior written notice to MSK, but if we have commenced the commercialization of licensed products and/or licensed services we can only terminate at will if we cease all development and commercialization of such licensed products and/or licensed services.
In connection with these arrangements, on August 20, 2015 we also entered into a letter agreement with MSK pursuant to which we issued to MSK 1,428,500 shares of our common stock and agreed that if in the future we issued any shares of its capital stock, we would issue sufficient shares of common stock to MSK such that at all times prior to us obtaining equity financing equal to or greater than $25,000,000 in the aggregate, MSK shall hold shares of our common stock equal to 12.5% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock (assuming full conversion or exercise of all outstanding preferred stock and other convertible securities, rights, options and warrants). Following issuances of our common stock in 2016, we issued to MSK an additional 479,328 on May 20, 2016 and 520,601
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shares on August 20, 2016 in order for MSK to maintain the 12.5% ownership interest. As of December 31, 2016, MSK no longer has the right to receive additional shares of our common stock under the MSK License. Our failure to meet certain conditions under the MSK License could cause the related license to such licensed product to be canceled and could result in termination of the MSK License by MSK.
On November 10, 2015, we entered into the Sponsored Research Agreement, or the SRA, with MSK pursuant to which we committed to provide aggregate research funding to MSK for a term of five years. The research will be conducted in accordance with a written plan and budget approved by the parties. MSK has granted us a non-exclusive, non-commercial, non-transferable, royalty-free license to use any inventions or discoveries developed by MSK within the scope of the information resulting from the project, for our internal, non-commercial research purposes. We have also been granted both a first option to negotiate an exclusive or non-exclusive commercial license to MSK's rights in inventions developed by MSK and a first option to negotiate an exclusive license to MSK's rights in inventions jointly developed by the parties. The term of the SRA shall continue until the activities set forth in each statement of work entered into thereunder are completed. The SRA may be terminated for convenience by either party upon prior written notice. During 2016 and 2017, we incurred research and development expenses of $1,099,000 and $1,160,000, respectively, under the SRA, and in the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018, we incurred research and development expenses of $577,000 and $594,000, respectively, under the SRA.
On September 20, 2016, we entered into a Master Data Services Agreement, or the MDSA, with MSK pursuant to which we committed to make certain payments to MSK annually in exchange for certain services, including transfer of clinical data and databases, regulatory files and other know-how to us by employees at MSK who are specifically assigned to assist with such services to us. Either party may terminate the MDSA upon prior written notice in the event of an uncured material breach. During 2016 and 2017, we incurred expenses of $265,000 and $357,000, respectively, under the MDSA, and in the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018, we incurred expenses of $183,000 and $213,000, respectively, under the MDSA.
Also, on June 21, 2017, we entered into the Investigator-Sponsored Master Clinical Trial Agreement, or the MCTA, as later amended on October 11, 2017, with MSK pursuant to which we committed to provide aggregate funding to MSK up to a certain amount for clinical studies to be conducted at MSK. Each such clinical study will be conducted in accordance with a written plan and budget and protocol approved by the parties. Under the MCTA, we and MSK have granted each other a non-exclusive, non-transferable, worldwide, royalty-free license, without right to sublicense, to use any inventions or discoveries developed by personnel of each such party, that is within the scope of the information resulting from the relevant study, for the other party's internal, non-commercial research purposes until such Invention is commercially available. We have also been granted a first option to negotiate an exclusive or non-exclusive commercial license to MSK's rights in inventions or discoveries developed by MSK personnel under this MCTA and a first option to negotiate an exclusive license to MSK's rights in inventions or discoveries jointly developed by MSK and our personnel under this MCTA. The MCTA will continue in effect through completion of the studies, and may be terminated by either party upon prior written notice. During 2017, we incurred research and development expenses of $725,000 under the MCTA. In the six months ended June 30, 2018, we incurred research and development expenses of $2,142,000 under the MCTA.
On June 27, 2017, we entered into two separate Core Facility Service Agreements, or CFSAs, with MSK pursuant to which we committed to make certain payments to MSK in exchange for certain laboratory services over the term of the CFSAs. Either party may terminate either of these CFSAs for any reason, or for no reason, upon prior written notice. In the event of termination of either of these CFSAs, we will make full payment to MSK for all work performed on, or expenses related to, the project up to the date of termination including all non-cancelable obligations following receipt from
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MSK of any completed or in-process deliverables in connection with the project. During 2017, we incurred research and development expenses of $195,000 under the CFSAs and in the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018, we incurred research and development expenses of $70,000 and, $195,000 respectively.
On November 13, 2017, we entered into a license agreement, or the MSK CD33 License, with MSK, which grants us a worldwide, sub-licensable license to MSK's rights in certain patent rights and intellectual property rights related to certain know-how to develop, make and commercialize licensed products and to perform services for all therapeutic and diagnostic uses in the field of cancer diagnostics in connection with certain CD33 antibodies generated in a specific principal investigator's laboratory at MSK and constructs thereof. The MSK CD33 License is exclusive with respect to such patent rights and tangible materials within such know-how, and nonexclusive with respect to MSK's rights in such know-how and related intellectual property rights. As product candidates progress through clinical development, regulatory approval and commercialization, certain milestone payments will come due either as a result of the milestones having been met or the passage of time even if the milestones have not been met. Also, we will owe MSK customary royalties on commercial sales of our approved products, if any. Total potential milestones due under the MSK CD33 License are $550,000, $500,000 and $7,500,000 for clinical, regulatory and sales based milestones, respectively. In addition, the MSK CD33 License contains minimum royalty payments that become due beginning in year 10 of $40,000 per year prior, subject to increase and creditable against any royalty payments due based on sales in the future. We are required to pay mid to high single digit royalties on sales of licensed products. We also agreed to pay MSK approximately $1,360,000 for research services related to the intellectual property licensed under the MSK CD33 License. The research services are expected to occur over the two year period immediately following the date of the MSK CD33 License.
On November 13, 2017, in connection with the MSK CD33 License, we entered into the Sponsored Research Agreement, or the CD33 SRA, with MSK pursuant to which we committed to provide aggregate research funding to MSK annually for a term of two years. The research will be conducted in accordance with a written plan and budget approved by the parties. MSK has granted us a non-exclusive, non-commercial, non-transferable, royalty-free license to use any inventions or discoveries developed by MSK within the scope of the information resulting from the research, for our internal, non-commercial research purposes. We have also been granted both a first option to negotiate an exclusive or non-exclusive commercial license to MSK's rights in inventions developed by MSK personnel and a first option to negotiate an exclusive license to MSK's rights in inventions jointly developed by the parties and our personnel. The term of the CD33 SRA shall continue until the activities set forth in each statement of work entered into thereunder are completed. The CD33 SRA may be terminated for convenience by either party upon prior written notice. During the second half of 2017, we incurred research and development expenses of $88,000 under the CD33 SRA. During the six months ended June 30, 2018 we incurred research and development expenses of $334,000 under the CD33 SRA (unaudited).
On July 9, 2018, we entered into the Manufacturing Agreement with MSK's Radiochemistry and Molecular Imaging Probes Core Facility, or RMIP, pursuant to which RMIP will complete specified manufacturing activities related to 131I-omburtamab in connection with our Phase 2 trials for Study 101.
MabVax Sublicense Agreement
On June 27, 2018, we entered into the MabVax Sublicense, pursuant to which MabVax granted us all of the exclusive rights granted to MabVax under the MabVax-MSK License, for a bi-valent ganglioside based vaccine intended to treat NB, or the NB vaccine. MSK originally developed the NB vaccine and licensed to MabVax as part of a portfolio of anti-cancer vaccines. In 2014, MabVax was granted ODD for the vaccine for the treatment of NB. Under the terms of the Mabvax Sublicense, we paid an upfront payment of $700,000, and, if we decide to move forward with the development of the
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vaccine, an additional payment of $600,000 on the first anniversary of the MabVax Sublicense, provided that no notice of termination has been made by us before such date. We will also be responsible for any potential downstream payment obligations to MSK related to the NB vaccine that were specified in the MabVax-MSK license agreement. This includes the obligation to pay development milestones totaling $1,400,000 and mid single-digit royalty payments to MSK. In addition, if we obtain FDA approval for the NB vaccine, then we are obligated to file with the FDA for a PRV. If the PRV is granted and subsequently sold, MabVax will receive a percentage of the proceeds from the sale thereof. The MabVax Sublicense will terminate upon the termination or expiration of the MabVax-MSK License.
Government Regulation
The FDA and other regulatory authorities at federal, state, and local levels, as well as in foreign countries, extensively regulate, among other things, the research, development, testing, manufacture, quality control, import, export, safety, effectiveness, labeling, packaging, storage, distribution, record keeping, approval, advertising, promotion, marketing, post-approval monitoring, and post-approval reporting of biologics such as those we are developing. We, along with third-party contractors, will be required to navigate the various pre-clinical, clinical and commercial approval requirements of the governing regulatory agencies of the countries in which we wish to conduct studies or seek approval or licensure of our product candidates. The process of obtaining regulatory approvals and the subsequent compliance with appropriate federal, state, local, and foreign statutes and regulations require the expenditure of substantial time and financial resources.
The process required by the FDA before biologic product candidates may be marketed in the United States generally involves the following:
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Prior to beginning the first clinical trial with a product candidate, we must submit an IND to the FDA. An IND is a request for authorization from the FDA to administer an investigational new drug product to humans. The central focus of an IND submission is on the general investigational plan and the protocol(s) for clinical studies. The IND also includes results of animal and in vitro studies assessing the toxicology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, and pharmacodynamic characteristics of the product; chemistry, manufacturing, and controls information; and any available human data or literature to support the use of the investigational product. An IND must become effective before human clinical trials may begin. The IND automatically becomes effective 30 days after receipt by the FDA, unless the FDA, within the 30-day time period, raises safety concerns or questions about the proposed clinical trial. In such a case, the IND may be placed on clinical hold and the IND sponsor and the FDA must resolve any outstanding concerns or questions before the clinical trial can begin. Submission of an IND therefore may or may not result in FDA authorization to begin a clinical trial.
A clinical trial involves the administration of the investigational product to human patients under the supervision of qualified investigators in accordance with cGCPs, which includes the requirement that all research patients provide their informed consent for their participation in any clinical study. Clinical trials are conducted under protocols detailing, among other things, the objectives of the study, the parameters to be used in monitoring safety and the effectiveness criteria to be evaluated. A separate submission to the existing IND must be made for each successive clinical trial conducted during product development and for any subsequent protocol amendments. Furthermore, an IRB for each site proposing to conduct the clinical trial must review and approve the plan for any clinical trial and its informed consent form before the clinical trial begins at that site, and must monitor the study until completed. Regulatory authorities, the IRB or the sponsor may suspend a clinical trial at any time on various grounds, including a finding that the patients are being exposed to an unacceptable health risk or that the trial is unlikely to meet its stated objectives. Some studies also include oversight by an independent group of qualified experts organized by the clinical study sponsor, known as a data safety monitoring board, which provides authorization for whether or not a study may move forward at designated check points based on access to certain data from the study and may halt the clinical trial if it determines that there is an unacceptable safety risk for patients or other grounds, such as no demonstration of efficacy. There are also requirements governing the reporting of ongoing clinical studies and clinical study results to public registries.
For purposes of BLA approval, human clinical trials are typically conducted in three sequential phases that may overlap.
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In some cases, the FDA may require, or companies may voluntarily pursue, additional clinical trials after a product is approved to gain more information about the product. These so-called Phase 4 studies may be made a condition to approval of the BLA.
Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 testing may not be completed successfully within a specified period, if at all, and there can be no assurance that the data collected will support FDA approval or licensure of the product. Concurrent with clinical trials, companies may complete additional animal studies and develop additional information about the biological characteristics of the product candidate, and must 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 product candidate and, among other things, must develop methods for testing the identity, strength, quality and purity of the final product, or for biologics, the safety, purity and potency. Additionally, appropriate packaging must be selected and tested and stability studies must be conducted to demonstrate that the product candidate does not undergo unacceptable deterioration over its shelf life.
BLA Submission and Review by the FDA
Assuming successful completion of all required testing in accordance with all applicable regulatory requirements, the results of product development, non-clinical studies and clinical trials are submitted to the FDA as part of a BLA requesting approval to market the product for one or more indications. The BLA must include all relevant data available from pertinent pre-clinical and clinical studies, including negative or ambiguous results as well as positive findings, together with detailed information relating to the product's chemistry, manufacturing, controls, and proposed labeling, among other things. Data can come from company-sponsored clinical studies intended to test the safety and effectiveness of a use of the product, or from a number of alternative sources, including studies initiated by investigators. The submission of a BLA requires payment of a substantial User Fee to FDA, and the sponsor of an approved BLA is also subject to annual program fees. These fees are typically increased annually. A waiver of user fees may be obtained under certain limited circumstances.
Once a BLA has been submitted, the FDA's goal is to review the application within 10 months after it accepts the application for filing, or, if the application relates to an unmet medical need in a serious or life-threatening indication, six months after the FDA accepts the application for filing. The review process is often significantly extended by FDA requests for additional information or clarification. The FDA reviews a BLA to determine, among other things, whether a product is safe, pure and potent and the facility in which it is manufactured, processed, packed, or held meets standards designed to assure the product's continued safety, purity and potency. The FDA may convene an advisory committee to provide clinical insight on application review questions. Before approving a BLA, the FDA will typically inspect the facility or facilities where the product is manufactured. The FDA will not approve an application 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. Additionally, before approving a BLA, the FDA will typically inspect one or more clinical sites to assure compliance with cGCP. If the FDA determines that the application, manufacturing process or manufacturing facilities are not acceptable, it will outline the deficiencies in the submission and often will request additional testing or information. Notwithstanding the submission of any requested additional information, the FDA ultimately may decide that the application does not satisfy the regulatory criteria for approval.
The testing and approval process requires substantial time, effort and financial resources, and each may take several years to complete. The FDA may not grant approval on a timely basis, or at all, and we may encounter difficulties or unanticipated costs in our efforts to secure necessary governmental approvals, which could delay or preclude us from marketing our products. After the FDA evaluates a BLA and conducts inspections of manufacturing facilities where the product will be
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produced, 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 indicates that the review cycle of the application is complete and the application is not ready for approval. A Complete Response Letter may request additional information or clarification. The FDA may delay or refuse approval of a BLA if applicable regulatory criteria are not satisfied, require additional testing or information and/or require post-marketing testing and surveillance to monitor safety or efficacy of a product.
If regulatory approval of a product is granted, such approval may entail limitations on the indicated uses for which such product may be marketed. For example, the FDA may approve the BLA with a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy, or REMS, plan to mitigate risks, which could include medication guides, physician communication plans, or elements to assure safe use, such as restricted distribution methods, patient registries and other risk minimization tools. The FDA also may condition approval on, among other things, changes to proposed labeling or the development of adequate controls and specifications. Once approved, the FDA may withdraw the product approval if compliance with pre- and post-marketing regulatory standards is not maintained or if problems occur after the product reaches the marketplace. The FDA may require one or more Phase 4 post-market studies and surveillance to further assess and monitor the product's safety and effectiveness after commercialization, and may limit further marketing of the product based on the results of these post-marketing studies. In addition, new government requirements, including those resulting from new legislation, may be established, or the FDA's policies may change, which could delay or prevent regulatory approval of our products under development.
A sponsor may seek approval of its product candidate under programs designed to accelerate FDA's review and approval of new drugs and biological products that meet certain criteria. Specifically, new drugs and biological products are eligible for fast track designation if they are intended to treat a serious or life-threatening condition and demonstrate the potential to address an unmet medical need for the condition. For a fast track product, the FDA may consider sections of the BLA for review on a rolling basis before the complete application is submitted if relevant criteria are met. A fast track designated product candidate may also qualify for priority review, under which the FDA sets the target date for FDA action on the BLA at six months after the FDA accepts the application for filing. Priority review is granted when there is evidence that the proposed product would be a significant improvement in the safety or effectiveness of the treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of a serious condition. If criteria are not met for priority review, the application is subject to the standard FDA review period of 10 months after FDA accepts the application for filing. Priority review designation does not change the scientific/medical standard for approval or the quality of evidence necessary to support approval.
Under the accelerated approval program, the FDA may approve a BLA on the basis of either a surrogate objective that is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit, or on a clinical objective that can be measured earlier than irreversible morbidity or mortality, that is reasonably likely to predict an effect on irreversible morbidity or mortality or other clinical benefit, taking into account the severity, rarity, or prevalence of the condition and the availability or lack of alternative treatments. Post-marketing studies or completion of ongoing studies after marketing approval are generally required to verify the biologic's clinical benefit in relationship to the surrogate objective or ultimate outcome in relationship to the clinical benefit. In addition, a sponsor may seek FDA designation of its product candidate as a breakthrough therapy if the product candidate is intended, alone or in combination with one or more other drugs or biologics, to treat a serious or life-threatening disease or condition and preliminary clinical evidence indicates that the therapy may demonstrate substantial improvement over existing therapies on one or more clinically significant objectives, such as substantial treatment effects observed early in clinical development. Sponsors may request the FDA to designate a breakthrough therapy at the time of or any time after the submission of an IND, but ideally before an end-of-Phase 2 meeting with FDA. If the FDA designates a breakthrough therapy, it may take actions
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appropriate to expedite the development and review of the application, which may include holding meetings with the sponsor and the review team throughout the development of the therapy; providing timely advice to, and interactive communication with, the sponsor regarding the development of the drug to ensure that the development program to gather the non-clinical and clinical data necessary for approval is as efficient as practicable; involving senior managers and experienced review staff, as appropriate, in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary review; assigning a cross-disciplinary project lead for the FDA review team to facilitate an efficient review of the development program and to serve as a scientific liaison between the review team and the sponsor; and considering alternative clinical trial designs when scientifically appropriate, which may result in smaller trials or more efficient trials that require less time to complete and may minimize the number of patients exposed to a potentially less efficacious treatment. Breakthrough designation also allows the sponsor to file sections of the BLA for review on a rolling basis.
Fast Track designation, priority review and BTD do not change the standards for approval but may expedite the development or approval process.
Orphan Drugs
Under the Orphan Drug Act, the FDA may grant orphan designation to a drug or biologic intended to treat a rare disease or condition, defined as a disease or condition with either a patient population of fewer than 200,000 individuals in the United States, or a patient population greater of than 200,000 individuals in the United States when there is no reasonable expectation that the cost of developing and making available the drug or biologic in the United States will be recovered from sales in the United States for that drug or biologic. ODD must be requested before submitting a BLA. After the FDA grants ODD, the generic identify of the therapeutic agent and its potential orphan use are disclosed publicly by the FDA.
If a product that has received ODD and subsequently receives the first FDA approval for a particular active ingredient for the disease for which it has such designation, the product is entitled to orphan product exclusivity, which means that the FDA may not approve any other applications, including a full BLA, to market the same biologic for the same indication for seven years, except in limited circumstances, such as a showing of clinical superiority to the product with orphan drug exclusivity or if FDA finds that the holder of the orphan drug exclusivity has not shown that it can assure the availability of sufficient quantities of the orphan drug to meet the needs of patients with the disease or condition for which the drug was designated. Orphan drug exclusivity does not prevent the FDA from approving a different drug or biologic for the same disease or condition, or the same drug or biologic for a different disease or condition. Among the other benefits of ODD are tax credits for certain research and a waiver of the BLA application user fee.
A designated orphan drug many not receive orphan drug exclusivity if it is approved for a use that is broader than the indication for which it received ODD. In addition, orphan drug exclusive marketing rights in the United States may be lost if the FDA later determines that the request for designation was materially defective or if the manufacturer is unable to assure sufficient quantities of the product to meet the needs of patients with the rare disease or condition.
Rare Pediatric Disease Designation
The Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher Program, or the PRV Program, is intended to incentivize pharmaceutical companies to develop drugs for rare pediatric diseases. A company that obtains approval of an IND or a BLA for a designated rare pediatric disease may be eligible for a PRV from the FDA, which may be redeemed to obtain priority review for a subsequent new drug application or BLA by the owner of such PRV. A PRV is fully transferrable and can be sold to any company, who in turn can redeem the PRV for priority review of a marketing application in six
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months, compared to the standard timeframe of approximately ten months. In December 2016, the House of Representatives approved the 21st Century Cures Act, which among other initiatives reauthorizes the PRV Program for rare pediatric diseases until 2020. A drug that receives a RPDD before October 1, 2020 continues to be eligible for a PRV if the drug is approved before October 1, 2022.
Post-Approval Requirements
Any products manufactured or distributed by us pursuant to FDA approvals are subject to pervasive and continuing regulation by the FDA, including, among other things, requirements relating to record-keeping, reporting of adverse experiences, periodic reporting, product sampling and distribution, and advertising and promotion of the product. After approval, most changes to the approved product, such as adding new indications or other labeling claims, are subject to prior FDA review and approval. There also are continuing, annual user fee requirements for any marketed products and the establishments at which such products are manufactured, as well as new application fees for supplemental applications with clinical data. Biologic manufacturers and their subcontractors are required to register their establishments with the FDA and certain state agencies, and are subject to periodic unannounced inspections by the FDA and certain state agencies for compliance with cGMP, which impose certain procedural and documentation requirements upon us and our third-party manufacturers. Changes to the manufacturing process are strictly regulated, and, depending on the significance of the change, may require prior FDA approval before being implemented. FDA regulations also require investigation and correction of any deviations from cGMP and impose reporting requirements upon us and any third-party manufacturers that we may decide to use. Accordingly, manufacturers must continue to expend time, money and effort in the area of production and quality control to maintain compliance with cGMP and other aspects of regulatory compliance. We cannot be certain that we or our present or future suppliers will be able to comply with the cGMP regulations and other FDA regulatory requirements. If our present or future suppliers are not able to comply with these requirements, the FDA may, among other things, halt our clinical trials, require us to recall a product from distribution, or withdraw approval of the BLA.
We rely, and expect to continue to rely, on third parties for the production of clinical quantities of our product candidates, and expect to rely in the future on third parties for the production of commercial quantities. Future FDA and state inspections may identify compliance issues at our facilities or at the facilities of our contract manufacturers that may disrupt production or distribution, or require substantial resources to correct. In addition, discovery of previously unknown problems with a product or the failure to comply with applicable requirements may result in restrictions on a product, manufacturer or holder of an approved BLA, including withdrawal or recall of the product from the market or other voluntary, FDA-initiated or judicial action that could delay or prohibit further marketing. The FDA may 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 a product, including adverse events of unanticipated severity or frequency, or with manufacturing processes, or failure to comply with regulatory requirements, may result in revisions to the approved labeling to add new safety information; imposition of post-market studies or clinical studies to assess new safety risks; or imposition of distribution restrictions or other restrictions under a REMS program. Other potential consequences include, among other things:
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The FDA closely regulates the marketing, labeling, advertising and promotion of biologics. A company can make only those claims relating to safety and efficacy, purity and potency that are approved by the FDA and in accordance with the provisions of the approved label. The FDA and other agencies actively enforce the laws and regulations prohibiting the promotion of off-label uses. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in, among other things, adverse publicity, warning letters, corrective advertising and potential civil and criminal penalties. Physicians may prescribe legally available products for uses that are not described in the product's labeling and that differ from those tested by us and approved by the FDA. Such off-label uses are common across medical specialties. Physicians may believe that such off-label uses are the best treatment for many patients in varied circumstances. The FDA does not regulate the behavior of physicians in their choice of treatments. The FDA does, however, restrict manufacturer's communications on the subject of off-label use of their products.
Pediatric Studies and Exclusivity
Under the Pediatric Research Equity Act of 2003, a BLA or supplement thereto must contain data that are adequate to assess the safety and effectiveness of the product for the claimed indications in all relevant pediatric subpopulations, and to support dosing and administration for each pediatric subpopulation for which the product is safe and effective. Sponsors must also submit pediatric study plans prior to the assessment data. Those plans must contain an outline of the proposed pediatric study or studies the applicant plans to conduct, including study objectives and design, any deferral or waiver requests and other information required by regulation. The applicant, the FDA, and the FDA's internal review committee must then review the information submitted, consult with each other and agree upon a final plan. The FDA or the applicant may request an amendment to the plan at any time. For products intended to treat a serious or life-threatening disease or condition, the FDA must, upon the request of an applicant, meet to discuss preparation of the initial pediatric study plan or to discuss deferral or waiver of pediatric assessments.
The FDA may, on its own initiative or at the request of the applicant, grant deferrals for submission of some or all pediatric data until after approval of the product for use in adults, or full or partial waivers from the pediatric data requirements. Additional requirements and procedures relating to deferral requests and requests for extension of deferrals are contained in FDASIA. Unless otherwise required by regulation, the pediatric data requirements do not apply to products with orphan designation.
The FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017 established new requirements to govern certain molecularly targeted cancer indications. Any company that submits a BLA three years after the date of enactment of that statute must submit pediatric assessments with the BLA if the biologic is intended for the treatment of an adult cancer and is directed at a molecular target that FDA determines to be substantially relevant to the growth or progression of a pediatric cancer. The investigation must be designed to yield clinically meaningful pediatric study data regarding the dosing, safety and preliminary efficacy to inform pediatric labeling for the product.
Pediatric exclusivity is another type of non-patent marketing exclusivity in the United States and, if granted, provides for the attachment of an additional six months of marketing protection to the term of any existing regulatory exclusivity, including the non-patent and orphan exclusivity. This six-month exclusivity may be granted if a BLA sponsor submits pediatric data that fairly respond to a written request from the FDA for such data. The data do not need to show the product to be effective in the pediatric population studied; rather, if the clinical trial is deemed to fairly respond to the FDA's request, the additional protection is granted. If reports of requested pediatric studies are submitted to and accepted by the FDA within the statutory time limits, whatever statutory or regulatory periods of exclusivity or patent protection cover the product are extended by six months. This is not a patent term extension, but it effectively extends the regulatory period during which the FDA cannot approve another application.
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Other Healthcare Laws and Compliance Requirements
Healthcare providers and third-party payors play a primary role in the recommendation and prescription of drug products that are granted regulatory approval. Arrangements with providers, consultants, third-party payors and customers are subject to broadly applicable fraud and abuse and other healthcare laws and regulations that may constrain our business and/or financial arrangements. Such restrictions under applicable federal and state healthcare laws and regulations, include the following:
Some state laws require pharmaceutical companies to comply with the pharmaceutical industry's voluntary compliance guidelines and the relevant compliance guidance promulgated by the federal government in addition to requiring drug manufacturers to report information related to payments to physicians and other health care providers or marketing expenditures. State and foreign laws also govern the privacy and security of health information in some circumstances, many of which differ from each other in significant ways and often are not preempted by HIPAA, thus complicating compliance efforts.
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Also, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar worldwide anti-bribery laws generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. We cannot assure you that our internal control policies and procedures will protect us from reckless or negligent acts committed by our employees, future distributors, partners, collaborators or agents. Violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could result in fines, penalties or prosecution and have a negative impact on our business, results of operations and reputation.
Coverage and Reimbursement
Sales of pharmaceutical products depend significantly on the availability of third-party coverage and reimbursement. Third-party payors include government health administrative authorities, managed care providers, private health insurers and other organizations. Although we currently believe that third-party payors will provide coverage and reimbursement for our product candidates, if approved, these third-party payors are increasingly challenging the price and examining the cost-effectiveness of medical products and services. In addition, significant uncertainty exists as to the reimbursement status of newly approved healthcare products. We may need to conduct expensive clinical studies to demonstrate the comparative cost-effectiveness of our products. The product candidates that we develop may not be considered cost-effective. It is time consuming and expensive for us to seek coverage and reimbursement from third-party payors. Moreover, a payor's decision to provide coverage for a drug product does not imply that an adequate reimbursement rate will be approved. Reimbursement may not be available or sufficient to allow us to sell our products on a competitive and profitable basis.
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, marketing authorization, commercial sales and distribution of products. Whether or not it obtains FDA approval for a product, an applicant will need to obtain the necessary approvals by the comparable non-U.S. 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 European Union generally follows the same lines as in the United States. It entails satisfactory completion of pre-clinical 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 a marketing authorization application, or MAA, and granting of a marketing authorization by these authorities before the product can be marketed and sold in the European Union.
The Clinical Trials Directive 2001/20/EC, the Directive 2005/28/EC on Good Clinical Practice, or GCP, and the related national implementing provisions of the individual EU member states, or EU Member States govern the system for the approval of clinical trials in the European Union. Under this system, an applicant must obtain prior approval from the competent national authority of the EU Member States in which the clinical trial is to be conducted. Furthermore, the applicant may only start a clinical trial at a specific study site after the competent ethics committee has issued a favorable opinion. The clinical trial application must be accompanied by, among other documents, an investigational medicinal product dossier, or the Common Technical Document, with supporting information prescribed by Directive 2001/20/EC, Directive 2005/28/EC, where relevant the implementing national provisions of the individual EU Member States and further detailed in applicable guidance documents.
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In April 2014, the new Clinical Trials Regulation, (EU) No 536/2014, or the Clinical Trials Regulation, was adopted, and is anticipated to enter into force in 2019. The Clinical Trials Regulation will be directly applicable in all the EU Member States, repealing the current Clinical Trials Directive 2001/20/EC. Conduct of all clinical trials performed in the European Union will continue to be bound by currently applicable provisions until the new Clinical Trials Regulation becomes applicable. The extent to which on-going clinical trials will be governed by the Clinical Trials Regulation will depend on when the Clinical Trials Regulation becomes applicable and on the duration of the individual clinical trial. If a clinical trial continues for more than three years from the day on which the Clinical Trials Regulation becomes applicable, the Clinical Trials Regulation will at that time begin to apply to the clinical trial.
The Clinical Trials Regulation aims to simplify and streamline the approval of clinical trials in the European Union. The main characteristics of the regulation include: a streamlined application procedure via a single entry point, the "EU portal"; a single set of documents to be prepared and submitted for the application as well as simplified reporting procedures for clinical trial sponsors; and a harmonized procedure for the assessment of applications for clinical trials, which is divided in two parts. Part I is assessed by the competent authorities of all EU Member States in which an application for authorization of a clinical trial has been submitted (EU Member States concerned). Part II is assessed separately by each EU Member State concerned. Strict deadlines have been established for the assessment of clinical trial applications. The role of the relevant ethics committees in the assessment procedure will continue to be governed by the national law of the concerned EU Member State. However, overall related timelines will be defined by the Clinical Trials Regulation.
To obtain a marketing authorization for a product under European Union regulatory systems, an applicant must submit an MAA either under a centralized procedure administered by the EMA, or one of the procedures administered by competent authorities in the EU Member States (decentralized procedure, national procedure or mutual recognition procedure). A marketing authorization may be granted only to an applicant established in the European Union. Regulation (EC) No 1901/2006 provides that prior to obtaining a marketing authorization in the European Union, applicants have to demonstrate compliance with all measures included in an EMA-approved Paediatric Investigation Plan, or PIP, covering all subsets of the pediatric population, unless the EMA 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 centralized procedure provides for the grant of a single marketing authorization by the European Commission that is valid for all EU Member States and three of the four European Free Trade Association, or EFTA, States, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. 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 products and products with a new active substance indicated for the treatment of certain diseases, including products for the treatment of cancer. For products with a new active substance indicated for the treatment of other diseases and products that are highly innovative or for which a centralized process is in the interest of patients, the centralized procedure may be optional.
Under the centralized procedure, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, or the CHMP, established at the EMA is responsible for conducting the initial assessment of a product. The CHMP is also responsible for several post-authorization and maintenance activities, such as the assessment of modifications or extensions to an existing marketing authorization. Under the centralized procedure in the European Union, the maximum timeframe for the evaluation of an MAA is 210 days, excluding clock stops, when additional information or written or oral explanation is to be provided by the applicant in response to questions of the CHMP. Accelerated evaluation might be granted by the CHMP in exceptional cases, when a medicinal product is of major interest from the point of view of public health and in particular from the viewpoint of therapeutic innovation. If the CHMP accepts such request, the time limit of 210 days will be reduced to 150 days but it is possible that the CHMP can
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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 15 calendar days of receipt of a final opinion from the CHMP, the European Commission must prepare a draft decision concerning an application for marketing authorization. This draft decision must take the opinion and any relevant provisions of EU law into account. Before arriving at a final decision on an application for centralized authorization of a medicinal product the European Commission must consult the Standing Committee on Medicinal Products for Human Use. The Standing Committee is composed of representatives of the EU Member States and chaired by a non-voting European Commission representative. The European Parliament also has a related "droit de regard". The European Parliament's role is to ensure that the European Commission has not exceeded its powers in deciding to grant or refuse to grant a marketing authorization.
Unlike the centralized authorization procedure, the decentralized marketing authorization procedure requires a separate application to, and leads to separate approval by, the competent authorities of each EU Member State in which the product is to be marketed. This application is identical to the application that would be submitted to the EMA for authorization through the centralized procedure. The reference EU Member State prepares a draft assessment and drafts of the related materials within 120 days after receipt of a valid application. The resulting assessment report is submitted to the concerned EU Member States who, within 90 days of receipt, must decide whether to approve the assessment report and related materials. If a concerned EU Member State cannot approve the assessment report and related materials due to concerns relating to a potential serious risk to public health, disputed elements may be referred to the European Commission, whose decision is binding on all EU Member States.
The mutual recognition procedure similarly is based on the acceptance by the competent authorities of the EU Member States of the marketing authorization of a medicinal product by the competent authorities of other EU Member States. The holder of a national marketing authorization may submit an application to the competent authority of an EU Member State requesting that this authority recognize the marketing authorization delivered by the competent authority of another EU Member State.
In the European Union, innovative medicinal products approved on the basis of a complete independent data package qualify for eight years of data exclusivity upon marketing authorization and an additional two years of market exclusivity pursuant to Directive 2001/83/EC. Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 repeats this entitlement for medicinal products authorized in accordance the centralized authorization procedure. Data exclusivity prevents applicants for authorization of generics of these innovative products from referencing the innovator's data to assess a generic (abbreviated) application for a period of eight years. During an additional two-year period of market exclusivity, a generic marketing authorization application can be submitted and authorized, and the innovator's data may be referenced, but no generic medicinal product can be placed on the European Union 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 marketing authorization 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 in comparison with existing therapies. Even if a compound is considered to be a new chemical entity 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 marketing authorization based on an MAA with a complete independent data package of pharmaceutical tests, pre-clinical tests and clinical trials.
A marketing authorization has an initial validity for five years in principle. The marketing authorization 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 EU Member State. To this end, the marketing
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authorization 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 marketing authorization was granted, at least six months before the marketing authorization ceases to be valid. The European Commission or the competent authorities of the EU Member States may decide, on justified grounds relating to pharmacovigilance, to proceed with one further five year period of marketing authorization. Once subsequently definitively renewed, the marketing authorization shall be valid for an unlimited period. Any authorization which is not followed by the actual placing of the medicinal product on the European Union market (in case of centralized procedure) or on the market of the authorizing EU Member State within three years after authorization ceases to be valid (the so-called sunset clause).
Regulation (EC) No. 141/2000, as implemented by Regulation (EC) No. 847/2000 provides that a drug can be designated as an orphan drug by the European Commission if its sponsor can establish: that the product is intended for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of (1) a life-threatening or chronically debilitating condition affecting not more than five in 10,000 persons in the European Union when the application is made, or (2) a life-threatening, seriously debilitating or serious and chronic condition in the European Union and that without incentives it is unlikely that the marketing of the drug in the European Union would generate sufficient return to justify the necessary investment. For either of these conditions, the applicant must demonstrate that there exists no satisfactory method of diagnosis, prevention or treatment of the condition in question that has been authorized in the European Union or, if such method exists, the drug will be of significant benefit to those affected by that condition.
Once authorized, orphan medicinal products are entitled to 10 years of market exclusivity in all EU Member States and in addition a range of other benefits during the development and regulatory review process including scientific assistance for study protocols, authorization through the centralized marketing authorization procedure covering all member countries and a reduction or elimination of registration and marketing authorization fees. However, marketing authorization may be granted to a similar medicinal product with the same orphan indication during the 10 year period with the consent of the marketing authorization holder for the original orphan medicinal product or if the manufacturer of the original orphan medicinal product is unable to supply sufficient quantities. Marketing authorization may also be granted to a similar medicinal product with the same orphan indication if this product is safer, more effective or otherwise clinically superior to the original orphan medicinal product. The period of market exclusivity may, in addition, be reduced to six years if it can be demonstrated on the basis of available evidence that the original orphan medicinal product is sufficiently profitable not to justify maintenance of market exclusivity.
In case an authorization for a medicinal product in the European Union is obtained, the holder of the marketing authorization is required to comply with a range of requirements applicable to the manufacturing, marketing, promotion and sale of medicinal products. These include:
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European Union with the intention to import the active pharmaceutical ingredients into the European Union.
On June 23, 2016, the electorate in the United Kingdom voted in favor of leaving the European Union (commonly referred to as "Brexit"). Thereafter, on March 29, 2017, the country formally notified the European Union of its intention to withdraw pursuant to Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon Amending the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty Establishing the European Community. The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union will take effect either on the effective date of the withdrawal agreement or, in the absence of agreement, two years after the United Kingdom provides a notice of withdrawal pursuant to the Treaty on European Union. Since the regulatory framework for pharmaceutical products in the United Kingdom covering quality, safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products, clinical trials, marketing authorization, commercial sales and distribution of pharmaceutical products is derived from EU directives and regulations, Brexit could materially impact the future regulatory regime which applies to products and the approval of product candidates in the United Kingdom. It remains to be seen how, if at all, Brexit will impact regulatory requirements for product candidates and products in the United Kingdom.
Healthcare Reform
A primary trend in the United States healthcare industry and elsewhere is cost containment. There have been a number of federal and state proposals during the last few years regarding the pricing of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products, limiting coverage and reimbursement for drugs and other medical products, government control and other changes to the healthcare system in the United States.
In March 2010, the U.S. Congress enacted the ACA, which, among other things, includes changes to the coverage and payment for drug products under government health care programs. Among the provisions of the ACA of importance to our potential product candidates are:
Other legislative changes have been proposed and adopted in the United States since the ACA was enacted. In August 2011, the Budget Control Act of 2011, among other things, created measures for spending reductions by Congress. A Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, tasked with recommending a targeted deficit reduction of at least $1.2 trillion for the years 2013 through 2021, was unable to reach required goals, thereby triggering the legislation's automatic reduction to several government programs. This includes aggregate reductions of Medicare payments to providers up to two percent (2%) per fiscal year, which went into effect in April 2013 and will remain in effect through 2024 unless additional Congressional action is taken.
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Since its enactment, there have been numerous legal challenges and Congressional actions to repeal and replace provisions of the ACA. Some of the provisions of the ACA have yet to be implemented, and there have been legal and political challenges to certain aspects of the ACA. Since January 2017, President Trump has signed two executive orders and other directives designed to delay, circumvent, or loosen certain requirements mandated by the ACA. Moreover, the Tax Reform Bill was enacted on December 22, 2017, and includes a provision repealing, effective January 1, 2019, the tax-based shared responsibility payment imposed by the ACA on certain individuals who fail to maintain qualifying health coverage for all or part of a year that is commonly referred to as the "individual mandate". Congress may consider other legislation to repeal or replace additional elements of the ACA. We continue to evaluate the effect that the ACA, the repeal of the individual mandate, and any additional repeal and replacement efforts may have on our business but expect that the ACA, as currently enacted or as it may be amended in the future, and other healthcare reform measures that may be adopted in the future could have a material adverse effect on our industry generally and on our ability to maintain or increase sales of our existing products that we successfully commercialize or to successfully commercialize our product candidates, if approved. In addition to the ACA, there will continue to be proposals by legislators at both the federal and state levels, regulators and third party payors to keep healthcare costs down while expanding individual healthcare benefits.
Employees
As of June 30, 2018, we had 23 full time employees. The members of our management team are employed by both our company and Y-mAbs Therapeutics A/S, our wholly owned Danish subsidiary. As our development and commercialization plans and strategies develop, we intend to continue adding a number of additional managerial, operational, sales, marketing, financial, and other personnel. None of our employees are represented by labor unions or covered by collective bargaining agreements. We consider our relationship with our employees to be good.
Facilities
Our corporate headquarters are located in New York, New York, where we currently lease 4,312 square feet pursuant to a new lease agreement dated as of January 10, 2018, which expires five years from the date we first begin to occupy the premises.
Our wholly owned Danish subsidiary, Y-mAbs Therapeutics A/S, leases approximately 7,373 square feet of office space in Rungsted Kyst, Denmark pursuant to a lease agreement dated February 2, 2018, which expires on March 1, 2021 and may subsequently be cancelled by us with six months notice by September 2021. The landlord may not terminate the lease until March 1, 2024.
We believe that suitable additional or alternative space for either location would be available as required in the future on commercially reasonable terms.
We believe that suitable additional or alternative space for both our U.S. and Danish locations would be available as required in the future on commercially reasonable terms.
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we may become involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. We are not currently subject to any legal proceedings, and we are not aware of any pending or threatened legal proceeding against us that we believe could have an adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition.
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Executive Officers and Directors
Our executive officers and directors, and their ages and positions as of June 30, 2018 are as set forth below:
Name
|
Age | Position | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Executive Officers |
|||||
Thomas Gad(3) |
48 | Founder, Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, Head of Business Development | |||
Claus Juan Møller San Pedro, M.D., Ph.D. |
56 | Chief Executive Officer and Director | |||
Bo Kruse |
46 | Executive Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Director | |||
Torben Lund-Hansen, Ph.D. |
67 | Senior Vice President and Head of Technical Operations | |||
Steen Lisby, M.D., DMSc |
54 | Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer | |||
Joris Wiel Jan Wilms |
44 | Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer | |||
Non-Employee Directors |
|
||||
Johan Wedell-Wedellsborg(2) |
48 | Director | |||
Gregory Raskin, M.D.(1)(3) |
45 | Director | |||
Michael Buschle, Ph.D.(2)(3) |
58 | Director | |||
James I. Healy, M.D.(2) |
53 | Director | |||
Ashutosh Tyagi, M.D.(1) |
42 | Director | |||
David N. Gill(1) |
63 | Director |
Executive Officers
Thomas Gad founded our company in April 2015 and has served as our Chairman, President and Head of Business Development and Strategy and as a member of our board of directors since our inception. Mr. Gad founded our company inspired by his daughter, who went through six years of various cancer treatments before receiving breakthrough cancer immunotherapy at MSK and overcoming high-risk NB. He was also responsible for securing executive management and seed capital for our company. Mr. Gad has more than 12 years of industry experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including business development, senior management, financing and licensing negotiations and manufacturing site qualification. Mr. Gad was the founder and sole owner of Y-mAbs Holding, ApS, a personal holding company involved in research and development activities in the pharmaceutical industry from 2014 until the company was placed in liquidation proceedings in 2015. This company is unrelated to our company. He was the co-founder of Singad Pharma, a Danish specialty pharmaceutical and distribution company, from 2003 to 2013. Prior to that, Mr. Gad worked with Aspen Capital Partners/FFC A/S in investment banking from 1998 to 2003 and has extensive experience in raising capital for publicly listed companies. Mr. Gad has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Pepperdine University.
Claus Juan Møller San Pedro, M.D., Ph.D. has served as our Chief Executive Officer since June 2015. Dr. Møller was the founder of Azanta A/S, or Azanta, a Danish specialty biopharmaceutical
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company and its Chief Executive Officer from 2009 to 2015. In addition, Dr. Møller co-founded Genmab A/S, or Genmab, one of the largest European biopharmaceutical companies in 1999, where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer until 2008. Dr. Møller has also held previous executive management positions at various biopharmaceutical companies, including Executive Vice President, Chief Medical and Chief Operating Officer of OXiGENE, Inc., and Medical Director of Synthélabo Scandinavia. Dr. Møller received his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Copenhagen.
Bo Kruse has served as our Executive Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer since June 2015. Mr. Kruse has broad international finance experience, including knowledge of capital markets, accounting and other financing activities. Prior to joining our company, Mr. Kruse was Azanta's Chief Financial Officer from 2009 to 2015. Further, Mr. Kruse served as Genmab's Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 2005 to 2008 and in a number of other positions, including as Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer from 2000 to 2005. During his tenure at Genmab, Mr. Kruse was directly involved in several financing rounds, including Genmab's initial public offering in 2000. Mr. Kruse has a Master's of Science in Business Economics and Auditing from the Copenhagen Business School.
Torben Lund-Hansen, Ph.D. has served as our Senior Vice President, Head of Technical Operations since January 2016. Dr. Lund-Hansen has substantial experience in antibody process development, commercial manufacturing and global project management. Dr. Lund-Hansen was Vice President and Head of Manufacturing from 2002 to 2006, Vice President and Head of Manufacturing and Preclinical Saftey from 2006 to 2008, Senior Vice President, Technical Operations from 2008 to 2009 at Genmab and President and Treasurer at Genmab MN Inc. from 2008 to 2009. At Genmab, Dr. Lund-Hansen was responsible for outsourcing of clinical and commercial drug substance and drug product manufacturing. He was also President and Treasurer from 2008 to 2009 of Genmab MN Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Genmab located near Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. Dr. Lund-Hansen was the owner of Lund-Hansen Consulting ApS from 2009 to 2016, where he provided consulting services related to manufacturing processes for biopharmaceutical-related industries. Dr. Lund-Hansen has been responsible for compiling technical Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls, or CMC, documentation packages submitted to global regulatory agencies followed by approval and launch of several biologics. Dr. Lund-Hansen received his M.Sc. and Ph.D. from the University of Copenhagen.
Steen Lisby, M.D., DMSc joined our company in June 2017 as our Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Lisby has extensive clinical and scientific experience, and is the author of over 50 scientific peer-reviewed publications in clinical research. Previously, Dr. Lisby was Vice President, Head of Medical at Genmab A/S from 2014 to 2017 and also held other positions there including Senior Medical Director from 2010 to 2014, Medical Director from 2008 to 2010 and Medical Advisor from 2004 to 2007. Dr. Lisby received his M.D. degree from the University of Copenhagen and is a named inventor on seven patent applications.
Joris Wiel Jan Wilms has served as our Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since November 2017. Mr. Wilms joined our company in July 2016 as Vice President and Head of Clinical Operations and has extensive industry experience in clinical development, primarily within oncology and hematology indications. Mr. Wilms was at KLIFO A/S, or KLIFO, from 2010 to 2016, where he served as Vice PresidentClinical Trial Services and Pharmacovigilance Services, and at Genmab from 2004 to 2010, where he served as Associate Director of Clinical Development from 2008 to 2010. At KLIFO and Genmab, he was responsible for overseeing several first-in-human studies and pivotal clinical trials, leading to the approval of two monoclonal antibody-based products. Mr. Wilms received his M.Sc. in Pharmacy from the University of Groningen in The Netherlands.
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Non-Employee Directors
Information regarding the members of our Board of Directors who are not also executive officers is set forth below:
Johan Wedell-Wedellsborg has been a member of our Board of Directors since September 2015. Mr. Wedell-Wedellsborg has been the owner and Chairman of the Board of Weco Group A/S, or Weco, one of our principal stockholders, since May 2001. Weco is involved in shipping, investments in biotechnology companies, real estate investments and the financial services industry. Mr. Wedell-Wedellsborg is also the majority owner of WG Biotech ApS, another one of our principal stockholders. We believe that Mr. Wedell-Wedellsborg is qualified to serve on our Board of Directors due to his educational background, his extensive business experience and his experience in investing in the biotechnology and life sciences industry. Mr. Wedell-Wedellsborg is a member of our Compensation Committee.
Gregory Raskin, M.D. has been a member of our Board of Directors since September 2015. Dr. Raskin is Vice President, Technology Development at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where he has worked since 2012. Dr. Raskin holds a B.A. in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry and an M.D. from Yale University. We believe that Dr. Raskin is qualified to serve on our Board of Directors due to his educational background and extensive experience in working in the biotechnology and life sciences industry. Dr. Raskin is a member of our Audit Committee and our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
Michael Buschle, Ph.D. has been a member of our Board of Directors since October 2017. Dr. Buschle has over 25 years of experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry and related research. Since June 2017, Dr. Buschle has been a consultant and venture partner of HBM Partners AG, a private asset management firm that focuses on biopharmaceutical and other healthcare-related companies in Europe, North America, India and other emerging markets. From April 2006 to December 2016, Dr. Buschle held various positions of increasing seniority with Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd., or Glenmark, including President Biologics and Chief Scientific Officer. Prior to Glenmark, Dr. Buschle held various positions at Intercell AG, or Intercell, a biopharmaceutical company of which he was one of the Co-Founders, including Chief Scientific Officer. Prior to forming Intercell, Dr. Buschle held a position at the pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Vienna. Dr. Buschle's scientific career has included work at the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, London, United Kingdom, the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee and at the Boehringer Ingelheim-owned Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna, Austria. Dr. Buschle holds a Doctorate from the University of London and is the holder of several patents in the field of biotechnology. We believe Dr. Buschle is qualified to serve on our Board of Directors due to his educational background and extensive experience in investing and working in the biotechnology and life sciences industry, as well as his prior service as a senior-level executive in a number of pharmaceutical and biotechnology communities. Dr. Buschle is a member of our Compensation Committee and our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
James I. Healy, M.D., Ph.D. has served as a member of our board of directors since November 2017. Dr. Healy has been a general partner at Sofinnova Ventures, a venture capital firm, since 2000. Prior to Sofinnova Ventures, Dr. Healy held various positions at Sanderling Ventures, a venture capital firm, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals (as successor to Miles Laboratories), a research based pharmaceutical company and ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a company specializing in ophthalmic pharmaceutical products. Dr. Healy is currently on the board of directors of Ascendis Pharma A/S, Coherus BioSciences, Inc., Edge Therapeutics, Inc., Obseva SA, Natera, Inc., NuCana plc and several private companies. Previously, Dr. Healy served as a board member of Auris Medical Holding AG, Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Amarin Corporation plc, Durata Therapeutics, Inc., InterMune, Inc., KaloBios Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Hyperion Therapeutics, Inc., and a number of private companies.
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Dr. Healy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Molecular Biology and Scandinavian Studies from the University of California at Berkeley, and an M.D. and Ph.D. in Immunology from Stanford University School of Medicine. Our board of directors believes that Dr. Healy is qualified to serve as a director due to his significant medical background, extensive experience investing and working in the life science industry, and his extensive service on the boards of directors of other public and private life sciences companies. Dr. Healy currently serves as the chair of our compensation committee.
Ashutosh Tyagi, M.D. has been a member of our Board of Directors since November 2017, representing Scopia Capital Management LP, or Scopia Capital, an institutional alternative asset management firm with over $6 billion of assets under management. Scopia Capital is the investment manager of two of our major stockholders. Dr. Tyagi has been with Scopia Capital since 2010 and a partner since 2012. At Scopia Capital, Dr. Tyagi manages global health care investments and is a Co-Portfolio Manager of Scopia Capital's health care funds. Dr. Tyagi received a B.A. in Asian Studies from the University of Michigan, an MBA from the University of Michigan Business School and an M.D. from the University of Michigan School of Medicine. We believe that Dr. Tyagi is qualified to serve on our Board of Directors due to his educational background and his extensive experience in investing and working in the biotechnology and life sciences industry. Dr. Tyagi is a member of our Audit Committee.
David N. Gill has been a member of our Board of Directors since December 2017. Mr. Gill was Chief Financial Officer of EndoChoice Holdings, Inc., a publicly traded medical device company, from August 2014 until it was sold to Boston Scientific Corporation in November 2016, and served as President and Chief Operating Officer of EndoChoice Holdings, Inc. from March 2016 to November 2016. He was the Chief Financial Officer of INC Research Holdings Inc., a clinical research organization, from February 2011 to August 2013, and served as a board member and audit committee chairman of INC Research Holdings Inc. from 2007 to 2010. From March 2009 to February 2011, Mr. Gill was the Chief Financial Officer of TransEnterix, Inc., a then private medical device company. Mr. Gill was Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of NxStage Medical, Inc., a publicly traded dialysis equipment company, from July 2005 to November 2006. Mr. Gill served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CTI Molecular Imaging, Inc., a publicly traded medical imaging company, from January 2002 to May 2005, until its sale to Siemens AG. Since Feburary 2015, he has served as a director and chair of the audit committee of Histogenics Inc., a publicly traded cellular therapy company. Mr. Gill has also served as a director and chair of the audit committee of Melinta Therapeutics, Inc. (formerly Cempra, Inc.), a publicly traded pharmaceutical company focused on infectious disease, since April 2012. From 2006 to 2011, he served on several public and private company boards of directors, including those of LeMaitre Vascular, a publicly traded medical device company, and IsoTis, Inc., a publicly traded orthobiologics company that was acquired by Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation in October 2007. Mr. Gill holds a B.S. degree, cum laude, in Accountancy from Wake Forest University and an MBA with honors from Emory University. Mr. Gill was formerly a certified public accountant. We believe that Mr. Gill is qualified to serve as a director due to his education and experience in accounting and finance, his extensive experience as an executive in the biotechnology industry, his prior service as a senior-level executive in mature biotechnology companies and his service as a director of various publicly traded companies. Mr. Gill serves as Chair of our Audit Committee.
Board Composition and Election of Directors
As of the date hereof, our board of directors consists of nine members. Our directors hold office until their successors have been elected and qualified, or until the earlier of their resignation, removal or death.
The members of our board of directors were elected in compliance with certain voting provisions contained in a stockholders agreement among us and our stockholders. The stockholders
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agreement will terminate by its terms upon the completion of this offering and we will have no further contractual obligations regarding the election of our directors. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions." Our directors hold office until their successors have been elected and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal. There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers.
Staggered Board
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that our board of directors will be divided into three classes of directors, with the classes as nearly equal in number as possible. Upon completion of this offering, each of these classes will be comprised of the following directors:
Subject to any earlier resignation or removal in accordance with the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that we expect to be in effect upon the closing of this offering, our Class I directors will serve until the first annual meeting of stockholders following the completion of this offering; our Class II directors will serve until the second annual meeting of stockholders following the completion of this offering; and our Class III directors will serve until the third annual meeting of stockholders following the completion of this offering.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that the number of our directors shall be fixed from time to time by a resolution of our board of directors. 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 shall consist of one third of the board of directors.
Director Independence
Applicable Nasdaq Stock Market, or Nasdaq, rules require a majority of a listed company's board of directors to be comprised of independent directors within one year of listing. In addition, the Nasdaq rules require that, subject to specified exceptions, each member of a listed company's audit, compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees be independent. Audit committee members must also satisfy the independence criteria 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 applicable Nasdaq rules, a director will only qualify as an "independent director" if, in the opinion of the listed 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, 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, accept, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the listed company or any of its subsidiaries or otherwise 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, the board 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.
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In April 2018, our board of directors undertook a review of the composition of our board of directors and its committees and the independence of each director. Based upon information requested from and provided by each director concerning his or her background, employment and affiliations, including family relationships, our board of directors has determined that each of Dr. Healy, Dr. Buschle, Dr. Tyagi and Mr. Gill is an "independent director" as defined under applicable Nasdaq rules, including, in the case of all the members of our audit committee, the independence criteria set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act, and in the case of all the members of our compensation committee, the independence criteria set forth in Rule 10C-1 under the Exchange Act. In making such determination, our board of directors considered the relationships that each such non-employee director has with our company and all other facts and circumstances that our board of directors deemed relevant in determining his or her independence, including the beneficial ownership of our capital stock by each non-employee director. Mr. Gad, Dr. Møller and Mr. Kruse are not independent directors under these rules because they are executive officers of the company and Mr. Wedell-Wedellsborg and Dr. Raskin are not independent directors because they are affiliates of two of our principal shareholders, WG Biotech ApS, or WG Biotech, and MSK, respectively.
Board Committees
Our board of directors has established an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee. Each of these committees will operate under a charter that has been approved by our board of directors. The composition of each committee will be effective as of the date of this prospectus.
Audit Committee
The members of our audit committee are Mr. Gill, Dr. Raskin and Dr. Tyagi. Mr. Gill is the chair of the audit committee. Effective as of the date of this prospectus, our audit committee's responsibilities will include:
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All audit and non-audit services, other than de minimis non-audit services, to be provided to us by our independent registered public accounting firm must be approved in advance by our audit committee.
Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Gill is an "audit committee financial expert" as defined in applicable SEC rules and that each of the members of our audit committee possesses the financial sophistication required for audit committee members under Nasdaq rules. We believe that the composition of our audit committee will meet the requirements for independence under current Nasdaq and SEC rules and regulations.
Compensation Committee
The members of our compensation committee are Dr. Buschle, Dr. Healy and Mr. Wedell-Wedellsborg. Dr. Healy is the chair of the compensation committee. Effective as of the date of this prospectus, our compensation committee's responsibilities will include:
We believe that the composition of our compensation committee will meet the requirements for independence under current Nasdaq and SEC rules and regulations.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The members of our nominating and corporate governance committee are Mr. Gad, Dr. Buschle, and Dr. Raskin. Mr. Gad is the chair of the nominating and corporate governance committee. Effective as of the date of this prospectus, our nominating and corporate governance committee's responsibilities will include:
We believe that the composition of our nominating and corporate governance committee will meet the requirements for independence under current Nasdaq and SEC rules and regulations.
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Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of our executive officers currently serves, or in the past year has served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee, or other committee serving an equivalent function, of any other entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving as a member of our board of directors or our compensation committee. None of the members of our compensation committee is, or has ever been, an officer or employee of our company.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
We have adopted a written code of business conduct and ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. Following this offering, we will post a copy of the code on the Corporate Governance section of our website. If we make any substantive amendments to, or grant any waivers from, the code of business conduct and ethics for any officer or director, we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on our website or in a current report on Form 8-K.
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EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
This section describes the material elements of compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to each of our named executive officers in 2017, and to each of our non-employee directors in 2017. We are an "emerging growth company" within the meaning of the JOBS Act, and have elected to comply with the reduced compensation disclosure requirements available to emerging growth companies under the JOBS Act. Our named executive officers for 2017 were Thomas Gad, Dr. Claus Juan Møller San Pedro, and Bo Kruse. This section also provides certain qualitative information regarding the manner and context in which compensation is awarded to and earned by our named executive officers and is intended to place in perspective the data presented in the tables and narrative that follow.
In preparing to become a public company, we have begun a thorough review of all elements of our executive compensation program, including the function and design of our equity incentive programs. We have begun, and we expect to continue in the coming months, to evaluate the need for revisions to our executive compensation program to ensure our program is competitive with the companies with which we compete for executive talent and is appropriate for a public company.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table shows the total compensation paid or accrued during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, to our Chief Executive Officer and our two next most highly compensated executive officers who earned more than $100,000 during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, and were serving as executive officers as of such date. No option or other equity awards were granted to such executive officers during 2017.
Name and Principal Position
|
|
Salary ($) | Bonus ($)(1) |
Option Awards ($) |
All Other Compensation ($)(2) |
Total ($) |
|||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thomas Gad |
2017 | $ | 350,004 | $ | 148,750 | $ | 0 | $ | 98,883 | $ | 597,637 | ||||||||
Founder, Chairman, President and Head of Business Development |
|||||||||||||||||||
Dr. Claus Juan Møller San Pedro M.D., Ph.D. |
2017 |
$ |
409,561 |
(3) |
$ |
170,000 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
85,031 |
$ |
664,592 |
|||||||
Chief Executive Officer |
|||||||||||||||||||
Bo Kruse |
2017 |
$ |
317,926 |
$ |
127,000 |
$ |
0 |
$ |
1,031 |
$ |
445,957 |
||||||||
Executive Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer |
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Narrative to Summary Compensation Table
Base Salary
In 2017, we paid annual base salaries of $350,004 to Mr. Gad, $409,561 to Dr. Møller, and $317,926 to Mr. Kruse. 100% of Mr. Gad's base salary is paid to him from our U.S. office. 60% of Dr. Møller's base salary is paid to him from our U.S. office and the remaining 40% is paid to him from our Danish office. 100% of Mr. Kruse's base salary is paid to him from our Danish office. Further, in April 2018, our board of directors raised the base salary of each of Mr. Gad, Dr. Møller and Mr. Kruse to $395,000, $470,000 and $345,000, respectively, effective as of January 1, 2018.
We use base salaries to recognize the experience, skills, knowledge and responsibilities required of all our employees, including our named executive officers. None of our named executive officers is currently party to an employment agreement or other agreement or arrangement that provides for automatic or scheduled increases in base salary. For additional information regarding the employment agreements of our named executive officers, see the subsection entitled "Employment Agreements".
Annual Bonus
We do not have a formal performance-based bonus plan. From time to time, our board of directors has approved discretionary annual cash bonuses to our named executive officers with respect to their prior year performance. In April 2018, our board of directors approved cash bonuses for Mr. Gad, Dr. Møller and Mr. Kruse in the amounts of $148,750, $170,000 and $127,000, respectively, for services performed during 2017. Such amounts were paid in May 2018. The annual incentive cash bonus has a target of 50% of the named executive officer's annual base salary and may be increased if our board of directors determines that the named executive officer has exceeded the performance objectives that year.
Equity Incentives
Although we do not have a formal policy with respect to the grant of equity incentive awards to our named executive officers or any formal equity ownership guidelines applicable to them, we believe that equity grants provide our named executive officers with a strong link to our long-term performance, create an ownership culture and help to align the interests of our named executive officers and our stockholders. In addition, we believe that equity grants with a time-based vesting feature promote executive retention because this feature incentivizes our named executive officers to remain in our employment during the vesting period. Accordingly, our board of directors periodically reviews the equity incentive compensation of our named executive officers and from time to time may grant equity incentive awards to them in the form of stock options under the 2015 Plan, which may be granted as either incentive stock options or nonstatutory stock options.
Description of Option Awards
On October 21, 2016, Mr. Gad, Dr. Møller and Mr. Kruse each received options to purchase 166,000, 200,000 and 133,000 shares, respectively, of our common stock at an exercise price of $4.38 per share. The shares subject to each option will vest and become exercisable based on our "Standard Vesting Schedule" of 25% on the one-year anniversary of the date of grant, and 1/48th of the total shares subject to the option award vesting on the same day of the month as the grant date over the course of the next three years, subject to the executive's continued employment on each vesting date.
On December 14, 2016, Mr. Gad, Dr. Møller and Mr. Kruse each received options to purchase 16,000, 18,000 and 14,000 shares, respectively, of our common stock at an exercise price of $8.50 per share, subject to our Standard Vesting Schedule.
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Mr. Gad, Dr. Møller and Mr. Kruse did not receive any option or other equity awards in 2017. In April 2018, Mr. Gad, Dr. Møller and Mr. Kruse received option grants of 100,000, 125,000 and 75,000 shares of common stock, respectively, at an exercise price of $11.16 per share. The shares subject to each option will vest and become exercisable based on our "Standard Vesting Schedule" of 25% on the one-year anniversary of the date of grant, and 1/48th of the total shares subject to the options award vesting on the same day of the month as the grant date over the course of the next three years, subject to the executive's continued employment on each vesting date.
In the event of a change of control, as defined in the 2015 Plan (as summarized below), each option granted to Mr. Gad, Dr. Møller and Mr. Kruse on October 21, 2016, December 14, 2016 and April 24, 2018 under the 2015 Plan will fully vest and become immediately exercisable.
In the event Mr. Gad, Dr. Møller or Mr. Kruse's employment is terminated by us without "cause" or by either Mr. Gad, Dr. Møller or Mr. Kruse for "good reason", or by their "retirement" or "disability", as such terms are defined in the 2015 Plan (with respect to good reason, as summarized below), or by death, the options granted to Mr. Gad, Dr. Møller and Mr. Kruse on December 14, 2016 will continue to vest and become exercisable in accordance with our Standard Vesting Schedule. However, if Mr. Gad, Dr. Møller or Mr. Kruse's employment is terminated for cause or by either Mr. Gad, Dr. Møller or Mr. Kruse voluntarily (other than for retirement), the options granted to Mr. Gad, Dr. Møller and Mr. Kruse on December 14, 2016 will terminate immediately and will not become exercisable. For Mr. Gad and Mr. Kruse's October 21, 2016 option award, upon termination of employment, the option will be exercisable for three months following termination, unless due to disability, in which case the option will remain exercisable for twelve months following termination, or death, in which case the option will remain exercisable for six months.
As defined in the 2015 Plan:
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or mentally incapacitated or as required by applicable law), or a material change in the reporting structure applicable to the participant.
All options expire 10 years from the date of grant. None of the options granted to the named executive officers provide for tax-reimbursements or tax gross-ups. To date, our board of directors has not granted any options to our named executive officers in 2017.
Outstanding Equity Awards at 2017 Year End
The following table sets forth information regarding outstanding equity awards held by our named executive officers as of December 31, 2017:
Name
|
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable (#) |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable (#) |
Option Exercise Price ($/share) |
Option Expiration Date |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thomas Gad(1) |
312,500 | 187,500 | $ | 2.00 | June 9, 2025 | ||||||
|
48,416 | 117,583 | $ | 4.38 | October 20, 2026 | ||||||
|
4,000 | 12,000 | $ | 8.50 | December 13, 2026 | ||||||
Dr. Claus Juan Møller San Pedro(2) |
312,500 |
187,500 |
$ |
2.00 |
June 9, 2025 |
||||||
|
58,333 | 141,667 | $ | 4.38 | October 20, 2026 | ||||||
|
4,500 | 13,500 | $ | 8.50 | December 13, 2026 | ||||||
Bo Kruse(3) |
187,500 |
112,500 |
$ |
2.00 |
June 9, 2025 |
||||||
|
38,791 | 94,208 | $ | 4.38 | October 20, 2026 | ||||||
|
3,500 | 10,500 | $ | 8.50 | December 13, 2026 |
Employment Agreements
Thomas Gad
In April 2016, we entered into a service agreement with Mr. Gad. The service agreement establishes Mr. Gad's title, his base salary, his eligibility for an annual bonus, and his eligibility for benefits and also provides for certain benefits upon termination of his employment under specified conditions. Mr. Gad is eligible to receive an annual bonus with a target of 50% of his base salary. Mr. Gad's employment under the service agreement continues until terminated by us or Mr. Gad. We may terminate Mr. Gad's employment for any reason with 12 months' notice and Mr. Gad may terminate his employment with 6 months' notice.
Under the terms of the service agreement, if Mr. Gad's employment is terminated by us without "cause", as defined in his service agreement, and subject to Mr. Gad's execution of a release in
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form and substance satisfactory to us, we have agreed to continue to pay his then-existing salary for a period of 12 months, and all benefits set forth in the service agreement, for one full year commencing with the day following the final day of the 12-month notice period such that the total amount in severance pay shall be 24 months of his then-existing salary, starting from the date of such termination notice.
As defined in Mr. Gad's service agreement, "cause" means (1) Mr. Gad's fraudulent, unlawful, grossly negligent or willful misconduct in connection with his duties to us, (2) conduct by Mr. Gad which is materially injurious to the business or reputation of us or any of our affiliated entities or any of their respective partners or members, or (3) Mr. Gad's conviction of (or plea of nolo contendere to) a felony.
Mr. Gad has also agreed pursuant to his service agreement (1) not to compete with us in the United States, Denmark, or any other territory or country where we maintain employees, own property or otherwise conduct business, during his employment and for a period of (a) one year after the termination of his employment in the event that Mr. Gad terminates his employment or (b) six months after the termination of his employment in the event that we terminate Mr. Gad's employment, (2) not to solicit our employees during his employment and for a period of (a) one year after the termination of his employment in the event that Mr. Gad terminates his employment or (b) six months after the termination of his employment in the event that we terminate Mr. Gad's employment, (3) not to disclose our confidential and proprietary information and (4) to assign to us related intellectual property developed during the course of his employment.
Dr. Claus Juan Møller San Pedro
In March 2016, we entered into a service agreement with Dr. Møller. The service agreement establishes Dr. Møller's title, his base salary, his eligibility for an annual bonus, and his eligibility for benefits and also provides for certain benefits upon termination of his employment under specified conditions. Dr. Møller is eligible to receive an annual bonus with a target of 50% of his base salary. Dr. Møller's employment under the service agreement continues until terminated by us or Dr. Møller. We may terminate Dr. Møller's employment for any reason with 12 months' notice and Dr. Møller may terminate his employment with 6 months' notice.
Under the terms of the service agreement, if Dr. Møller's employment is terminated by us without "cause", as defined in his service agreement, and subject to Dr. Møller's execution of a release in form and substance satisfactory to us, we have agreed to continue to pay his then-existing salary for a period of 12 months, and all benefits set forth in the service agreement, for one full year commencing with the day following the final day of the 12-month notice period such that the total amount in severance pay shall be 24 months of his then-existing salary, starting from the date of such termination notice.
As defined in Dr. Møller's service agreement, "cause" means (1) Dr. Møller's fraudulent, unlawful, grossly negligent or willful misconduct in connection with his duties to us, (2) conduct by Dr. Møller which is materially injurious to the business or reputation of us or any of our affiliated entities or any of their respective partners or members, or (3) Dr. Møller's conviction of (or plea of nolo contendere to) a felony.
Dr. Møller has also agreed pursuant to the service agreement (1) not to compete with us in the United States, Denmark, or any other territory or country where we maintain employees, owns property or otherwise conducts business, during his employment and for a period of (a) one year after the termination of his employment in the event that Dr. Møller terminates his employment or (b) six months after the termination of his employment in the event that we terminate Dr. Møller's employment, (2) not to solicit our employees during his employment and for a period of (a) one year after the termination of his employment in the event that Dr. Møller terminates his employment or
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(b) six months after the termination of his employment in the event that we terminate Dr. Møller's employment, (3) not to disclose our confidential and proprietary information and (4) to assign to us related intellectual property developed during the course of his employment.
Bo Kruse
In January 2016, we entered into a service agreement with Mr. Kruse. The service agreement establishes Mr. Kruse's title, his base salary, his eligibility for an annual bonus, and his eligibility for benefits and also provides for certain benefits upon termination of his employment under specified conditions. Mr. Kruse is eligible to receive an annual bonus with a target of 50% of his base salary. Mr. Kruse's employment under the service agreement continues until terminated by us or Mr. Kruse. We may terminate Mr. Kruse's employment for any reason with 12 months' notice and Mr. Kruse may terminate his employment with 6 months' notice.
Under the terms of the service agreement, if Mr. Kruse's employment is terminated by us without "cause", as defined in his service agreement, we have agreed to continue to pay his then-existing salary for a period of 12 months, and all benefits set forth in the service agreement, for one full year commencing with the day following the final day of the 12-month notice period such that the total amount in severance pay shall be 24 months of his then-existing salary, starting from the date of such termination notice.
As defined in Mr. Kruse's service agreement, "cause" means actions on the part of Mr. Kruse which constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct in performance or non-performance of his duties or material breach of the services agreement by Mr. Kruse as long as such material breach is not cause by us.
Mr. Kruse has also agreed pursuant to the service agreement (1) not to disclose our confidential and proprietary information and (2) to assign to us related intellectual property developed during the course of his employment.
Stock Option and Other Compensation Plans
The equity incentive plans described in this section are the 2015 Plan, the 2018 Plan and the ESPP. Following the closing of this offering, we expect to grant equity awards to eligible participants only under these plans or successor plans.
2015 Plan
Our board of directors and stockholders have approved and adopted the 2015 Plan, which provides for the grant of incentive stock options, within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, to our employees and any parent and subsidiary corporations' employees, and for the grant of nonstatutory stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights to our employees, directors and consultants and our parent and subsidiary corporations' employees and consultants.
Stock Subject to the 2015 Plan. Currently, a total of 4,500,000 shares of our common stock are reserved for issuance pursuant to the 2015 Plan, of which 1,760,627 are available for further grant. As of the effective date of the 2018 Plan, we will cease granting awards under the 2015 Plan; however, 2015 Plan awards will remain outstanding and subject to the terms of the 2015 Plan.
Automatic Share Reserve Increase. Subject to the provisions of the 2015 Plan, the number of shares available for issuance under the 2015 Plan will be increased on the first day of each fiscal year so that the total number of shares available for issuance under the 2015 Plan shall be a number equal to six percent of the issued and outstanding Shares on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year.
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Lapsed Awards. If an award expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, is surrendered pursuant to an exchange program, or, with respect to restricted stock or restricted stock units, is forfeited or repurchased due to failure to vest, the unpurchased shares, or for awards other than stock options or stock appreciation rights, the forfeited or repurchased shares will become available for future grant or sale under the 2015 Plan. With respect to stock appreciation rights, the net shares issued will cease to be available under the 2015 Plan and all remaining shares will remain available for future grant or sale under the 2015 Plan. Shares used to pay the exercise price of an award or satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to an award will become available for future grant or sale under the 2015 Plan. To the extent an award is paid out in cash rather than shares, such cash payment will not result in reducing the number of shares available for issuance under the 2015 Plan.
Plan Administration. Our board of directors or one or more committees appointed by our board of directors, or the Plan Administrator, will administer the 2015 Plan. In the case of awards intended to qualify as "performance-based compensation" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the committee will consist of two or more "outside directors" within the meaning of Section 162(m). Subject to the provisions of the 2015 Plan, the Plan Administrator has the power to administer the 2015 Plan, including but not limited to, the power to interpret the terms of the 2015 Plan and awards granted under it, to create, amend and revoke rules relating to the 2015 Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans, and to determine the terms of the awards, including the exercise price, the number of shares subject to each such award, the exercisability of the awards and the form of consideration, if any, payable upon exercise. The Plan Administrator also has the authority to institute an exchange program under which the exercise price of an existing award is reduced or increased, participants may transfer outstanding awards to a financial institution or other person or entity selected by the Plan Administrator and outstanding awards may be surrendered in exchange for awards of the same type which may have a higher or lower exercise price or different terms, awards of a different type and/or cash.
Stock Options. Incentive stock options and nonstatutory stock options may be granted under the 2015 Plan. The exercise price of options granted under the 2015 Plan must at least be equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. The term of an incentive stock option may not exceed 10 years, except that with respect to any participant who owns more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of our outstanding stock, the term must not exceed five years and the exercise price must equal at least 110% of the fair market value on the grant date. The Plan Administrator will determine the methods of payment of the exercise price of an option, which may include cash, shares or other property acceptable to the Plan Administrator, as well as other types of consideration permitted by applicable law. After the termination of service of an employee, director or consultant, he or she may exercise his or her option for the period of time stated in his or her option agreement. Generally, if termination is due to disability, the option will remain exercisable for 12 months, and if the termination is due to death, the option will remain exercisable for six months. In all other cases, the option will generally remain exercisable for the earlier of (i) three months following the termination of service, or (ii) the expiration of the term of the option. However, in no event may an option be exercised later than the expiration of its term. Subject to the provisions of the 2015 Plan, the Plan Administrator determines the other terms of options.
Stock Appreciation Rights. Stock appreciation rights may be granted under the 2015 Plan. Stock appreciation rights allow the recipient to receive the appreciation in the fair market value of our common stock between the exercise date and the date of grant. Stock appreciation rights may not have a term exceeding 10 years. During employment or after the termination of service of an employee, director or consultant, he or she may exercise his or her stock appreciation right for the period of time stated in his or her option agreement. However, in no event may a stock appreciation right be exercised later than the expiration of its term. Subject to the provisions of the 2015 Plan, the Plan
184
Administrator determines the other terms of stock appreciation rights, including when such rights become exercisable and whether to pay any increased appreciation in cash or with shares of our common stock, or a combination thereof, except that the per share exercise price for the shares to be issued pursuant to the exercise of a stock appreciation right will be no less than 100% of the fair market value per share on the date of grant.
Restricted Stock. Restricted stock awards may be granted under the 2015 Plan. Restricted stock awards are grants of shares of our common stock that vest in accordance with terms and conditions established by the Administrator. The Plan Administrator will determine the number of shares of restricted stock granted to any employee, director or consultant and, subject to the provisions of the 2015 Plan, will determine the terms and conditions of such awards. The Plan Administrator may impose whatever conditions to vesting it determines to be appropriate. For example, the Plan Administrator may set restrictions based on the achievement of specific performance goals or continued service to us; provided, however, that the Plan Administrator, in its sole discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restrictions will lapse or be removed. Recipients of restricted stock awards generally will have voting and dividend rights with respect to such shares upon grant without regard to vesting, unless the Plan Administrator provides otherwise.
Restricted Stock Units. Restricted stock units may be granted under the 2015 Plan. Restricted stock units are bookkeeping entries representing an amount equal to the fair market value of one share of our common stock. Subject to the provisions of the 2015 Plan, the Plan Administrator will determine the terms and conditions of restricted stock units, including the vesting criteria (which may include accomplishing specified company-wide, business unit or individual performance criteria or continued service to us) and the form and timing of payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Plan Administrator, in its sole discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restricted stock units will vest. Restricted stock units may be settled in cash, shares or a combination of both.
Outside Directors. The 2015 Plan provides that all non-employee directors are eligible to receive all types of awards other than incentive stock options under the 2015 Plan.
Non-transferability of Awards. Except as provided in the 2015 Plan or as the Plan Administrator determines, awards may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the end of the applicable period of restriction, and such shares evidenced by a stock certificate will contain a legend referencing the shares' substantial risk of forfeiture restrictions.
Certain Adjustments. In the event of certain changes in our capitalization or change in our corporate structure, as described in the 2015 Plan, to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits available under the 2015 Plan, the Plan Administrator will adjust the number and class of shares that may be delivered under the 2015 Plan and/or the number, class and price of shares covered by each outstanding award. In the event of our proposed liquidation or dissolution, the Plan Administrator will notify participants as soon as practicable prior to the proposed transaction and all awards will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed transaction.
Merger or Change in Control. The 2015 Plan provides that in the event of a merger or change in control, as defined under the 2015 Plan, each outstanding award will be treated as the Plan Administrator determines, except that if a successor corporation or its parent or subsidiary does not assume or substitute an award for any outstanding award (or a portion thereof), then such award will fully vest, all restrictions on the shares subject to such award will lapse, all performance goals or other performance-based vesting criteria applicable to the shares subject to such award will be deemed achieved at 100% of target levels. If an award is not assumed by the successor in accordance with the terms of the award, all of the shares subject to such award will become fully exercisable, if applicable,
185
for a specified period prior to the transaction. The award will then terminate upon the expiration of the specified period of time.
Tax Compliance. Awards under the 2015 Plan generally will be designed and operated in such a manner that they are either exempt from the application of, or comply with, the requirements of Code Section 409A, The 2015 Plan and each award agreement thereunder is intended to meet the requirements of Code Section 409A and generally will be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent. To the extent that an award or payment, or the settlement or deferral thereof, is subject to Code Section 409A the award will be granted, paid, settled or deferred in a manner that will meet the requirements of Code Section 409A, such that the grant, payment, settlement or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax and interest applicable under Code Section 409A, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator.
In addition, prior to the delivery of any shares or cash pursuant to an award (or exercise thereof), we have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a participant to remit to us an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, local, foreign income, payroll or other taxes (including the participant's FICA obligation) required to be withheld with respect to such award (or exercise thereof).
The Administrator, in its sole discretion may permit a participant to satisfy such tax withholding obligation, in whole or in part by (without limitation) (i) paying cash, (ii) electing to have us withhold otherwise deliverable shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum statutory amount required to be withheld, (iii) delivering already-owned shares having a fair market value equal to the statutory amount required to be withheld, or (iv) selling a sufficient number of shares otherwise deliverable to the participant equal to the amount required to be withheld. The amount of the withholding requirement will be deemed to include any amount which the Administrator agrees may be withheld at the time the election is made, not to exceed the amount determined by using the maximum federal, state or local marginal income tax rates applicable to the participant with respect to the award on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined. The fair market value of the shares to be withheld or delivered will be determined as of the date that the taxes are required to be withheld.
Amendment, Termination. The board of directors has the authority to amend, suspend or terminate the 2015 Plan provided such action will not impair the existing rights of any participant without such participant's consent. The 2015 Plan will automatically terminate in 2025, unless we terminate it sooner.
2018 Plan
The Board has adopted, and the stockholders have approved, the 2018 Plan, which will be effective upon the effectiveness of the registration statement to which this prospectus relates. The principal purpose of the 2018 Plan is to attract, retain and motivate selected employees, consultants and directors through the granting of stock-based compensation awards and cash-based performance bonus awards. The material terms of the 2018 Plan, as it is currently contemplated, are summarized below.
Share Reserve. In April 2018, the Company's Board of Directors approved the 2018 Plan to replace the 2015 Plan. Under the 2018 Plan, the Company is authorized to issue awards for up to 5,500,000 shares of the Company's common stock, subject to increase or adjustment, inclusive of the awards previously granted under the 2015 Plan. Under the terms of the 2018 Plan we may issue a variety of stock-based awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, or SARs, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards and other stock-based awards. As of the effective date of the 2018 Plan, we will cease granting awards under the 2015 Plan; however, 2015 Plan awards will remain subject to the terms of the 2015 Plan. The number of shares initially reserved for issuance or transfer
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pursuant to awards under the 2018 Plan will be increased by (i) the number of shares represented by awards outstanding under the 2015 Plan that are forfeited or lapse unexercised and which following the effective date are not issued under the 2015 Plan and (ii) an annual increase on the first day of each fiscal year beginning in 2019 and ending in 2028, equal to the lesser of (A) 4.0% of the shares of stock outstanding (on an as converted basis) on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year and (B) such smaller number of shares of stock as determined by our board of directors.
The following provisions will be in effect for the share reserve under the 2018 Plan:
Administration. The compensation committee of our board of directors is expected to administer the 2018 Plan unless our board of directors maintains authority for administration. To the extent required by applicable law, each member of the committee administering the 2018 Plan is intended to qualify as a "non-employee director" for purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act. The 2018 Plan provides that the board or compensation committee may delegate its authority to grant awards to employees other than executive officers and certain senior executives of the company or to a committee consisting of one or more members of our board of directors or one or more of our officers.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the 2018 Plan, the administrator has the authority to, among other things, select the persons to whom awards are to be made, determine the number of shares to be subject to awards and the terms and conditions of awards, and make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the 2018 Plan.
Eligibility. Awards under the 2018 Plan may generally be granted to individuals who are then our officers, employees or consultants or are the officers, employees or consultants of certain of our subsidiaries. Such awards also may be granted to our directors. Only employees of our company or certain of our subsidiaries may be granted incentive stock options, or ISOs.
Awards. The 2018 Plan provides that the administrator may grant or issue stock options, SARs, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance bonus awards, performance stock units, other stock-or cash-based awards and dividend equivalents, or any combination thereof. Each award will be set forth in a separate agreement with the person receiving the award and will indicate the type, terms and conditions of the award.
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of grant, and usually will become exercisable (at the discretion of the administrator) in one or more installments after the grant date, subject to the participant's continued employment or service. NSOs may be granted for any term specified by the administrator that does not exceed ten years.
188
also be available as a payment form in the settlement of other awards, as standalone payments and as payment in lieu of base salary, bonus, fees or other cash compensation otherwise payable to any individual who is eligible to receive awards. The plan administrator will determine the terms and conditions of other stock or cash based awards, which may include vesting conditions based on continued service, performance and/or other conditions.
Corporate Transactions. The plan administrator has broad discretion to take action under the 2018 Plan, as well as make adjustments to the terms and conditions of existing and future awards, to prevent the dilution or enlargement of intended benefits and facilitate necessary or desirable changes in the event of certain transactions and events affecting our common stock, such as stock dividends or other distributions, stock splits, mergers, acquisitions, reorganizations, recapitalizations, liquidations, sales, transfers, exchanges, or other dispositions, issuance of warrants, consolidations and other corporate transactions. In addition, in the event of certain non-reciprocal transactions with our stockholders known as "equity restructurings," the plan administrator will make equitable adjustments to the 2018 Plan and outstanding awards.
In the event of a change in control, unless the plan administrator elects to terminate an award in exchange for cash, rights or other property, or cause an award to accelerate in full prior to the change in control, such award will continue in effect or be assumed or substituted by the acquirer, provided that any performance-based portion of the award will be subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable award agreement. In the event the acquirer refuses to assume or replace awards granted, prior to the consummation of such transaction, awards issued under the 2018 Plan will be subject to accelerated vesting such that 100% of such awards will become vested and exercisable or payable, as applicable.
Amendment and Termination. The board of directors may terminate, amend, suspend or modify the 2018 Plan at any time and from time to time. However, we must generally obtain stockholder approval to the extent required by applicable law, rule or regulation (including any applicable stock exchange rule), no amendment requiring stockholder approval will be effective unless approved by the board of directors, and no amendment other than an increase in the overall share limit, amendment following a change in control or other similar transaction, or amendment to comply with Section 409A of the Code, may materially and adversely affect an outstanding award without the holder's consent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an option may be amended to reduce the per share exercise price below the per share exercise price of such option on the grant date and options may be granted in exchange for, or in connection with, the cancellation or surrender of options having a higher per share exercise price without receiving additional stockholder approval.
No incentive stock options may be granted pursuant to the 2018 Plan after the tenth anniversary of the earlier of the date the 2018 Plan is approved by our board or the date the 2018 Plan is approved by our stockholders, and no additional annual share increases to the 2018 Plan's aggregate share limit will occur from and after the tenth anniversary of the effective date of the 2018 Plan. Any award that is outstanding on the termination date of the 2018 Plan will remain in force according to the terms of the 2018 Plan and the applicable award agreement.
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ESPP
Our board of directors have approved and adopted the ESPP to become effective upon completion of this offering. The ESPP, once effective, will, among other things, provide eligible employees with the ability to purchase shares of our common stock at a slight discount to the applicable closing sale price of our common stock.
The ESPP, which will become effective upon the closing of this offering, will be administered by our board of directors or by a committee appointed by our board of directors. The ESPP initially provides participating employees with the opportunity to purchase up to an aggregate of 700,000 shares of our common stock. The number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under the ESPP will automatically increase on the first day of each fiscal year, commencing on January 1, 2019 and ending on December 31, 2038, in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) 1,000,000 shares of our common stock, (ii) 1% of the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year, or (iii) such lesser number of shares as determined by the administrator.
All of our employees or employees of any designated subsidiary, as defined in the ESPP and together, Eligible Employees, are eligible to participate in the ESPP, provided that such person is customarily employed by us or a designated subsidiary for:
No Eligible Employee may purchase shares of our common stock under the ESPP in excess of $25,000 of the fair market value of our common stock, as of the date of the option grant, in any calendar year. In addition, no Eligible Employee may purchase shares of our common stock under the ESPP that would result in the employee owning 5% or more of the total combined voting power or value of our stock or the stock of any of our subsidiaries.
We expect to make one or more offerings to our Eligible Employees to purchase stock under the ESPP beginning at such time as our board of directors may determine. Each offering will consist of a 12-month offering period during which contributions will be made through cash payment, check or other means set forth in the subscription agreement or through payroll deductions held for the purchase of our common stock at the end of the offering period. Our board of directors may, at its discretion, choose a different period of not more than 27 months for offerings.
On the commencement date of each offering period, each Eligible Employee may authorize up to a maximum of 15% of his or her compensation to be deducted by us during the offering period. Each Eligible Employee who continues to be a participant in the ESPP on the last business day of the offering period will be deemed to have exercised an option to purchase from us the number of whole shares of our common stock that his or her accumulated payroll deductions on such date will pay for, not in excess of the maximum numbers set forth above. Under the terms of the ESPP, the purchase price will be determined by our board of directors for each offering period and will be at least 85% of the applicable closing price of our common stock. If our board of directors does not make a determination of the purchase price, the purchase price will be 85% of the lesser of the closing price of our common stock on the first business day of the offering period or on the exercise date.
An Eligible Employee who is not a participant on the last day of the offering period is not entitled to purchase shares under the ESPP, and the employee's accumulated payroll deductions will be
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refunded. An Eligible Employee's rights under the ESPP terminate when the Eligible Employee ceases employment for any reason.
We will make equitable adjustments to the number and class of securities available under the ESPP, the share limitations under the ESPP, and the purchase price for an offering period under the ESPP to reflect stock splits, reverse stock splits, recapitalizations, combinations of shares, spin-offs and other similar changes in capitalization or events or any dividends or distributions to holders of our common stock other than ordinary cash dividends.
In connection with a merger or change in control, as defined in the ESPP, each outstanding option will be assumed or an equivalent option substituted by the successor corporation or affiliate of the successor corporation. In the event that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the option, the offering period with respect to the outstanding options will be shortened by setting a new exercise date on which the offering period will end, the date of which will occur before the date of the proposed merger or change in control.
In connection with a liquidation or dissolution, unless provided otherwise by the administrator, any offering period then in progress will be shortened by setting a new exercise date, the date of which will occur before the date of the liquidation or dissolution, and will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of the liquidation or dissolution.
Upon the adoption of a new exercise date in connection with a merger or change in control, the administrator will notify each participant of the change in exercise date in writing or electronically prior to the new exercise date and that the participant's option will be exercised automatically on the new exercise date, provided that the participant has not withdrawn from the offering period prior to such date.
Our board of directors may at any time, and from time to time, amend or suspend the ESPP or any portion thereof. Further, our board of directors may not make any amendment that would cause the component of the ESPP that is intended to comply with Section 423 of the Code to fail to comply with Section 423 of the Code. The ESPP may be terminated at any time by our board of directors. Upon termination prior to expiration of the offering period, we will refund all amounts in the accounts of participating employees.
Other Benefit Plans
We currently provide broad-based health and welfare benefits that are available to all of our U.S. employees, including our named executive officers, including health, life and disability insurance. We may adopt a 401(k) retirement plan for the benefit of our U.S. employees, including our named executive officers, in 2018.
We have established a retirement program for the employees of our Danish subsidiary pursuant to which all such employees can contribute an amount at their election from their base compensation and may receive contributions from our Danish subsidiary. Contributions from our Danish subsidiary were immaterial during the year ended December 31, 2016. In addition, health insurance benefits for our Danish employees are fully paid for by such employees. Our Danish subsidiary does not incur any costs for these health insurance benefits.
Limitations on Liability and Indemnification
As permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or DGCL, we expect our board of directors and stockholders to adopt provisions in our certificate of incorporation, which will become effective as of the closing date of this offering, that limit or eliminate the personal liability of our directors. Our certificate of incorporation, which will become effective as of the closing date of this offering, limits the personal liability of directors for breach of fiduciary duty to the maximum
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extent permitted by the DGCL and provides that no director will have personal liability to us or to our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty. However, these provisions do not eliminate or limit the liability of any of our directors:
Any amendment to or repeal of these provisions will not eliminate or reduce the effect of these provisions in respect of any act, omission or claim that occurred or arose prior to such amendment or repeal. If the DGCL is amended to provide for further limitations on the personal liability of directors of corporations, then the personal liability of our directors will be further limited to the greatest extent permitted by the DGCL.
In addition, our certificate of incorporation, which will become effective as of the closing date of this offering, provides that we must indemnify our directors and officers and we must advance expenses, including attorneys' fees, to our directors and officers in connection with legal proceedings, subject to very limited exceptions.
We maintain a general liability insurance policy that covers specified liabilities of our directors and officers arising out of claims based on acts or omissions in their capacities as directors or officers. In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our executive officers and directors. With respect to Dr. Buschle, Dr. Healy and Dr. Tyagi, we have also agreed to indemnify their respective affiliated funds which have designated them to be members of our board of directors. These indemnification agreements require us, among other things, to indemnify each such director (and their affiliated funds) or executive officer for certain expenses, including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines and settlement amounts, incurred by him or her in any action or proceeding arising out of his or her service as one of our directors or officers.
Some of our non-employee directors may, through their relationships with their employers, be insured or indemnified against specified liabilities incurred in their capacities as members of our board of directors.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, executive officers or persons controlling us, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Rule 10b5-1 Sales Plans
Our directors and executive officers may adopt written plans, known as Rule 10b5-1 plans, in which they will contract with a broker to buy or sell shares of our common stock on a periodic basis. Under a Rule 10b5-1 plan, a broker executes trades pursuant to parameters established by the director or officer when entering into the plan, without further direction from the director or officer. The director or officer may amend or terminate the plan in some circumstances. Our directors and executive officers may also buy or sell additional shares outside of a Rule 10b5-1 plan when they are not in possession of material, nonpublic information.
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Director Compensation
The following table sets forth information regarding compensation paid to our non-employee directors during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.
Name
|
Year | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) |
Option Awards ($) |
Total ($)(1) | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Johan Wedell-Wedellsborg(1) |
2017 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||
Dr. Gregory Raskin(1) |
2017 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 |
Prior to the completion of this offering, we did not have a formal non-employee director compensation policy. In 2016, we granted options to purchase 36,000 shares of common stock to each of Mr. Wedell-Wedellsborg and Dr. Raskin, respectively, with an exercise price of $4.38 per share. These options vest over three years, with one-third of the shares of common stock underlying each option vesting at grant and the remaining two-third vesting one thirty-sixth each month over the three years ending on October 21, 2019, subject to Mr. Wedell-Wedellsborg's and Dr. Raskin's continued service through such dates, and unless vesting is accelerated pursuant to the terms of the grant. As of December 31, 2017, there were no other stock awards or option awards outstanding and held by our non-employee directors.
We reimburse our non-employee directors for reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attending board of directors and committee meetings. The compensation that we pay to our executive management and employee directors is discussed earlier in this "Executive and Director Compensation" section. Except for fees and stock options, we do not provide our independent directors with any other form of compensation.
Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy
Our board of directors and stockholders have approved and adopted a policy with respect to the compensation payable to our non-employee directors, which will become effective upon the completion of this offering. Under this policy, each non-employee director will be eligible to receive compensation for his or her service on the board of directors and for service on each committee on which the director is a member, which will consist of annual cash retainers and equity awards. Our non-employee directors will receive the following annual cash retainers for their service in 2018:
Position
|
Retainer | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Board Member |
$ | 35,000 | ||
Audit Committee Chair |
$ | 15,000 | ||
Compensation Committee Chair |
$ | 10,000 | ||
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chair |
$ | 8,000 | ||
Audit Committee Member |
$ | 7,500 | ||
Compensation Committee Member |
$ | 5,000 | ||
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Member |
$ | 4,000 |
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Stock option grants for non-employee directors will consist of (i) an initial stock option award with respect to 32,000 shares granted at the first regularly scheduled board meeting held on or after a director's first appointment or election to our board of directors and vesting in equal monthly installments until the third anniversary of the date of grant, and (ii) an annual stock option award with respect to 16,000 shares granted on the date of the first board meeting held following our annual stockholders meeting in each year commencing in 2018 and vesting on the first anniversary of the date of grant. The vesting of the initial and annual stock option grants are subject to the non-employee director's continued service on our board of directors.
Directors may be reimbursed for travel, food, lodging and other expenses directly related to their service as directors. Directors are also entitled to the protection provided by their indemnification agreements and the indemnification provisions in our current certificate of incorporation and bylaws, as well as our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that will become effective upon the completion of this offering.
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The following is a description of transactions since our inception on April 30, 2015, to which we have been a party, in which the amount involved exceeded $120,000, and in which any of our directors, executive officers or holders of more than 5% of our capital stock, or an affiliate or immediate family member thereof, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest. We refer to such transactions as "related party transactions" and such persons as "related parties." With the approval of our board of directors, we have engaged in the related party transactions described below. We believe the terms obtained or consideration that we paid or received, as applicable, in connection with the transactions described below were comparable to terms available or the amounts that would be paid or received, as applicable, from unaffiliated third parties.
Other than as described below and other than compensation arrangements, which are described where required under the section herein entitled "Executive and Director Compensation", there have not been, nor are there any currently proposed, transactions or series of similar transactions to which we have been or will be a party.
Sales of Securities
In August 2015, we issued and sold 5,010,000 shares of our common stock at a price per share of $0.20, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1,002,000. The following table sets forth the number of shares of our common stock purchased by our directors, executive officers and 5% stockholders and their affiliates and the approximate aggregate purchase price paid for such shares.
Name
|
Shares of Common Stock Purchased |
Aggregate Purchase Price |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5% Stockholders |
|||||||
WG Biotech ApS |
5,010,000 |
$ |
1,002,000 |
||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
5,010,000 | $ | 1,002,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
In November 2015, we issued and sold 1,027,397 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $4.38 per share for an aggregated purchase price of approximately $4,500,000. The following table sets forth the number of shares of our common stock purchased by our directors, executive officers and 5% stockholders and their affiliates and the approximate aggregate purchase price paid for such shares.
Name
|
Shares of Common Stock Purchased |
Aggregate Purchase Price |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5% Stockholders |
|||||||
Weco Group A/S |
114,155 | $ | 500,000 | ||||
Peter Bang Holdings ApS |
913,242 | $ | 4,000,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
1,027,397 | $ | 4,500,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
In December 2015, we issued and sold 1,027,487 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $4.38 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $4,500,400. The following
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table sets forth the number of shares of our common stock purchased by our directors, executive officers and 5% stockholders and their affiliates and the aggregate purchase price paid for such shares.
Name
|
Shares of Common Stock Purchased |
Aggregate Purchase Price |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5% Stockholders |
|||||||
Weco Group A/S |
114,155 | $ | 500,000 | ||||
Weco Group A/S |
136,986 | $ | 600,000 | ||||
Affiliates of Executive Officers and Directors |
|||||||
CM Holding 2015 IVS |
68,493 | $ | 300,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
319,634 | $ | 1,400,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
In March 2016, we issued and sold 570,776 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $4.38 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2,499,999. The following table sets forth the number of shares of our common stock purchased by our directors, executive officers and 5% stockholders and their affiliates and the aggregate purchase price paid for such shares.
Name
|
Shares of Common Stock Purchased |
Aggregate Purchase Price |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5% Stockholders |
|||||||
Weco Group A/S |
228,310 | $ | 1,000,000 | ||||
Affiliates of Executive Officers and Directors |
|||||||
CM Holding 2015 ApS |
114,155 | $ | 500,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
342,465 | $ | 1,500,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
In April 2016, we issued and sold 1,261,412 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $4.38 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $5,525,000. The following table sets forth the number of shares of our common stock purchased by our directors, executive officers and 5% stockholders and their affiliates and the aggregate purchase price paid for such shares.
Name
|
Shares of Common Stock Purchased |
Aggregate Purchase Price |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5% Stockholders |
|||||||
Peter Bang Holdings ApS |
342,465 | $ | 1,500,000 | ||||
Weco Group A/S |
114,155 | $ | 500,000 | ||||
Weco Group A/S |
114,155 | $ | 500,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
570,775 | $ | 2,500,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
In May 2016, we issued and sold 515,204 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $4.38 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2,256,600. The following table sets
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forth the number of shares of our common stock purchased by our directors, executive officers and 5% stockholders and their affiliates and the aggregate purchase price paid for such shares.
Name
|
Shares of Common Stock Purchased |
Aggregate Purchase Price |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Affiliates of Executive Officers and Directors |
|||||||
CM Holding 2015 ApS |
45,662 | $ | 200,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
45,662 | $ | 200,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
In June 2016, we issued and sold 890,406 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $4.38 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $3,900,000. The following table sets forth the number of shares of our common stock purchased by our directors, executive officers and 5% stockholders and their affiliates and the aggregate purchase price paid for such shares.
Name
|
Shares of Common Stock Purchased |
Aggregate Purchase Price |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5% Stockholders |
|||||||
Weco Group A/S |
136,986 | $ | 600,000 | ||||
Executive Officers and Directors |
|||||||
Investeringsselskabet G.H. ApS |
57,077 | $ | 250,000 | ||||
Affiliates of Executive Officers and Directors |
|||||||
Toluha ApS |
45,662 | $ | 200,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
239,725 | $ | 1,050,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
In July 2016, we issued and sold 187,214 shares of our common stock at a price per share of $4.38, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $820,000. The following table sets forth the number of shares of our common stock purchased by our directors, executive officers and 5% stockholders and their affiliates and the aggregate purchase price paid for such shares.
Name
|
Shares of Common Stock Purchased |
Aggregate Purchase Price |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5% Stockholders |
|||||||
Peter Bang Holdings ApS |
187,214 | $ | 820,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
187,214 | $ | 820,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
In December 2016, we issued and sold 520,159 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $8.50 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $4,421,400. The following table sets
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forth the number of shares of our common stock purchased by our directors, executive officers and 5% stockholders and their affiliates and the aggregate purchase price paid for such shares.
Name
|
Shares of Common Stock Purchased |
Aggregate Purchase Price |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5% Stockholders |
|||||||
Weco Group A/S |
294,115 | $ | 2,500,000 | ||||
Affiliates of Executive Officers and Directors |
|||||||
CM Holding 2015 ApS |
70,588 | $ | 600,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
364,703 | $ | 3,100,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
In January 2017, we issued and sold 1,075,309 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $8.50 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $9,140,100. The following table sets forth the number of shares of our common stock purchased by our directors, executive officers and 5% stockholders and their affiliates and the aggregate purchase price paid for such shares.
Name
|
Shares of Common Stock Purchased |
Aggregate Purchase Price |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5% Stockholders |
|||||||
Peter Bang Holding ApS |
235,294 | $ | 2,000,000 | ||||
Weco Group A/S |
29,411 | $ | 250,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
264,705 | $ | 2,250,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
In February 2017, we issued and sold 117,353 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $8.50 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $997,500. The following table sets forth the number of shares of our common stock purchased by our directors, executive officers and 5% stockholders and their affiliates and the aggregate purchase price paid for such shares.
Name
|
Shares of Common Stock Purchased |
Aggregate Purchase Price |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Executive Officers and Directors |
|||||||
Dr. Gregory Raskin |
5,882 | $ | 50,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
5,882 | $ | 50,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
In October 2017, we issued and sold 5,347,568 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $9.35 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $50,000,000. The following table
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sets forth the number of shares of our common stock purchased by our directors, executive officers and 5% stockholders and their affiliates and the aggregate purchase price paid for such shares.
Name
|
Shares of Common Stock Purchased |
Aggregate Purchase Price |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5% Stockholders |
|||||||
HBM Healthcare Investments (Cayman) Ltd. |
2,139,037 | $ | 20,000,000 | ||||
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center |
320,855 | $ | 3,000,000 | ||||
Peter Bang Holding ApS |
404,582 | $ | 3,782,842 | ||||
Weco Group A/S |
234,759 | $ | 2,195,000 | ||||
Affiliates of Executive Officers and Directors |
|||||||
CM Holding 2015 ApS |
42,780 | $ | 400,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
3,142,013 | $ | 29,377,842 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
In November 2017, we issued and sold 3,208,552 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $9.35 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $30,000,000. The following table sets forth the number of shares of our common stock purchased by our directors, executive officers and 5% stockholders and their affiliates and the aggregate purchase price paid for such shares.
Name
|
Shares of Common Stock Purchased |
Aggregate Purchase Price |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5% Stockholders |
|||||||
HBM Healthcare Investments (Cayman) Ltd. |
347,058 | $ | 3,245,000 | ||||
Sofinnova Venture Partners X, L.P. |
1,604,278 | $ | 15,000,000 | ||||
Weco Group A/S |
166,310 | $ | 1,555,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
2,117,646 | $ | 19,800,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Registration Rights Agreements
We are a party to certain registration rights agreements dated as of October 13, 2017 and November 17, 2017, collectively referred to herein as the Registration Rights Agreements, with certain holders of our common stock, including some of our directors and 5% stockholders and their affiliates and entities affiliated with our directors. The Registration Rights Agreements provide these holders the right, following the completion of this offering, to demand that we file a registration statement or request that their shares be covered by a registration statement that we are otherwise filing. See the section herein entitled "Description of Capital StockRegistration Rights" for additional information regarding these registration rights.
Director and Executive Officer Compensation
See the section herein entitled "Executive and Director Compensation" for a discussion of payments and options granted to our named executive officers and non-employee directors.
Employment Agreements
We have entered into employment agreements with our named executive officers. For more information regarding these agreements, see the section herein entitled "Executive and Director CompensationNarrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table."
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Indemnification Agreements with Officers and Directors and Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance
In connection with this offering, we have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our executive officers and directors. In addition, we intend to enter into such indemnification agreements with any new executive officers and directors. The indemnification agreements, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws that will become effective upon the completion of this offering will require us to indemnify our directors to the fullest extent not prohibited by DGCL. Subject to certain limitations, our amended and restated bylaws also require us to advance expenses incurred by our directors and officers.
Reserved Share Program
At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to % of the shares offered by this prospectus for sale to some of our directors, officers, employees, dealers, business associates and related persons. See "UnderwritingReserved Share Program."
MSK License
On August 20, 2015, we entered into the MSK License with MSK, which grants us a worldwide, sub-licensable license to MSK's rights in certain patent rights and intellectual property rights related to certain know-how to develop, make and commercialize licensed products and to perform services for all therapeutic and diagnostic uses in the field of cancer diagnostics and cancer treatments. Upon entering into the MSK License in 2015 and in exchange for the licenses thereunder, we paid to MSK an upfront payment of $500,000, issued 1,428,500 shares of our common stock to MSK and agreed to provide certain anti-dilution rights to MSK. See the section herein entitled "BusinessIntellectual PropertyMSK Agreements" for a more detailed description of this agreement.
In addition, in connection with the MSK License, we entered into a stock grant agreement with Dr. Nai-Kong Cheung pursuant to which we agreed to issue a total of 2,500,000 shares of our common stock to Dr. Cheung for his involvement in the development of technology licensed from MSK in consideration for his services with respect to such technology development. In August 2016, we repurchased 73,600 shares from Dr. Cheung at a purchase price of $4.38 per share for an aggregate amount of $322,368.
MSK CD33 License Agreement
On November 13, 2017, we entered into the MSK CD33 License with MSK, which grants us a worldwide, sub-licensable license to MSK's rights in certain patent rights and intellectual property rights related to certain know-how to develop, make and commercialize licensed products and to perform services for all therapeutic and diagnostic uses in the field of cancer diagnostics and cancer treatments in connection with certain CD33 antibodies generated in a specific principal investigator's laboratory at MSK and constructs thereof. The MSK CD33 License is exclusive with respect to MSK's rights in such patent rights and tangible materials within such know-how, and nonexclusive with respect to such know-how and related intellectual property rights. See the section herein entitled "BusinessIntellectual PropertyMSK Agreements" for a more detailed description of this agreement.
MabVax Sublicense Agreement
On June 27, 2018, we entered into the MabVax Sublicense, pursuant to which MabVax granted us all of the exclusive rights granted to MabVax under the MabVax-MSK License, for a bi-valent ganglioside based vaccine intended to treat NB. MSK originally developed the NB vaccine and licensed to MabVax as part of a portfolio of anti-cancer vaccines. See the section herein entitled "BusinessIntellectual PropertyMSK Agreements" for a more detailed description of this agreement.
200
Stockholders Agreement
We are party to a fourth amended and restated stockholders' agreement with the holders of our common stock, including our 5% stockholders and their affiliates and entities affiliated with some of our directors, providing for, among other things, specified voting with respect to the election of directors. This agreement will terminate upon the closing of this offering.
Share Subscription, Funding Commitment and Call Option Agreement
In August 2015, we entered into a Share Subscription, Funding Commitment and Call Option Agreement with WG Biotech ApS for the sale of 5,010,000 shares of our common stock at a price per share of $0.20, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1,002,000.
Securities Purchase Agreements
We are a party to certain securities purchase agreements dated as of October 13, 2017 and November 17, 2017, with certain holders of our common stock, including some of our directors and 5% stockholders and their affiliates and entities affiliated with our directors, pursuant to which we issued and sold shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $9.35 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $80,000,000. See the section herein entitled "Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsSales of Securities" for additional information regarding the sale of these securities.
Participation in this Offering
Certain of our existing stockholders, including certain of our directors and entities affiliated with certain of our directors, have indicated an interest in purchasing an aggregate of up to approximately $ million in shares of our common stock in this offering at the initial public offering price. However, because indications of interest are not binding agreements or commitments to purchase, the underwriters may determine to sell more, fewer or no shares in this offering to any or all of these stockholders, or any or all of these stockholders may determine to purchase more, fewer or no shares in this offering. The underwriters will receive the same underwriting discount on any shares purchased by these stockholders as they will on any other shares sold to the public in this offering.
Policies and Procedures for Related Party Transactions
In connection with this offering, we plan to adopt a written policy, effective upon completion of this offering, that requires all future transactions between us and any director, executive officer, holder of 5% or more of any class of our capital stock or any member of the immediate family of, or entities affiliated with, any of them, or any other related persons, as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K, or their affiliates, in which the amount involved is equal to or greater than $120,000, be approved in advance by our audit committee. Any request for such a transaction must first be presented to our audit committee for review, consideration and approval. In approving or rejecting any such proposal, our audit committee is to consider the relevant facts and circumstances available and deemed relevant to the audit committee, including, but not limited to, the extent of the related party's interest in the transaction, and whether the transaction is on terms no less favorable to us than terms we could have generally obtained from an unaffiliated third party under the same or similar circumstances.
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The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of June 30, 2018 by:
The column entitled "Percentage of Shares Beneficially OwnedBefore Offering" is based on a total of 28,093,666 shares of our common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2018. The column entitled "Percentage of Shares Beneficially OwnedAfter Offering" is based on shares of our common stock to be outstanding after this offering, including the shares of our common stock that we are selling in this offering, but not including any additional shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options or any exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC and includes voting or investment power with respect to our common stock. Shares of our common stock subject to options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after June 30, 2018, are considered outstanding and beneficially owned by the person holding the options for the purpose of calculating the percentage ownership of that person but not for the purpose of calculating the percentage ownership of any other person. The table below excludes any shares of our common stock that may be purchased in this offering pursuant to the reserved share program. See "Underwriting." Except as otherwise noted, the persons and entities in this table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all of the shares of our common stock beneficially owned by them, subject to community property laws, where applicable. Except as otherwise set forth below, the address of each beneficial owner is c/o Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc., 230 Park Avenue, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10169.
Certain of our existing stockholders, including certain of our directors and entities affiliated with certain of our directors, have indicated an interest in purchasing an aggregate of up to approximately $ million in shares of our common stock in this offering at the initial public offering price. However, because indications of interest are not binding agreements or commitments to purchase, the underwriters may determine to sell more, fewer or no shares in this offering to any or all of these stockholders, or any or all of these stockholders may determine to purchase more, fewer or no shares in this offering. The underwriters will receive the same underwriting discount on any shares purchased by these stockholders as they will on any other shares sold to the public in this offering. The following table does not reflect any such potential purchases by these existing stockholders or their affiliated entities. If any shares are purchased by these stockholders, the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned after this offering and the percentage of common stock beneficially owned after this offering would increase from that set forth in the table below.
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Percentage of Shares Beneficially Owned |
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Number of Shares Beneficially Owned |
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Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
|
Before Offering |
After Offering |
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5% Stockholders |
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WG Biotech ApS(1) |
5,010,000 | 17.83 | % | |||||||
Rungsted Strandvej 113 |
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center(2) |
2,749,284 | 9.79 | % | |||||||
Office of Technology Development |
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HBM Healthcare Investments (Cayman) Ltd.(3) |
2,486,095 | 8.85 | % | |||||||
Governors Square |
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Dr. Nai-Kong V. Cheung |
2,426,400 | 8.64 | % | |||||||
425 East 58 Street |
||||||||||
Peter Bang Holding ApS(4) |
2,282,797 | 8.13 | % | |||||||
Richelieus Alle 8 |
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Weco Group A/S(1) |
1,683,496 | 5.99 | % | |||||||
Rungsted Strandvej 113 |
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Sofinnova Venture Partners X, L.P.(5) |
1,604,278 | 5.71 | % | |||||||
3000 Sand Hill Road |
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Named Executive Officers and Directors |
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Thomas Gad(1)(6) |
1,668,583 | 5.84 | % | |||||||
Dr. Claus Juan Møller San Pedro(7) |
1,336,678 | 4.68 | % | |||||||
Bo Kruse(8) |
661,369 | 2.33 | % | |||||||
Johan Wedell-Wedellsborg(9) |
6,723,718 | 23.93 | % | |||||||
Dr. Gregory Raskin(10) |
36,104 | * | ||||||||
Dr. Michael Buschle(11) |
| * | ||||||||
Dr. James I. Healy(12) |
1,607,834 | 5.72 | % | |||||||
Dr. Ashutosh Tyagi(13) |
962,566 | 3.43 | % | |||||||
David N. Gill |
3,556 | * | ||||||||
All Current Executive Officers and Directors as a Group (12 persons)(14) |
13,140,445 | 46.56 | % |
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Scopia LLP and Scopia LLC. Dr. Tyagi disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares except to the extent of his pecuniary interest arising as a result of his employment with Scopia Capital.
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The following description of the rights of our common stock and convertible preferred stock is intended as a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, which will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. We refer in this section to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation as our certificate of incorporation, and we refer to our amended and restated bylaws as our bylaws. The description of our capital stock reflects changes to our capital structure that will occur upon the completion of this offering.
Upon the closing of this offering and the filing of our certificate of incorporation to be effective upon completion of this offering, our authorized capital stock will consist of 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 5,500,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
Common Stock
Outstanding Shares
Based on shares of common stock outstanding as of , 2018 (including shares of common stock subject to vesting), and upon the completion of this offering and the issuance of shares of common stock in this offering, there will be shares of common stock outstanding upon the closing of this offering. As of , 2018, we had approximately record holders of our common stock. As of , 2018, there were shares of common stock subject to outstanding options.
Voting Rights
Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote for each share on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders, including the election of directors. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws to be in effect upon the completion of this offering do not provide for cumulative voting rights. Because of this, the holders of a plurality of the shares of common stock entitled to vote in any election of directors can elect all of the directors standing for election, if they should so choose. With respect to matters other than the election of directors, at any meeting of the stockholders at which a quorum is present or represented, the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at such meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter shall be the act of the stockholders, except as otherwise required by law. The holders of a majority of the stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of the stockholders.
Dividends
Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any then-outstanding preferred stock, holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors out of legally available funds. For more information see the section of this prospectus captioned "Dividend Policy."
Liquidation
In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of common stock will be entitled to share ratably in the net assets legally available for distribution to stockholders after the payment of all of our debts and other liabilities and the satisfaction of any liquidation preference granted to the holders of any then-outstanding shares of preferred stock.
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Rights and Preferences
Holders of common stock have no preemptive, conversion, subscription or other rights, and there are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of common stock are subject to and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that we may designate in the future.
Fully Paid and Nonassessable
All of our outstanding shares of common stock are, and the shares of common stock to be issued pursuant to this offering, when paid for, will be fully paid and nonassessable.
Registration Rights
The Registration Rights Agreements provide certain holders of our common stock, including some of our directors and 5% stockholders and their respective affiliates and entities affiliated with our directors, the right, following the completion of this offering, to require us to register these shares under the Securities Act under specified circumstances as described below. The shares subject to registration rights under the Registration Rights Agreements, or the registrable shares, will represent approximately % of our outstanding common stock after this offering, or % if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares. After registration pursuant to these rights, these shares will become freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act.
Under the Registration Rights Agreements, holders of registrable shares can demand that we file a registration statement or request that their shares be included on a registration statement that we are otherwise filing, in either case, registering the resale of their shares of common stock. These registration rights are subject to conditions and limitations, including the right, in certain circumstances, of the underwriters of an offering to limit the number of shares included in such registration and our right, in certain circumstances, not to effect a requested S-1 or S-3 registration during the period that is 60 days before our estimated date of filing of, and ending on a date that is 90 days (or 180 days in the case of our initial public offering) after the effective date of, a company-initiated registration statement.
The registration rights of any holder will terminate upon the earliest to occur of: (i) the date on which such holder holds no registrable shares, (ii) such time as Rule 144 or another similar exemption under the Securities Act is available for the sale of all of such holder's registrable shares without the requirement for us to be in compliance with the current publication information required under Rule 144(c)(1), and (iii) the fifth anniversary of this offering.
Demand Registration Rights
Beginning 180 days after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, subject to specified limitations set forth in the Registration Rights Agreements, at any time the holder or holders of not less than a majority of our registrable securities, as defined in the Registration Rights Agreements, acting together, may demand in writing that we register the outstanding registrable securities under the Securities Act so long as the total amount of registrable shares requested to be registered has an anticipated aggregate offering price to the public of least $10 million. We are not obligated to file a registration statement pursuant to this demand provision on more than two occasions, subject to specified exceptions.
In addition, at any time after we become eligible to file a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act, subject to specified limitations, a holder or holders of a majority of the registrable securities may demand in writing that we register on Form S-3 all or part of the registrable
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securities held by them so long as the total amount of registrable shares requested to be registered has an anticipated aggregate offering price to the public of least $10 million.
Incidental Registration Rights
If, at any time after the closing of this offering, we propose to file a registration statement to register any of our common stock under the Securities Act, either for our own account or for the account of any of our stockholders that are not holders of registrable securities, and on a form that would also permit the registration of registrable securities, the holders of our registrable securities are entitled to notice of registration and, subject to specified exceptions, we will be required to use our best efforts to register the registrable securities then held by them that they request that we register.
Expenses of Registration
Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreements, we are required to pay all registration expenses, including registration fees, printing expenses, fees and disbursements of our counsel and accountants and reasonable fees and disbursements not to exceed $50,000 of one counsel representing the selling stockholders, other than any underwriting discounts and commissions, related to any demand or incidental registration.
The Registration Rights Agreements contain customary cross-indemnification provisions, pursuant to which we are obligated to indemnify the selling stockholders in the event of material misstatements or omissions in the registration statement attributable to us, and they are obligated to indemnify us for material misstatements or omissions in the registration statement attributable to them.
Preferred Stock
Our board of directors has the authority, without further action by the stockholders, to issue up to 5,500,000 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, redemption rights, liquidation preferences, sinking fund terms and the number of shares constituting any series or the designation of such series, any or all of which may be greater than the rights of common stock. The issuance of 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 liquidation. In addition, the issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing change in our control or other corporate action. Upon closing of this offering, no shares of preferred stock will be outstanding, and we have no present plan to issue any shares of preferred stock.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws will contain certain provisions that are intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of our board of directors but which may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a future takeover or change in control of us unless such takeover or change in control is approved by our board of directors.
Staggered Board; Removal of Directors
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws to be effective upon the closing of the offering divide our board of directors into three classes with staggered three-year terms. In addition, our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws to be effective upon the closing of the offering provide that directors may be removed only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of 662/3% of our shares of capital stock present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote. Under our certificate of incorporation and bylaws to be effective upon the closing
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of the offering, 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, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director and shall not be filled by the stockholders. Furthermore, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be effective upon the closing of the offering provides that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by the resolution of our board of directors. The classification of our board of directors and the limitations on the ability of our stockholders to remove directors, change the authorized number of directors and fill vacancies could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or discourage a third party from seeking to acquire, control of our company.
Stockholder Action; Special Meeting of Stockholders; Advance Notice Requirements for Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws to be effective upon the closing of the offering provide that any action required or permitted to be taken by our stockholders at an annual meeting or special meeting of stockholders may only be taken if it is properly brought before such meeting and may not be taken by written action in lieu of a meeting. Our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws to be effective upon the closing of the offering also provide that, except as otherwise required by law, special meetings of the stockholders can only be called by the chairman of our board of directors, our chief executive officer or our board of directors. In addition, our bylaws to be effective upon the closing of the offering establish an advance notice procedure for stockholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting of stockholders, including proposed nominations of candidates for election to our board of directors. Stockholders at an annual meeting may only consider proposals or nominations specified in the notice of meeting or brought before the meeting by or at the direction of our board of directors, or by a stockholder of record on the record date for the meeting who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has delivered timely written notice in proper form to our secretary of the stockholder's intention to bring such business before the meeting. These provisions could have the effect of delaying until the next stockholder meeting stockholder actions that are favored by the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities. These provisions also could discourage a third party from making a tender offer for our common stock because even if the third party acquired a majority of our outstanding voting stock, it would be able to take action as a stockholder, such as electing new directors or approving a merger, only at a duly called stockholders meeting and not by written consent.
Super-Majority Voting
The DGCL provides generally that the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on any matter is required to amend a corporation's certificate of incorporation or bylaws unless a corporation's certificate of incorporation or bylaws, as the case may be, requires a greater percentage. Our bylaws to be effective upon the closing of the offering may be amended or repealed by a majority vote of our board of directors or the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 662/3% of the votes that all our stockholders would be entitled to cast in any annual election of directors. In addition, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 662/3% of the votes that all our stockholders would be entitled to cast in any election of directors is required to amend or repeal or to adopt any provisions inconsistent with any of the provisions of our certificate of incorporation described above.
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
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prescribed manner. A "business combination" includes, among other things, a merger, asset or stock sale or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. An "interested stockholder" is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns, or did own within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status, 15% or more of the corporation's voting stock.
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; or at or after the time the stockholder became interested, the business combination was approved by our board of directors of the corporation 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.
Exclusive Forum Selection
Our certificate of incorporation to be effective upon the closing of the offering provides that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of our company, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers, employees or stockholders to our company or our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, or (4) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of our certificate of incorporation or bylaws (in each case, as they may be amended from time to time) or governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Although our certificate of incorporation contains the choice of forum provision described above, it is possible that a court could rule that such a provision is inapplicable for a particular claim or action or that such provision is unenforceable.
Authorized but Unissued Shares
The authorized but unissued shares of common stock and preferred stock are available for future issuance without stockholder approval, subject to any limitations imposed by the listing requirements of the Nasdaq Global Market. These additional shares may be used for a variety of corporate finance transactions, acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued and unreserved common stock and preferred stock could make it more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is . The transfer agent and registrar's address is .
Nasdaq Global Market
We plan to apply to have our common stock listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "YMAB."
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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock, and an active trading market for our common stock may not develop or be sustained after this offering. Future sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, including shares issued upon exercise of outstanding options or in the public market after this offering, or the anticipation of these sales, could adversely affect market prices prevailing from time to time and could impair our ability to raise capital through sales of our equity securities.
Based upon the shares of our common stock that were outstanding on , 2018, upon the closing of this offering, we will have outstanding shares of our common stock, after giving effect to the issuance of shares of our common stock in this offering and assuming no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares and no exercise of options outstanding as of June 30, 2018.
Of the shares to be outstanding immediately after the closing of this offering, we expect that the shares to be sold in this offering, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares, will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act unless purchased by our "affiliates," as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, or Rule 144, whose sales would be subject to the Rule 144 resale restrictions described below, other than the holding period requirement.
The remaining shares of our common stock and any shares purchased in this offering by our affiliates will be "restricted securities" under Rule 144, and we expect that substantially all of these restricted securities will be subject to the 180-day lock-up period under the lock-up agreements as described below. These restricted securities may be sold in the public market only if registered or pursuant to an exemption from registration, such as Rule 144 or Rule 701 under the Securities Act.
Rule 144
In general, under Rule 144, beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, any person who is not our affiliate and has not been our affiliate at any time during the preceding three months and has held their shares for at least six months, including the holding period of any prior owner other than one of our affiliates, may sell shares without restriction, subject to the availability of current public information about us. In addition, under Rule 144, any person who is not our affiliate and has not been our affiliate at any time during the preceding three months and has held their shares for at least one year, including the holding period of any prior owner other than one of our affiliates, would be entitled to sell an unlimited number of shares immediately upon the closing of this offering without regard to whether current public information about us is available.
Beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, a person who is our affiliate or who was our affiliate at any time during the preceding three months may sell any unrestricted securities, as well as restricted securities that the person has beneficially owned for at least six months, including the holding period of any prior owner other than one of our affiliates, under Rule 144. Affiliates selling restricted or unrestricted securities may sell a number of shares within any three-month period that does not exceed the greater of:
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Sales under Rule 144 by our affiliates are also subject to manner of sale provisions and notice requirements and to the availability of current public information about us.
Upon expiration of the 180-day lock-up period described below, approximately shares of our common stock will be eligible for sale under Rule 144, including shares eligible for resale immediately upon the closing of this offering as described above. We cannot estimate the number of shares of our common stock that our existing stockholders will elect to sell under Rule 144.
Rule 701
In general, under Rule 701 of the Securities Act, any of our employees, consultants or advisors, other than our affiliates, who purchased shares from us in connection with a qualified compensatory stock plan or other written agreement is eligible to resell these shares 90 days after the date of this prospectus in reliance on Rule 144, but without compliance with the holding period requirements of Rule 144 and without regard to the volume of such sales or the availability of public information about us. Subject to the 180-day lock-up period described below, approximately shares of our common stock will be eligible for sale in accordance with Rule 701.
Lock-Up Agreements
We, each of our executive officers and directors and the holders of our outstanding stock have agreed that, without the prior written consent of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Cowen and Company, LLC, on behalf of the underwriters, we and they will not, subject to limited exceptions, during the period ending 180 days after the date of this prospectus:
Stock Options
As of , 2018, we had outstanding options to purchase shares of our common stock, of which options to purchase shares were vested and exercisable. Following this offering, we intend to file one or more registration statements on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register all of the shares of our common stock subject to outstanding options under the 2015 Plan and options and other awards issuable pursuant to the 2015 Plan. 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 above and Rule 144 limitations applicable to affiliates.
Registration Rights
After the completion of this offering, the holders of up to shares of our common stock will be entitled to certain rights with respect to the registration of such shares under the Securities Act. The registration of these shares of our common stock under the Securities Act would
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result in these shares becoming eligible for sale in the public market without restriction under the Securities Act immediately upon the effectiveness of such registration, subject to the Rule 144 limitations applicable to affiliates. See the section titled "Description of Capital StockRegistration Rights" for a description of these registration rights.
Registration Statement
In connection with this offering, we intend to file a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register all of the shares of our common stock subject to equity awards outstanding or reserved for issuance under our equity compensation plans. The shares of our common stock covered by such registration statements will be eligible for sale in the public market without restriction under the Securities Act immediately upon the effectiveness of such registration statements, subject to vesting restrictions, the conditions of Rule 144 applicable to affiliates and any applicable market standoff agreements and lock-up agreements. See the section titled "Executive and Director CompensationStock Option and Other Compensation Plans" for a description of our equity compensation plans.
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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME AND ESTATE TAX CONSIDERATIONS
FOR NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK
The following is a discussion of material U.S. federal income and estate tax considerations relating to the ownership and disposition of our common stock by a non-U.S. holder. For purposes of this discussion, the term "non-U.S. holder" means a beneficial owner (other than a partnership or other entity or arrangement that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) of our common stock that is not, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
This discussion does not address the tax treatment of partnerships or other entities or arrangements that are pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes or persons who hold their common stock through partnerships or other such pass-through entities. A partner in a partnership or other pass-through entity that will hold our common stock should consult that partner's tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our common stock through a partnership or other pass-through entity, as applicable.
This discussion is based on current provisions of the Code, final, temporary and proposed U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, current administrative rulings and judicial decisions, all as in effect as of the date of this prospectus and all of which are subject to change or to differing interpretation, possibly with retroactive effect. In particular, Congress currently is considering significant tax reform proposals to the U.S. federal tax laws. Any change could alter the tax consequences to non-U.S. holders described in this prospectus. There can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, will not challenge one or more of the tax consequences described in this prospectus.
We assume in this discussion that each non-U.S. holder holds shares of our common stock as a "capital asset" within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income and estate taxation that may be relevant to a particular non-U.S. holder in light of that non-U.S. holder's individual circumstances nor does it address any aspects of U.S. state, local or non-U.S. taxes, the alternative minimum tax, or the Medicare tax on net investment income. This discussion also does not consider any specific facts or circumstances that may apply to a non-U.S. holder and does not address the special tax rules applicable to particular non-U.S. holders, such as:
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THIS DISCUSSION IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND IS NOT, AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE, LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, ESTATE AND NON-U.S. INCOME AND OTHER TAX CONSIDERATIONS, INCLUDING THAT OF INCOME TAX TREATIES, OF ACQUIRING, HOLDING AND DISPOSING OF OUR COMMON STOCK.
Distributions
As discussed under "Dividend Policy" above, we do not expect to make cash dividends to holders of our common stock in the foreseeable future. If we make distributions in respect of our common stock, those distributions generally 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, subject to the tax treatment described in this section. If a distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits, the excess amount of the distribution will be treated as a tax-free return of the non-U.S. holder's investment, up to the holder's tax basis in the common stock and correspondingly reduce (but not below zero) the non-U.S. holder's basis in such stock. Any remaining excess of the distribution once the non-U.S. holder's basis is reduced to zero will be treated as capital gain, subject to the tax treatment described below under the heading "Gain on Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Our Common Stock." Any such distributions will also be subject to the discussions below under the headings "Information Reporting and Backup Withholding" and "FATCA."
Subject to the discussion below on effectively connected income, dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty between the United States and such holder's country of residence.
Dividends that are treated as effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by a non-U.S. holder within the United States, and, if an applicable income tax treaty so provides, that are attributable to a permanent establishment or a fixed base maintained by the non-U.S. holder within the United States, generally are exempt from the 30% withholding tax if the non-U.S. holder satisfies applicable certification and disclosure requirements (generally including provision of 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). However, such U.S. effectively connected income, net of specified deductions and credits, is taxed in the hands of the non-U.S. holder at the same graduated U.S. federal income tax rates as would apply if such holder were a U.S. person (as defined in the Code). Any income effectively connected with a trade or business conducted within the United States that is received by a non-U.S. holder that is classified as a
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corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes may also, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional "branch profits tax" at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty between the United States and such holder's country of residence.
A non-U.S. holder of our common stock who claims the benefit of an applicable income tax treaty between the United States and such holder's country of residence generally will be required to provide a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or successor form) and satisfy applicable certification and other requirements. Non-U.S. holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding their entitlement to benefits under a relevant income tax treaty and the specific methods available to them to satisfy such requirements.
A non-U.S. holder that is eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. withholding tax under an income tax treaty may obtain a refund or credit of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for a refund with the IRS.
Gain on Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Our Common Stock
Subject to the discussions below under the headings "Information Reporting and Backup Withholding" and "FATCA," a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax on any gain realized upon such non-U.S. holder's sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock unless:
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Non-U.S. holders are urged to consult with their tax advisors on the treatment of any gain on the disposition of our common stock based on their particular circumstances.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
The gross amount of the distributions on our common stock paid to each non-U.S. holder and the tax withheld, if any, with respect to such distributions must be reported annually to the IRS and to such holder. Non-U.S. holders generally will have to comply with specific certification procedures to establish that the holder is not a U.S. person (as defined in the Code) in order to avoid backup withholding at the applicable rate with respect to dividends on our common stock. Generally, a holder will comply with such procedures if it provides a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or other applicable Form W-8), or otherwise establishes an exemption through an income tax treaty or otherwise. Dividends paid to non-U.S. holders subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax, as described above under "Distributions," generally will be exempt from U.S. backup withholding if such forms described herein are timely and properly provided. Notwithstanding the foregoing, backup withholding may apply if we have actual knowledge, or reason to know, that the non-U.S. holder is a U.S. person (as defined in the Code) that is not an exempt recipient.
Information reporting and backup withholding generally will apply to the proceeds of a disposition of our common stock by a non-U.S. holder effected by or through the U.S. office of any broker, U.S. or non-U.S., unless the holder certifies its status as a non-U.S. holder and satisfies certain other requirements, or otherwise establishes an exemption. Generally, information reporting and backup withholding will not apply to a payment of disposition proceeds to a non-U.S. holder where the transaction is effected outside the United States through a non-U.S. office of a broker. However, for information reporting purposes, dispositions effected through a non-U.S. office of a broker with substantial U.S. ownership or operations generally will be treated in a manner similar to dispositions effected through a U.S. office of a broker. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the information reporting and backup withholding rules to them.
Copies of information returns may be made available to the tax authorities of the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides or is incorporated under the provisions of a specific treaty or agreement.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a non-U.S. holder can be refunded or credited against the non-U.S. holder's U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that an appropriate claim is timely filed with the IRS.
FATCA
Provisions of the Code commonly known as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or FATCA, generally impose a 30% withholding tax on dividends on, and gross proceeds from the sale or disposition of, our common stock if paid to a foreign entity unless: (i) if the foreign entity is a "foreign financial institution," (as defined in the Code), the foreign entity undertakes certain due diligence, information reporting, withholding, and certification obligations, (ii) if the foreign entity is not a "foreign financial institution," and the foreign entity identifies certain of its U.S. investors, if any, or (iii) the foreign entity is otherwise exempt under FATCA.
Withholding under FATCA generally (1) applies to payments of dividends on our common stock and (2) will apply to payments of gross proceeds from a sale or other disposition of our common stock made after December 31, 2018. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country may modify the requirements described in this section. Under certain circumstances, a non-U.S. holder may be eligible for refunds or credits of the tax. Non-U.S. holders
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should consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of FATCA on their investment in our common stock.
Federal Estate Tax
Shares of our common stock that are owned or treated as owned by an individual who is not a citizen or resident of the United States (as specially defined for U.S. federal estate tax purposes) at the time of death are considered U.S. situs assets and will be included in the individual's gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes. Such shares, therefore, may be subject to U.S. federal estate tax, unless an applicable estate tax or other treaty provides otherwise.
The preceding discussion of material U.S. federal tax considerations is for information only. It is not legal or tax advice. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the particular U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of purchasing, holding and disposing of our common stock, including the consequences of any proposed changes in applicable laws.
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Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Cowen and Company, LLC are acting as representatives of each of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement among us and the underwriters, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each of the underwriters has agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase from us, the number of shares of common stock set forth opposite its name below.
Underwriter |
Number of Shares |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith |
||||
Cowen and Company, LLC |
||||
| | | | |
Total |
||||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement, the underwriters have agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase all of the shares sold under the underwriting agreement if any of these shares are purchased. If an underwriter defaults, the underwriting agreement provides that the purchase commitments of the nondefaulting underwriters may be increased or the underwriting agreement may be terminated.
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
The underwriters are offering the shares, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the validity of the shares, and other conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters of officer's certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.
Commissions and Discounts
The representatives have advised us that the underwriters propose initially to offer the shares to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of $ per share. After the initial offering, the public offering price, concession or any other term of the offering may be changed.
The following table shows the public offering price, underwriting discount and proceeds before expenses to us. The information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares.
|
Per Share | Without Option | With Option | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Public offering price |
$ | $ | $ | |||
Underwriting discount |
$ | $ | $ | |||
Proceeds, before expenses, to us |
$ | $ | $ |
The expenses of the offering, not including the underwriting discount, are estimated at $ and are payable by us. We have also agreed to reimburse the underwriters for their expenses relating to clearance of this offering with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority in an amount up to $60,000.
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Option to Purchase Additional Shares
We have granted an option to the underwriters, exercisable for 30 days after the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to additional shares at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount. If the underwriters exercise this option, each will be obligated, subject to conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, to purchase a number of additional shares proportionate to that underwriter's initial amount reflected in the above table.
Reserved Share Program
At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to , % of the shares offered by this prospectus for sale to some of our directors, officers, employees, business associates and related persons. If these persons purchase reserved shares it will reduce the number of shares available for sale to the general public. Any reserved shares that are not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same terms as the other shares offered by this prospectus.
No Sales of Similar Securities
We, our executive officers and directors and our other existing security holders have agreed not to sell or transfer any common stock or securities convertible into, exchangeable for, exercisable for, or repayable with common stock, for 180 days after the date of this prospectus without first obtaining the written consent of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Cowen and Company, LLC. Specifically, we and these other persons have agreed, with certain limited exceptions, not to directly or indirectly
This lock-up provision applies to common stock and to securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for or repayable with common stock. It also applies to common stock owned now or acquired later by the person executing the agreement or for which the person executing the agreement later acquires the power of disposition. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Cowen and Company, LLC, in their sole discretion, may release the common stock and other securities subject to the lock-up agreements described above in whole or in part at any time with or without notice. In addition, in the event that any stockholder holding in excess of 5% of our outstanding shares, or a Major Holder, is granted an early release from the lock-up restrictions with respect to our securities in an aggregate amount in excess of one percent of our issued and outstanding shares (whether in one or multiple releases), then each other Major Holder automatically will be granted an equivalent early release from its obligations under the lock-up agreement on a pro-rata basis. Such release shall not be applicable in the event of an underwritten primary or secondary public
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offering or sale of our common stock during the period ending 180 days after the date of this prospectus.
Nasdaq Global Market Listing
We expect the shares to be approved for listing on the Nasdaq Global Market, subject to notice of issuance, under the symbol "YMAB."
Determination of Estimated Offering Price
Before this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. The initial public offering price will be determined through negotiations between us and the representatives. In addition to prevailing market conditions, the factors to be considered in determining the initial public offering price are:
An active trading market for the shares may not develop. It is also possible that after the offering the shares will not trade in the public market at or above the initial public offering price.
The underwriters do not expect to sell more than 5% of the shares in the aggregate to accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority.
Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids
Until the distribution of the shares is completed, SEC rules may limit underwriters and selling group members from bidding for and purchasing our common stock. However, the representatives may engage in transactions that stabilize the price of the common stock, such as bids or purchases to peg, fix or maintain that price.
In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell our common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, purchases on the open market to cover positions created by short sales and stabilizing transactions. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering. "Covered" short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares described above. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the option granted to them. "Naked" short sales are sales in excess of such option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of our common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering.
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Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of shares of common stock made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the offering.
The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased shares sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.
Similar to other purchase transactions, the underwriters' purchases to cover the syndicate short sales may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our common stock. As a result, the price of our common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. The underwriters may conduct these transactions on the Nasdaq Global Market, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.
Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of our common stock. In addition, neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation that the representatives will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
Electronic Distribution
In connection with the offering, certain of the underwriters or securities dealers may distribute prospectuses by electronic means, such as e-mail.
Other Relationships
Some of the underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, investment banking and other commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with us or our affiliates. They have received, or may in the future receive, customary fees and commissions for these transactions.
In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area
In relation to each member state of the European Economic Area, no offer of shares which are the subject of the offering has been, or will be made to the public in that Member State, other than under the following exemptions under the Prospectus Directive:
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provided that no such offer of shares referred to in (a) to (c) above shall result in a requirement for us or any representative to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive, or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 16 of the Prospectus Directive.
Each person located in a Member State to whom any offer of shares is made or who receives any communication in respect of an offer of shares, or who initially acquires any shares will be deemed to have represented, warranted, acknowledged and agreed to and with each representative and us that (1) it is a "qualified investor" within the meaning of the law in that Member State implementing Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive; and (2) in the case of any shares acquired by it as a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, the shares acquired by it in the offer have not been acquired on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in any Member State other than qualified investors, as that term is defined in the Prospectus Directive, or in circumstances in which the prior consent of the Representatives has been given to the offer or resale; or where shares have been acquired by it on behalf of persons in any Member State other than qualified investors, the offer of those shares to it is not treated under the Prospectus Directive as having been made to such persons.
We, the representatives and their respective affiliates will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations, acknowledgments and agreements.
This prospectus has been prepared on the basis that any offer of shares of our common stock in any Member State will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Directive from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of shares. Accordingly any person making or intending to make an offer in that Member State of shares which are the subject of the offering contemplated in this prospectus may only do so in circumstances in which no obligation arises for us or any of the representatives to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive in relation to such offer. Neither we nor the representatives have authorized, nor do they authorize, the making of any offer of shares in circumstances in which an obligation arises for us or the representatives to publish a prospectus for such offer.
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an "offer of shares to the public" in relation to any shares in any Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the shares, as the same may be varied in that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Member State, the expression "Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC (as amended) and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Member State.
The above selling restriction is in addition to any other selling restrictions set out below.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom
In addition, in the United Kingdom, this document is being distributed only to, and is directed only at, and any offer subsequently made may only be directed at persons who are "qualified investors" (as defined in the Prospectus Directive) (i) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19 (5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended, or the Order, and/or (ii) who are high net worth companies (or persons to whom it may otherwise be lawfully communicated) falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). This document must not be acted on or relied on in the United Kingdom by persons who are not relevant persons. In the United Kingdom, any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is only available to, and will be engaged in with, relevant persons.
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Notice to Prospective Investors in Switzerland
The shares may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, or SIX, or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the shares or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.
Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, our company, the shares have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of shares will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA and the offer of shares has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes, or CISA. The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of shares.
Notice to Prospective Investors in the Dubai International Financial Centre
This prospectus relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Offered Securities Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority, or DFSA. This prospectus is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Offered Securities Rules of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for the prospectus. The shares to which this prospectus relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the shares offered should conduct their own due diligence on the shares. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus you should consult an authorized financial advisor.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Australia
No placement document, prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document has been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission ("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 (the "Corporations Act"), and does not purport to include the information required for a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act.
Any offer in Australia of the shares may only be made to persons (the "Exempt Investors") who are "sophisticated investors" (within the meaning of section 708(8) of the Corporations Act), "professional investors" (within the meaning of section 708(11) of the Corporations Act) or otherwise pursuant to one or more exemptions contained in section 708 of the Corporations Act so that it is lawful to offer the shares without disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.
The shares applied for by Exempt Investors in Australia must not be offered for sale in Australia in the period of 12 months after the date of allotment under the offering, except in circumstances where disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act would not be required pursuant to an exemption under section 708 of the Corporations Act or otherwise or where the offer is pursuant to a disclosure document which complies with Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act. Any person acquiring shares must observe such Australian on-sale restrictions.
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This prospectus contains general information only and does not take account of the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. It does not contain any securities recommendations or financial product advice. Before making an investment decision, investors need to consider whether the information in this prospectus is appropriate to their needs, objectives and circumstances, and, if necessary, seek expert advice on those matters.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong
The shares have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold in Hong Kong, by means of any document, other than (a) to "professional investors" as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under that Ordinance; or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a "prospectus" as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the shares has been or may be issued or has been or may be in the possession of any person for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to shares which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to "professional investors" as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Japan
The shares have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (Law No. 25 of 1948, as amended) and, accordingly, will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan, or for the benefit of any Japanese Person or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to any Japanese Person, except in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines promulgated by relevant Japanese governmental or regulatory authorities in effect at the relevant time. For the purposes of this paragraph, "Japanese Person" shall mean any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Singapore
This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of 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 under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the "SFA"), (ii) to a relevant person pursuant to Section 275(1), or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), 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.
Where the shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:
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securities (as defined in Section 239(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the beneficiaries' rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the shares pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except:
Notice to Prospective Investors in Canada
The shares may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the shares must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.
Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser's province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser's province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.
Pursuant to section 3A.3 (or, in the case of securities issued or guaranteed by the government of a non-Canadian jurisdiction, section 3A.4) of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.
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The validity of the shares of our common stock offered hereby is being passed upon for us by Satterlee Stephens LLP. Certain legal matters relating to this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Shearman & Sterling LLP.
The financial statements as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 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.
Change in our public accounting firm
On October 19, 2017, we dismissed PricewaterhouseCoopers Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab, based in Copenhagen, Denmark, or PwC DK, as our independent accountants. The decision to dismiss PwC DK as our independent registered public accounting firm was approved by our board of directors.
The reports of PwC DK on our 2016 and 2015 consolidated financial statements did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor was such report qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. During the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 and through the subsequent interim period through October 19, 2017, there were no disagreements between us and PwC DK on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreement, if not resolved to the satisfaction of PwC DK, would have caused them to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in connection with their reports on the financial statements for such years. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 and the subsequent interim period through October 19, 2017, there have been no reportable events (as defined in S-K 304(a)(1)(v)).
On October 20, 2017, we engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, or PwC, as our independent registered public accounting firm, to audit our consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.
During our year ended December 31, 2016 and in the subsequent interim period through October 20, 2017, neither we nor anyone on our behalf consulted with PwC regarding either: (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on our financial statements, and neither a written report was provided to us or oral advice was provided to us that PwC concluded was an important factor considered by us in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement or reportable event as defined in Regulation S-K, Item 304(a)(1)(iv) and Item 304(a)(1)(v), respectively.
We delivered a copy of this disclosure to PwC DK and requested that they furnish us a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether they agree with the above statements. In their letter to the SEC dated , attached as Exhibit 16.1 to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, PwC DK states that they agree with the statements above concerning their firm.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of our common stock we are offering to sell. This prospectus, which constitutes part of the registration statement, does not include all of the information contained in the registration statement and the exhibits, schedules and amendments to the registration statement. Some items are omitted in accordance with 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 and to the exhibits, schedules and amendments to the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus about the contents of any contract, agreement or other document filed as an exhibit are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, we refer you to the copy of the contract, agreement or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. Each of these statements is qualified in all respects by this reference.
You may read and copy the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part at the SEC's public reference room, which is located at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You can request copies of the registration statement by writing to the Securities and Exchange Commission and paying a fee for the copying cost. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information about the operation of the SEC's public reference room. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet website, which is located at www.sec.gov, that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. You may access the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part at the SEC's Internet website.
Upon completion of this offering, we will be subject to the information reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and we will file annual, quarterly and proxy reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. We intend to furnish our stockholders with annual reports containing financial statements certified by an independent registered public accounting firm. We also maintain a website at www.ymabs.com. The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not a part of, and is not incorporated into, this prospectus. We have included our website address in this prospectus solely as an inactive textual reference.
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Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc.:
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc. and its subsidiary (the "Company") as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, changes in stockholders' equity and 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, 2017 and 2016, and the results of their operations and their 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 and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit 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
Florham Park, New Jersey
May 18, 2018, except for the segment disclosure in Note 2 and the effect of disclosing earnings per share
information discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, as to which the date is June 7, 2018
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2017.
F-2
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share data)
|
December 31, 2017 |
December 31, 2016 |
June 30, 2018 |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
(unaudited) |
|||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS |
||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 90,483 | $ | 16,875 | $ | 70,152 | ||||
Restricted cash |
32 | 28 | 31 | |||||||
Other current assets |
840 | 358 | 1,546 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total current assets |
91,355 | 17,261 | 71,729 | |||||||
Property and equipment, net |
| | 118 | |||||||
Deferred offering costs |
772 | | 1,263 | |||||||
Other assets |
| | 188 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL ASSETS |
$ | 92,127 | $ | 17,261 | $ | 73,298 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
||||||||||
LIABILITIES |
||||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 5,909 | $ | 2,227 | $ | 4,242 | ||||
Accrued liabilities |
2,016 | 748 | 1,485 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total current liabilities |
7,925 | 2,975 | 5,727 | |||||||
Accrued long-term liabilities |
2,050 | 2,225 | 2,050 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL LIABILITIES |
9,975 | 5,200 | 7,777 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6) |
||||||||||
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
||||||||||
Preferred stock $0.0001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2016, and 5,500,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018 (unaudited); None issued at December 31, 2016 and 2017 and June 30, 2018 (unaudited) |
| | | |||||||
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 and June 30, 2018 (unaudited); 16,552,884 shares issued at December 31, 2016, and 26,749,666 shares issued at December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018 (unaudited) |
3 | 2 | 3 | |||||||
Additional paid in capital |
123,879 | 34,429 | 124,955 | |||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
(169 | ) | 30 | (88 | ) | |||||
Accumulated deficit |
(41,561 | ) | (22,400 | ) | (59,349 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
82,152 | 12,061 | 65,521 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
$ | 92,127 | $ | 17,261 | $ | 73,298 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
F-3
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
|
For The Year Ended December 31, 2017 |
For The Year Ended December 31, 2016 |
For The Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 |
For The Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
(unaudited) |
(unaudited) |
|||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES |
|||||||||||||
Research and development |
$ | 14,307 | $ | 13,855 | $ | 14,497 | $ | 4,606 | |||||
General and administrative |
4,937 | 3,184 | 3,240 | 1,521 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total operating expenses |
19,244 | 17,039 | 17,737 | 6,127 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss from operations |
(19,244 | ) | (17,039 | ) | (17,737 | ) | (6,127 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
OTHER INCOME/(EXPENSES) |
|||||||||||||
Other income (expenses) |
83 | (18 | ) | (51 | ) | 46 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET LOSS |
$ | (19,161 | ) | $ | (17,057 | ) | $ | (17,788 | ) | $ | (6,081 | ) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive income/(loss) |
|||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation |
(199 | ) | 40 | 81 | (71 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS |
$ | (19,360 | ) | $ | (17,017 | ) | $ | (17,707 | ) | $ | (6,152 | ) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted |
$ | (0.99 | ) | $ | (1.21 | ) | $ | (0.66 | ) | $ | (0.34 | ) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted |
19,397,506 | 14,087,456 | 26,749,666 | 17,644,530 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
F-4
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
(In thousands, except share data)
|
Common Stock | |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss)/Income |
|
|
||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Additional Paid-in Capital |
Accumulated Deficit |
Stockholders' Equity |
||||||||||||||||
|
Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||
Balance January 1, 2016 |
11,243,384 | $ | 1 | $ | 12,920 | $ | (10 | ) | $ | (5,343 | ) | $ | 7,568 | ||||||
Issuance of common stock to investors, net of issuance costs |
3,945,171 | 1 | 19,337 | | | 19,338 | |||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock to strategic partner |
999,929 | | 2,280 | | | 2,280 | |||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock to nonemployees |
448,000 | | | | | | |||||||||||||
Repurchase of common stock |
(83,600 | ) | | (366 | ) | | | (366 | ) | ||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense |
| | 258 | | | 258 | |||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income |
| | | 40 | | 40 | |||||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | | (17,057 | ) | (17,057 | ) | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance December 31, 2016 |
16,552,884 | $ | 2 | $ | 34,429 | $ | 30 | $ | (22,400 | ) | $ | 12,061 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Issuance of common stock to investors, net of issuance costs |
9,748,782 | 1 | 88,841 | | | 88,842 | |||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock to nonemployees |
448,000 | | | | | | |||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense |
| | 609 | | | 609 | |||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income |
| | | (199 | ) | | (199 | ) | |||||||||||
Net loss |
| | | | (19,161 | ) | (19,161 | ) | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance December 31, 2017 |
26,749,666 | $ | 3 | $ | 123,879 | $ | (169 | ) | $ | (41,561 | ) | $ | 82,152 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Stock-based compensation expense (unaudited) |
| | 1,076 | | | 1,076 | |||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (unaudited) |
| | | 81 | | 81 | |||||||||||||
Net loss (unaudited) |
| | | | (17,788 | ) | (17,788 | ) | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance June 30, 2018 (unaudited) |
26,749,666 | 3 | 124,955 | (88 | ) | (59,349 | ) | 65,521 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
F-5
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
|
For the Year Ended December 31, 2017 |
For the Year Ended December 31, 2016 |
For The Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 |
For The Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
(unaudited) |
(unaudited) |
|||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
|||||||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (19,161 | ) | $ | (17,057 | ) | $ | (17,788 | ) | $ | (6,081 | ) | |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
|||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
| | 6 | | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation |
609 | 258 | 1,076 | 295 | |||||||||
Non-cash expense in connection with equity issuance to strategic partner |
| 2,280 | | | |||||||||
Foreign currency transactions |
(63 | ) | | 79 | | ||||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: |
|||||||||||||
Other current assets |
(482 | ) | (309 | ) | (706 | ) | (440 | ) | |||||
Other assets |
| | (188 | ) | |||||||||
Accounts payable |
2,385 | 836 | (368 | ) | (636 | ) | |||||||
Accrued liabilities and other |
842 | 2,826 | (575 | ) | (20 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
(15,870 | ) | (11,166 | ) | (18,464 | ) | (6,882 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
|||||||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment |
| | (124 | ) | | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
| | (124 | ) | | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
|||||||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs |
89,844 | 19,338 | (1,002 | ) | 10,137 | ||||||||
Repurchase of common stock |
| (366 | ) | | | ||||||||
Payment of offering costs |
(258 | ) | | (766 | ) | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
89,586 | 18,972 | (1,768 | ) | 10,137 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents |
(108 | ) | | 25 | (75 | ) | |||||||
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |
73,608 |
7,806 |
(20,331 |
) |
3,180 |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period |
16,875 | 9,069 | 90,483 | 16,875 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period |
$ | 90,483 | $ | 16,875 | $ | 70,152 | $ | 20,055 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
|||||||||||||
Common stock issuance cost in accounts payable |
$ | 1,002 | | | | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Deferred offering costs included in other assets and accounts payable and accrued liabilities and other |
$ | 514 | | $ | 239 | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
F-6
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements
NOTE 1ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc. ("we," "us," "our," the "Company," or "Y-mAbs") is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel antibody therapeutic products to treat cancer.
We have entered into a worldwide license and research collaboration agreement (the "MSK License Agreement") with Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center ("MSK") our strategic partner, under which we have obtained the exclusive rights to MSK's rights to two clinical stage antibody-based product development programs for the treatment of neuroblastoma and other oncology indications. The MSK License Agreement also includes a protein Multimerization Platform TechnologyMULTI TAGTM, and an option to obtain the rights to certain chimeric antigen receptor T-cell, or CAR-T, technologies, as well as rights to next-generation humanized, affinity matured bispecific antibodies.
The Company is headquartered in New York and was incorporated on April 30, 2015 under the laws of the State of Delaware.
NOTE 2BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The Company has not generated any revenue and has incurred losses since inception. Operations of the Company are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, among others, uncertainty of drug candidate development; technological uncertainty; uncertainty regarding patents and proprietary rights; uncertainty in obtaining FDA approval in the United States and regulatory approval in other jurisdictions; marketing or sales capability or experience; uncertainty in getting adequate payer coverage and reimbursement; and dependence on key personnel, compliance with government regulations and the need to obtain additional financing. Drug candidates currently under development will require significant additional research and development efforts, including extensive preclinical and clinical testing and regulatory approval, prior to commercialization. These efforts require significant amounts of additional capital, adequate personnel infrastructure and extensive compliance-reporting capabilities.
The Company's drug candidates are in the development stage. There can be no assurance that the Company's research and development will be successfully completed, that adequate protection for the Company's intellectual property will be obtained, that any products developed will obtain necessary government regulatory approval or that any approved products will be commercially viable. Even if the Company's product development efforts are successful, it is uncertain when, if ever, the Company will generate significant revenue from product sales. The Company operates in an environment of rapid change in technology and substantial competition from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
The Company's financial statements have been prepared on the basis of continuity of operations, realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. The Company has experienced negative cash flows and had an accumulated deficit of $41,561,000 as of December 31, 2017 and $59,349,000 as of June 30, 2018 (unaudited). Through June 30, 2018, the Company has funded its operations through proceeds from sales of shares of its common stock. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $90,483,000, and as of June 30, 2018 the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $70,152,000 (unaudited). As of May 18, 2018 the issuance date of the annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company expected that its cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2017 would be sufficient to fund its operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements through at least the next twelve months. The future viability of the Company, until such time that the Company has commercialized any of its
F-7
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 2BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Continued)
products, is dependent on its ability to raise additional capital to finance its operations. The Company's failure to raise capital as and when needed could have a negative impact on its financial condition and ability to pursue its business strategies.
As of August 21, 2018, the issuance date of the interim financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company expects that its cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2018 will be sufficient to fund its operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements through at least the next twelve months (unaudited).
The Company is seeking to complete an initial public offering of its common shares. In the event the Company does not complete an initial public offering, and fails to generate cash from its operating activities, the Company expects to seek additional funding through private equity financings, debt financings, or other capital sources, including collaborations with other companies or other strategic transactions. The Company may not be able to obtain financing on acceptable terms, or at all. The terms of any financing may adversely affect the holdings or the rights of the Company's shareholders. The Company may not be able to obtain additional future financing on acceptable terms, or at all, and the Company may not be able to enter into collaboration arrangements or obtain government grants. The terms of any financing may adversely affect the holdings or the rights of the Company's stockholders. If the Company is unable to obtain funding, the Company could be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate its research and development programs, product portfolio expansion or commercialization efforts, which could adversely affect its business prospects.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflected the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
NOTE 3SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions reflected in these financial statements include, but are not limited to, the accrual for research and development expenses, the accrual of milestone and royalty payments, the valuation of shares of common stock and stock options. Estimates are periodically reviewed in light of changes in circumstances, facts and experience. Changes in estimates are recorded in the period in which they become known. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Unaudited Interim Financial Information
The accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2018, the statements of comprehensive loss and of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018, and the statement of changes in stockholders' equity for the six months ended June 30, 2018 are unaudited. The unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited annual financial statements and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, which include
F-8
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 3SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair statement of the Company's financial position as of June 30, 2018 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018. The financial data and other information disclosed in these notes related to the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018 are also unaudited. The results for the six months ended June 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2018, any other interim periods, or any future year or period.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly-liquid investments with maturities of three months or less from date of purchase to be cash equivalents.
The Company primarily maintains its cash balances with financial institutions in federally insured accounts and cash held in an unrestricted escrow account. The Company has cash in financial institutions in excess of FDIC insurance limits.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense is recognized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of each asset as follows:
|
Estimated Useful Life | |
---|---|---|
Furniture and fixtures |
5 years | |
Leasehold improvements |
Shorter of life of lease or 15 years |
Upon retirement or sale, the cost of assets disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in loss from operations. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment, addresses the financial accounting and reporting for impairment or disposal of long-lived assets. The Company reviews the recorded values of long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstance indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets may not be fully recoverable.
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 within other assets until such financings are consummated. After consummation of the equity financing, these costs are recorded in shareholders' equity as a reduction of proceeds generated as a result of the offering. Should the planned equity financing be abandoned, the deferred offering costs will be expensed immediately as a charge to operating expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss. The Company did not record any deferred offering costs as of December 31, 2016. The Company
F-9
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 3SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
recorded deferred offering costs of $772,000 as other assets as of December 31, 2017 and $1,263,000 as of June 30, 2018 (unaudited).
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability approach for the financial accounting and reporting of income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to net operating loss carry forwards and temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. These assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is established when management determines that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
The Company prepares and files tax returns based on its interpretation of tax laws and regulations. In the normal course of business, the Company's tax returns are subject to examination by various taxing authorities. Such examinations may result in future tax and interest assessments by these taxing authorities. In determining the Company's tax provision for financial reporting purposes, the Company establishes a reserve for uncertain tax positions unless such positions are determined to be more likely than not of being sustained upon examination based on their technical merits. The Company considers many factors when evaluating and estimating its tax positions and tax benefits, which may require periodic adjustments and which may not accurately anticipate actual outcomes. Accordingly, the Company will report a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from any uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return.
The Company's policy is to recognize, when applicable, interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions as part of income tax expense.
In accordance with guidance issued by Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"), companies should make and disclose a policy election as to whether they will recognize deferred taxes for basis differences expected to reverse as Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income ("GILTI") or whether they will account for GILTI as period costs if and when incurred. The Company has elected to recognize the resulting tax with respect to the GILTI provision as a period cost.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs are charged to operations when incurred and are included in operating expenses. Research and development costs consist principally of compensation cost for our employees and consultants that perform our research activities, the fees paid to maintain our licenses, the payments to third parties for manufacturing and clinical research organizations and additional product development, and consumables and other materials used in research and development. The Company records accruals for estimated ongoing research and development costs. When evaluating the adequacy of the accrued liabilities, the Company analyzes progress of the studies or clinical trials, including the phase or completion of events, invoices received and contracted costs. Actual results could differ from the Company's estimates. The Company is obligated to make certain milestone and royalty payments in accordance with the contractual terms of its license agreement with MSK based upon the resolution of certain contingencies. The Company records the milestone and royalty payment when the achievement of the milestone or payment of the milestone or royalty is probable and the
F-10
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 3SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
amount of the payment is reasonably estimable. Research and development costs were $14,307,000 and $13,855,000 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $14,497,000 and $4,606,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 (unaudited), respectively.
Patent Costs
The Company expenses the costs of obtaining and maintaining patents as general and administrative expenses.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company measures stock options granted to employees and directors based on the fair value on the date of the grant and recognizes compensation expense of those awards, over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period of the respective award. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur. The Company issues stock options with only service-based vesting conditions and records the expense for these awards using the straight-line method over the requisite service period.
For share-based awards granted to non-employees, compensation expense is recognized over the period during which services are rendered by such non-employees until completed. At the end of each financial reporting period prior to completion of the service, the fair value of these awards is remeasured using the then-current fair value of the Company's common shares and updated assumption inputs in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.
The fair value of each stock option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company historically has been a private company and lacks company-specific historical and implied volatility information for its shares. Therefore, it estimates its expected share price volatility based on the historical volatility of a group of publicly-traded peer companies and expects to continue to do so until such time as it has adequate historical data regarding the volatility of its own traded share price. The expected term of the Company's stock options has been determined utilizing the "simplified" method for awards as the Company has limited historical data to support the expected term assumption. The expected term of stock options granted to non-employees is equal to the contractual term of the option award. The risk-free interest rate is determined by reference to the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant of the award for time periods approximately equal to the expected term of the award. The expected dividend yield is based on the fact that the Company has never paid cash dividends on common shares and does not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
Segment Information
The Company is engaged solely in the discovery and development of novel antibody therapeutic products to treat cancer. Accordingly, the Company has determined that it operates in one operating segment.
Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive loss includes net loss as well as other changes in stockholders' equity that result from transactions and economic events other than those with shareholders. The difference between net
F-11
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 3SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
loss and comprehensive loss for the period presented in the accompanying financial statements was due to foreign currency translation.
Foreign Currency
The financial statements of our Danish subsidiary with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities, historical exchange rates for stockholders' equity and weighted average exchange rates for operating results. Translation gains and losses are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, in stockholders' equity. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the results of operations in other income and expense.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements (unaudited)
In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, CompensationStock Compensation (Topic 718), Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU 2018-07"). ASU 2018-07 is intended to simplify aspects of share-based compensation issued to non-employees by making the guidance consistent with the accounting for employee share-based compensation. ASU 2018-07 is required to be adopted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2018-07 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In May 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-09 ("ASU 2017-09"), CompensationStock Compensation (Topic 718)Scope of Modification Accounting. Under the new guidance, modification accounting is required only if the fair value, the vesting conditions, or the classification of the award changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. The guidance is effective prospectively for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2017-09 on January 1, 2018 and will account for any modifications in accordance with ASU 2017-09 subsequent to the effective date.
In November 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 ("ASU 2016-18"), Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)Restricted Cash. Under the new guidance, it changes the presentation of restricted cash and cash equivalents on the statement of cash flows. Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents will be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. This amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The adoption of this standard on January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-15 ("ASU 2016-15"), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. ASU 2016-15 clarifies how certain cash receipts and payments should be presented in the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective in 2018 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this standard on January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
F-12
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 3SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 ("ASU 2016-02"), Leases, which is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. Under ASU 2016-02, lessees will be required to recognize for all leases, at the commencement date of the lease, a lease liability, which is a lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease measured on a discounted basis, and a right-to-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee's right to use or control the use of a specified asset for the lease term. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that the new guidance will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.
In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-17 ("ASU 2015-17"), Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. ASU 2015-17 simplifies current guidance and requires companies to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent on the balance sheet. ASU 2015-17 can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively and is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this standard on January 1, 2017 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
NOTE 4EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
Basic earnings (loss) per share ("EPS") is calculated by dividing net income or loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average common stock outstanding. Diluted EPS is calculated by adjusting weighted average common shares outstanding for the dilutive effect of common stock options and warrants. In periods in which a net loss is recorded, no effect is given to potentially dilutive securities, since the effect would be antidilutive. Securities that could potentially dilute basic EPS in the future were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because to do so would have been antidilutive. The calculations of basic and diluted net loss per share are as follows:
|
December 31, | June 30, | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2016 | 2018 | 2017 | |||||||||
|
|
|
(unaudited) |
(unaudited) |
|||||||||
|
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) |
||||||||||||
Net loss (numerator) |
$ | (19,161 | ) | $ | (17,057 | ) | $ | (17,788 | ) | $ | (6,081 | ) | |
Weighted-average shares, in thousands (denominator) |
19,397,506 | 14,087,456 | 26,749,666 | 17,644,530 | |||||||||
Basic and diluted net loss per share |
$ | (0.99 | ) | $ | (1.21 | ) | $ | (0.66 | ) | $ | (0.34 | ) |
Potentially dilutive securities outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 relate to stock options outstanding of 2,219,000 and 2,159,000 shares, respectively, and 2,739,373 and 2,159,000 shares as of June 30, 2018 and 2017 (unaudited), respectively.
F-13
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 5ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Accrued short-term liabilities at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and June 30, 2018 (unaudited), are as follows:
|
December 31, | |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2016 | June 30, 2018 | |||||||
|
|
|
(unaudited) |
|||||||
Accrued milestone payments |
$ | 875,000 | $ | 400,000 | $ | 875,000 | ||||
Accrued clinical costs |
212,000 | | | |||||||
Accrued compensation and board fees |
810,000 | 324,000 | 347,000 | |||||||
Other |
119,000 | 24,000 | 263,000 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 2,016,000 | $ | 748,000 | $ | 1,485,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Accrued long-term liabilities at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and June 30, 2018 (unaudited) are as follows:
|
December 31, | |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2016 | June 30, 2018 | |||||||
|
|
|
(unaudited) |
|||||||
Accrued milestone and royalty payments |
$ | 2,050,000 | $ | 2,225,000 | $ | 2,050,000 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
NOTE 6LICENSE AGREEMENTS AND COMMITMENTS
The Company has entered into two license agreements and certain other agreements with MSK. The license agreements are further described below as the MSK License Agreement and the CD33 License Agreement. These license agreements with MSK grant the Company certain patent rights and intellectual property rights. In consideration of obtaining the patent rights and intellectual property rights, the Company agreed to make certain payments and issue shares of the Company's common stock to MSK. Certain of the payments are contingent milestone and royalty payments, the terms of which are further described below. Amounts disclosed in footnote 5 for accrued milestone and royalty payments are inclusive of obligations under the MSK License Agreement and CD33 License Agreement, collectively.
MSK License Agreement
On August 20, 2015, we entered into the MSK License Agreement that grants us a worldwide, sublicensable license to MSK's rights to certain patent rights and intellectual property rights related to certain know-how to develop, make, and commercialize licensed products and to perform services for all therapeutic and diagnostic uses in the field of cancer diagnostics and cancer treatments.
The patents and patent applications covered by this agreement are directed, in part, to naxitamab, an anti GD2 antibody, and omburtamab, which is an anti B3-H7 antibody, as well as affinity matured versions of certain antibodies and certain single chain variable fragments (Fv) constructs, and their use for immunotherapy, targeting the treatment of neuroblastoma and other oncology indications. Upon entering into the MSK License Agreement in 2015 and in exchange for the licenses, we paid MSK an upfront payment, issued 1,428,500 shares of our common stock to MSK and agreed to provide certain anti-dilution rights to MSK. In addition, we are required to pay to MSK certain royalty and
F-14
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 6LICENSE AGREEMENTS AND COMMITMENTS (Continued)
milestone payments. We expensed the upfront payment and the issuance of shares to MSK in 2015. We also recorded expense related to common stock issued related to certain anti-dilution rights held by MSK. See further description in note 7, Stockholders' Equity.
The MSK License Agreement requires us to pay to MSK mid to high single digit royalties based on annual net sales of licensed products or the performance of licensed services by us and our affiliates and sublicensees. We are obligated to pay annual minimum royalties of $80,000 over the royalty term, commencing on the fifth anniversary of the license agreement. These amounts are non-refundable but are creditable against royalty payments otherwise due under the MSK License Agreement. Total expensed minimum royalty payments in 2016 under the MSK License Agreement were $1,200,000, upon determination that the payment of such minimum royalties was probable and the amount was estimable in 2016. The accrued minimum royalties were recorded as long-term accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and as of June 30, 2018 (unaudited). We are also obligated to pay MSK certain clinical, regulatory and sales-based milestone payments under the MSK License Agreement. Certain of the clinical and regulatory milestone payments become due at the earlier of completion of the related milestone activity or the date indicated in the MSK License Agreement. Total clinical and regulatory milestones potentially due under the MSK License Agreement are $2,450,000 and $9,000,000, respectively. There are also sales-based milestones that become due should the Company achieve certain amounts of sales of licensed products resulting from the license arrangement with MSK, with total sales-based milestones potentially due of $20,000,000. The Company records milestones in the period in which the contingent liability is probable and the amount is reasonably estimable. In addition, to the extent we enter into sublicense arrangements, we are obligated to pay to MSK a percentage of certain payments that we receive from sublicensees of the rights licensed to us by MSK, which percentage will be based upon the achievement of certain clinical milestones. The Company has not entered into any sublicenses related to the MSK License Agreement. Failure by the Company to meet certain conditions under the arrangement could cause the related license to such licensed product to be canceled and could result in termination of the entire arrangement with MSK. In addition, the Company may terminate the MSK License Agreement with prior written notice to MSK.
Total milestones expensed in 2017 and 2016 under the MSK License Agreement were $150,000 and $1,675,000, respectively, all of which related to clinical milestones, which become due either based upon the passage of time or achievement of the related milestone activities. No milestones were expensed in the six months ended June 30, 2018 (unaudited) and the milestone payment of $150,000 referred to above was expensed in the six months ended June 30, 2017 (unaudited). Of these clinical milestones, $250,000 was paid in 2016, and $1,425,000 was recorded as accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2016, $1,025,000 of accrued milestone obligations was recorded within accrued long-term liabilities and $400,000 was recorded within accrued short-term liabilities. These milestone-related charges were recorded as research and development expense in 2016, upon determination that payment of these clinical milestone obligations was probable after satisfying the financing requirements described herein. As of December 31, 2017, and June 30, 2018 (unaudited) $300,000 of accrued milestone obligations was recorded within accrued long-term liabilities and $875,000 was recorded within accrued short-term liabilities. Research and development is inherently uncertain and as described above, should such research and development fail, the MSK License Agreement is cancelable at the Company's option. The Company also considered the development risk and each party's termination rights under the agreement when considering whether any regulatory-
F-15
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 6LICENSE AGREEMENTS AND COMMITMENTS (Continued)
based milestone payments, certain of which also contain time-based payment requirements, were probable. Given the uncertainty associated with research and development and the Company's ability to cancel the MSK License Agreement, such regulatory-based obligations were determined not to be probable as of December 31, 2017 or 2016, and June 30, 2018 (unaudited) and therefore have not been accrued.
CD33 License Agreement
On November 13, 2017, we entered into an exclusive license agreement for certain MSK rights in connection with certain CD33 antibodies, which we refer to as the CD33 License Agreement. The CD33 License Agreement obligates us to pay to MSK mid to high single digit royalties based on annual net sales of licensed products or the performance of licensed services by us and our affiliates and sublicensees. We are obligated to pay annual minimum royalties of $40,000 over the royalty term, increasing to $60,000 once a patent within the licensed rights is issued, and commencing on the tenth anniversary of the CD33 License Agreement. These amounts are non-refundable but are creditable against royalty payments otherwise due under the CD33 License Agreement. We are also obligated to pay MSK certain fees under a sponsored research agreement under the CD33 License Agreement. In addition, milestone payments become due upon achievement of the related clinical, regulatory or sales-based milestone defined in the CD33 License Agreement. Certain of the clinical and regulatory milestone payments become due at the earlier of completion of the related milestone activity or the date indicated in the CD33 License Agreement. Total potential clinical and regulatory milestones potentially due under the CD33 License Agreement are $550,000 and $500,000, respectively. There are also sales-based milestones that become due should the Company achieve certain amounts of sales of licensed products resulting from the CD33 License Agreement with MSK, with total sales-based milestones potentially due of $7,500,000. Failure by the Company to meet certain conditions under the CD33 License Agreement could cause the related license to such licensed product to be canceled and could result in termination of the arrangement with MSK. In addition, the Company may terminate the CD33 License Agreement with prior written notice to MSK. The Company records milestones in the period in which the contingent liability is probable and the amount is reasonably estimable. In addition, to the extent we enter into sublicense arrangements, we are obligated to pay to MSK a percentage of certain payments that we receive from sublicensees of the rights licensed to us by MSK, which percentage will be based upon the achievement of certain clinical milestones. The Company has not entered into any sublicenses related to the CD33 License Agreement.
In 2017, the total milestone obligations expensed under the CD33 License Agreement with MSK was $550,000, all of which related to clinical milestones. Such clinical milestone obligations become due either based upon the passage of time or achievement of the related milestone activities. None of these clinical milestone obligations were paid in 2017 or in the six months ended June 30, 2018 (unaudited), and the total amount of $550,000 was recorded as accrued long-term liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018 (unaudited). These milestone-related charges were recorded as research and development expense in 2017. Research and development is inherently uncertain and as described above, should such research and development fail, the CD33 License Agreement is cancelable at the Company's option. The Company considered risks as well as each party's termination rights under the CD33 License Agreement when considering whether any regulatory-based milestone payments and minimum royalty payments, certain of which also contain time-based payment requirements, were probable. Given the uncertainty associated with research and development and the
F-16
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 6LICENSE AGREEMENTS AND COMMITMENTS (Continued)
Company's ability to cancel the CD33 License Agreement, such obligations were determined not to be probable as of December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018 (unaudited) and therefore have not been accrued.
MabVax sublicense agreement
On June 27, 2018, the Company has entered a sublicense agreement with MabVax Therapeutics Holding, Inc ("MabVax") pursuant to which MabVax has sublicensed to the Company certain of MabVax's patent rights and know-how for development and commercialization of products for the prevention or treatment of neuroblastoma by means of administering a bi-valent ganglioside vaccine, granted to MabVax pursuant to an exclusive license agreement between MabVax and MSK. Under the sublicense agreement, the Company has paid a license fee of $700,000 to MabVax and will pay an additional $600,000 at the first anniversary of the sublicense agreement, provided that no notice of termination has been made by the Company before such date. The initial license fee of $700,000 was expensed and paid upon execution of the agreement during the six months ended June 30, 2018 (unaudited). The Company has agreed to become solely responsible for future amounts payable to MSK and to handle other of MabVax' obligations applicable to the licensed indication towards MSK. This includes the obligation to pay development milestones totaling $1,400,000 and mid single-digit royalty payments to MSK. Research and development is inherently uncertain and as described above, should such research and development fail, the MabVax sublicense agreement is cancelable at the Company's option. The Company considered risks as well as each party's termination rights under the MabVax subliciense agreement when considering whether any milestone payments and minimum royalty payments were probable. Given the uncertainty associated with research and development and the Company's ability to cancel the MabVax sublicense agreement, such obligations were determined not to be probable as of June 30, 2018 (unaudited) and therefore have not been accrued.
Other agreements
On November 5, 2015, we entered into a sponsored research agreement, which we refer to as the SRA, with MSK pursuant to which we agreed to pay MSK to provide research services over a period of five years related to the intellectual property licensed under the MSK License Agreement. During 2017 and 2016, we incurred research and development expenses of $1,160,000 and $1,099,000, respectively, under the SRA, and in the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, we incurred research and development expenses of $594,000 and $577,000, respectively, under the SRA (unaudited).
On September 20, 2016, we entered into a master data services agreement, which we refer to as the MDSA, with MSK pursuant to which we committed to provide make certain payments in exchange for services provided by approximately two full time employees at MSK, who are engaged in transferring clinical data, databases, regulatory files and other know-how included in the MSK License Agreement to the Company. On October 11, 2017 the MDSA was amended to increase the resources to approximately three full time employees. During 2017 and 2016, we incurred expenses of $357,000 and $265,000, respectively, under the MDSA, and in the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, we incurred expenses of $213,000 and $183,000, respectively, under the MDSA (unaudited).
On June 21, 2017, we entered into a master clinical trial agreement, which we refer to as the CTA, with MSK pursuant to which we committed to fund certain clinical trials at MSK. Under the MSK License Agreement, the funding of clinical activities is limited to a five year period. During the second half of 2017, we incurred research and development expenses of $725,000 under the CTA. In the six months ended June 30, 2018, we incurred research and development expenses of $2,142,000 under the CTA (unaudited).
F-17
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 6LICENSE AGREEMENTS AND COMMITMENTS (Continued)
On June 27, 2017, we entered into two separate core facility service agreements, which we refer to as the CFAs, with MSK pursuant to which we committed to obtaining certain laboratory services from MSK. During 2017, we incurred research and development expenses of $195,000 under the CFAs, and in the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, we incurred research and development expenses of $195,000 and $70,000, respectively (unaudited).
On November 13, 2017, we entered into a CD33-sponsored research agreement, which we refer to as the CD33-SRA, with MSK pursuant to which we agreed to pay MSK to provide research services over a period of two years related to the intellectual property licensed under the CD33 License Agreement. During the second half of 2017, we incurred research and development expenses of $88,000 under the CD33-SRA. During the six months ended June 30, 2018 we incurred research and development expenses of $334,000 under the CD33-SRA (unaudited).
Lease Agreements
In January 2018, the Company entered into a lease agreement in connection with its corporate headquarters in New York. The term of the lease is five years from date the Company begins to occupy the premises. Fixed rent payable under the lease is approximately $384,000 per annum and is payable in equal monthly installments of approximately $32,000, which are recognized on a straight-line basis.
Additionally, the Company has entered a three-year lease agreement for the lease of certain office space in Denmark in February 2018. The lease is payable in monthly installments of approximately $10,000, which are recognized on a straight-line basis. Until the end of March 2018, the Company, has maintained a lease for certain office space in Denmark as further described in footnote 9, Related Party Transactions.
NOTE 7STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Authorized Stock
As of December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018 (unaudited), the Company has authorized a total of 55,500,000 shares, 50,000,000 of which are to be common stock, par value $0.0001 per stock, and 5,500,000 of which are to preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
Common Stock
Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote. Common stockholders are entitled to receive dividends, as may be declared by the board of directors, if any, subject to preferential dividend rights of the preferred stock, none of which have been issued. The Company has issued 26,749,666 and 16,552,884 shares of its common stock, par value $0.0001 per share as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and 26,749,666 shares of its common stock as of June 30, 2018 (unaudited), respectively.
Preferred Stock
Preferred stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series with such designations, preferences and relative participating, optional or other special rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions as approved by the Company's Board of Directors. No preferred stock has been issued as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and June 30, 2018 (unaudited), respectively.
F-18
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 7STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Continued)
Issuances of common stock for MSK License Agreement
In connection with the MSK License Agreement, in August 2015 we issued to MSK 1,428,500 shares of our common stock. We also agreed to provide certain anti-dilution rights to MSK. If at any time after such issuance, the Company issued any shares of its common stock, the Company was required to issue sufficient shares of common stock to MSK such that at all times prior to the Company obtaining equity financing equal to or greater than $25,000,000 in the aggregate, MSK shall hold shares of the Common Stock of the Company equal to 12.5% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock. In 2016, our aggregate equity financing reached $25,000,000 since inception, and we issued to MSK an additional 999,929 shares of our common stock in order to maintain MSK's 12.5% ownership of the Company. The additional shares were issued at the estimated fair market value of such shares at the time of issuance of $4.38 per share, and the total value of $4,380,000 was charged to expense in the period when the anti-dilution rights were triggered, with $2,280,000 recognized in 2016. Subsequent to the issuance of such shares and upon achievement of the financing requirement, there are no further anti-dilution rights due to MSK.
Stock grant agreements with non-employees
In August 2015, we entered into certain stock grant agreements with non-employees of the Company. We agreed to issue a total of 2,800,000 shares to two non-employee physicians who were involved in the development of technology licensed from MSK in consideration for their prior service. These two physicians are employees of MSK. The shares are released according to a vesting schedule. A total of 560,000 shares were issued in 2015, with a total of 448,000 shares issued in each of 2016 and 2017 and 448,000 to be issued each year thereafter until 2020, such that the total grant will have been issued. The total award was expensed at its estimated fair value in 2015, as no future service was required to continue to vest in and receive the shares of common stock. In August 2016, the Company repurchased and retired a total of 83,600 shares from the two non-employees of the Company at an amount equal to the estimated fair value of $4.38 per share. The transaction reduced the Company's shareholders' equity by $366,000. The share vesting schedule for certain of the stock grant agreements with such non-employees shall be automatically accelerated upon a change in control or consummation of an initial public offering of the Company, as defined in the stock grant agreements.
In April 2018 (unaudited), the Company granted 72,373 common stock options to a non-employee physician employed by MSK under our 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2015 Plan). The options become exercisable over a four-year period, with the first twenty-five percent (25%) exercisable twelve (months) from the date of grant and the remainder becoming exercisable ratably each month over the three years thereafter. The contractual term of the option award is 10 years from the date of grant. The total award was expensed at its estimated fair value in April 2018, as no future service was required by the non-employee to continue to vest in the option grant. The shares will become immediately exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control, as defined in the 2015 Plan as further described in footnote 8, Stock Options.
Issuance of common stock
In November 2017, we issued 3,208,552 shares of Common Stock at a purchase price of $9.35 per share for an aggregate consideration of $28,887,000, net of issuance costs.
F-19
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 7STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Continued)
In October 2017, we issued 5,347,568 shares of Common Stock at a purchase price of $9.35 per share for an aggregate consideration of $49,812,000, net of issuance costs.
In January and February 2017, we issued 1,192,662 shares of Common Stock at a purchase price of $8.50 per share for an aggregate consideration of $10,137,000, net of issuance costs.
In December 2016, we issued 520,159 shares of Common Stock upon receipt of $4,377,000, net of issuance costs, from investors at a purchase price of $8.50 per share.
From March through July 2016, we issued 3,425,012 shares of Common Stock at a purchase price of $4.38 per share for an aggregate consideration of $14,961,000, net of issuance costs.
NOTE 8STOCK OPTIONS
2015 Equity Incentive Plan
Our board of directors and stockholders have approved and adopted the 2015 Plan, which provides for the grant of incentive stock options, within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code (the Internal Revenue Code), to our employees and any parent and subsidiary corporations' employees, and for the grant of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units to our employees, directors and consultants and our parent and subsidiary corporations' employees and consultants. A total of 4,500,000 shares of our common stock are reserved for issuance pursuant to the 2015 Plan. In addition, the number of shares available for issuance under the 2015 Plan will also include an annual increase on the first day of each fiscal year beginning in 2016, equal to 6% of the outstanding shares of common stock as of the last day of our immediately preceding fiscal year.
Stock Options
Stock options may be granted under the 2015 Plan. The exercise price of options granted under the plans must at least be equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. The term of an incentive stock option may not exceed 10 years, except that with respect to any participant who owns more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of our outstanding stock, the term must not exceed five years and the exercise price must equal at least 110% of the fair market value on the grant date. The administrator will determine the methods of payment of the exercise price of an option, which may include cash, shares or other property acceptable to the administrator, as well as other types of consideration permitted by applicable law. Options granted under the 2015 Plan vest according to the schedule specified in the grant agreements, which is generally over a four year period and generally become immediately exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control, as defined.
During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, stock-based compensation expenses for stock option grants were $609,000 and $258,000, respectively, for options granted to employees. During 2017 the expenses were recorded as $167,000 in research and development expense and $442,000 in general and administrative expense. During 2016 the expenses were recorded as $93,000 in research and development expense and $165,000 in general and administrative expense. The Company did not grant any options to non-employees during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
During the six month periods ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, stock-based compensation expenses for stock option grants were $1,076,000 and $295,000 (unaudited), respectively, for options
F-20
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 8STOCK OPTIONS (Continued)
granted to employees and non-employees. During the six months ended June 30, 2018 the expenses were recorded as $124,000 in research and development expense and $367,000 in general and administrative expense for options granted to employees and $585,000 in research and development expense for options granted to non-employees (unaudited). During the six months ended June 30, 2017 the expenses were recorded as $74,000 in research and development expense and $221,000 in general and administrative expenses (unaudited) for options granted to employees. The Company did not grant any options to non-employees during the six months ended June 30, 2017 (unaudited).
Stock Option Valuation
The assumptions that the Company used to determine the fair value of the stock options granted to employees and directors were as follows, presented on a weighted average basis:
|
Year Ended December 31, 2017 |
Year Ended December 31, 2016 |
Period Ended June 30, 2018 |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
(unaudited) |
|||||||
Risk-free interest rate |
2.10 | % | 1.77 | % | 2.95 | % | ||||
Expected term (in years) |
7.0 | 7.0 | 6.3 | |||||||
Expected volatility |
58.9 | % | 60.6 | % | 58.2 | % | ||||
Expected dividend yield |
0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % |
The assumptions that the Company used to determine the fair value of the stock options granted to non-employees were as follows, presented on a weighted average basis:
|
Period Ended June 30, 2018 |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
|
(unaudited) |
|||
Risk-free interest rate |
3.00 | % | ||
Expected term (in years) |
10.0 | |||
Expected volatility |
62.7 | % | ||
Expected dividend yield |
0 | % |
The Company recognizes compensation expense for only the portion of awards that vest.
F-21
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 8STOCK OPTIONS (Continued)
The following table summarizes common stock options issued and outstanding:
|
Options | Weighted average exercise price |
Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands) |
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Outstanding at December 31, 2015 |
1,300,000 | $ | 2.00 | ||||||||||
Granted |
859,000 | $ | 4.61 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2016 |
2,159,000 | $ | 3.04 | $ | 11,791 | 8.95 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Granted |
60,000 | $ | 9.35 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2017 |
2,219,000 | $ | 3.21 | $ | 13,626 | 8.00 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exercisable at December 31, 2017 |
1,106,458 | $ | 2.68 | $ | 7,383 | 7.78 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Granted (unaudited) |
520,373 | $ | 11.16 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding at June 30, 2018 (unaudited) |
2,739,373 | $ | 4.72 | $ | 22,985 | 7.94 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exercisable at June 30, 2018 (unaudited) |
1,382,444 | $ | 2.79 | $ | 14,267 | 7.33 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $5.59 and $2.78 per share, respectively. The weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $6.68 (unaudited).
The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the stock options and the fair value of the Company's common stock for those stock options that had exercise prices lower than the fair value of the Company's common stock.
As of December 31, 2017 we had $1,903,000 of unrecognized compensation related to employee stock options that are expected to vest over a period of 2.19 years. As of June 30, 2018 we had $4,303,000 (unaudited) of unrecognized compensation related to employee stock options that is expected to vest over a period of 2.46 years (unaudited).
NOTE 9RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
MSK is a shareholder of the Company and under the MSK License Agreement, the CD33 License Agreement, CTA, CFAs, SRA and MDSA, we have expensed costs in the total amount of $3,730,000 and $4,445,000 in the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, for milestones, minimum royalties, research and development costs and patent activities. Please refer to footnote 6 for additional details on our various agreements with MSK. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had a total of $4,587,000 and $3,050,000, respectively, recorded as accounts payable and accrued liabilities related to amounts due to MSK.
In the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, we have expensed research and development costs in the total amount of $3,612,000 and $872,000, respectively, under these agreements (unaudited). As of June 30, 2018, we had a total of $4,362,000 recorded as accounts payable and accrued liabilities related to amounts due to MSK (unaudited).
F-22
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 9RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Continued)
In July 2016, the Company entered into an agreement of lease with a shareholder of the Company, Weco Group, in connection with the subsidiary in Denmark. The lease payable thereunder is approximately $4,000 per month and, as the lease can be terminated with three months' notice, any future rent commitment thereunder will amount to approximately $12,000. The lease terminated in April 2018, when the Company moved to a new third-party lease. In addition, the Company has reimbursed Weco Group for certain administrative expenses. The total expenses, including rent, equaled $88,000 and $44,000 during 2017 and 2016, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, we paid a founding shareholder for expenses related to the Company of $134,000.
NOTE 10INCOME TAXES
Domestic and foreign loss before income taxes are as follows:
|
For The Year Ended December 31, 2017 (thousands) |
For The Year Ended December 31, 2016 (thousands) |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
United States |
$ | (18,975 | ) | $ | (16,915 | ) | |
Foreign |
(186 | ) | (142 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | (19,161 | ) | $ | (17,057 | ) | |
| | | | | | | |
The Company provided no current and deferred income taxes on net losses of $(19,161,000) and $(17,057,000) for years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was enacted on December 22, 2017. The TCJA contains significant changes to corporate taxation, including but not limited to, a reduction in the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from a top marginal rate of 35% to 21%, a one-time mandatory transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings, limitation of the deduction for net operating losses to 80% of annual taxable income while providing that the net operating loss carryovers for years after 2017 will not expire, limitation on the amount of research and development expenses deductible per year beginning in years after 2021 and reduction of the Orphan Drug Credit from 50% to 25% of qualified clinical testing expenditures. The TCJA also made changes to the U.S. federal taxation of foreign earnings and to the timing of recognition of certain revenue and expenses and the deductibility of certain business expenses.
In response to the TCJA, the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the TCJA.
As a result of the TCJA being signed into law, the Company recognized a provisional charge of $4,394,000 in the fourth quarter of 2017 related to the re-measurement of its U.S. deferred tax assets at the lower enacted corporate tax rate. Due to the history of net operating losses, the Company is in a full valuation allowance position. As a result, the additional tax expense due to the TCJA was offset by an equal reduction to the valuation allowance, resulting in no net tax impact from the TCJA to the overall financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
F-23
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 10INCOME TAXES (Continued)
The Company is still in the process of analyzing the impact to the Company of the TCJA. Where the Company has been able to make reasonable estimates of the effects the Company has recorded provisional amounts. The ultimate impact to the Company's financial statements of the TCJA may differ from the provisional amounts due to, among other things, additional analysis, changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company has made, additional regulatory guidance that may be issued, and actions the Company may take as a result of the TCJA. The accounting is expected to be completed when the Company's 2017 U.S. corporate income tax return is filed in 2018.
The difference between income taxes expected at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 34% and income taxes provided are set forth below:
|
December 31, 2017 (thousands) |
December 31, 2016 (thousands) |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Taxes on income at U.S. federal statutory rate |
$ | (6,515 | ) | $ | (5,799 | ) | |
State and local taxes, net of federal tax effects |
(2,152 | ) | (1,896 | ) | |||
Effect of U.S. federal statutory rate change |
4,394 | | |||||
Foreign tax rate differential |
22 | 16 | |||||
Valuation allowance |
5,196 | 7,965 | |||||
Miscellaneous |
13 | | |||||
Tax credits |
(958 | ) | (286 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
| | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
As a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, there was no impact to our financial position or results associated with a write-off of deferred tax assets due to the rate change from 34% to 21% and their associated valuation allowance, and a one-time mandatory transition tax.
Significant components of the Company's net deferred tax assets/(liabilities) are as follows:
|
December 31, 2017 (thousands) |
December 31, 2016 (thousands) |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Deferred tax assets: |
|||||||
Acquired Intangibles |
$ | 2,381 | $ | 2,984 | |||
Accrued bonus |
200 | | |||||
Unrealized foreign exchange loss |
187 | | |||||
Accrued royalty |
414 | 542 | |||||
Stock based compensation |
300 | 116 | |||||
Net operating loss carryforwards |
10,847 | 6,450 | |||||
Tax credit carryforwards |
1,358 | 400 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total deferred tax assets |
15,687 | 10,492 | |||||
Valuation allowance |
(15,687 |
) |
(10,492 |
) |
|||
| | | | | | | |
Net deferred tax assets |
| | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The Company recognizes income tax benefits for tax positions determined more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the positions. As of December 31, 2017, and 2016 the Company has determined that there were no uncertain tax positions. The
F-24
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 10INCOME TAXES (Continued)
Company's tax returns for years 2017, 2016 and 2015 are open for tax examination by U.S. federal and state, and the Danish tax authorities.
The valuation allowance related primarily to net U.S. deferred tax assets from operating losses, research and development tax credit carryforwards, and acquired intangibles.
The Company maintains a full valuation allowance on its U.S. and foreign deferred tax assets. The assessment regarding whether a valuation allowance is required considers both positive and negative evidence when determining whether it is more-likely-than-not that deferred tax assets are recoverable. In making this assessment, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. In its evaluation, the Company considered its cumulative loss in recent years and its forecasted losses in the near-term as significant negative evidence. Based upon review of available positive and negative evidence, the Company determined that the negative evidence outweighed the positive evidence and a full valuation allowance on its U.S. and foreign deferred tax assets will be maintained. The Company will continue to assess the realizability of its deferred tax assets and will adjust the valuation allowance as needed.
As of December 31, 2017, the Company had U.S. federal and state and local net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards of approximately $31,153,000, which are available to reduce future taxable income. The Company also had U.S. federal tax credits of $1,358,000 as of December 31, 2017, which may be used to offset future tax liabilities. The NOL and tax credit carryforwards will begin to expire in 2035. The NOL and tax credit carryforwards may become subject to an annual limitation in the event of certain cumulative changes in the ownership interest of significant stockholders over a three year period in excess of 50%, as defined under Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ("IRC"). This could limit the amount of tax attributes that can be utilized annually to offset future taxable income or tax liabilities. Subsequent ownership changes may further affect the limitation in future years. The Company also has Danish NOL carryforwards of $336,000, which have an indefinite carryforward period.
NOTE 11OTHER BENEFITS
The Company has established a retirement program for employees of our Danish subsidiary pursuant to which all such employees can contribute an amount at their election from their base compensation and may receive contributions from our Danish subsidiary. Contributions from our Danish subsidiary were immaterial during the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, and for the six-month period ended June 30, 2018 (unaudited). In addition, health insurance benefits for our Danish employees are fully paid for by such employees. Our Danish subsidiary does not incur any costs for these health insurance benefits.
NOTE 12SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
For its financial statements as of December 31, 2017 and for the year then ended, the Company has evaluated subsequent events through May 18, 2018, the date that these consolidated financial statements were issued.
F-25
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
NOTE 12SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Continued)
adjustment, inclusive of awards granted under the 2015 Plan. Under the terms of the 2018 Plan, the Company may grant awards such as stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance bonus awards, performance stock units, other stock or cash-based awards and dividend equivalents. Additionally, the Company's Board of Directors approved an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). The Board of Directors authorized 700,000 shares for issuance under the ESPP, subject to increase each year. Under the terms of the ESPP, employees may purchase shares of the Company's common stock at a price equal to 85% of the fair market value of the Company's common stock. The 2018 Plan and the ESPP become effective on the date immediately preceding the closing date of the Company's proposed initial public offering.
NOTE 13SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (unaudited)
For its interim financial statements as of June 30, 2018 (unaudited) and for the six months then ended, the Company evaluated subsequent events through August 21, 2018, the date on which those financial statements were issued
F-26
Through and including , 2018 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in the common stock, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This delivery requirement is in addition to a dealer's obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.
Shares
Common Stock
PROSPECTUS
BofA Merrill Lynch
Cowen
, 2018
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The following table sets forth the expenses to be incurred in connection with the offering described in this registration statement, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, all of which will be paid by us. All amounts are estimates except the Securities and Exchange Commission's registration fee, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. filing fee and the Nasdaq listing fee.
|
Amount | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee |
$ | * | ||
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. filing fee |
* | |||
Nasdaq listing fee |
* | |||
Accountants' fees and expenses |
* | |||
Legal fees and expenses |
* | |||
Transfer Agent's fees and expenses |
* | |||
Printing and engraving expenses |
* | |||
Miscellaneous fees and expenses |
* | |||
| | | | |
Total expenses |
$ | * | ||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Section 102 of the DGCL permits a corporation to eliminate the personal liability of its directors for monetary damages for a breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except where the director breached his or her duty of loyalty, failed to act in good faith, engaged in intentional misconduct or knowingly violated a law, authorized the payment of a dividend or approved a stock repurchase in violation of the DGCL or obtained an improper personal benefit. Upon completion of this offering, our certificate of incorporation will provide that none of our directors shall be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director, notwithstanding any provision of law imposing such liability, except to the extent that the DGCL prohibits the elimination or limitation of liability of directors for breaches of fiduciary duty.
Section 145 of the DGCL provides that a corporation has the power to indemnify a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation and certain other persons serving at the request of the corporation in related capacities against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlements actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with an action, suit or proceeding to which he or she is or is threatened to be made a party by reason of such position, if such person 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 corporation, and, in any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful, except that, in the case of actions brought by or in the right of the corporation, no indemnification shall be made with respect to any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or other adjudicating court determines that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all of the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses that the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.
Upon the completion of this offering, our certificate of incorporation will provide that we will indemnify each person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party or is involved in any
II-1
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of us) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was, or has agreed to become, our director or officer, or is or was serving, or has agreed to serve, at our request as a director, officer, partner, employee or trustee of, or in a similar capacity with, another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (all such persons being referred to as an "Indemnitee"), or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity, against all expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such action, suit or proceeding and any appeal therefrom, if such Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, our best interests, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, he or she had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Our certificate of incorporation that will be effective as of the closing date of this offering also provides that we will indemnify any Indemnitee who was or is a party to an action or suit by or in the right of us to procure a judgment in our favor by reason of the fact that the Indemnitee is or was, or has agreed to become, our director or officer, or is or was serving, or has agreed to serve, at our request as a director, officer, partner, employee or trustee of, or in a similar capacity with, another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity, against all expenses (including attorneys' fees) and, to the extent permitted by law, amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, and any appeal therefrom, if the Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, our best interests, except that no indemnification shall be made with respect to any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to us, unless a court determines that, despite such adjudication but in view of all of the circumstances, he or she is entitled to indemnification of such expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any Indemnitee has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, he or she will be indemnified by us against all expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him or her or on his or her behalf in connection therewith. If we do not assume the defense, expenses must be advanced to an Indemnitee under certain circumstances.
We plan to enter into indemnification agreements with each of our executive officers and directors. In general, these agreements provide that we will indemnify the director or executive officer to the fullest extent permitted by law for claims arising in his or her capacity as a director or executive officer of our company or in connection with their service at our request for another corporation or entity. The indemnification agreements also provide for procedures that will apply in the event that a director or executive officer makes a claim for indemnification and establish certain presumptions that are favorable to the director or executive officer.
We maintain a general liability insurance policy that covers certain liabilities of our directors and officers arising out of claims based on acts or omissions in their capacities as directors or officers.
The underwriting agreement we will enter into in connection with the offering of common stock being registered hereby provides that the underwriters will indemnify, under certain conditions, our directors and officers (as well as certain other persons) against certain liabilities arising in connection with such offering.
Insofar as the foregoing provisions permit indemnification of directors, executive officers, or persons controlling us for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
II-2
Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.
Set forth below is information regarding shares of our common stock and shares of our preferred stock issued, and stock options granted, by us within the past three years that were not registered under the Securities Act. Included is the consideration, if any, we received for such shares and options and information relating to the section of the Securities Act, or rule of the Securities and Exchange Commission, under which exemption from registration was claimed.
(a) Stock Grants
In June 2015, we issued and granted 2,190,000 shares of our common stock pursuant to various stock grant agreements.
In August 2015, we issued and granted 4,228,500 shares of our common stock pursuant to various stock grant agreements.
In May 2016, we issued and granted 479,328 shares of our common stock pursuant to various stock grant agreements.
In August 2016, we issued and granted 520,601 shares of our common stock pursuant to various stock grant agreements.
(b) Issuance and Sale of Shares of Common Stock
In August 2015, we issued and sold 5,010,000 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $0.20 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1,002,000.
In November 2015, we issued and sold 1,027,397 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $4.38 per share for an aggregated purchase price of approximately $4,499,999.
In December 2015, we issued and sold 1,027,487 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $4.38 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $4,500,400.
In March 2016, we issued and sold 570,776 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $4.38 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2,499,999.
In April 2016, we issued and sold 1,261,412 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $4.38 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $5,525,000.
In May 2016, we issued and sold 515,204 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $4.38 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2,256,600.
In June 2016, we issued and sold 890,406 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $4.38 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $3,900,000.
In July 2016, we issued and sold 187,214 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $4.38 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $820,000.
In December 2016, we issued and sold 520,159 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $8.50 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $4,421,400.
In January 2017, we issued and sold 1,075,309 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $8.50 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $9,140,100.
In February 2017, we issued and sold 117,353 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $8.50 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $997,500.
In October 2017, we issued and sold 5,347,568 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $9.35 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $49,999,923.
II-3
In November 2017, we issued and sold 3,208,552 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $9.35 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $30,000,000.
No underwriters were involved in the foregoing issuances of securities. The securities described in sections (a) and (b) of this Item 15 were issued in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, as set forth in Section 4(a)(2) relative to transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering, to the extent an exemption from such registration was required. The recipients of securities in the transactions described above represented that they were accredited investors and were acquiring the securities for their own account for investment purposes only and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, any distribution thereof and that they could bear the economic and other risks of the investment and could hold the securities for an indefinite period of time and appropriate legends were affixed to the instruments representing such securities issued in such transactions.
(c) Stock Option Grants and Option Exercises
Between June 6, 2015 and December 5, 2017, we granted options to purchase an aggregate of 2,219,000 shares of common stock, with exercise prices ranging from $2.00 to $9.35 per share, to employees, directors and consultants pursuant to our 2015 Plan, as amended. As of the date hereof, no options have been exercised.
No underwriters were involved in the foregoing issuances of securities. The issuances of stock options and the shares of our common stock issued upon the exercise of the options described in section (c) of this Item 15 were issued pursuant to written compensatory plans or arrangements with our employees, directors, consultants and advisors, in reliance on the exemption provided by Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act, or pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) under the Securities Act relative to transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering, to the extent an exemption from such registration was required. All recipients either received adequate information about us or had access, through employment or other relationships, to such information.
All of the securities described in sections (a), (b) and (c) of this Item 15 are deemed restricted securities for purposes of the Securities Act. All of the certificates representing such securities included appropriate legends setting forth that the securities have not been registered and the applicable restrictions on transfer.
Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) Exhibits
The exhibits to the registration statement are listed in the Exhibit Index attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein.
(b) Financial Statement Schedules
No financial statement schedules are provided because the information called for is not required or is shown either in the financial statements or the related notes.
II-4
II-5
Exhibit Number |
Description of Exhibit | ||
---|---|---|---|
1.1 | * | Form of Underwriting Agreement | |
3.1 | * | Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as amended | |
3.2 | * | Bylaws of the Registrant | |
3.3 | * | Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (to be effective upon the closing of this offering) | |
3.4 | * | Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant (to be effective upon the closing of this offering) | |
4.1 | * | Specimen stock certificate evidencing the shares of common stock | |
4.2 | * | Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 13, 2017, among the Registrant and the other parties thereto | |
4.3 | * | Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2017, among the Registrant and the other parties thereto | |
5.1 | * | Opinion of Satterlee Stephens LLP | |
10.1 | + | License Agreement, dated as of August 20, 2015, by and between the Registrant and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | |
10.2 | + | License Agreement, dated as of November 13, 2017, by and between the Registrant and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | |
10.3 | +# | Sponsored Research Agreement, effective as of November 10, 2015, by and between the Registrant and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | |
10.4 | + | Sponsored Research Agreement, dated November 13, 2017, by and between the Registrant and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | |
10.5 | +# | Investigator-Sponsored Master Clinical Trial Agreement, dated as of June 21, 2017, as amended on October 11, 2017, by and between the Registrant and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | |
10.6 | + | Master Data Services Agreement, dated as of September 23, 2016, as amended on October 11, 2017, by and between the Registrant and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | |
10.7 | # | Amended and Restated 2015 Equity Incentive Plan. | |
10.8 | # | Form of Notice of Grant and Stock Option Agreement under the Amended and Restated 2015 Equity Incentive Plan | |
10.9 | # | 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (to be effective upon the closing of this offering) | |
10.10 | # | Form of Stock Option Grant Notice and Stock Option Agreement under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (to be effective upon the closing of this offering) | |
10.11 | # | Form of Officers and Directors Indemnification Agreement | |
10.12 | # | Service Agreement, effective as of April 1, 2016 between the Registrant and Thomas Gad | |
10.13 | # | Service Agreement, effective as of March 1, 2016 between the Registrant and Dr. Claus Juan Møller San Pedro, M.D., Ph.D. |
II-6
Exhibit Number |
Description of Exhibit | ||
---|---|---|---|
10.14 | # | Service Agreement, effective as of October 1, 2016 between Y-mAbs Therapeutics A/S and Bo Kruse | |
10.15 | # | Lease Agreement dated January 10, 2018, by and between the Registrant and RXR HB Owner LLC | |
10.16 | # | Lease Agreement dated January 10, 2016, by and between Y-mAbs Therapeutics A/S and Weco Management ApS | |
10.17 | # | Form of Restricted Stock Award Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (to be effective upon the closing of this offering) | |
10.18 | # | Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (to be effective upon the closing of this offering) | |
10.19 | # | Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy (to be effective upon the closing of this offering) | |
10.20 | # | Employee Stock Purchase Plan (to be effective upon the closing of this offering) | |
16.1 | * | Letter of PricewaterhouseCoopers Statsautoriseret Revisionsparterselskab, independent registered public accounting firm | |
21.1 | * | Subsidiaries of the Registrant | |
23.1 | * | Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm | |
23.2 | * | Consent of Satterlee Stephens LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1) | |
24.1 | * | Power of Attorney (included on signature page) |
II-7
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, State of New York, on this day of August, 2018.
|
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC. | |||
|
By: |
|
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Thomas Gad and Claus Juan Møller San Pedro and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and any subsequent registration statements pursuant to Rule 462 of the Securities Act and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, 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 he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorney-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
|
Title
|
Date
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Thomas Gad |
Founder, Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Head of Business Development |
August , 2018 |
||
Claus Juan Møller San Pedro, M.D., Ph.D. |
Chief Executive Officer, (principal executive officer) and Director |
August , 2018 |
||
Bo Kruse |
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary Treasurer (principal financial and principal accounting officer) and Director |
August , 2018 |
II-8
Signature
|
Title
|
Date
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Johan Wedell-Wedellsborg |
Director |
August , 2018 |
||
Gregory Raskin, M.D. |
Director |
August , 2018 |
||
Michael Buschle, Ph.D. |
Director |
August , 2018 |
||
James Healey, M.D. |
Director |
August , 2018 |
||
Ashutosh Tyagi, M.D. |
Director |
August , 2018 |
||
David N. Gill |
Director |
August , 2018 |
II-9
EXECUTION COPY
LICENSE AGREEMENT
for MSKs technology
[****] and [****] antibodies and Multimerization technology
between
MEMORIAL SLOAN-KETTERING CANCER CENTER
and
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
|
Page |
|
|
ARTICLE 1 - DEFINITIONS |
1 |
ARTICLE 2 - GRANT OF LICENSE AND OPTION |
9 |
ARTICLE 3 - SUBLICENSES |
11 |
ARTICLE 4 - DILIGENCE |
11 |
ARTICLE 5 - PAYMENTS |
15 |
ARTICLE 6 - REPORTS AND RECORDS |
22 |
ARTICLE 7 - PATENT PROSECUTION |
23 |
ARTICLE 8 - INFRINGEMENT |
24 |
ARTICLE 9 - CONFIDENTIALITY |
26 |
ARTICLE 10 - INDEMNIFICATION, PRODUCT LIABILITY |
26 |
ARTICLE 11 - REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND DISCLAIMERS |
30 |
ARTICLE 12 - EXPORT CONTROLS |
31 |
ARTICLE 13 - NON-USE OF NAMES |
32 |
ARTICLE 14 - PUBLICATION |
32 |
ARTICLE 15 - ASSIGNMENT |
32 |
ARTICLE 16 - TERMINATION |
33 |
ARTICLE 17 - NOTICES AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS |
36 |
ARTICLE 18 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS |
37 |
Exhibit A |
PATENT RIGHTS AND KNOW-HOW |
Exhibit B |
DEVELOPMENT PLAN |
Exhibit C |
MULTIMERIZATOIN PLATFORM PATENT RIGHTS |
Exhibit D |
STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT |
Exhibit E |
SPONSORED RESEARCH AGREEMENT |
Exhibit F |
CLINICAL TRIAL AGREEMENT |
Exhibit G |
TANGIBLE KNOW-HOW |
LICENSE AGREEMENT
This Agreement (the Agreement) is effective on the date of the last signature below (Effective Date), and is by and between Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), a New York not-for-profit corporation with its principal office at 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, and Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation with its principal office at c/o Satterlee Stephens Burke & Burke LLP. 230 Park Avenue, Suite 1130, New York, New York 10169 (LICENSE). MSK and LICENSEE are sometimes referred to singly as Party and collectively as Parties.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, MSK is the owner of certain Licensed Rights (as defined herein) and has the right to grant licenses under said Licensed Rights; and
WHEREAS, MSK desires to have the Licensed Rights utilized in the public interest and is willing to grant a license to its interest thereunder; and
WHEREAS, LICENSEE desire to obtain certain licenses on the terms set forth herein under the Licensed Rights to develop and commercialize Licensed Products and perform Licensed Services (both as defined herein) through a thorough, vigorous and diligent program of exploiting the Licensed Rights whereby public utilization shall result therefrom;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1 - DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Agreement, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:
1.1 Affiliate as used herein in either singular or plural means, with respect to a party, any corporation, company, partnership, joint venture or other entity, which directly or indirectly: (a) Controls, is Controlled by or is under common Control with the specified entity; or (b) both (i) owns, is owned by, or is under common ownership with the specified entity, in whole or in part, and (ii) conducts business under a trade identifier of the specified entity, with the authorization of the specified entity. For purposes of this definition, Control of an entity means the direct or indirect ownership or control of at least fifty percent (50%) of the right to direct or cause the direction of the policies and management of such person or entity. whether by the ownership of equity, by contract or otherwise. In any jurisdiction where 50% control is not permitted by applicable law, the greater than 50% threshold shall be deemed satisfied by the possession of substantially
the maximum percentage allowable in such jurisdiction. With regard to MSK, Affiliate shall include, without limitation, the Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research and the Memorial Hospital for Cancer and Allied Diseases.
1.2 Antibody Patent Rights means
(a) The United States and foreign patents and patent applications listed in Exhibit A;
(b) any other patent or patent application that claims priority to, or common priority with, or is a divisional, continuation, reissue, renewal, reexamination, substitution or extension of any patent or patent application identified on Exhibit A;
(c) any patents subsequently issuing on any patent application identified in (a) or (b) above, including any reissues, renewals, reexaminations, substitutions or extensions thereof;
(d) any claim of a continuation-in-part application or patent (including any reissues, renewals, reexaminations, substitutions or extensions thereof) that is entitled to the priority date of at least one of the patents or patent applications identified in (a), (b) or (c) above;
(e) any foreign counterpart (including PCIs) of any patent or patent application identified in (a), (b), (c) or (d) above; and
(f) to the extent legally possible and available for MSK to provide, any supplementary protection certificates, pediatric exclusivity periods, any other patent term extensions and exclusivity periods and the like of any patents and patent applications identified in (a) through (c) above.
Antibody Patent Rights exclude CARs and CARs constructs.
1.3 CARs means any chimeric antigen receptors.
1.4 CARs Option shall mean the option granted by MSK to LICENSEE in Section 2.2 hereof.
1.5 Clinical Trial Agreement means the agreement between LICENSEE and MSK containing the terms and conditions under which the clinical research in relating to this Agreement will be performed
1.6 Commercially Reasonable Efforts means, with respect to particular obligations or tasks, such level of efforts applied to carry out such obligations or tasks consistent with the efforts used in the biopharmaceutical industry by company of comparable size in connection with the development or commercialization of biopharmaceutical products that are of similar status, to accomplish such
obligations or tasks, at the same stage of development or commercialization, as applicable, for internally developed products in a similar area with similar market potential, at a similar stage of their product life taking into account the existence of third parties (but not LICENSEEs, Sublicensees, or their respective Affiliates own) competitive products, the proprietary position of the product, the regulatory structure involved, and the anticipated profitability of the product.
1.7 Confidential Information shall mean all confidential or proprietary information disclosed by one Party to the other Party relating to and in the performance of this Agreement, including any uses, processes, methods, formulations, clinical data, test results, research and development plans, pricing policies, business plans, sales, information relating to customer identities, characteristics and agreements, financial information and projections, trade secrets, work in progress, future development, marketing, and investors whether in oral, graphic, electronic or any other media or form.
1.8 Contract Half-Year shall mean the six month periods ending on June 30 and December 31 of each year.
1.9 Control or Controlled means, with respect to Intellectual Property Rights, ownership together with the ability to grant a license without (a) violating the terms of any written agreement with a third party, and/or (b) incurring any payment obligation to a third party.
1.10 Field of Use shall mean the use of the Licensed Rights in the field of cancer diagnostics and cancer treatments and includes, without limitation, all therapeutic and diagnostic uses. Field of Use excludes CARs, CARs constructs, and products incorporating CARs.
1.11 Intellectual Property Rights means any or all of the following, and any and all rights anywhere in the world in, arising out of or associated therewith: (a) patent applications or patents; (b) copyrights and other rights in works of authorship; (c) trade secrets; (d) rights in data or Know-How (including both intellectual property rights and personal property rights in tangible personal property), and (e) all other intellectual property rights similar to the foregoing (but in no event including trademarks, trade names, service marks, service names, trade dress rights or other similar rights); in each case, whether or not any of the foregoing is registered, and including, without limitation, rights to apply for, applications for registration of, and any registrations or issuances of, any of the foregoing.
1.12 Know-How means tangible and intangible technical information, materials, inventions, processes, protocols, procedures, formulations, compounds, compositions, devices, methods, formulae, protocols, techniques, algorithms, software, works of authorship, designs, drawings, results, findings, ideas, concepts, creations, discoveries, developments, techniques, processes, know-how, drawings, designs, specifications, data, content, information, formulas, formulations, algorithms, software, and other technologies or subject matter of
any kind, in each case, that are (i) not generally publicly known, (ii) Controlled by MSK, and (iii) necessary to make or use Licensed Products claimed by the Patent Rights or perform Licensed Services claimed by the Patent Rights.
1.13 Licensed Process shall mean any process that is covered in whole or in part by one or more Valid Claims in any country in which such process is practiced or any process which is based upon in whole or in part or otherwise incorporates the Licensed Rights.
1.14 Licensed Products shall mean any product or products that (i) is covered by (in whole or in part), or is made, uses or is used by a Licensed Process, or that the making, use, sale, offer to sell, or import of which infringes or would infringe one or more Valid Claims, but for the license granted herein and not taking into account the availability of a legal exemption such as experimental use or drug discovery/development such as that provided by 35 U.S.C. § 271(e)(1) and similar provisions in the laws of other jurisdictions, and/or (ii) embodies, contains, incorporates, uses, is used or made through the use of, or was in whole or in part derived from the Know-How. Licensed Products excludes CARs, CARs constructs, and products incorporating CARs. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Licensed Products excludes products the composition, manufacture, or use of which is claimed by U.S. Patent 7,666,424 or U.S. Patent 8,148,154, or any patent or patent application claiming priority directly or indirectly to those patents or to U.S. patent applications 10/273,762 or 12/709,848.
1.15 Licensed Rights shall mean (i) the Know-How, (ii) the Patent Rights, and (iii) all Intellectual Property Rights owned in, to or covering the Know-How, provided, however, that Licensed Rights shall not include any patents or patent applications based on research conducted after the Effective Date of this Agreement, except as otherwise agreed upon in writing.
1.16 Licensed Service shall mean (a) on a country-by-country basis, any service performed for or on behalf of a third party on a fee-for-services basis or otherwise for consideration, the performance of which in the country in question would, absent the license granted under this Agreement, and not taking into account the availability of a legal exemption such as experimental use or drug discovery/development such as that provided by 35 U.S.C. § 271(e)(1) and similar provisions in the laws of other jurisdictions, (i) infringe or otherwise be within the scope of at least one Valid Claim in that country, and/or (ii) embodies, contains, incorporates, uses, is used or made through the use of, or was in whole or in part derived from the Know-How; or (b) performance of a service for any consideration using a Licensed Product or the practice of a Licensed Process.
1.17 LICENSEE shall mean Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc.
1.18 Intentionally Omitted.
1.19 Multimerization Platform Patent Rights shall mean
(a) the United States and foreign, patents and patent applications listed in Exhibit C.
(b) any other patent or patent application that claims priority to, or common priority with, or is a divisional, continuation, reissue, renewal, reexamination, substitution or extension of any patent or patent application identified on Exhibit C;
(c) any patents subsequently issuing on any patent application identified in (a) or (b) above, including any reissues, renewals, reexaminations, substitutions or extensions thereof;
(d) any claim of a continuation-in-part application or patent (including any reissues, renewals, reexaminations, substitutions or extensions thereof) that is entitled to the priority date of at least one of the patents or patent applications identified in (a), (b) or (c) above;
(e) any foreign counterpart (including PCTs) of any patent or patent application identified in (a), (b), (c) or (d) above; and
(f) to the extent legally possible and available for MSK to provide, any supplementary protection certificates, pediatric exclusivity periods, any other patent term extensions and exclusivity periods and like of any patents and patent applications identified in (a) through (c) above.
Multimerization Platform Patent Rights exclude CARs and CARs constructs.
1.20 Multimerization Product means any Licensed Product the composition, manufacture, or use of which is claimed by a Valid Claim in the Multimerization Platform Patent Rights.
1.21 Net Sales means the gross amount billed by LICENSEE or its Affiliates or its Sublicensees for Licensed Products or for Licensed Services, less the following:
(a) customary trade, quantity, or cash discounts to the extent actually allowed and taken;
(b) amounts repaid or credited by reason of rejection or return;
(c) to the extent separately stated on purchase orders, invoices, or other documents of sale, any taxes or other governmental charges levied on the production, sale, transportation, delivery, or use of a Licensed Product or performance of a Licensed Service, which is paid by or on behalf of LICENSEE or Affiliates; and
(d) outbound transportation costs prepaid or allowed and costs of insurance in transit.
Each of (a) through (d) above being a Deductible Expense
No deductions shall be made for commissions paid to individuals whether they be with independent sales agencies or regularly employed by LICENSEE and on its payroll, or for cost of collections. Net Sales shall occur on the date of billing or invoice for a Licensed Product or Licensed Service.
Customary distribution of samples of Licensed Product or related performance of Licensed Services by LICENSEE or Affiliates shall not be included in any calculation of Net Sales.
In the case of discounts on bundles of products or services which include Licensed Products and/or Licensed Services, LICENSEE may, with notice to MSK, discount (or permit the discounting by an Affiliate or Sublicensee of LICENSEE) the bona fide list price of any Licensed Product and/or Licensed Service in such bundle by the average percentage discount of all products and services in a particular bundle, calculated as follows: average percentage discount on a particular bundle = [1 - (A/B)] x 100; where A equals the total discounted price of a particular bundle of products and/or services, and B equals the sum of the undiscounted bona fide list prices of each unit of every product and/or services in such bundle (including without limitation, the Licensed Products and Licensed Services). With each quarterly royalty report submitted pursuant to Section 6.2 below, LICENSEE shall provide MSK reasonable documentation establishing such average discount with respect to each bundle. If LICENSEE cannot so establish the average discount of a bundle, Net Sales shall be based on the undiscounted list price of the Licensed Product or Licensed Service, as the case may be, in the bundle. If a the Licensed Product or Licensed Service in a bundle is not sold separately, and no bona fide list price exists for such the Licensed Product or Licensed Service, the Parties shall mutually agree (such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld by either Party) an imputed list price for such the Licensed Product or Licensed Service and Net Sales with respect thereto shall be based on such imputed list price.
Except as provided in the preceding paragraph, no deductions, credits, rebates, or allowances shall be taken or permitted in calculating Net Sales that depend or are based in whole or in part on the sale or purchase of any product or service that is not a Licensed Product or Licensed Service, including without limitation for the practice commonly known as bundling. In no case will Deductible Expenses exceed [****] of the gross proceeds or exceed [****] of the fair market value, attributable to Net product Sales. If a Licensed Product is sold, or a Licensed Service performed, for the purpose of creating a finished product for sale, for example a finished therapeutic product for administration to patients, Net Sales shall be calculated on the first arms length sale of such finished product, and the sale of the Licensed Product or Licensed Service for the purpose of creating the finished product for sale shall be excluded.
Net Sales shall be determined in accordance with GAAP, but not in any way that reduces the calculations of Net Sales provided herein.
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
Additionally, if LICENSEE or a Sublicensee uses a Licensed Product or a Licensed Process for its own internal purposes, or otherwise in a situation that is not related to development of Licensed Products or Licensed Services, then Net Sales shall also include an amount equal to the customary sale price charged to a third party for the same Licensed Product or Process. If there is no customary sale price, then the Net Sales shall be an amount equal to the fair market value.
1.22 Patent Rights shall mean the Antibody Patent Rights and the Multimerization platform Patent Rights.
1.23 Phase I Trial means the first phase of a clinical study involving the initial introduction of an investigational new drug into humans (generally, but not always, in the range of 20 to 30 subjects). Phase I studies are typically closely monitored and may be conducted in patients or normal volunteer subjects. These studies are designed to determine the metabolism and pharmacologic actions of the drug in humans, the side effects associated with increasing doses, and, if possible, to gain early evidence on effectiveness that provides data capable of meeting statutory standards for marketing approval. During Phase I, sufficient information about the drugs pharmacokinetics and pharmacological effects should be obtained to permit the design of well-controlled, scientifically valid, Phase II Trials. For example, Phase I Trial includes a human clinical study that satisfies the requirements of 21 C.F.R. § 312.21(a) in the United States, or an equivalent or counterpart of the foregoing in any other country or jurisdiction. For clarity, Phase I Trial includes both Phase Ia and Phase Ib trials.
1.24 Phase II Trial means the second phase of a clinical study, the principal purpose of which is to evaluate the effectiveness of the drug for a particular indication and to determine the common short term side effects and risks associated with the drug in patients with the disease target being studied, that provides data capable of meeting statutory standards for marketing approval. Phase II Trials usually involve no more than several hundred subjects. For example, Phase II Trial includes a human clinical study that satisfies the requirements of 21 C.F.R. § 312.21(b) in the United States, or an equivalent or counterpart of the foregoing in any other country or jurisdiction. For clarity, Phase II Trial includes both Phase IIa and Phase IIb trials.
1.25 Phase III Trial means the third phase of a clinical study involving expanded controlled and uncontrolled trials. They are performed after preliminary evidence suggesting effectiveness of the drug has been obtained, and are intended to gather the additional information about effectiveness and safety that is needed to evaluate the overall benefit-risk relationship of the drug and to provide an adequate basis for physician labeling, to support registration for a product or compound with the FDA and any FDA counterpart, and that provides data capable of meeting statutory standards for marketing approval. Phase III Trials usually include several hundred to several thousand subjects. For example, in the United States, Phase III Trial includes a human clinical study that satisfies the requirements of 21 C.F.R. § 312.21(c) in the United States, or an equivalent or
counterpart of the foregoing in any other country or jurisdiction. For clarity, Phase III Trial includes both Phase IIIa and Phase IIIb trials.
1.26 Platform technologies means platform technologies developed utilizing the Multimerization Platform Patent Rights and Know-How.
1.27 Regulatory Approval means, with respect to a nation or, where applicable, a multinational jurisdiction, such approvals, licenses, registrations or authorizations that are required to be obtained from a Regulatory Agency prior to the marketing and sale of a Licensed Product for use in the Field in such country or multinational jurisdiction (including, where applicable, pricing approvals necessary to obtain reimbursement).
1.28 Regulatory Authority means, with respect to any particular country or, where applicable, a multinational jurisdiction, the governmental authority, body, commission, agency or other instrumentality of such country or multinational jurisdiction (e.g., the EMEA with respect to the European Union), with the primary responsibility for the approval of pharmaceutical products before a Licensed Product can be tested, marketed, promoted, distributed or sold in such country or multinational jurisdiction, including such governmental bodies, if any, that have jurisdiction over the pricing of such pharmaceutical product. The term Regulatory Agency includes, without limitation, the USFDA, the European Medicines Agency, and the Japanese MHW.
1.29 Royalty Term shall mean, on a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product or Licensed Service-by-Licensed Service basis and country-by-country basis, the period from the first commercial sale of such Licensed Product or provision of Licensed Service in such country until the later of: (a) expiration of the last Patent Rights covering such Licensed Product or provision of Licensed Service in such country; (b) expiration of any market exclusivity period granted by a regulatory agency with respect to such Licensed Product or provision of Licensed Service in such country; or (c) fifteen (15) years from the first commercial sale in such country.
1.30 Royalty Year shall mean each twelve (12) month period commencing January 1 and ending December 31 during the term of this Agreement; provided however, that: (a) the first Royalty Year shall be the period of time commencing with the Effective Date and ending on December 31, 2015; and (b) the last Royalty Year shall be the period of time commencing on January 1 of the year in which this Agreement expires or is terminated, and ending on the date of expiration or termination of this Agreement.
1.31 Sponsored Research Agreement means the agreement between LICENSEE and MSK containing the terms and conditions under which the sponsored research at MSK will be performed.
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
1.32 Sublicensee means any business entity to which an express sublicense has been granted under the Licensed Rights as further described under Article 3. or with respect to the Licensed Products pursuant to this Agreement. It a third-party wholesaler or distributor does not pay any consideration to LICENSEE for its wholesale or distributor rights, it shall not be considered a Sublicensee; and the resale by such wholesaler or distributor of such Licensed Products or Licensed Services shall not count towards Net Sales by a Sublicensee provided that a royalty is being paid by LICENSEE on the Net Sales of the amount of initial transfer to the wholesaler or distributor pursuant to Article 5.
1.33 Term shall mean the term of this Agreement which will commence on the Effective Date and expire upon the expiration of the last Royalty Term for any Licensed Product or Licensed Service, unless earlier terminated pursuant to the Article 16 of this Agreement.
1.34 Territory shall mean worldwide.
1.35 Valid Claim shall mean a claim of (i) an issued and unexpired patent included within the Patent Rights unless the claim has been held unenforceable or invalid by the final, un-reversed, and un-appealable decision of a court or other government body of competent jurisdiction, has been irretrievably abandoned or disclaimed, or has otherwise been finally admitted or determined to be invalid, unpatentable or unenforceable, whether through reissue, reexamination, disclaimer or otherwise, or (ii) a pending patent application included within the Patent Rights to the extent the claim continues to be prosecuted in good faith for a time period not to exceed [****] from its earliest asserted priority filing date.
ARTICLE 2 - GRANT OF LICENSE AND OPTION
2.1 License Grant.
(a) In consideration of Companys satisfaction of all of its obligations hereunder, and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. MSK hereby grants to LICENSEE a worldwide license, in the Field of Use, during the Term of this Agreement, including the right to sublicense (subject to Article 3 hereof), under the Licensed Rights (A) to make, have made, use, offer to sell, sell and import Licensed Products, and (B) to perform Licensed Services.
Except for the reserved rights of MSK in Section 2.1(b), the foregoing license is exclusive with respect to:
· the Antibody Patent Rights.
· those Multimerzation Platform Patent Rights that claim a Licensed Product that is also claimed by the Antibody Patent Rights; and
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
· those portions of the Know-HOW identified on Exhibit G that are tangible materials, including MSKs Intellectual Property Rights in such tangible materials.
As to the balance of the Licensed Rights, the foregoing license is nonexclusive.
(b) The grants in Section 2.1 (a) above are subject to, restricted by and non-exclusive with respect to the following non-transferable rights, all of which are reserved by MSK:
(i) the use of Licensed Rights by MSK and its Affiliates for patient care; noncommercial research; and teaching and other educationally related purposes:
(ii) the use of Licensed Rights by the inventors thereof (and their laboratories and collaborators) for patient care; noncommercial research; and teaching and other educationally related purposes; and
(iii) any rights reserved to the United States of America under 35 U.S.C. §§ 200-212 or any other applicable governmental law or regulation.
Additionally, MSK may grant or transfer any of the rights licensed to LICENSEE hereunder to any nonprofit educational or research institutions for their internal, noncommercial research activities only, provided that in the case of a transfer of tangible materials. MSK shall promptly provide LICENSEE a copy of the material transfer agreement under which such materials have been transferred.
(c) MSK reserves all rights not expressly granted in this Agreement. The licenses granted hereunder shall not be construed to confer any rights upon LICENSEE by implication, estoppel or otherwise as to any intellectual property or technology not included in the Licensed Rights.
[****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
ARTICLE 3 - SUBLICENSES
3.1 LICENSEE shall have the unrestricted right to grant sublicenses of its rights granted under Section 2.1; provided that this Agreement has not been terminated. Within [****] of granting any such sublicense LICENSEE shall notify MSK of such grant and the name and address of each such Sublicensee and furnish a complete copy of all agreements between it and the Sublicensee. LICENSEE further agrees that any sublicenses granted by it shall provide that the obligations to MSK of Article 2. Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 15.5 and Articles 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 of this Agreement shall be binding upon the Sublicensee as if it were a party to this Agreement. If a material breach of any of the clauses of this Agreement is caused by Sublicensee, such breach shall be considered a breach committed by LICENSEE, and MSK shall have the right to terminate the Agreement pursuant to Section 16.2 unless the breach is cured, within the [****] notice period set forth in Section 16.2. LICENSEE shall provide MSK, within [****] of occurrence, copies of any agreement modifying or terminating a sublicense, or any other agreements with a Sublicensee.
3.2 Any subcontractor engaged by LICENSEE to perform for LICENSEE any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (a Third Party Subcontractor) shall be party to a written agreement consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including without limitation, and as applicable, those provisions pertaining to confidentiality, intellectual property rights, and regulatory/safety matters. In all cases, LICENSEE remains fully responsible (i) for the performance of its obligations hereunder regardless of whether such performance has been delegated to a Third Party Subcontractor, and (ii) for the actions and conduct of the Third Party Subcontractor in performance of LICENSEES obligations.
3.3 LICENSEE may grant a Sublicensee the right to grant further sublicenses provided that the requirements and conditions applicable to the grant of a sublicense shall apply to such grant. Such sub-sublicense agreements shall be treated as sublicense agreements and such sub-Sublicensees shall be treated as Sublicensees for the purpose of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 4 - DILIGENCE
4.1 LICENSEE and its Sublicensees shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to bring Licensed Products and/or Licensed Services to market and to continue Commercially Reasonable Efforts to market one or more Licensed Products and/or Licensed Services throughout the Term.
4.2 LICENSEE shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to develop Licensed Products and Licensed Services for use in all applications defined in Licensed Patents, including, but not limited to, pediatric indications, and to form strategic partnerships through sublicenses to exploit such clinical markets. In the event that within [****] of the Effective Date, LICENSEE has failed to sublicense Patent Rights to a bona fide strategic partner for a particular clinical
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
field or additional application claimed in Patent Rights or has failed to prove to MSK that LICENSEE is diligently pursuing development of such additional field(s) and FDA approval for such clinical fields or additional applications, including development of the Licensed Products and Licensed Services for pediatric indications, as shown by written records, such clinical field or additional application shall automatically be excluded from the Field of Use, and MSK shall be free to grant licenses to others for Licensed Products and/or Licensed Services within such excluded field. Without limiting the foregoing: LICENSEE shall meet the following Milestone Activities on or prior to the Expected Completion Date listed below:
(a) Milestone Activity Expected Completion Date
Milestone Activity |
|
Expected Completion Date |
Completion of first Phase I Trial with [****] antibody construct |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date |
Dosing of first patient with second [****] antibody construct in a clinical trial |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date |
Dosing of first patient with first [****] antibody construct in a clinical trial |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date |
Dosing of first patient with second [****] antibody construct in a clinical trial |
|
Within [****] of the Effective Date |
Dosing of first patient with first [****] |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date |
Dosing of first patient in Phase II Trial with [****] antibody construct |
|
Within [****] of the Effective Date |
Dosing of first patient in Phase II Trial with [****] antibody construct |
|
Within [****] of the Effective Date |
Dosing of first patient in Phase II Trial with first [****] |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date |
Dosing of first patient in Phase III Trial with first [****] antibody construct |
|
Within [****] after completion of phase II clinical trial with [****] antibody construct |
Dosing of first patient in Phase III trial with a second [****] antibody construct |
|
Within [****] after completion of first clinical trials with [****] antibody construct. |
Dosing of first patient in Phase III Trial with first [****] antibody construct |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date |
Dosing of first patient in Phase III trial with a second [****] antibody construct |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date |
Dosing of first patient in Phase III Trial with first [****] |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date |
Filing for Regulatory Approval for sale of |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date |
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
[****] antibody construct in first orphan indication |
|
for first Licensed Product |
Filing for Regulatory Approval for sale of [****] antibody construct in first orphan indication |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date for first Licensed Product |
Filing for Regulatory Approval for sale of [****] antibody construct in first non- orphan indication |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date for first Licensed Product |
Filing for Regulatory Approval for sale of [****] antibody construct in first non-orphan indication |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date for first Licensed Product |
(b) Multimerization Platform Technologies: LICENSEE shall
[****]
Milestone Activity |
|
Expected Completion Date |
Produce in vitro data demonstrating |
|
[****] from Effective Date |
therapeutic properties of a [****] |
|
|
|
|
|
Proof-of-concept data in animals [****] |
|
[****] from Effective Date |
|
|
|
Application of Platform Technology to an |
|
[****] from Effective Date |
additional antibody construct |
|
|
[****]
LICENSEE acknowledges that commercialization of the Platform Technology is of utmost importance to MSK. LICENSEE shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to achieve all Milestone Activities related to the Platform Technologies on or prior to the Expected Completion Date listed above.
Milestone Activities may be modified and Expected Completion Dates extended with MSKs written approval.
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
In the event LICENSEE fails to achieve any Milestone Activities on or prior to the Expected Completion Date above, the license granted hereunder shall automatically exclude the Licensed Product for which a Milestone Activity was not completed on or prior to the Expected Completion Date. MSK may treat such failure as a material breach in accordance with Section 16.5. If LICENSEEs failure to meet its diligence obligations under this Agreement is due to circumstances that, in MSKs institutionally reasonable judgment. LICENSEE could not reasonably have avoided and LICENSEE can demonstrate that it has made Commercially Reasonable Efforts to achieve such Milestone Activity on or prior to the allotted Expected Completion Date, then such Milestone Activity Expected Completion Date shall be extended for a commercially reasonable period of time not to exceed [****]. Such circumstances may include technical difficulties or delays in preclinical or clinical studies or regulatory processes, as well as other conditions beyond the control of LICENSEE, including the occurrence of any Force Majeure Event (as defined herein), but shall not include inability of LICENSEE to obtain funding.
(c) LICENSEE agrees to give MSK written notice and evidence within thirty (30) days of the achievement of each of the above specific diligence obligations.
(d) LICENSEE will have delivered to MSK prior to the execution of this Agreement, its detailed business plan for the development of the Licensed Rights, including, for example, relevant schedules of capital investments needed to implement the plan, financial, equipment, facility plans, number and kind of personnel and time planned for each phase of development of the Licensed Rights for a [****] period, to the extent formed by LICENSEE. LICENSEE shall provide similar reports to MSK annually to relay update and status information on LICENSEEs business, research and development progress, including projections of activity anticipated for the next reporting year, as listed in the template provided in Exhibit B.
(e) LICENSEE will be solely responsible, at LICENSEEs sole cost and expense, for securing all Regulatory Approval necessary for commercial sale of Licensed Products or provision of Licensed Services. MSK will provide reasonable cooperation through providing LICENSEE, upon LICENSEEs reasonable written request and in a timely fashion, with copies of such documentation and information Controlled by MSK that is reasonably necessary to secure such Regulatory Approval, provided that LICENSEE shall reimburse MSK for the reasonable expenses of providing such documentation and information. LICENSEE shall advise MSK, through annual reports described in Section 4.2(d) above of its program of development for obtaining said approvals.
4.3 If LICENSEE is the subject of an inquiry or inspection by a Regulatory Authority or other governmental authority or certification agency in relation to any Licensed
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
Product, LICENSEE will notify MSK as soon as reasonably possible and keep MSK reasonably apprised of the results of such it quiry or inspection.
4.4 To assure at least a minimum level of funding to sustain its diligence obligations and otherwise perform under this Agreement, LICENSEE is required to raise funding for itself as follow.
(a) Within [****] of the Effective Date. [****];
(b) Before January 1, 2016, an additional [****]; and
(c) Before January 1, 2017, an additional [****].
Such minimum level of funding must come from equity investments or debt that is convertible into equity securities of the LICENSEE, and must be unqualified, not contingent, and not subject to any prepayment obligations. In addition, no more than [****] in principal amount of the amounts listed above in (a), (b) and (c) may be incurred through the issuance of convertible debt, and the interest rate of any such convertible debt may not exceed [****] per annum.
Satisfaction of this obligation shall require LICENSEE to provide documentary evidence reasonably satisfactory to MSK, which shall include bank statements or other proof of funds on deposit in an account solely owned and under the sole control of LICENSEE, as well as the agreements under which such funds were provided, that each required installment of funding has been received, is in the accounts of and under the sole and present control of LICENSEE, and otherwise satisfies the conditions of this Section. Such documentary evidence shall be provided by LICENSEE to MSK no more than ten days after each date specified above.
Failure of LICENSEE to satisfy the requirements of this Section shall be deemed a material breach and shall be cause for immediate termination on written notice from MSK, and the cure periods provided for other breaches in Article 16 shall not apply.
ARTICLE 5 - PAYMENTS
5.1 For the rights, privileges and licenses granted hereunder. LICENSEE shall pay to MSK, in the manner hereinafter provided, until the end of the Term:
(a) License Fee: LICENSEE shall pay to MSK a license issue fee of five hundred thousand US dollars ($500,000), due on the Effective Date.
(b) Royalty: LICENSEE shall pay MSK a [****] royalty on cumulative Net Sales up to [****] percent [****] royalty on cumulative Net Sales of Licensed Products or Licensed
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
Services in excess of [****] and [****] on cumulative Net Sales of Licensed Products or Licensed Services of over [****] on a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product or Licensed Service-by-Licensed Service basis. In the case of Net Sales by a Sublicensee, the royalty rates listed above will be reduced by [****] per tier, i.e., to [****] respectively. For clarity, cumulative refers to the lifetime of the Royalty Term.
(i) On a country-by-country basis, if the Patent Rights expire prior to the end of the Royalty Term, or if it is not covered by a Valid Claim in such country, the royalty rates above due to MSK after expiration of the Patent Rights shall be reduced by [****] percent [****].
(ii) If the Licensed Products or Licensed Services are not and were never covered by a Valid Claim, the royalty rates above due for such Licensed Products or Licensed Services shall be reduced by [****] provided that this reduction shall not apply if a reduction is taken under (i) immediately above.
(iii) In the event that LICENSEE or Sublicensees are legally required to obtain any additional licenses from one or more third parties in order to make, have made, use, lease, offer to sell, sell and/or import Licensed Products or provide Licensed Services, and such license(s) require LICENSEE to make reasonable payments to one or more third parties, LICENSEE may offset a total of [****] percent [****] of such third-party payments against any royalty payments that are due to MSK in the same Contract Half-Year.
(iv) Annual minimum royally payments, due at each anniversary of the Effective Date, starting five (5) years after the Effective Date, in the amount of eighty thousand dollars ($80,000) per Royalty Year. The minimum royalty payments shall be nonrefundable but fully creditable against the earned royalty payments required in Section 5.1(b) and may be carried forward until such credit is fully applied.
(v) No multiple royalties shall be payable because any Licensed Product or Licensed Service, its manufacture, use, lease, sale or provision is or shall be covered by more than one of the Licensed Rights granted under this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the reductions and deductions provided, in no event shall the royalty rate on tiered Net Sales be less than [****] respectively.
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
Royalties shall be payable twice each year, once for each Contract Half-Year.
(c) Milestones:
Milestone payments as follows:
Milestone Activity |
|
Milestone Payment |
|
Milestone Payment due at the earlier of |
Completion of first Phase I Trial with first Licensed Product |
|
[****] |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date |
Dosing of first patient in clinical trial with second Licensed Product |
|
[****] |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date |
Dosing of first patient in clinical trial with third Licensed Product |
|
[****] |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date |
Dosing of first patient in clinical trial with fourth Licensed Product |
|
[****] |
|
[****] |
Dosing of first patient with [****] |
|
[****] |
|
[****] |
Dosing of first patient in first Phase II Trial |
|
[****] |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date |
Dosing of first patient in second Phase II Trial |
|
[****] |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date |
Dosing of first patient in Phase II Trial with [****] |
|
[****] |
|
[****] |
Dosing of first patient in first Phase III Trial |
|
[****] |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date |
Dosing of first patient in second Phase III trial |
|
[****] |
|
TBD |
Dosing of first patient in third Phase III trial |
|
[****] |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date |
Dosing of first patient in fourth Phase III trial |
|
[****] |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date |
Dosing of first patient in Phase III Trial with [****] |
|
[****] |
|
[****] |
Regulatory approval for sale of first Licensed Product in orphan Indication |
|
[****] |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date |
Regulatory approval for sale of second Licensed Product in orphan indication |
|
[****] |
|
[****] |
Regulatory approval for sale of third Licensed Product in orphan indication |
|
[****] |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date |
Regulatory approval for sale of fourth Licensed Product in orphan indication |
|
[****] |
|
[****] |
Regulatory approval for sale of |
|
[****] |
|
[****] |
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
[****] |
|
|
|
|
Regulatory approval for sale of first Licensed Product in non orphan indication |
|
[****] |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date |
Regulatory approval for sale of second Licensed Product in non-orphan indication |
|
[****] |
|
|
Regulatory approval for sale of second Licensed Product in non-orphan indication |
|
[****] |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date |
Regulatory approval for sale of third Licensed Product in non-orphan indication |
|
[****] |
|
|
Regulatory approval for sale of [****] |
|
[****] |
|
|
Upon cumulative Net Sales of first Licensed Product to reach [****] |
|
[****] |
|
|
Upon cumulative Net Sales of subsequent Licensed Product to [****] |
|
[****] |
|
|
Upon cumulative Net Sales of subsequent Licensed Product to reach [****] |
|
[****] |
|
|
Upon cumulative Net Sales of subsequent Licensed Product to reach [****] |
|
[****] |
|
|
The same milestone payment shall not be due more than once on an individual Licensed Product. For clarity, different constructs of the same antibody are different products, e.g., two different constructs of an [****] antibody product are two products.
In the event that a specified clinical trial Phase is skipped (e.g., proceeding directly to Phase III from Phase I, or filing an application For Regulatory Approval alter a Phase II trial), or two Phases are combined (e.g., a Phase II/III trial), the milestone shall be due for both events (the Phase that was skipped or the sum of the milestones for the combined trials) such that the total milestone payments are not reduced.
(d) Sublicensing Income in addition to royalties on Net Sales:
(i) If revenue is generated through the sublicense of Licensed Rights. excluding the sublicense of Platform Technologies, the following shall apply: LICENSEE shall pay MSK a sublicense fee of [****] on any revenue generated in a transaction or series of related transactions including a sublicense of Licensed Rights to a third party [****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
[****] on any revenue generated through sublicense of Licensed Rights to a third party after [****] on any revenue generated through sublicense of Licensed Rights to a third party after [****] Trial. [****] on any revenue generated through sublicense of Licensed Rights to a third party after entering into a [****] on any revenue generated through sublicense of Licensed Rights to a third party after [****] and [****] on any revenue generated through sublicense of Licensed Rights to a third party [****] excluding amounts paid by Sublicense to LICENSEE for Net Sales of Licensed Products or Licensed Services and patent cost reimbursement. Determination of which percent sharing applies shall be made on a product-by product or process-by-process basis if a bona fide allocation between or among a plurality of Licensed Products or Licensed Services has been made in such transaction with the portions allocated to each equaling the entire revenue generated in the transaction or series of related transactions, and: otherwise, the highest applicable percent shall apply.
(ii) If revenue is generated in a transaction or series of related transactions including a sublicense of Platform Technologies within the Licensed Rights to a third party, the following shall apply: LICENSEE shall pay MSK a sublicense fee of [****] of any such revenue if the first transaction is on or prior to [****] any such revenue if the first transaction is [****] of any such revenue if the first transaction is [****] in each case excluding amounts paid by sublicensee to LICENSEE for Net Sales of Licensed Products or Licensed Services and patent cost reimbursement.
If such transaction or series of transactions includes sublicenses under both (i) and (ii) above, determination of which percent sharing applies shall be made by applying those of (i) to Licensed Rights excluding the sublicense of Platform Technologies and those of (ii) to the Platform Technologies, provided that (x) the sum of the portions allocated to each shall equal the entire revenue generated in the transaction or series of related transactions, and (y) a bona fide
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
allocation between the groups has been made in such transaction. Otherwise, the highest applicable percent shall apply.
The value of debt or equity, investments, by Sublicensee to LICENSEE as part of such transactions may be excluded, but only if such investments are at fair market value fund in the case of loans, not forgiven) and if the transaction is not structured such that said exclusions reduce any payment otherwise due to MSK.
If consideration to LICENSEE that is subject to sharing with MSK under this section is in a form other than cash, the fair market value of such noncash consideration, shall be used in calculating the amount due MSK, unless MSK agrees in writing to a different method.
For the avoidance of doubt, the payments under this section are in addition to, and not in lieu of, royalties on Net Sales and milestone payments.
(e) Equity: MSK shall receive twelve and a half percent (12.5%) of founders equity non-dilutable through twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000) in gross cash financing. In addition, MSK shall receive such equity rights as set forth in the form of Shareholders Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit D).
(f) Research Funding: LICENSEE shall provide research funding [****] equaling at least [****] plus indirect costs of [****] of the total cost over five (5) years immediately following the Effective Date of this Agreement in accordance with the budget generated by MSK to be incorporated into the Sponsored Research Agreement.
(g) LICENSEE shall further provide at least [****] dollars [****] in funding for the clinical development of MSKs 3F8 and 8119 antibody constructs over five (5) years immediately following the Effective Date of this Agreement of which at least [****] will fund clinical research of said antibody construct (s) at MSK in accordance with the budget generated by MSK to be incorporated into the Clinical Trial Agreement. Indirect costs of [****] of the total clinical trial cost shall be added to clinical research funded by LICENSEE at MSK.
Scope and use of such research shall be agreed upon and defined in a separate Sponsored Research Agreement and a Clinical Trial Agreement that will be attached to this Agreement as Exhibits E and F, respectively.
For clarity, although separate agreements between the Parties provide the specific terms for paragraphs (e) - (g) above, part of the consideration from LICENSEE to MSK for this
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
Agreement are those agreements, and a material breach by LICENSEE of its obligations under those agreements shall be deemed to be a breach of this Agreement as well.
(h) Priority Review Voucher: LICENSEE will use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to assess the possibility of obtaining a priority review vouchers (PRVs) under Section 908 of the FDA Safety and Innovation Act and will diligently pursue such PRVs for each product developed.
Should LICENSEE be awarded such a PRV for the humanized 3F8 bi specific antibody as specified in MSKs agreement with the Band of Parents (BOP), (hereinafter the BOP PRV), the BOP PRV shall be solely owned and controlled by MSK. LICENSEE shall assign all its rights in and to such BOP PRV to MSK. If MSK generates net income from the sale of the BOP PRV after meeting its contractual obligations with the BOP, MSK shall share fifty percent (50%) of such net income with LICENSEE.
Any PRV that is not the BOP PRV will be owned by LICENSEE, LICENSEE shall distribute to MSK forty percent (40%) of income generated from the sale of the first such PRV. LICENSEE shall distribute to MSK one third (1/3) of income generated front sale of any subsequent PRV, or the sale of other comparable incentives provided by any non-U.S. jurisdiction.
The Parties agree that the LICENSEE shall diligently seek to sell any PRV or other comparable incentive provided by any non-US jurisdiction unless the Parties agree otherwise in writing.
5.2 Payment Terms: Payments shall be payable [****] after they are due, paid in United States dollars in New York, NY, or at such other place as MSK may reasonably designate consistent with the laws and regulations controlling in any foreign country, but not in any other currency, If any currency conversion shall be required in connection with the payment of royalties hereunder, such conversion shall be made by using the exchange rate prevailing at the JP Morgan Chase Bank on the last business day of the Contract Half-Year reporting period to which such royalty payments relate. The License Fee due under Section 5.1 (a) above and the past patent costs due under Section 7.1 below shall be due within ten (10) days after the Effective Date, and if such payments are not timely received, this Agreement shall be null, void and without effect.
5.3 Interest: LICENSEE shall pay to MSK interest on any amounts not paid when due. Such interest will accrue from the [****] after the payment was due, at a rate of [****] per month or the highest rate permitted by law (whichever is less), and shall be compounded monthly. The interest payment will be due and payable on the first day of each month after interest begins to accrue, until full payment of all amounts due MSK is made. MSK rights to receive such interest payments shall be in addition to any other rights and remedies available to MSK.
5.4 LICENSEE agrees that it shall not reduce any payments due under the Agreement as the result of co-ownership interests by LICENSEE or any other third party in the Patent Rights.
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
ARTICLE 6 - REPORTS AND RECORDS
6.1 LICENSEE shall keep, and shall require its Affiliates and Sublicensces to keep, full, true and accurate books of account containing all particulars that may be necessary for the purpose of showing the amounts payable to MSK hereunder. Said books and records shall be maintained for a period of no less than five (5) years following the period to which they pertain. For the term of this Agreement, upon reasonable written notice, LICENSEE shall allow MSK or its agents to inspect such books and records for the purpose of verifying LICENSEES loyalty statement or compliance in other respects with this Agreement. Such inspections shall be during normal working hours of LICENSEE. Should such inspection lead to the discovery of a discrepancy greater than [****] dollars [****], in reporting to MSKs detriment, for any twelve (12) month period, LICENSEE agrees to pay the full cost of such inspection plus interest as stipulated in Article 5.
6.2 Commercialization Reports:
LICENSEE, within thirty (30) days of the end of each Contract Half-Year, shall deliver to MSK true and accurate reports, giving such particulars of the business conducted by LICENSEE and its Sublicensees during the preceding six-month period under this Agreement.
The reports shall include at least the following information, to be itemized per Licensed Product and/ or Licensed Service:
(a) volumes, and unique identifiers (e.g., SKU or otherwise), of Licensed Products sold or otherwise distributed;
(b) total revenue received on account of (i) Licensed Products sold or otherwise distributed, and (ii) other revenue bearing activities subject to payment hereunder;
(c) Deductible Expenses (as provided in the definition of Net Sales);
(d) Net Sales;
(e) the portion of Net Sales that was received from Sublicensees;
(f) total royalties due:
(g) country of sale;
(h) foreign currency conversion rate; and
(i) any other consideration received in the prior quarter.
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
6.3 With each such report submitted. LICENSEE shall pay to MSK the royalties due and payable under this Agreement. If no royalties shall he due, LICENSEE shall so report.
In addition LICENSEE shall also submit semi-annually a detailed report summarizing LICENSEEs research, development, commercialization and other business progress during the prior six (6) months, and its projections of activity anticipated for the next six months (6), Once Regulatory Approval is obtained for a Licensed Product or Licensed Service in the United States, such reports shall be submitted annually instead of semi-annually.
6.4 Milestone payments shall be reported and paid when due.
6.5 LICENSEE shall promptly provide MSK with copies of any royalty or commercialization reports received by LICENSEE from its Sublicensees.
ARTICLE 7 - PATENT PROSECUTION
7.1 Patent Cost Reimbursement. LICENSEE shall pay during the term of the Agreement reasonable out-of-pocket expenses borne by MSK for filing, prosecuting and maintaining Patent Rights through a patent counsel of MSKs choice, reasonably acceptable to LICENSEE. LICENSEE shall reimburse MSK for all historic patent costs related to the Patent Rights within [****] upon receiving itemized historic patent costs, [****].
7.2 MSK shall diligently prosecute and maintain the Patent Rights in the United States and in such countries as are determined by MSK and agreed to by LICENSEE, using counsel of MSKs choice reasonably acceptable to LICENSEE. If LICENSEE does not agree to bear the expense of filing patent applications in any foreign countries in which MSK wishes to obtain patent protection, then MSK may file and prosecute such applications at its own expense and any license granted hereunder shall exclude such countries.
7.3 MSK shall provide LICENSEE with copies of all relevant patent prosecution documentation so that LICENSEE may be informed and to give LICENSEE reasonable opportunity to advise MSK on the continuing prosecution, and LICENSEE agrees to keep this documentation confidential
7.4 Patent counsel remains counsel to MSK with an appropriate contract (and shall not jointly represent LICENSEE unless mutually agreed to in writing by the Parties)
7.5 The Parties agree that they share a common legal interest in obtaining valid, enforceable patents and that LICENSEE will maintain confidential all information received pursuant to this Article 7.
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
7.6 At any time, LICENSEE shall notify MSK if LICENSEE wishes to terminate its license to any of the patent applications or patents within the Patent Rights. LICENSEE shall identify such patent applications and patents to MSK in writing, in which event, thirty (30) days after receipt of such written notice by MSK, LICENSEE shall have no further obligation to pay any costs and expenses incurred by MSK for the prosecution and maintenance of such identified patents and patent applications. For the avoidance of doubt, MSK may independently, and at its own expense, maintain any such patent applications and patents after such a termination by LICENSEE, and any license granted hereunder shall exclude any such patents and patent applications.
7.7 LICENSEE (and its Sublicensees) shall have the right, on a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product basis, to select a patent will in the Patent Rights to seek a term extension for or supplementary protection certificate under in accordance with the applicable laws of any country. Each Party agrees to execute any documents and to take any additional actions as the other party may reasonably request in connection therewith. LICENSEE shall provide MSK with at least thirty (30) days prior written notice before applying for a patent term extension or supplementary protection certificate for any Licensed Product.
ARTICLE 8 - INFRINGEMENT
8.1 Monitoring. LICENSEE shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to monitor third party infringement of the Patent Rights in the Field of Use. LICENSEE shall keep MSK timely informed of any activities by LICENSEE in regard hereto.
8.2 Actions. This Section sets forth the parties right of enforcement and defense in relation to the Patent Rights.
(a) First Right. LICENSEE (and its Sublicensees) shall have the first right, but not the obligation, to control the conduct and resolution of any adversarial legal proceeding relating to the Patent Rights (including without limitation any declaratory judgment action, patent infringement action or opposition) during the Term and will be responsible for all expenses related thereto. MSK shall join in any such action, at LICENSEEs request and expense.
(b) Secondary Right. If LICENSEE does not wish to exercise either of the foregoing rights in (a), LICENSEE shall provide MSK with written notice that LICENSEE declines such right, and after receiving such notice. MSK shall have the secondary right to undertake such infringement action or defend against such challenge.
8.3 Cooperation. To the extent either Party (or its Sublicensees) conducts any legal proceedings in relation to the enforcement or defense of Patent Rights in the Field of Use, it shall keep the other Party reasonably informed of such proceedings. The other Party shall cooperate in all respects and, to the extent reasonably
possible, have its employees testify when requested and make available relevant records, papers, information, samples, specimens, and the like at the expense of the requesting party. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary: (a) in any action conducted by MSK, MSK may use the name of LICENSEE as party plaintiff, and LICENSEE will join any such action as may be requested by MSK; (b) in any action conducted by LICENSEE. LICENSEE may affect joinder of MSK, if MSK is an indispensable or necessary party under the applicable law; and (c) no settlement, consent judgment or other voluntary final disposition of any action by LICENSEE that admits or impairs the invalidity or unenforceability of the Patent Rights may be entered into without the prior written consent of MSK.
8.4 Costs and Recoveries. All costs of any action by either Party to enforce, or to defend against a challenge to, the Patent Rights shall be borne by such party, which shall keep any sums recovered or obtained in connection therewith (whether as damages, reasonable royalties, license fees, or otherwise in judgment or settlement derived therefrom), except that in the case of actions commenced by LICENSEE, the excess of such sums over such costs shall be treated as Net Sales subject to MSKs rights under this Agreement to collect royalties thereon. For the avoidance of doubt, LICENSEE may not deduct from Net Sales any portion of LICENSEES costs or expenses related to any investigation, enforcement, defense, judgment or settlement of any such actions.
8.5 Third Party Patents. In the event LICENSEE is sued for patent infringement or, threatened with such suit, it shall promptly notify MSK. If LICENSEE is permanently enjoined from exercising its license rights granted hereunder LICENSEE may terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to MSK. In any such action, LICENSEE shall be fully responsible for all its costs, including expenses, judgments and settlements.
8.6 Patent Challenges by LICENSEE. LICENSEE will provide written notice to MSK at least three (3) months prior to LICENSEE or any of its Affiliates bringing any legal proceeding to challenge the validity or enforceability any claim included in the Patent Rights (a Patent Challenge), including: (a) stating the basis for such Patent Challenge: and (b) providing a copy of all relevant prior art or other materials used as the basis for such Patent Challenge. In the event that LICENSEE brings a Patent Challenge: (i) MSK may at any time thereafter terminate this Agreement upon written notice to LICENSEE; (ii) during pendency of the Patent Challenge, all license fees, milestone payments and royalties due under this Agreement will be doubled: and (iii) in the event of an unsuccessful Patent Challenge by LICENSEE. (A) LICENSEE shall reimburse MSK for all reasonable costs and attorney fees that MSK incurs in connection with such Patent Challenge, and (B) starting on the date (if at all) that the Patent Challenge is determined to be Unsuccessful, all license fees, milestone payments and royalty rates due as per this Agreement will be trebled. As used herein, Unsuccessful means that, upon the conclusion of the action before the court or other governmental authority in which the Patent Challenge was brought. LICENSEE
failed to obtain a judgment that all of the patent claims within the Patent Challenge were invalid or unenforceable
ARTICLE 9 - CONFIDENTIALITY
Each Party agrees that Confidential Information of the other Party disclosed to it or to its employees under this Agreement shall for five (5) years after disclosure:
(a) be used only in connection with the legitimate purposes of this Agreement;
(b) be disclosed only to those who have a need to know it in connection with the Agreement; and
(c) be safeguarded with the same care normally afforded confidential information in the possession, custody or control of the party holding the Confidential Information but no less than reasonable.
(d) not be disclosed, divulged or otherwise communicated except with the express written consent of the disclosing party.
The foregoing shall not apply when, after and to the extent the Confidential Information is required to be disclosed for minimal compliance with court orders, statutes or regulations or MSK or LICENSEE audits for compliance with such regulatory requirements, provided that prior to any such disclosure to the extent reasonably practicable and legally permeable, the Party from whom disclosure is sought shall promptly notify the other Party and shall afford such other Party the opportunity to challenge or otherwise lawfully seek limits upon such disclosure of Confidential Information.
ARTICLE 10 - INDEMNIFICATION, PRODUCT LIABILITY
10.1 LICENSEE will indemnify, defend and hold harmless (and cause its Sublicensees to so indemnify, defend and hold harmless) MSK and its respective trustees, directors, officers, medical and professional staff, employees, students, and agents and their respective successors, heirs, and assigns (each an Indemnitee), against all Third Party Claims (as defined herein) and expenses (including legal expenses and reasonable attorneys fees) arising out of the death of or injury to any person or persons, or out of any damage to property, against any infringement or misappropriation of intellectual property and against any other claim, proceeding, demand, expense and liability of any kind whatsoever resulting from the production, manufacture, sale, use, lease, consumption, or advertisement of Licensed Products hereunder or from a breach by LICENSEE of any of its representations, warranties or obligations under this Agreement, provided however, that LICENSEE will not be obligated to indemnify, defend and hold harmless any Indemnitee against any claim, proceeding, demand, expense, or liability to the extent it arises out of, results from, or is increased by (a) fraud, the material breach of this Agreement by MSK, or (b) MSKs gross negligence or
willful misconduct. The Indemnitee will promptly give notice to LICENSEE of any claims or proceedings which might be covered by this Section 10.1 and LICENSEE will have the right to defend the same, including selection of counsel and control of the proceedings; provided that LICENSEE will not, without the written consent of the Indemnitee, settle or consent to the entry of any judgement with respect to such third party claims (i) that does not release the Indemnitee from all liability with respect to such third party claim, or (ii) which may materially adversely affect the Indemnitee or under which the Indemnitee would incur any obligation or liability, other than one as to which LICENSEE has an indemnity obligation hereunder. MSK agrees to cooperate and provide reasonable assistance to such defense at LICENSEES expense. MSK at all times reserves the right to select and retain counsel of its own at its own expense to defend MSKs interests.
10.2 For the Term of this Agreement, upon the commencement of clinical use, production, sale, or transfer, whichever occurs first, of any Licensed Product or Licensed Service, LICENSEE shall obtain and carry in full force and effect general liability insurance that shall protect LICENSEE and MSK in regard to events covered by Section 10.1 above. Such insurance shall be written by a reputable insurance company, shall list MSK as an additional named insured thereunder, shall be endorsed to include liability coverage, and shall require thirty (30) days written notice to be given to MSK prior to any cancellation or material change thereof. The limits of such insurance shall not be less than [****] per occurrence with an annual aggregate of [****] for personal injury, death or property damage. LICENSEE shall provide MSK with Certificates of Insurance evidencing the same and provide MSK with prior written notice of any material change in or cancellation of such insurance.
10.3 This Agreement and the licenses granted herein shall immediately and automatically terminate without notice in the event LICENSEE or its Sublicensees or other party acting under authority of LICENSEE, fails to obtain the insurance required under Section 10.2, or if the insurance lapses or is cancelled. A termination occurring under this paragraph shall occur and become effective at the time such insurance coverage ends or becomes required and is not obtained, and LICENSEE or its Sublicensees shall then have no right to complete production and sale of Licensed Products. Nothing herein shall be construed to release either party from any obligation that matured prior to the effective date of such termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the [****] period subsequent to the date of such an automatic termination of this Agreement by operation of this paragraph, to the extent that such rights are still available for licensing. LICENSEE shall have the right to reinstate the effectiveness of this Agreement by obtaining the required insurance, whereupon this Agreement shall automatically become effective as of the date of reinstatement of said insurance, and shall remain in full force and effect without any further action of the parties.
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
10.4 MSK shall at all times during the term of this Agreement and thereafter, indemnify LICENSEE and its Affiliates, and its/their respective directors, managers, officers, employees, representatives and agents (the LICENSEE Indemnitees), against all any and all damages and judgments (including settlements) on claims brought by third parties (a Third Party Claim) on account of the (i) the development, manufacture, sale, promotion, marketing or use of Licensed Products or MSK products, in or outside the Territory, by MSK or its Affiliates or sublicensees (other than LICENSEE or its Affiliates or sublicensees) or their respective customers (including products liability claims), or (ii) the exercise of rights retained by or on behalf of MSK under this Agreement, including, without limitation, any infringement or third party personal injury or damage to tangible personal property. The foregoing obligations of MSK shall not apply to the extent of any losses for which LICENSEE has an obligation to indemnify MSK pursuant to Section 10.1 For any such losses as to which each Party has an indemnification obligation pursuant to Sections 10.1 and 10.4, each Party shall indemnify the other to the extent of the indemnifying Partys respective fault (a Partys fault being defined by those categories for which it must indemnify the other Party pursuant to Section 10.2 or 10.4) for the losses.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (i) the maximum exposure and liability of MSK under this Section 10.4 is capped at the amounts paid or to be paid by LICENSEE to MSK hereunder, and (ii) any liability of MSK to pay LICENSEE or LICENSEE Indemnitees under this Section 10.4 shall be satisfied only in the form of an offset for LICENSEE of amounts otherwise due and payable by LICENSEE and no actual payments by MSK to LICENSEE or LICENSEE Indemnitees shall ever be required.
10.5 In the case of a Third Party Claim made by any Person who is not a Party to this Agreement (or an Affiliate thereof) as to which a Party (the Indemnitor) may be obligated to provide indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, such Party seeking indemnification hereunder (Indemnitee) will notify the Indemnitor in writing of the Third Party Claim (and specifying in reasonable detail the factual basis for the Third Party Claim and, to the extent known, the amount of the Third Party Claim) reasonably promptly after becoming aware of such Third Party Claim; provided, however, that failure to give such notification will not affect the indemnification provided hereunder except to the extent the Indemnitor shall have been actually prejudiced as a result of such failure.
If a Third Party Claim is made against an Indemnitee and the Indemnitor acknowledges in writing its obligation to indemnify the Indemnitee therefore, the Indemnitor will be entitled, within [****] after receipt of written notice from the Indemnitee of the commencement or assertion of any such Third Party Claim, to assume the defense thereof (at the expense of the Indemnitor) with counsel selected by the Indemnitor and reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnitee, for so long as the Indemnitor is conducting a good faith and diligent defense. Should the Indemnitor so elect to assume the defense of a Third Party Claim, the Indemnitor will not be liable to the
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
Indemnitee for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with the defense thereof; provided, that if under applicable standards of professional conduct a conflict of interest exists between the Indemnitor and the Indemnitee in respect of such claim, such Indemnitee shall have the right to employ separate counsel (which shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnitor) to represent such Indemnitee with respect to the matters as to which a conflict of interest exists and in that event the reasonable fees and expenses of such separate counsel shall be paid by such Indemnitor; provided, further, that the Indemnitor shall only be responsible for the reasonable fees and expenses of one separate counsel for such Indemnitee. If the Indemnitor assumes the defense of any Third Party Claim, the Indemnitee shall have the right to participate in the defense thereof and to employ counsel, at its own expense, separate from the counsel employed by the Indemnitor. If the Indemnitor assumes the defense of any Third Party Claim, the Indemnitor will promptly supply to the Indemnitee copies of all correspondence and documents relating to or in connection with such Third Party Claim and keep the Indemnitee informed of developments relating to or in connection with such Third Party Claim, as may be reasonably requested by the Indemnitee (including, without limitation, providing to the Indemnitee on reasonable request updates and summaries as to the status thereof). If the Indemnitor chooses to defend a Third Party Claim, all Indemnitees shall reasonably cooperate with the Indemnitor in the defense thereof (such cooperation to be at the expense, including reasonable legal fees and expenses, of the Indemnitor). If the Indemnitor does not elect to assume control of the defense of any Third Party Claim within the [****] period set forth above, or if such good faith and diligent defense is not being or ceases to be conducted by the Indemnitor, the Indemnitee shall have the right, at the expense of the Indemnitor, after [****] Business Days notice to the Indemnitor of its intent to do so, to undertake the defense of the Third Party Claim for the account of the Indemnitor (with counsel selected by the Indemnitee), and to compromise or settle such Third Party Claim, exercising reasonable business judgment.
If the Indemnitor acknowledges in writing its obligation to indemnify the Indemnitee for a Third Party Claim, the Indemnitee will agree to any settlement, compromise or discharge of such Third Party Claim that the Indemnitor may recommend that by its terms obligates the Indemnitor to pay the full amount of Losses (whether through settlement or otherwise) in connection with such Third Party Claim and unconditionally and irrevocably releases the Indemnitee completely from all liability in connection with such Third Party Claim; provided, however, that, without the Indemnitees prior written consent, the Indemnitor shall not consent to any settlement, compromise or discharge (including the consent to entry of any judgment), and the Indemnitee may refuse in good faith to agree to any such settlement, compromise or discharge, that provides for injunctive or other non-monetary relief affecting the Indemnitee. If the Indemnitor acknowledges in writing its obligation to indemnify the Indemnitee for a Third Party Claim, the Indemnitee shall not (unless required by law) admit any liability with respect to, or settle, compromise or discharge, such Third Party Claim without the Indemnitors prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld).
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
ARTICLE 11 - REPRESENTATIONS WARRANTIES AND DISCLAIMERS
11.1 Representations and Warranties of LICENSEE LICENSEE hereby represents and warrants to MSK that
(a) LICENSEE is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement;
(b) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by LICENSEE have been duly authorized by all corporate action on the part of LICENSEE and that LICENSEE has the right to enter into and bind itself to this Agreement;
(c) As of the Effective Date, the execution and performance of Licensees obligations under this Agreement does not conflict with, cause a default under, or violate any existing contractual obligation that may be owed by Licensee to any third party; and
(d) All Licensed Products produced under the licenses granted herein will be manufactured in all material respects in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, in all material respects in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations of the USFDA and other Regulatory Authorities.
11.2 Representations and Warranties of MSK
MSK hereby represents and warrants to LICENSEE that:
(a) MSK is a not-for-profit corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of New York and has all required corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement;
(b) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by MSK have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of MSK, and MSK has the right to enter into and bind itself to this Agreement;
(c) as of the Effective Date, the execution and performance of MSKs obligations under this Agreement do not conflict with, cause a default under, or violate any existing contractual obligation that may be owed by MSK to any third party;
(d) as of the Effective Date, there is no pending, or to the knowledge of the signatory of this Agreement for MSK and such persons direct reports.
threatened infringement claim related to any of the Patent Rights granted hereunder.
(e) MSK is the sole and exclusive legal owner of the entire right, title, and interest in and to all patent applications and issued patents that are part of the Patent Rights, except for the license to and rights of the United States under 35 U.S.C. § 200 et seq. and related regulations;
(f) MSK has, and throughout the Term will not itself compromise, the right, power and authority to grant the licenses granted hereunder;
(g) MSK has not granted and will not grant any licenses or other rights to any third parties that would materially interfere with or limit the rights granted to LICENSEE herein; and
(h) There are no actions, suits, claims, investigations or proceedings involving MSK pending, or to the best of MSKs knowledge threatened, relating to any of the Licensed Rights.
11.3 Disclaimer.
EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, MSK MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS, NO WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, MERCHANTABILITY, VALIDITY OF LICENSED RIGHTS, CLAIMS ISSUED OR PENDING OR THAT THE MANUFACTURE, SALE OR USE OF THE LICENSED PRODUCTS OR THE PROVISION OR THE CONSUMPTION OF LICENSED SERVICES WILL NOT INFRINGE ANY PATENT, COPYRIGHT, TRADEMARK, OR OTHER PROPRIETARY RIGHTS. IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF ANTICIPATED PROFIT, FROM ITS PERFORMANCE OR NONPERFORMANCE OF ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.
ARTICLE 12 - EXPORT CONTROLS
It is understood that MSK is subject to United States laws and regulations controlling the export of technical data, computer software, laboratory prototypes and other commodities (including the Arms Export Control Act, as amended and the Export Administration Act of 1979), and that its obligations hereunder are contingent on compliance with applicable United States export laws and regulations. The transfer of certain technical data and commodities may require a license from the cognizant agency of the United States Government and/or written assurances by LICENSEE that LICENSEE shall not export data or commodities to certain
foreign countries without prior approval of such agency. MSK neither represents that a license shall not be requited not that, if required, it shall he issued
ARTICLE 13 - NON-USE OF NAMES
Neither Party shall use the name of the other Party, not of any of their employees, not any adaptation thereof, in any press release, advertising, promotional or sales literature without prior written consent obtained from the other Party in each case. During and after the term of this Agreement, neither Party shall utilize or register any trademark, service mark, tradename, or other trade identifier of the other Party, or that contains (in whole or in part) or is confusingly similar to the foregoing, or is a translation of any of the foregoing, without the prior express written consent of the other Party. Notwithstanding the above, each Party may freely disclose in the ordinary course of business (but not in a press release, except with prior approval) that it has entered into this Agreement.
ARTICLE 14 - PUBLICATION
LICENSEE recognizes and accepts that under MSKs mission as an academic medical center, MSK and its investigators must have a meaningful right to publish without LICENSEEs approval or editorial control. MSK reserves the right to publish the scientific findings from research related to Licensed Rights and clinical use of Licensed Products and Licensed Services. If any proposed publication (e.g., manuscript, abstract or other public disclosure), contains Confidential Information of LICENSEE or its Affiliates or Sublicensees, MSK will submit the abstract or manuscript to LICENSEE at least thirty (30) calendar days before public disclosure thereof, and LICENSEE shall have the right to review and comment upon the proposed public disclosure in order to protect such Confidential Information and the patentability of any inventions disclosed therein. Upon LICENSEEs request, public disclosure shall be delayed up to sixty (60) additional calendar days to enable LICENSEE to secure adequate intellectual property protection of any patentable subject matter contained therein that would otherwise be affected by the publication.
ARTICLE 15 - ASSIGNMENT
No Party may assign or delegate any or all of its rights or obligations under this Agreement, or transfer this Agreement, without the prior written consent of the other Party, except that (a) either Party shall have the right to assign any of its rights, delegate any of its obligations, or transfer this Agreement without such consent (i) to an Affiliate or (ii) as part of a merger or acquisition or other transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of its business to which this Agreement pertains, in each case provided that the assignor remains responsible for performance and the assignee accepts all terms and obligations of this Agreement, and (b) MSK may without consent of LICENSEE freely assign all or any portion of the cash payments due under this Agreement to a Third Party, Additionally. LICENSEE shall, on prior consent of MSK (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), be permitted to assign this Agreement in connection with the sale or transfer of a limited portion of its business to which this Agreement pertains. Except as set forth herein, any assignment, delegation or transfer by any Party without the consent of the other Party shall be void and of no effect. For the avoidance of doubt, LICENSEEs right to assign is conditioned on its assignees acceptance of all
obligations of this Agreement including but not limited to those of Article 18 concerning choice of law and forum.
ARTICLE 16 - TERMINATION
16.1 Term. This Agreement commences on the Effective Date and shall remain in effect, until the end of the Royalty Term, as provided it Section 1.13 unless sooner terminated in accordance with the provisions herein.
16.2 Bankruptcy or Cessation/Enjoinder of Business. MSK may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to LICENSEE if: (a) LICENSEE becomes insolvent; (b) a petition in bankruptcy is filed against LICENSEE and is consented to, acquiesced in or remains undismissed for thirty (30) days; (c) LICENSEE or makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or a receiver is appointed for LICENSEE, and LICENSEE does not return to solvency before the expiration of a thirty (30) day period; (d) LICENSEE ceases to do business: or (e) if the enactment of any law, decree, or regulation, or the issuance of any order (including, but not limited to, an injunction), by any governmental authority renders it impracticable or impossible for LICENSEE to perform any of its obligations hereunder.
16.3 Nonpayment. If LICENSEE fails to pay MSK fees, royalties, ongoing patent expenses or other amounts payable hereunder, and such payments remain past due for more than thirty (30) days, MSK shall have the right to terminate this Agreement on thirty (30) days prior written notice to LICENSEE, unless LICENSEE pays to MSK within the thirty (30) day notice period, all fees, royalties and patent expenses, together with any interest then due and payable thereon. If LICENSEE after such written notice makes such payment to avoid termination, and if LICENSEEs obligation to make such payment was or becomes the subject of a good faith dispute between the Parties, such payment shall be returned to LICENSEE by MSK if a final, unappealable judgment in an action commenced within six months of LICENSEEs making of said payment determines in favor of LICENSEE what such payment was not owed.
16.4 Criminal Activity. MSK may terminate this Agreement upon immediate written notice to LICENSEE if LICENSEE is convicted in a final judgment of a felony relating to the manufacture, use, or sale of Licensed Products in any jurisdiction where LICENSEE manufactures, uses or sells Licensed Products; provided, no such termination may be made until any appeal(s) of such conviction are exhausted and only then if such conviction is not reversed.
16.5 Breach, in addition to any other termination right specified in this Agreement, MSK may terminate this Agreement upon [****] prior written notice to LICENSEE, if LICENSEE materially breaches a provision of this Agreement, unless:
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
(a) LICENSEE cures any such breach prior to the expiration of the [****] period; or
(b) LICENSEE has taken reasonable steps to cure such breach prior to the expiration of [****] cure period and has demonstrated to MSKs reasonable satisfaction that such breach, is likely to be cured within a reasonable time thereafter not to exceed [****] days, or
(c) before the end of the [****] day cure period, LICENSEE notifies MSK that it has failed to achieve any of the Milestone Activities described herein within the timeframes specified due to causes that are beyond the reasonable control of LICENSEE (e.g., regulatory action or delay, low patient enrollment, Force Majeure Event, and/or delays caused by MSK), notwithstanding LICENSEEs reasonable, good faith efforts to achieve those Milestone Activities, then LICENSEE will not be deemed in default or breach of this Agreement and the timeframe for achieving those milestones will be deemed automatically extended by the time of the delay reasonably attributable to the causes that were beyond LICENSEEs control as long as LICENSEE diligently and continuously pursues the achievement of such milestones, but in no event shall such extension be longer than [****].
16.6 Termination by LICENSEE. LICENSEE may terminate this Agreement in its entirety without cause on [****] days notice to MSK; provided, however, once the performance of marketing, manufacture, sales, distribution and support activities of a Licensed Product and/ or Licensed Service (Commercialization) have commenced, LICENSEE may terminate this Agreement with such notice only if all Commercialization activities of LICENSEE, Sublicencees, and their Affiliates have been permanently discontinued.
16.7 Product Sell Off. In the event of expiration (but not termination) of this Agreement, LICENSEE and its Sublicensees shall have the right for [****] thereafter to dispose of all Licensed Products then in its inventory, contingent upon LICENSEE: (a) providing to MSK an inventory identifying the volumes of Licensed Products on hand that were manufactured prior to the termination date, certified and signed by an officer of the LICENSEE; and (b) continuing to submit all reports and make all payments (including, without limitation, royalties) that would have been required in accordance with this Agreement, if this Agreement had not terminated.
16.8 Dispute Resolution. The Parties shall negotiate all matters of joint concern in good faith, with the intention of resolving issues between them in a mutually satisfactory manner, including, without limitation, the achievement of any Milestone Activities on or prior to any Expected Completion Date, under Article 4 of this Agreement. If a disagreement between the Parties cannot be resolved through informal discussions, it shall be deemed a Dispute upon one party (the
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
Declaring Party) declaring, by the delivery of a written notice (the Notice) to the other party, that a Dispute exists. The Notice shall specify the nature and cause of the Dispute and the action that the Declaring Party deems necessary to resolve the Dispute. Following receipt of the Notice, the Parties shall use good faith efforts to resolve the Dispute within [****] of the date of such Notice, including making personnel with appropriate decision-making authority available to the other Party to discuss resolution of the Dispute. In the event Dispute cannot be resolved by mutual agreement within such [****] period, the Parties may, by the election of either Party, submit the Dispute to non-binding dispute resolution before a mediator expert in the field, selected by mutual agreement within [****] of a written request for mediation submitted by either Party. Said mediation shall be held in the County of New York, State of New York, at such place as shall be mutually agreed upon by the Parties.
16.9 Effect on Sublicensees. All sublicenses, and rights of Affiliates and Sublicensees, will terminate as of the effective date of termination of this Agreement, provided, however, that if at the effective date of termination any Sublicensee is in good standing with regard to its obligations under its sublicense and agrees to assume the applicable obligations of LICENSEE hereunder, then, at the request of the Sublicensee, such sublicense shall survive such termination or expiration of this Agreement and be assigned to MSK with respect to the Licensed Product, Licensed Services, and Licensed Rights; provided, in such case the obligations of MSK to Sublicensee shall not exceed the obligations of MSK to LICENSEE under the Agreement.
16.10 Survival. Upon any expiration or termination of this Agreement, the following shall survive:
(a) any provision expressly indicated to survive;
(b) any liability which any Party has already incurred to another Party prior to expiration or termination;
(c) LICENSEEs reporting and payment obligations for activities occurring prior to expiration or termination (or pursuant to 16.4 (entitled Product Sell Off)); and
(d) ARTICLE 1 (entitled Definitions), ARTICLE 9 (entitled Confidentiality, ARTICLE 10 (entitled Indemnification, Product Liability), ARTICLE 11 (entitled Representations, Warranties and Disclaimers), ARTICLE 13 (entitled Non-Use of Names), ARTICLE 17 (entitled Notices and Other Communications), ARTICLE 18 (entitled Miscellaneous Provisions), Section 16.9 (entitled Effect on Sublicensees), and 16.10 (entitled Survival).
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
ARTICLE 17 - NOTICES AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS
Except for payments, each notice or other communication pursuant to this Agreement shall be sufficiently made or given when delivered by courier or other means providing proof of delivery to such Party at its address below or as it shall designate by written notice given to the other Party:
In the case of MSK:
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Office of Technology Development
If by mail: 1275 York Ave., Box 524
New York, NY 10065
If by courier: 600 Third Avenue, 16th floor
New York, NY 10016
Attn: Vice President, Technology Development
Tel: 1-212-639-6181 (not for notice)
Fax: 1-212-888-1120 (not for notice)
With copies to:
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Office of General Counsel
If by mail: 1275 York Ave.
New York, NY 10065
If by courier: 1275 York Ave.
New York, NY 10065
[****]
In the case of LICENSEE
Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc.
If by mail: c/o Satterlee Stephens Burke & Burke LLP
230 Park Avenue, Suite 1130
New York, NY 10169
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
Attn: Dwight A. Kinsey
Tel: 212-818-9200
Fax: 212-818-9606
If by courier: c/o Satterlee Stephens Burke & Burke LLP
230 Park Avenue, Suite 1130
New York, NY 10169
Attn: Dwight A. Kinsey
With copies to
Satterlee Stephens Burke & Burke
230 Park Avenue, Suite 1130
New York, NY 10169
Attn: Dwight A. Kinsey
Tel: 1-212-818-9200
Fax: 1-212-818-9606
Email: [email protected]
ARTICLE 18 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
18.1 Choice of Law. Choice of Forum. This Agreement shall be construed, governed, interpreted and applied in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any choice/conflict of law principles, except that questions affecting the construction and effect of any patent shall be determined by the law of the country in which the patent was filed or granted. The state and federal courts located in New York County, New York, shall have exclusive jurisdiction of any claims or actions between or among the parties arising out of or relating to this Agreement, and each Party consents to venue and personal jurisdiction of those courts for the purpose of resolving any such disputes.
18.2 Severability. Except to the extent a provision is stated to be essential, or otherwise to the contrary, the provision of this Agreement are severable, and in the event that any provisions of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable under any controlling body of the law, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not in any way affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof.
18.3 Marking. LICENSEE agrees to legibly mark the Licensed Products (and packaging, marketing materials, package inserts, patient information leaflets, and other documentation therefore) sold in the United States with all applicable United States patent numbers, and other notices relating to MSKs Patent Rights, such markings and notices to be in accordance with any written guidelines that
may be provided by MSK from time to time. All Licensed Products shipped to or sold in other countries shall be marked in such a manner as to conform to the patent laws and practice of the country of manufacture or sale. In connection with such patent marking, LICENSEE shall also include a statement that the Licensed Product is made under license from MSK.
18.4 Waiver. The failure of either party to assert a right hereunder or to insist upon compliance with any term or condition of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of that right or excuse a similar subsequent failure to perform any such term or condition by the other party.
18.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be an original and all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same agreement.
18.6 Force Majeure Event. Neither Party shall lose any rights hereunder or be liable to the other Party for damages or losses (except for payment obligations) on account of failure of performance by the defaulting party to the extent such the failure is occasioned by war. strike, fire, Act of God, earthquake, flood, lockout, embargo, governmental acts or orders or restrictions (except if imposed due to or resulting from the Partys violation of law or regulations), failure of suppliers, or any other reason where failure to perform is beyond the reasonable control and not caused by the negligence, intentional conduct or misconduct of the nonperforming party and the nonperforming Party has exerted all reasonable efforts to avoid or remedy such force majeure (each a Force Majeure Event); provided, however, that in no event shall (a) a Party be required to settle any labor dispute or disturbance, or (b) a force majeure excuse performance for a period of more than six months. For clarity, a failure to obtain funding shall not constitute a force majeure event.
18.7 Further Assurances. At any time or from time to time on and after the date of this Agreement, MSK shall at the written request of LICENSEE and at LICENSEEs expense, execute, and deliver or cause to be delivered, all such consents, documents or further instruments required by law to register or confirm the licenses granted in this Agreement.
18.8 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including its attachments and exhibits (which attachments and exhibits are incorporated herein by reference), constitutes the entire understanding among and between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements and communications, whether written, oral or otherwise. This Agreement may only be modified or supplemented in a writing expressly stated for such purpose and signed by the parties to this Agreement
18.9 Relationship between the Parties. The relationship between the parties under this Agreement is that of independent contractors. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to create a partnership, joint venture or agency relationship between any of the Parties. No Partly is a legal representative of any
other party, and no Party can assume of create any obligation, liability, representation, warranty or guarantee, express or implied, on behalf of another Party for any purpose whatsoever.
18.10 Construction and Interpretation. Words (including defined terms) denoting the singular shall include the plural and vice versa. The words hereof, herein, hereunder and words of the like import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole, and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. The term include (and any variant thereof), and the giving of examples, shall not be construed as terms of limitation unless expressly indicated by the context in which they is used. The headings in this Agreement shall not affect its interpretation. Except as expressly provided herein, the rights and remedies herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights or remedies provided by law or otherwise. Each of the Parties has had an opportunity to consult with counsel of its choice. Each provision of this Agreement shall be construed without regard to the principle of contra proferentum. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable the validity of the remaining provisions shall not be affected. The parties shall replace the invalid or unenforceable provision by a valid and enforceable provision closest to the intention of the parties when signing this Agreement. This Agreement was negotiated, and shall be construed and interpreted, exclusively in the English language.
18.11 Method of Payment. Payments may be made by check or wire transfer. Checks shall be: (a) made payable to Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research (Tax I.D. No. [****]); (b) attached to the corresponding invoice (if any); (c) accompanied with an note (on the check stub or on its transmittal letter) that the payment relates to Agreement [****] and (d) sent to MSKCCs lock-box:
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
P. O. Box 29035
New York, NY 10087-9035
Wire transfers shall be made as follows:
Bank Name: JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Name on Account: MSKCC- Acct Rec EFTS
Account Type: Checking
[signature page follows]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, authorized representatives of the Parties have signed and dated this Agreement below.
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Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC. | |
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By: |
/s/ Thomas Gad |
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Name: |
Thomas Gad |
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Title: |
Founder, Chairman and President |
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Date: |
August 20, 2015 |
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MEMORIAL SLOAN-KETTERING | |
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CANCER CENTER | |
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By: |
/s/ Gregory Raskin MD |
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Name: |
Gregory Raskin MD |
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Title: |
Vice President |
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Technology Development | |
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Date: |
August 20, 2015 |
Exhibit A
PATENT RIGHTS
[****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
Exhibit B
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
[****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
Exhibit C
MULTIMERIZATION PLATFORM PATENT RIGHTS
[****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
Exhibit D
STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT
[****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
Exhibit E
SPONSORED RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
Exhibit F
CLINICAL TRIAL AGREEMENT
[****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
Exhibit G
TANGIBLE KNOW-HOW
[****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
EXECUTION COPY
LICENSE AGREEMENT
for MSKs technology
CD33 Antibodies and constructs thereof
between
MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER
and
Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Dated: November 10, 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page |
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ARTICLE 1 - DEFINITIONS |
1 |
ARTICLE 2 - GRANT OF LICENSE AND OPTION |
9 |
ARTICLE 3 - SUBLICENSES |
10 |
ARTICLE 4 - DILIGENCE |
11 |
ARTICLE 5 - PAYMENTS |
13 |
ARTICLE 6 - REPORTS AND RECORDS |
18 |
ARTICLE 7 - PATENT PROSECUTION |
19 |
ARTICLE 8 - INFRINGEMENT |
20 |
ARTICLE 9 - CONFIDENTIALITY |
22 |
ARTICLE 10 - INDEMNIFICATION, PRODUCT LIABILITY |
22 |
ARTICLE 11 - REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND DISCLAIMERS |
26 |
ARTICLE 12 - EXPORT CONTROLS |
28 |
ARTICLE 13 - NON-USE OF NAMES |
28 |
ARTICLE 14 - PUBLICATION |
28 |
ARTICLE 15 - ASSIGNMENT |
28 |
ARTICLE 16 - TERMINATION |
29 |
ARTICLE 17 - NOTICES AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS |
32 |
ARTICLE 18 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS |
33 |
Exhibit A |
|
PATENT RIGHTS AND KNOW-HOW |
Exhibit B |
|
TANGIBLE MATERIAL EXCLUSIVELY LICENSED |
Exhibit C |
|
DEVELOPMENT PLAN |
Exhibit D |
|
SPONSORED RESEARCH AGREEMENT |
LICENSE AGREEMENT
This Agreement (the Agreement) is effective on the date of the last signature below (Effective Date), and is by and between Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), a New York not-for-profit corporation with its principal office at 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, and Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation with its principal office at 750 3rd Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10017 (LICENSEE). MSK and LICENSEE are sometimes referred to singly as Party and collectively as Parties.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, MSK is the owner of certain Licensed Rights (as defined herein) and has the right to grant licenses to its rights under said Licensed Rights; and
WHEREAS, MSK desires to have the Licensed Rights utilized in the public interest and is willing to grant a license to its interest thereunder; and
WHERAS, the Parties desire to further develop antibodies included in or based upon the Licensed Rights; and
WHEREAS, LICENSEE desire to obtain certain licenses on the terms set forth herein under the Licensed Rights to develop and commercialize Licensed Products and perform Licensed Services (both as defined herein) through a thorough, vigorous and diligent program of exploiting the Licensed Rights whereby public utilization shall result therefrom;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1 - DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Agreement, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:
1.1 Affiliate as used herein in either singular or plural means, with respect to a party, any corporation, company, partnership, joint venture or other entity, which directly or indirectly: (a) Controls, is Controlled by or is under common Control with the specified entity; or (b) both (i) owns, is owned by, or is under common ownership with the specified entity, in whole or in part, and (ii) conducts business under a trade identifier of the specified entity, with the authorization of the specified entity. For purposes of this definition, Control of an entity means the direct or indirect ownership or control of at least fifty percent (50%) of the right to direct or cause the direction of the policies and management of such person or
entity, whether by the ownership of equity, by contract or otherwise. In any jurisdiction where 50% control is not permitted by applicable law, the greater than 50% threshold shall be deemed satisfied by the possession of substantially the maximum percentage allowable in such jurisdiction. With regard to MSK, Affiliate shall include, without limitation, the Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research and the Memorial Hospital for Cancer and Allied Diseases.
1.2 Antibody Patent Rights means MSKs rights in:
(a) The United States and foreign patents and patent applications listed in Exhibit A;
(b) any other patent or patent application that claims priority to, or common priority with, or is a divisional, continuation, reissue, renewal, reexamination, substitution or extension of any patent or patent application identified on Exhibit A;
(c) any patents subsequently issuing on any patent application identified in (a) or (b) above, including any reissues, renewals, reexaminations, substitutions or extensions thereof;
(d) any claim of a continuation-in-part application or patent (including any reissues, renewals, reexaminations, substitutions or extensions thereof) that is entitled to the priority date of at least one of the patents or patent applications identified in (a), (b) or (c) above;
(e) any foreign counterpart (including PCTs) of any patent or patent application identified in (a), (b), (c) or (d) above; and
(f) to the extent legally possible and available for MSK to provide, any supplementary protection certificates, pediatric exclusivity periods, any other patent term extensions and exclusivity periods and the like of any patents and patent applications identified in (a) through (e) above.
Antibody Patent Rights exclude CARs and CARs constructs.
1.3 CARs means any chimeric antigen receptors.
1.4 CARs Option shall mean the option granted by MSK to LICENSEE in Section 2.2 hereof.
1.5 Clinical Trial Agreement means the agreement between LICENSEE and MSK containing the terms and conditions under which the clinical research in relating to this Agreement will be performed.
1.6 Commercially Reasonable Efforts means, with respect to particular obligations or tasks, such level of efforts applied to carry out such obligations or tasks
consistent with the efforts used in the biopharmaceutical industry by a company of comparable size in connection with the development or commercialization of biopharmaceutical products that are of similar status, to accomplish such obligations or tasks, at the same stage of development or commercialization, as applicable, for internally developed products in a similar area with similar market potential, at a similar stage of their product life taking into account the existence of third parties (but not LICENSEEs, Sublicensees, or their respective Affiliates own) competitive products, the proprietary position of the product, the regulatory structure involved, and the anticipated profitability of the product.
1.7 Confidential Information shall mean all confidential or proprietary information disclosed by one Party to the other Party relating to and in the performance of this Agreement, including any uses, processes, methods, formulations, clinical data, test results, research and development plans, pricing policies, business plans, sales, information relating to customer identities, characteristics and agreements, financial information and projections, trade secrets, work in progress, future development, marketing, and investors whether in oral, graphic, electronic or any other media or form.
1.8 Contract Half-Year shall mean the six month periods ending on June 30 and December 31 of each year.
1.9 Control or Controlled means, with respect to Intellectual Property Rights, ownership together with the ability to grant a license without (a) violating the terms of any written agreement with a third party, and/or (b) incurring any payment obligation to a third party.
1.10 Field of Use shall mean the use of the Licensed Rights in the field of cancer diagnostics and cancer treatments and includes, without limitation, all therapeutic and diagnostic uses. Field of Use excludes CARs, CARs constructs, and products incorporating CARs.
1.11 Intellectual Property Rights means any or all of the following, and any and all rights anywhere in the world in, arising out of or associated therewith: (a) patent applications or patents; (b) copyrights and other rights in works of authorship; (c) trade secrets; (d) rights in data or Know-How (including both intellectual property rights and personal property rights in tangible personal property), and (e) all other intellectual property rights similar to the foregoing (but in no event including trademarks, trade names, service marks, service names, trade dress rights or other similar rights); in each case, whether or not any of the foregoing is registered, and including, without limitation, rights to apply for, applications for registration of, and any registrations or issuances of, any of the foregoing.
1.12 Know-How means tangible and intangible technical information, materials, inventions, processes, protocols, procedures, formulations, compounds, compositions, devices, methods, formulae, protocols, techniques, algorithms,
software, works of authorship, designs, drawings, results, findings, ideas, concepts, creations, discoveries, developments, techniques, processes, know-how, drawings, designs, specifications, data, content, information, formulas, formulations, algorithms, software, and other technologies or subject matter of any kind, in each case, that are (i) not generally publicly known, (ii) Controlled by MSK, and (iii) necessary to make or use Licensed Products claimed by the Patent Rights or perform Licensed Services claimed by the Patent Rights.
1.13 Licensed Process shall mean any process that is covered in whole or in part by one or more Valid Claims in any country in which such process is practiced or any process which is based upon in whole or in part or otherwise incorporates the Licensed Rights.
1.14 Licensed Products shall mean any product or products that (i) is covered by (in whole or in part), or is made, uses or is used by a Licensed Process, or that the making, use, sale, offer to sell, or import of which infringes or would infringe one or more Valid Claims, but for the license granted herein and not taking into account the availability of a legal exemption such as experimental use or drug discovery/development such as that provided by 35 U.S.C. § 271(e)(1) and similar provisions in the laws of other jurisdictions, and/or (ii) embodies, contains, incorporates, uses, is used or made through the use of, or was in whole or in part derived from the Know-How. Licensed Products excludes CARs, CARs constructs, and products incorporating CARs and any constructs using sequences provided to MSK under third party agreements and/or with use restrictions.
1.15 Licensed Rights shall mean MSKs rights in (i) the Know-How, (ii) the Patent Rights, and (iii) all Intellectual Property Rights owned in, to or covering the Know-How, [****]
1.16 Licensed Service shall mean (a) on a country-by-country basis, any service performed for or on behalf of a third party on a fee-for-services basis or otherwise for consideration, the performance of which in the country in question would, absent the license granted under this Agreement, and not taking into account the availability of a legal exemption such as experimental use or drug discovery/development such as that provided by 35 U.S.C. § 271(e)(1) and similar provisions in the laws of other jurisdictions, (i) infringe or otherwise be within the scope of at least one Valid Claim in that country, and/or (ii) embodies, contains, incorporates, uses, is used or made through the use of, or was in whole or in part derived from the Know-How; or (b) performance of a service for any consideration using a Licensed Product or the practice of a Licensed Process.
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
1.17 LICENSEE shall mean Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc.
1.18 Intentionally Omitted.
1.19 Intentionally Omitted.
1.20 Intentionally Omitted.
1.21 Net Sales means the gross amount billed by LICENSEE or its Affiliates or its Sublicensees for Licensed Products or for Licensed Services, less the following:
(a) customary trade, quantity, or cash discounts to the extent actually allowed and taken;
(b) amounts repaid or credited by reason of rejection or return;
(c) to the extent separately stated on purchase orders, invoices, or other documents of sale, any taxes or other governmental charges levied on the production, sale, transportation, delivery, or use of a Licensed Product or performance of a Licensed Service, which is paid by or on behalf of LICENSEE or Affiliates; and
(d) outbound transportation costs prepaid or allowed and costs of insurance in transit.
Each of (a) through (d) above being a Deductible Expense.
No deductions shall be made for commissions paid to individuals whether they be with independent sales agencies or regularly employed by LICENSEE and on its payroll, or for cost of collections. Net Sales shall occur on the date of billing or invoice for a Licensed Product or Licensed Service.
Customary distribution of samples of Licensed Product or related performance of Licensed Services by LICENSEE or Affiliates shall not be included in any calculation of Net Sales.
In the case of discounts on bundles of products or services which include Licensed Products and/or Licensed Services, LICENSEE may, with notice to MSK, discount (or permit the discounting by an Affiliate or Sublicensee of LICENSEE) the bona fide list price of any Licensed Product and/or Licensed Service in such bundle by the average percentage discount of all products and services in a particular bundle, calculated as follows: average percentage discount on a particular bundle = [1 - (A/B)] x 100; where A equals the total discounted price of a particular bundle of products and/or services, and B equals the sum of the undiscounted bona fide list prices of each unit of every product and/or services in such bundle (including without limitation, the Licensed Products and Licensed Services). With each quarterly royalty report submitted pursuant to Section 6.2 below, LICENSEE shall provide MSK reasonable
documentation establishing such average discount with respect to each bundle. If LICENSEE cannot so establish the average discount of a bundle, Net Sales shall be based on the undiscounted list price of the Licensed Product or Licensed Service, as the case may be, in the bundle. If a the Licensed Product or Licensed Service in a bundle is not sold separately, and no bona fide list price exists for such the Licensed Product or Licensed Service, the Parties shall mutually agree (such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld by either Party) an imputed list price for such the Licensed Product or Licensed Service and Net Sales with respect thereto shall be based on such imputed list price.
Except as provided in the preceding paragraph, no deductions, credits, rebates, or allowances shall be taken or permitted in calculating Net Sales that depend or are based in whole or in part on the sale or purchase of any product or service that is not a Licensed Product or Licensed Service, including without limitation for the practice commonly known as bundling.
In no case will Deductible Expenses exceed [****] of the gross proceeds or exceed [****] the fair market value, attributable to Net Product Sales.
If a Licensed Product is sold, or a Licensed Service performed, for the purpose of creating a finished product for sale, for example a finished therapeutic product for administration to patients, Net Sales shall be calculated on the first arms length sale of such finished product, and the sale of the Licensed Product or Licensed Service for the purpose of creating the finished product for sale shall be excluded.
Net Sales shall be determined in accordance with GAAP, but not in any way that reduces the calculations of Net Sales provided herein.
Additionally, if LICENSEE or a Sublicensee uses a Licensed Product or a Licensed Process for its own internal purposes, or otherwise in a situation that is not related to development of Licensed Products or Licensed Services, then Net Sales shall also include an amount equal to the customary sale price charged to a third party for the same Licensed Product or Process. If there is no customary sale price, then the Net Sales shall be an amount equal to the fair market value.
1.22 Other Product means any CD33 technology commercialized by LICENSEE or its sublicensee or affiliate which is not a Licensed Product
1.23 Patent Rights shall mean the Antibody Patent Rights.
1.24 Phase I Trial means the first phase of a clinical study involving the initial introduction of an investigational new drug into humans (generally, but not always, in the range of 20 to 30 subjects). Phase I studies are typically closely monitored and may be conducted in patients or normal volunteer subjects. These studies are designed to determine the metabolism and pharmacologic actions of the drug in humans, the side effects associated with increasing doses, and, if possible, to gain early evidence on effectiveness that provides data capable of meeting statutory standards for marketing approval. During Phase I, sufficient
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
information about the drugs pharmacokinetics and pharmacological effects should be obtained to permit the design of well-controlled, scientifically valid, Phase II Trials. For example, Phase I Trial includes a human clinical study that satisfies the requirements of 21 C.F.R. § 312.21(a) in the United States, or an equivalent or counterpart of the foregoing in any other country or jurisdiction. For clarity, Phase I Trial includes both Phase Ia and Phase Ib trials.
1.25 Phase II Trial means the second phase of a clinical study, the principal purpose of which is to evaluate the effectiveness of the drug for a particular indication and to determine the common short term side effects and risks associated with the drug in patients with the disease target being studied, that provides data capable of meeting statutory standards for marketing approval. Phase II Trials usually involve no more than several hundred subjects. For example, Phase II Trial includes a human clinical study that satisfies the requirements of 21 C.F.R. § 312.21(b) in the United States, or an equivalent or counterpart of the foregoing in any other country or jurisdiction. For clarity, Phase II Trial includes both Phase IIa and Phase IIb trials.
1.26 Phase III Trial means the third phase of a clinical study involving expanded controlled and uncontrolled trials. They are performed after preliminary evidence suggesting effectiveness of the drug has been obtained, and are intended to gather the additional information about effectiveness and safety that is needed to evaluate the overall benefit-risk relationship of the drug and to provide an adequate basis for physician labeling, to support registration for a product or compound with the FDA and any FDA counterpart, and that provides data capable of meeting statutory standards for marketing approval. Phase III Trials usually include several hundred to several thousand subjects. For example, in the United States, Phase III Trial includes a human clinical study that satisfies the requirements of 21 C.F.R. § 312.21(c) in the United States, or an equivalent or counterpart of the foregoing in any other country or jurisdiction. For clarity, Phase III Trial includes both Phase IIIa and Phase IIIb trials.
1.27 Intentionally Omitted.
1.28 Regulatory Approval means, with respect to a nation or, where applicable, a multinational jurisdiction, such approvals, licenses, registrations or authorizations that are required to be obtained from a Regulatory Agency prior to the marketing and sale of a Licensed Product for use in the Field in such country or multinational jurisdiction (including, where applicable, pricing approvals necessary to obtain reimbursement).
1.29 Regulatory Authority means, with respect to any particular country or, where applicable, a multinational jurisdiction, the governmental authority, body, commission, agency or other instrumentality of such country or multinational
jurisdiction (e.g., the EMEA with respect to the European Union), with the primary responsibility for the approval of pharmaceutical products before a Licensed Product can be tested, marketed, promoted, distributed or sold in such country or multinational jurisdiction, including such governmental bodies, if any, that have jurisdiction over the pricing of such pharmaceutical product. The term Regulatory Agency includes, without limitation, the USFDA, the European Medicines Agency, and the Japanese MHW.
1.30 Royalty Term shall mean, on a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product or Licensed Service-by-Licensed Service basis and country-by-country basis, the period from the first commercial sale of such Licensed Product or provision of Licensed Service in such country until the later of: (a) expiration of the last Patent Rights covering such Licensed Product or provision of Licensed Service in such country; (b) expiration of any market exclusivity period granted by a regulatory agency with respect to such Licensed Product or provision of Licensed Service in such country; or (c) fifteen (15) years from the first commercial sale in such country.
1.31 Royalty Year shall mean each twelve (12) month period commencing January 1 and ending December 31 during the term of this Agreement; provided however, that: (a) the first Royalty Year shall be the period of time commencing with the Effective Date and ending on December 31, 2015; and (b) the last Royalty Year shall be the period of time commencing on January 1 of the year in which this Agreement expires or is terminated, and ending on the date of expiration or termination of this Agreement.
1.32 Sponsored Research Agreement means the agreement between LICENSEE and MSK containing the terms and conditions under which the sponsored research at MSK will be performed.
1.33 Sublicensee means any business entity to which an express sublicense has been granted under the Licensed Rights as further described under Article 3, or with respect to the Licensed Products pursuant to this Agreement. If a third-party wholesaler or distributor does not pay any consideration to LICENSEE for its wholesale or distributor rights, it shall not be considered a Sublicensee; and the resale by such wholesaler or distributor of such Licensed Products or Licensed Services shall not count towards Net Sales by a Sublicensee provided that a royalty is being paid by LICENSEE on the Net Sales of the amount of initial transfer to the wholesaler or distributor pursuant to Article 5.
1.34 Term shall mean the term of this Agreement which will commence on the Effective Date and expire upon the expiration of the last Royalty Term for any Licensed Product or Licensed Service, unless earlier terminated pursuant to the Article 16 of this Agreement.
1.35 Territory shall mean worldwide.
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
1.36 Valid Claim shall mean a claim of (i) an issued and unexpired patent included within the Patent Rights unless the claim has been held unenforceable or invalid by the final, un-reversed, and un-appealable decision of a court or other government body of competent jurisdiction, has been irretrievably abandoned or disclaimed, or has otherwise been finally admitted or determined to be invalid, unpatentable or unenforceable, whether through reissue, reexamination, disclaimer or otherwise, or (ii) a pending patent application included within the Patent Rights to the extent the claim continues to be prosecuted in good faith for a time period not to exceed [****] from its earliest asserted priority filing date.
ARTICLE 2 - GRANT OF LICENSE AND OPTION
2.1 License Grant.
(a) In consideration of Companys satisfaction of all of its obligations hereunder, and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, MSK hereby grants to LICENSEE a worldwide license, in the Field of Use, during the Term of this Agreement, including the right to sublicense (subject to Article 3 hereof), to its rights under the Licensed Rights (A) to make, have made, use, offer to sell, sell and import Licensed Products, and (B) to perform Licensed Services.
Except for the reserved rights of MSK in Section 2.1(b), the foregoing license is exclusive with respect to:
· the Antibody Patent Rights; and
· those portions of the Know-How identified on Exhibit B that are tangible materials, including MSKs Intellectual Property Rights in such tangible materials.
As to the balance of the Licensed Rights, the foregoing license is nonexclusive.
(b) The grants in Section 2.1 (a) above are subject to, restricted by and non-exclusive with respect to the following non-transferable rights, all of which are reserved by MSK:
(i) the use of Licensed Rights by MSK and its Affiliates for patient care; noncommercial research; and teaching and other educationally related purposes;
(ii) the use of Licensed Rights by the inventors thereof (and their laboratories and collaborators) for patient care; noncommercial research; and teaching and other educationally related purposes; and
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
(iii) any rights reserved to the United States of America under 35 U.S.C. §§ 200-212 or any other applicable governmental law or regulation.
Additionally subject to prior notification to LICENSEE, MSK may grant or transfer any of the rights licensed to LICENSEE hereunder to any nonprofit educational or research institutions for their internal, noncommercial research activities only, provided that in the case of a transfer of tangible materials, MSK shall promptly provide LICENSEE a copy of the material transfer agreement under which such materials have been transferred. Material Transfer Agreements may not be subject to further sub-licensing.
(c) MSK reserves all rights not expressly granted in this Agreement. The licenses granted hereunder shall not be construed to confer any rights upon LICENSEE by implication, estoppel or otherwise as to any intellectual property or technology not included in the Licensed Rights.
2.2 [****]
ARTICLE 3 - SUBLICENSES
3.1 LICENSEE shall have the unrestricted right to grant sublicenses of its rights granted under Section 2.1; provided that this Agreement has not been terminated. Within [****] of granting any such sublicense LICENSEE shall notify MSK of such grant and the name and address of each such Sublicensee and furnish a complete copy of all agreements between it and the Sublicensee. LICENSEE further agrees that any sublicenses granted by it shall provide that the obligations to MSK of Article 2, Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 15.5 and Articles 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 of this Agreement shall be binding upon the Sublicensee as if it were a party to this Agreement. If a material breach of any of the clauses of this Agreement is caused by Sublicensee, such breach shall be considered a breach committed by LICENSEE, and MSK shall have the right to terminate the Agreement pursuant to Section 16.2 unless the breach is cured, within [****] notice period set forth in Section 16.2. LICENSEE shall provide MSK,
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
within [****] days of occurrence, copies of any agreement modifying or terminating a sublicense, or any other agreements with a Sublicensee.
3.2 Any subcontractor engaged by LICENSEE to perform for LICENSEE any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (a Third Party Subcontractor) shall be party to a written agreement consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including without limitation, and as applicable, those provisions pertaining to confidentiality, intellectual property rights, and regulatory/safety matters. In all cases, LICENSEE remains fully responsible (i) for the performance of its obligations hereunder regardless of whether such performance has been delegated to a Third Party Subcontractor, and (ii) for the actions and conduct of the Third Party Subcontractor in performance of LICENSEES obligations.
3.3 LICENSEE may grant a Sublicensee the right to grant further sublicenses provided that the requirements and conditions applicable to the grant of a sublicense shall apply to such grant. Such sub-sublicense agreements shall be treated as sublicense agreements and such sub-Sublicensees shall be treated as Sublicensees for the purpose of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 4 - DILIGENCE
4.1 LICENSEE and its Sublicensees shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to bring Licensed Products and/or Licensed Services to market and to continue Commercially Reasonable Efforts to market one or more Licensed Products and/or Licensed Services throughout the Term. Furthermore, in the event LICENSEE terminates the Sponsored Research Agreement and fails to prove to MSK that LICENSEE is diligently pursuing development of Licensed Products and/or Licensed Services, MSK shall have the right to terminate this Agreement for breach. LICENSEE shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to develop Licensed Products and Licensed Services for use in all applications defined in Licensed Rights, including, but not limited to, pediatric indications, and to form strategic partnerships through sublicenses to exploit such clinical markets. In the event that [****] of the Effective Date, LICENSEE has failed to sublicense Patent Rights to a bona fide strategic partner for a particular clinical field or additional application claimed in Patent Rights or has failed to prove to MSK that LICENSEE is diligently pursuing development of such additional field(s) and FDA approval for such clinical fields or additional applications, including development of the Licensed Products and Licensed Services for pediatric indications, as shown by written records, such clinical field or additional application shall automatically be excluded from the Field of Use, and MSK shall be free to grant licenses to others for Licensed Products and/or Licensed Services within such excluded field. Without limiting the foregoing: LICENSEE shall meet the following Milestone Activities on or prior to the Expected Completion Date listed below:
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
(a) Milestone Activity Expected Completion Date
Milestone Activity |
|
Expected Completion Date |
Dosing of first patient with [****] antibody construct in a Phase I clinical trial |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date |
Dosing of first patient in Phase II Trial with [****] antibody construct |
|
Within [****] of the Effective Date |
Dosing of first patient in Phase III Trial with [****] antibody construct |
|
Within [****] after completion of phase II clinical trial with [****] antibody construct |
Filing for Regulatory Approval for sale of [****] antibody construct in first orphan indication |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date for [****] |
Filing for Regulatory Approval for sale of [****] antibody construct in first non- orphan indication |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date for [****] |
Milestone Activities may be modified and Expected Completion Dates extended with MSKs written approval.
In the event LICENSEE fails to achieve any Milestone Activities on or prior to the Expected Completion Date above, the license granted hereunder shall automatically exclude the Licensed Product for which a Milestone Activity was not completed on or prior to the Expected Completion Date. MSK may treat such failure as a material breach in accordance with Section 16.5. If LICENSEEs failure to meet its diligence obligations under this Agreement is due to circumstances that, in MSKs institutionally reasonable judgment, LICENSEE could not reasonably have avoided and LICENSEE can demonstrate that it has made Commercially Reasonable Efforts to achieve such Milestone Activity on or prior to the allotted Expected Completion Date, then such Milestone Activity Expected Completion Date shall be extended for a commercially reasonable period of time not to exceed [****]. Such circumstances may include technical difficulties or delays in preclinical or clinical studies or regulatory processes, as well as other conditions beyond the control of LICENSEE, including the occurrence of any Force Majeure Event (as defined herein), but shall not include inability of LICENSEE to obtain funding.
(b) LICENSEE agrees to give MSK written notice and evidence within thirty (30) days of the achievement of each of the above specific diligence obligations.
(c) LICENSEE will have delivered to MSK prior to the execution of this Agreement, its detailed business plan for the development of the Licensed
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
Rights, including, for example, relevant schedules of capital investments needed to implement the plan, financial, equipment, facility plans, number and kind of personnel and time planned for each phase of development of the Licensed Rights for a [****] period, to the extent formed by LICENSEE. LICENSEE shall provide similar reports to MSK annually to relay update and status information on LICENSEEs business, research and development progress, including projections of activity anticipated for the next reporting year.
(d) LICENSEE will be solely responsible, at LICENSEEs sole cost and expense, for securing all Regulatory Approval necessary for commercial sale of Licensed Products or provision of Licensed Services. MSK will provide reasonable cooperation through providing LICENSEE, upon LICENSEEs reasonable written request and in a timely fashion, with copies of such documentation and information Controlled by MSK that is reasonably necessary to secure such Regulatory Approval, provided that LICENSEE shall reimburse MSK for the reasonable expenses of providing such documentation and information. LICENSEE shall advise MSK, through annual reports described in Section 4.2(d) above of its program of development for obtaining said approvals.
4.2 If LICENSEE is the subject of an inquiry or inspection by a Regulatory Authority or other governmental authority or certification agency in relation to any Licensed Product, LICENSEE will notify MSK as soon as reasonably possible and keep MSK reasonably apprised of the results of such inquiry or inspection.
ARTICLE 5 - PAYMENTS
5.1 For the rights, privileges and licenses granted hereunder, LICENSEE shall pay to MSK, in the manner hereinafter provided, until the end of the Term:
(a) Royalty: LICENSEE shall pay MSK a [****] royalty on cumulative Net Sales up to [****], [****] royalty on cumulative Net Sales of Licensed Products or Licensed Services in excess of [****] royalty on cumulative Net Sales of Licensed Products or Licensed Services of over [****] on a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product or Licensed Service-by-Licensed Service basis. [****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
(i) On a country-by-country basis, if the Patent Rights expire prior to the end of the Royalty Term, or if it is not covered by a Valid Claim in such country, the royalty rates above due to MSK after expiration of the Patent Rights shall be reduced by [****].
(ii) If the Licensed Products or Licensed Services are not and were never covered by a Valid Claim, the royalty rates above due for such Licensed Products or Licensed Services shall be reduced by [****], provided that this reduction shall not apply if a reduction is taken under (i) immediately above.
(iii) If LICENSEE develops Other Products, the royalty rates above due for such Other Products shall be reduced by [****], provided that this reduction shall not apply if a reduction is taken under (i) immediately above.
(iv) In the event that LICENSEE or Sublicensees are legally required to obtain any additional licenses from one or more third parties in order to make, have made, use, lease, offer to sell, sell and/or import Licensed Products or provide Licensed Services, and such license(s) require LICENSEE to make reasonable payments to one or more third parties, LICENSEE may offset a total of [****] of such third-party payments against any royalty payments that are due to MSK in the same Contract Half-Year.
(v) Annual minimum royalty payments, due at each anniversary of the Effective Date, starting ten (10) years after the Effective Date, in the amount of fourty thousand dollars ($40,000) per Royalty Year, and sixty thousand dollars ($60,000) once a patent within the Licensed Rights has issued. The minimum royalty payments shall be nonrefundable but fully creditable against the earned royalty payments required in Section 5.1(b) and may be carried forward until such credit is fully applied.
(vi) No multiple royalties shall be payable because any Licensed Product or Licensed Service, its manufacture, use, lease, sale or provision is or shall be covered by more than one of the Licensed Rights granted under this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the reductions and deductions provided, in no event shall the royalty rate on tiered Net Sales be less than [****], respectively.
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
Royalties shall be payable twice each year, once for each Contract Half-Year.
(b) Milestones:
Milestone payments as follows:
Milestone Activity |
|
Milestone Payment |
|
Milestone Payment due at the earlier of |
First patient dosed with a Licensed Product |
|
[****] |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date |
Dosing of first patient in Phase II clinical trial with aLicensed Product |
|
[****] |
|
Within [****] of Effective Date |
Completion of Phase II clinical trial with a Licensed Product |
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[****] |
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Within [****] of Effective Date |
US Regulatory approval for sale of a Licensed Product |
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[****] |
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Within [****] of Effective Date |
Upon cumulative Net Sales of first Licensed Product to reach [****] |
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[****] |
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Upon cumulative Net Sales of subsequent Licensed Product to reach [****] |
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[****] |
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The same milestone payment shall not be due more than once on an individual Licensed Product. For clarity, different constructs of the same antibody are different products, e.g., two different constructs of an CD33 antibody product are two products.
In the event that a specified clinical trial Phase is skipped (e.g., proceeding directly to Phase III from Phase I, or filing an application for Regulatory Approval after a Phase II trial), or two Phases are combined (e.g., a Phase II/III trial), the milestone shall be due for both events (the Phase that was skipped or the sum of the milestones for the combined trials) such that the total milestone payments are not reduced.
(c) Sublicensing Income in addition to royalties on Net Sales:
If revenue is generated through the sublicense of Licensed Rights, excluding the sublicense of Platform Technologies, the following shall apply; LICENSEE shall pay MSK a sublicense fee of [****] on any revenue generated in a transaction or series of related transactions including a sublicense of Licensed Rights to a third party prior to dosing a patient in a clinical trial, [****] on any revenue generated through sublicense of to a third party [****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
[****] on any revenue generated through sublicense of Licensed Rights to a third party after entering into [****] on any revenue generated through sublicense of Licensed Rights to a third party after entering into a [****] on any revenue generated through sublicense of Licensed Rights to a third party after [****] on any revenue generated through sublicense of Licensed Rights to a third party [****] excluding amounts paid by Sublicensee to LICENSEE for Net Sales of Licensed Products or Licensed Services and patent cost reimbursement. Determination of which percent sharing applies shall be made on a product-by-product or process-by-process basis if a bona fide allocation between or among a plurality of Licensed Products or Licensed Services has been made in such transaction with the portions allocated to each equaling the entire revenue generated in the transaction or series of related transactions, and; otherwise, the highest applicable percent shall apply.
The value of debt or equity investments by Sublicensee to LICENSEE as part of such transactions may be excluded, but only if such investments are at fair market value (and in the case of loans, not forgiven) and if the transaction is not structured such that said exclusions reduce any payment otherwise due to MSK.
If consideration to LICENSEE that is subject to sharing with MSK under this section is in a form other than cash, the fair market value of such noncash consideration shall be used in calculating the amount due MSK, unless MSK agrees in writing to a different method.
For the avoidance of doubt, the payments under this section are in addition to, and not in lieu of, royalties on Net Sales and milestone payments.
(d) Research Funding: LICENSEE shall provide research funding to [****] lab at MSK (or a successor lab reasonably acceptable to the Company at MSK if [****] lab at MSK is no longer operating) equaling at least one million three hundred and sixty-two thousand and eighty-five dollars ($1,362,085) including a [****] overhead for indirect costs (over two (2) years immediately following the Effective Date of this Agreement in accordance with the budget generated by MSK to be incorporated into the Sponsored Research Agreement.
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
(e) Scope and use of such research shall be agreed upon and defined in a separate Sponsored Research Agreement that will be attached to this Agreement as Exhibit D.
For clarity, although separate agreements between the Parties provide the specific terms for paragraphs (d) (e) above, part of the consideration from LICENSEE to MSK for this Agreement are those agreements, and a material breach by LICENSEE of its obligations under those agreements shall be deemed to be a breach of this Agreement as well.
(f) Priority Review Voucher: LICENSEE will use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to assess the possibility of obtaining a priority review vouchers (PRVs) under Section 908 of the FDA Safety and Innovation Act and will diligently pursue such PRVs for each product developed.
Should LICENSEE be awarded such a PRV for a Licensed Product, LICENSEE shall distribute to MSK twenty-five percent (25%) of income generated from the sale of any such PRV or the sale of other comparable incentive provided by any non-US jurisdiction.
The Parties agree that the LICENSEE shall diligently seek to sell any PRV or other comparable incentive provided by any non-US jurisdiction unless the Parties agree otherwise in writing.
5.2 Payment Terms: Payments shall be payable [****] after they are due, paid in United States dollars in New York, NY, or at such other place as MSK may reasonably designate consistent with the laws and regulations controlling in any foreign country, but not in any other currency. If any currency conversion shall be required in connection with the payment of royalties hereunder, such conversion shall be made by using the exchange rate prevailing at the JP Morgan Chase Bank on the last business day of the Contract Half-Year reporting period to which such royalty payments relate. The License Fee due under Section 5.1 (a) above and the past patent costs due under Section 7.1 below shall be due within ten (10) days after the Effective Date, and if such payments are not timely received, this Agreement shall be null, void and without effect.
5.3 Interest: LICENSEE shall pay to MSK interest on any amounts not paid when due. Such interest will accrue from the [****] after the payment was due, at a rate of [****] per month or the highest rate permitted by law (whichever is less), and shall be compounded monthly. The interest payment will be due and payable on the first day of each month after interest begins to accrue, until full payment of all amounts due MSK is made. MSK rights to receive such interest payments shall be in addition to any other rights and remedies available to MSK.
5.4 LICENSEE agrees that it shall not reduce any payments due under the Agreement as the result of co-ownership interests by LICENSEE or any other third party in the Patent Rights.
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
ARTICLE 6 - REPORTS AND RECORDS
6.1 LICENSEE shall keep, and shall require its Affiliates and Sublicensees to keep, full, true and accurate books of account containing all particulars that may be necessary for the purpose of showing the amounts payable to MSK hereunder. Said books and records shall be maintained for a period of no less than five (5) years following the period to which they pertain. For the term of this Agreement, upon reasonable written notice, LICENSEE shall allow MSK or its agents to inspect such books and records for the purpose of verifying LICENSEEs royalty statement or compliance in other respects with this Agreement. Such inspections shall be during normal working hours of LICENSEE. Should such inspection lead of the discovery of a discrepancy greater than [****] and [****] in reporting to MSKs detriment, for any twelve (12) month period, LICENSEE agrees to pay the full cost of such inspection plus interest as stipulated in Article 5.
6.2 Commercialization Reports:
LICENSEE, within thirty (30) days of the end of each Contract Half-Year, shall deliver to MSK true and accurate reports, giving such particulars of the business conducted by LICENSEE and its Sublicensees during the preceding six-month period under this Agreement.
The reports shall include at least the following information, to be itemized per Licensed Product and/ or Licensed Service:
(a) volumes, and unique identifiers (e.g., SKU or otherwise), of Licensed Products sold or otherwise distributed;
(b) total revenue received on account of (i) Licensed Products sold or otherwise distributed, and (ii) other revenue bearing activities subject to payment hereunder;
(c) Deductible Expenses (as provided in the definition of Net Sales);
(d) Net Sales;
(e) the portion of Net Sales that was received from Sublicensees;
(f) total royalties due;
(g) country of sale;
(h) foreign currency conversion rate; and
(i) any other consideration received in the prior quarter.
6.3 With each such report submitted, LICENSEE shall pay to MSK the royalties due and payable under this Agreement. If no royalties shall be due, LICENSEE shall so report.
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
In addition, LICENSEE shall also submit semi-annually a detailed report summarizing LICENSEES research, development, commercialization and other business progress during the prior six (6) months, and its projections of activity anticipated for the next six months (6). Once Regulatory Approval is obtained for a Licensed Product or Licensed Service in the United States, such reports shall be submitted annually instead of semi-annually.
6.4 Milestone payments shall be reported and paid when due.
6.5 LICENSEE shall promptly provide MSK with copies of any royalty or commercialization reports received by LICENSEE from its Sublicensees.
ARTICLE 7 - PATENT PROSECUTION
7.1 Patent Cost Reimbursement. LICENSEE shall pay during the term of the Agreement reasonable out-of-pocket expenses borne by MSK for filing, prosecuting and maintaining Patent Rights through a patent counsel of MSKs choice, reasonably acceptable to LICENSEE. MSK may choose, at its sole discretion, to have said patent counsel invoice LICENSEE directly for costs incurred in the filing, prosecuting and maintaining of Patent Rights. LICENSEE shall reimburse MSK for all historic patent costs related to the Patent Rights within [****] upon receiving itemized historic patent costs [****].
7.2 MSK shall diligently prosecute and maintain the Patent Rights in the United States and in such countries as are determined by MSK and agreed to by LICENSEE, using counsel of MSKs choice reasonably acceptable to LICENSEE. If LICENSEE does not agree to bear the expense of filing patent applications in any foreign countries in which MSK wishes to obtain patent protection, then MSK may file and prosecute such applications at its own expense and any license granted hereunder shall exclude such countries.
7.3 MSK shall provide LICENSEE with copies of all relevant patent prosecution documentation so that LICENSEE may be informed and to give LICENSEE reasonable opportunity to advise MSK on the continuing prosecution, and LICENSEE agrees to keep this documentation confidential.
7.4 Patent counsel remains counsel to MSK with an appropriate contract (and shall not jointly represent LICENSEE unless mutually agreed to in writing by the Parties).
7.5 The Parties agree that they share a common legal interest in obtaining valid, enforceable patents and that LICENSEE will maintain confidential all information received pursuant to this Article 7.
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
7.6 At any time, LICENSEE shall notify MSK if LICENSEE wishes to terminate its license to any of the patent applications or patents within the Patent Rights. LICENSEE shall identify such patent applications and patents to MSK in writing, in which event, thirty (30) days after receipt of such written notice by MSK, LICENSEE shall have no further obligation to pay any costs and expenses incurred by MSK for the prosecution and maintenance of such identified patents and patent applications. For the avoidance of doubt, MSK may independently, and at its own expense, maintain any such patent applications and patents after such a termination by LICENSEE, and any license granted hereunder shall exclude any such patents and patent applications.
7.7 LICENSEE (and its Sublicensees) shall have the right, on a Licensed Product-by-Licensed Product basis, to select a patent within the Patent Rights to seek a term extension for or supplementary protection certificate under in accordance with the applicable laws of any country. Each Party agrees to execute any documents and to take any additional actions as the other party may reasonably request in connection therewith. LICENSEE shall provide MSK with at least thirty (30) days prior written notice before applying for a patent term extension or supplementary protection certificate for any Licensed Product.
ARTICLE 8 - INFRINGEMENT
8.1 Monitoring. LICENSEE shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to monitor third party infringement of the Patent Rights in the Field of Use. LICENSEE shall keep MSK timely informed of any activities by LICENSEE in regard hereto.
8.2 Actions. This Section sets forth the parties right of enforcement and defense in relation to the Patent Rights.
(a) First Right. LICENSEE (and its Sublicensees) shall have the first right, but not the obligation, to control the conduct and resolution of any adversarial legal proceeding relating to the Patent Rights (including without limitation any declaratory judgment action, patent infringement action or opposition) during the Term and will be responsible for all expenses related thereto. MSK shall join in any such action, at LICENSEEs request and expense.
(b) Secondary Right. If LICENSEE does not wish to exercise either of the foregoing rights in (a), LICENSEE shall provide MSK with written notice that LICENSEE declines such right, and after receiving such notice, MSK shall have the secondary right to undertake such infringement action or defend against such challenge.
8.3 Cooperation. To the extent either Party (or its Sublicensees) conducts any legal proceedings in relation to the enforcement or defense of Patent Rights in the Field of Use, it shall keep the other Party reasonably informed of such proceedings.
The other Party shall cooperate in all respects and, to the extent reasonably possible, have its employees testify when requested and make available relevant records, papers, information, samples, specimens, and the like at the expense of the requesting party. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary: (a) in any action conducted by MSK, MSK may use the name of LICENSEE as party plaintiff, and LICENSEE will join any such action as may be requested by MSK; (b) in any action conducted by LICENSEE, LICENSEE may affect joinder of MSK, if MSK is an indispensable or necessary party under the applicable law; and (c) no settlement, consent judgment or other voluntary final disposition of any action by LICENSEE that admits or impairs the invalidity or unenforceability of the Patent Rights may be entered into without the prior written consent of MSK.
8.4 Costs and Recoveries. All costs of any action by either Party to enforce, or to defend against a challenge to, the Patent Rights shall be borne by such party, which shall keep any sums recovered or obtained in connection therewith (whether as damages, reasonable royalties, license fees, or otherwise in judgment or settlement derived therefrom), except that in the case of actions commenced by LICENSEE, the excess of such sums over such costs shall be treated as Net Sales subject to MSKs rights under this Agreement to collect royalties thereon. For the avoidance of doubt, LICENSEE may not deduct from Net Sales any portion of LICENSEES costs or expenses related to any investigation, enforcement, defense, judgment or settlement of any such actions.
8.5 Third Party Patents. In the event LICENSEE is sued for patent infringement or, threatened with such suit, it shall promptly notify MSK. If LICENSEE is permanently enjoined from exercising its license rights granted hereunder LICENSEE may terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to MSK. In any such action, LICENSEE shall be fully responsible for all its costs, including expenses, judgments and settlements.
8.6 Patent Challenges by LICENSEE. LICENSEE will provide written notice to MSK at least three (3) months prior to LICENSEE or any of its Affiliates bringing any legal proceeding to challenge the validity or enforceability any claim included in the Patent Rights (a Patent Challenge), including: (a) stating the basis for such Patent Challenge; and (b) providing a copy of all relevant prior art or other materials used as the basis for such Patent Challenge. In the event that LICENSEE brings a Patent Challenge: (i) MSK may at any time thereafter terminate this Agreement upon written notice to LICENSEE; (ii) during pendency of the Patent Challenge, all license fees, milestone payments and royalties due under this Agreement will be doubled; and (iii) in the event of an unsuccessful Patent Challenge by LICENSEE, (A) LICENSEE shall reimburse MSK for all reasonable costs and attorney fees that MSK incurs in connection with such Patent Challenge, and (B) starting on the date (if at all) that the Patent Challenge is determined to be Unsuccessful, all license fees, milestone payments and royalty rates due as per this Agreement will be trebled. As used herein, Unsuccessful
means that, upon the conclusion of the action before the court or other governmental authority in which the Patent Challenge was brought, LICENSEE failed to obtain a judgment that all of the patent claims within the Patent Challenge were invalid or unenforceable.
ARTICLE 9 - CONFIDENTIALITY
Each Party agrees that Confidential Information of the other Party disclosed to it or to its employees under this Agreement shall for five (5) years after disclosure:
(a) be used only in connection with the legitimate purposes of this Agreement;
(b) be disclosed only to those who have a need to know it in connection with the Agreement; and
(c) be safeguarded with the same care normally afforded confidential information in the possession, custody or control of the party holding the Confidential Information but no less than reasonable.
(d) not be disclosed, divulged or otherwise communicated except with the express written consent of the disclosing party.
The foregoing shall not apply when, after and to the extent the Confidential Information is required to be disclosed for minimal compliance with court orders, statutes or regulations or MSK or LICENSEE audits for compliance with such regulatory requirements, provided that prior to any such disclosure to the extent reasonably practicable and legally permeable, the Party from whom disclosure is sought shall promptly notify the other Party and shall afford such other Party the opportunity to challenge or otherwise lawfully seek limits upon such disclosure of Confidential Information.
ARTICLE 10 - INDEMNIFICATION, PRODUCT LIABILITY
10.1 LICENSEE will indemnify, defend and hold harmless (and cause its Sublicensees to so indemnify, defend and hold harmless) MSK and its respective trustees, directors, officers, medical and professional staff, employees, students, and agents and their respective successors, heirs, and assigns (each an Indemnitee), against all Third Party Claims (as defined herein) and expenses (including legal expenses and reasonable attorneys fees) arising out of the death of or injury to any person or persons, or out of any damage to property, against any infringement or misappropriation of intellectual property and against any other claim, proceeding, demand, expense and liability of any kind whatsoever resulting from the production, manufacture, sale, use, lease, consumption, or advertisement of Licensed Products hereunder or from a breach by LICENSEE of any of its representations, warranties or obligations under this Agreement, provided however, that LICENSEE will not be obligated to indemnify, defend and hold
harmless any Indemnitee against any claim, proceeding, demand, expense, or liability to the extent it arises out of, results from, or is increased by (a) fraud, the material breach of this Agreement by MSK, or (b) MSKs gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Indemnitee will promptly give notice to LICENSEE of any claims or proceedings which might be covered by this Section 10.1 and LICENSEE will have the right to defend the same, including selection of counsel and control of the proceedings; provided that LICENSEE will not, without the written consent of the Indemnitee, settle or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to such third party claims (i) that does not release the Indemnitee from all liability with respect to such third party claim, or (ii) which may materially adversely affect the Indemnitee or under which the Indemnitee would incur any obligation or liability, other than one as to which LICENSEE has an indemnity obligation hereunder. MSK agrees to cooperate and provide reasonable assistance to such defense at LICENSEEs expense. MSK at all times reserves the right to select and retain counsel of its own at its own expense to defend MSKs interests.
10.2 For the Term of this Agreement, upon the commencement of clinical use, production, sale, or transfer, whichever occurs first, of any Licensed Product or Licensed Service, LICENSEE shall obtain and carry in full force and effect general liability insurance that shall protect LICENSEE and MSK in regard to events covered by Section 10.1 above. Such insurance shall be written by a reputable insurance company, shall list MSK as an additional named insured thereunder, shall be endorsed to include liability coverage, and shall require thirty (30) days written notice to be given to MSK prior to any cancellation or material change thereof. The limits of such insurance shall not be less than [****] per occurrence with an annual aggregate of [****] for personal injury, death or property damage. LICENSEE shall provide MSK with Certificates of Insurance evidencing the same and provide MSK with prior written notice of any material change in or cancellation of such insurance.
10.3 This Agreement and the licenses granted herein shall immediately and automatically terminate without notice in the event LICENSEE or its Sublicensees or other party acting under authority of LICENSEE, fails to obtain the insurance required under Section 10.2, or if the insurance lapses or is cancelled. A termination occurring under this paragraph shall occur and become effective at the time such insurance coverage ends or becomes required and is not obtained, and LICENSEE or its Sublicensees shall then have no right to complete production and sale of Licensed Products. Nothing herein shall be construed to release either party from any obligation that matured prior to the effective date of such termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the [****] period subsequent to the date of such an automatic termination of this Agreement by operation of this paragraph, to the extent that such rights are still available for licensing, LICENSEE shall have the right to reinstate the effectiveness of this
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
Agreement by obtaining the required insurance, whereupon this Agreement shall automatically become effective as of the date of reinstatement of said insurance, and shall remain in full force and effect without any further action of the parties.
10.4 MSK shall at all times during the term of this Agreement and thereafter, indemnify LICENSEE and its Affiliates, and its/their respective directors, managers, officers, employees, representatives and agents (the LICENSEE Indemnitees), against all any and all damages and judgments (including settlements) on claims brought by third parties (a Third Party Claim) on account of the (i) the development, manufacture, sale, promotion, marketing or use of Licensed Products or MSK products, in or outside the Territory, by MSK or its Affiliates or sublicensees (other than LICENSEE or its Affiliates or sublicensees) or their respective customers (including products liability claims), or (ii) the exercise of rights retained by or on behalf of MSK under this Agreement, including, without limitation, any infringement or third party personal injury or damage to tangible personal property. The foregoing obligations of MSK shall not apply to the extent of any losses for which LICENSEE has an obligation to indemnify MSK pursuant to Section 10.1 For any such losses as to which each Party has an indemnification obligation pursuant to Sections 10.1 and 10.4, each Party shall indemnify the other to the extent of the indemnifying Partys respective fault (a Partys fault being defined by those categories for which it must indemnify the other Party pursuant to Section 10.2 or 10.4) for the losses.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (i) the maximum exposure and liability of MSK under this Section 10.4 is capped at the amounts paid or to be paid by LICENSEE to MSK hereunder, and (ii) any liability of MSK to pay LICENSEE or LICENSEE Indemnitees under this Section 10.4 shall be satisfied only in the form of an offset for LICENSEE of amounts otherwise due and payable by LICENSEE and no actual payments by MSK to LICENSEE or LICENSEE Indemnitees shall ever be required.
10.5 In the case of a Third Party Claim made by any Person who is not a Party to this Agreement (or an Affiliate thereof) as to which a Party (the Indemnitor) may be obligated to provide indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, such Party seeking indemnification hereunder (Indemnitee) will notify the Indemnitor in writing of the Third Party Claim (and specifying in reasonable detail the factual basis for the Third Party Claim and, to the extent known, the amount of the Third Party Claim) reasonably promptly after becoming aware of such Third Party Claim; provided, however, that failure to give such notification will not affect the indemnification provided hereunder except to the extent the Indemnitor shall have been actually prejudiced as a result of such failure.
If a Third Party Claim is made against an Indemnitee and the Indemnitor acknowledges in writing its obligation to indemnify therefore, the Indemnitor will be entitled, within [****] after receipt of written notice from the Indemnitee of the commencement or assertion of any such Third Party Claim, to assume
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
the defense thereof (at the expense of the Indemnitor) with counsel selected by the Indemnitor and reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnitee, for so long as the Indemnitor is conducting a good faith and diligent defense. Should the Indemnitor so elect to assume the defense of a Third Party Claim, the Indemnitor will not be liable to the Indemnitee for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with the defense thereof; provided, that if under applicable standards of professional conduct a conflict of interest exists between the Indemnitor and the Indemnitee in respect of such claim, such Indemnitee shall have the right to employ separate counsel (which shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnitor) to represent such Indemnitee with respect to the matters as to which a conflict of interest exists and in that event the reasonable fees and expenses of such separate counsel shall be paid by such Indemnitor; provided, further, that the Indemnitor shall only be responsible for the reasonable fees and expenses of one separate counsel for such Indemnitee. If the Indemnitor assumes the defense of any Third Party Claim, the Indemnitee shall have the right to participate in the defense thereof and to employ counsel, at its own expense, separate from the counsel employed by the Indemnitor. If the Indemnitor assumes the defense of any Third Party Claim, the Indemnitor will promptly supply to the Indemnitee copies of all correspondence and documents relating to or in connection with such Third Party Claim and keep the Indemnitee informed of developments relating to or in connection with such Third Party Claim, as may be reasonably requested by the Indemnitee (including, without limitation, providing to the Indemnitee on reasonable request updates and summaries as to the status thereof). If the Indemnitor chooses to defend a Third Party Claim, all Indemnitees shall reasonably cooperate with the Indemnitor in the defense thereof (such cooperation to be at the expense, including reasonable legal fees and expenses, of the Indemnitor). If the Indemnitor does not elect to assume control of the defense of any Third Party Claim within the [****] period set forth above, or if such good faith and diligent defense is not being or ceases to be conducted by the Indemnitor, the Indemnitee shall have the right, at the expense of the Indemnitor, after [****] Business Days notice to the Indemnitor of its intent to do so, to undertake the defense of the Third Party Claim for the account of the Indemnitor (with counsel selected by the Indemnitee), and to compromise or settle such Third Party Claim, exercising reasonable business judgment.
If the Indemnitor acknowledges in writing its obligation to indemnify the Indemnitee for a Third Party Claim, the Indemnitee will agree to any settlement, compromise or discharge of such Third Party Claim that the Indemnitor may recommend that by its terms obligates the Indemnitor to pay the full amount of Losses (whether through settlement or otherwise) in connection with such Third Party Claim and unconditionally and irrevocably releases the Indemnitee completely from all liability in connection with such Third Party Claim; provided, however, that, without the Indemnitees prior written consent, the Indemnitor shall not consent to any settlement, compromise or discharge (including the consent to entry of any judgment), and the Indemnitee may refuse in good faith to agree to any such settlement, compromise or discharge, that provides for injunctive or other non-monetary relief affecting the Indemnitee. If the Indemnitor acknowledges in writing its obligation to indemnify the Indemnitee for a Third Party
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
Claim, the Indemnitee shall not (unless required by law) admit any liability with respect to, or settle, compromise or discharge, such Third Party Claim without the Indemnitors prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld).
ARTICLE 11 - REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND DISCLAIMERS
11.1 Representations and Warranties of LICENSEE LICENSEE hereby represents and warrants to MSK that
(a) LICENSEE is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement;
(b) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by LICENSEE have been duly authorized by all corporate action on the part of LICENSEE and that LICENSEE has the right to enter into and bind itself to this Agreement;
(c) As of the Effective Date, the execution and performance of Licensees obligations under this Agreement does not conflict with, cause a default under, or violate any existing contractual obligation that may be owed by Licensee to any third party; and
(d) All Licensed Products produced under the licenses granted herein will be manufactured in all material respects in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, in all material respects in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations of the USFDA and other Regulatory Authorities.
11.2 Representations and Warranties of MSK
MSK hereby represents and warrants to LICENSEE that:
(a) MSK is a not-for-profit corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of New York and has all required corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement;
(b) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by MSK have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of MSK, and MSK has the right to enter into and bind itself to this Agreement;
(c) as of the Effective Date, to the best of knowledge of the signatory of this Agreement for MSK and such persons direct reports,the execution and performance of MSKs obligations under this Agreement do not conflict
with, cause a default under, or violate any existing contractual obligation that may be owed by MSK to any third party;
(d) as of the Effective Date, there is no pending, or to the knowledge of the signatory of this Agreement for MSK and such persons direct reports, threatened infringement claim related to any of the Patent Rights granted hereunder.
(e) to the knowledge of the signatory of this Agreement for MSK and such persons direct reports , MSK is the sole and exclusive legal owner of the entire right, title, and interest in and to all patent applications and issued patents that are part of the Patent Rights, except for the license to and rights of the United States under 35 U.S.C. § 200 et seq. and related regulations;
(f) to the knowledge of the signatory of this Agreement for MSK and such persons direct reports, MSK has, and throughout the Term will not itself compromise, the right, power and authority to grant the licenses granted hereunder;
(g) and
(h) There are no actions, suits, claims, investigations or proceedings involving MSK pending, or to the best of MSKs knowledge threatened, relating to any of the Licensed Rights.
11.3 Disclaimer.
EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, MSK MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS, NO WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, MERCHANTABILITY, VALIDITY OF LICENSED RIGHTS, CLAIMS ISSUED OR PENDING OR THAT THE MANUFACTURE, SALE OR USE OF THE LICENSED PRODUCTS OR THE PROVISION OR THE CONSUMPTION OF LICENSED SERVICES WILL NOT INFRINGE ANY PATENT, COPYRIGHT, TRADEMARK, OR OTHER PROPRIETARY RIGHTS. IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF ANTICIPATED PROFIT, FROM ITS PERFORMANCE OR NONPERFORMANCE OF ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.
ARTICLE 12 - EXPORT CONTROLS
It is understood that MSK is subject to United States laws and regulations controlling the export of technical data, computer software, laboratory prototypes and other commodities (including the Arms Export Control Act, as amended and the Export Administration Act of 1979), and that its obligations hereunder are contingent on compliance with applicable United States export laws and regulations. The transfer of certain technical data and commodities may require a license from the cognizant agency of the United States Government and/or written assurances by LICENSEE that LICENSEE shall not export data or commodities to certain foreign countries without prior approval of such agency. MSK neither represents that a license shall not be required nor that, if required, it shall be issued.
ARTICLE 13 - NON-USE OF NAMES
Neither Party shall use the name of the other Party, nor of any of their employees, nor any adaptation thereof, in any press release, advertising, promotional or sales literature without prior written consent obtained from the other Party in each case. During and after the term of this Agreement, neither Party shall utilize or register any trademark, service mark, tradename, or other trade identifier of the other Party, or that contains (in whole or in part) or is confusingly similar to the foregoing, or is a translation of any of the foregoing, without the prior express written consent of the other Party. Notwithstanding the above, each Party may freely disclose in the ordinary course of business (but not in a press release, except with prior approval) that it has entered into this Agreement.
ARTICLE 14 - PUBLICATION
LICENSEE recognizes and accepts that under MSKs mission as an academic medical center, MSK and its investigators must have a meaningful right to publish without LICENSEES approval or editorial control. MSK reserves the right to publish the scientific findings from research related to Licensed Rights and clinical use of Licensed Products and Licensed Services. If any proposed publication (e.g., manuscript, abstract or other public disclosure), contains Confidential Information of LICENSEE or its Affiliates or Sublicensees, MSK will submit the abstract or manuscript to LICENSEE at least thirty (30) calendar days before public disclosure thereof, and LICENSEE shall have the right to review and comment upon the proposed public disclosure in order to protect such Confidential Information and the patentability of any inventions disclosed therein. Upon LICENSEEs request, public disclosure shall be delayed up to sixty (60) additional calendar days to enable LICENSEE to secure adequate intellectual property protection of any patentable subject matter contained therein that would otherwise be affected by the publication.
ARTICLE 15 - ASSIGNMENT
No Party may assign or delegate any or all of its rights or obligations under this Agreement, or transfer this Agreement, without the prior written consent of the other Party, except that (a) either Party shall have the right to assign any of its rights, delegate any of its obligations, or transfer this Agreement without such consent (i) to an Affiliate or (ii) as part of a merger or acquisition or other transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of its business to which this Agreement pertains, in each case provided that the assignor remains responsible for
performance and the assignee accepts all terms and obligations of this Agreement, and (b) MSK may without consent of LICENSEE freely assign all or any portion of the cash payments due under this Agreement to a Third Party. Additionally, LICENSEE shall, on prior consent of MSK (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), be permitted to assign this Agreement in connection with the sale or transfer of a limited portion of its business to which this Agreement pertains. Except as set forth herein, any assignment, delegation or transfer by any Party without the consent of the other Party shall be void and of no effect. For the avoidance of doubt, LICENSEEs right to assign is conditioned on its assignees acceptance of all obligations of this Agreement, including but not limited to those of Article 18 concerning choice of law and forum.
ARTICLE 16 - TERMINATION
16.1 Term. This Agreement commences on the Effective Date and shall remain in effect, until the end of the Royalty Term, as provided in Section 1.13 unless sooner terminated in accordance with the provisions herein.
16.2 Bankruptcy or Cessation/Enjoinder of Business. MSK may terminate this Agreement upon written notice to LICENSEE if: (a) LICENSEE becomes insolvent; (b) a petition in bankruptcy is filed against LICENSEE and is consented to, acquiesced in or remains undismissed for thirty (30) days; (c) LICENSEE or makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or a receiver is appointed for LICENSEE, and LICENSEE does not return to solvency before the expiration of a thirty (30) day period; (d) LICENSEE ceases to do business; or (e) if the enactment of any law, decree, or regulation, or the issuance of any order (including, but not limited to, an injunction), by any governmental authority renders it impracticable or impossible for LICENSEE to perform any of its obligations hereunder.
16.3 Nonpayment. If LICENSEE fails to pay MSK fees, royalties, ongoing patent expenses or other amounts payable hereunder, and such payments remain past due for more than thirty (30) days, MSK shall have the right to terminate this Agreement on thirty (30) days prior written notice to LICENSEE, unless LICENSEE pays to MSK within the thirty (30) day notice period, all fees, royalties and patent expenses, together with any interest then due and payable thereon. If LICENSEE after such written notice makes such payment to avoid termination, and if LICENSEEs obligation to make such payment was or becomes the subject of a good faith dispute between the Parties, such payment shall be returned to LICENSEE by MSK if a final, unappealable judgment in an action commenced within six months of LICENSEEs making of said payment determines in favor of LICENSEE what such payment was not owed.
16.4 Criminal Activity. MSK may terminate this Agreement upon immediate written notice to LICENSEE if LICENSEE is convicted in a final judgment of a felony relating to the manufacture, use, or sale of Licensed Products in any jurisdiction where LICENSEE manufactures, uses or sells Licensed Products; provided, no
such termination may be made until any appeal(s) of such conviction are exhausted and only then if such conviction is not reversed.
16.5 Breach. In addition to any other termination right specified this Agreement, MSK may terminate this Agreement [****] prior written notice to LICENSEE, if LICENSEE materially breaches a provision of this Agreement, unless:
(a) LICENSEE cures any such breach prior to the expiration of the [****] day period; or
(b) LICENSEE has taken reasonable steps to cure such breach prior to the expiration of the [****] cure period and has demonstrated to MSKs reasonable satisfaction that such breach is likely to be cured within a reasonable time thereafter not to exceed [****]; or
(c) before the end of the [****] cure period, LICENSEE notifies MSK that it has failed to achieve any of the Milestone Activities described herein within the timeframes specified due to causes that are beyond the reasonable control of LICENSEE (e.g., regulatory action or delay, low patient enrollment, Force Majeure Event, and/or delays caused by MSK), notwithstanding LICENSEEs reasonable, good faith efforts to achieve those Milestone Activities, then LICENSEE will not be deemed in default or breach of this Agreement and the timeframe for achieving those milestones will be deemed automatically extended by the time of the delay reasonably attributable to the causes that were beyond LICENSEEs control as long as LICENSEE diligently and continuously pursues the achievement of such milestones, but in no event shall such extension be longer [****].
16.6 Termination by LICENSEE. LICENSEE may terminate this Agreement in its entirety without cause on [****] notice to MSK; provided, however, once the performance of marketing, manufacture, sales, distribution and support activities of a Licensed Product and/ or Licensed Service (Commercialization) have commenced, LICENSEE may terminate this Agreement with such notice only if all Commercialization activities of LICENSEE, Sublicencees, and their Affiliates have been permanently discontinued.
16.7 Product Sell Off. In the event of expiration (but not termination) of this Agreement, LICENSEE and its Sublicensees shall have the right for [****] thereafter to dispose of all Licensed Products then in its inventory, contingent upon LICENSEE: (a) providing to MSK an inventory identifying the volumes of Licensed Products on hand that were manufactured prior to the termination date, certified and signed by an officer of the LICENSEE; and (b) continuing to submit all reports and make all payments (including, without
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
limitation, royalties) that would have been required in accordance with this Agreement, if this Agreement had not terminated.
16.8 Dispute Resolution. The Parties shall negotiate all matters of joint concern in good faith, with the intention of resolving issues between them in a mutually satisfactory manner, including, without limitation, the achievement of any Milestone Activities on or prior to any Expected Completion Date, under Article 4 of this Agreement. If a disagreement between the Parties cannot be resolved through informal discussions, it shall be deemed a Dispute upon one party (the Declaring Party) declaring, by the delivery of a written notice (the Notice) to the other party, that a Dispute exists. The Notice shall specify the nature and cause of the Dispute and the action that the Declaring Party deems necessary to resolve the Dispute. Following receipt of the Notice, the Parlies shall use good faith efforts to resolve the Dispute within [****] days of the date of such Notice, including making personnel with appropriate decision-making authority available to the other Party to discuss resolution of the Dispute. In the event Dispute cannot be resolved by mutual agreement within such [****] day period, the Parties may, by the election of either Party, submit the Dispute to non-binding dispute resolution before a mediator expert in the field, selected by mutual agreement within [****] days of a written request for mediation submitted by either Party. Said mediation shall be held in the County of New York, State of New York, at such place as shall be mutually agreed upon by the Parties.
16.9 Effect on Sublicensees. All sublicenses, and rights of Affiliates and Sublicensees, will terminate as of the effective date of termination of this Agreement, provided, however, that if at the effective date of termination any Sublicensee is in good standing with regard to its obligations under its sublicense and agrees to assume the applicable obligations of LICENSEE hereunder, then, at the request of the Sublicensee, such sublicense shall survive such termination or expiration of this Agreement and be assigned to MSK with respect to the Licensed Product, Licensed Services, and Licensed Rights; provided, in such case the obligations of MSK to Sublicensee shall not exceed the obligations of MSK to LICENSEE under the Agreement.
16.10 Survival. Upon any expiration or termination of this Agreement, the following shall survive:
(a) any provision expressly indicated to survive;
(b) any liability which any Party has already incurred to another Party prior to expiration or termination;
(c) LICENSEEs reporting and payment obligations for activities occurring prior to expiration or termination (or pursuant to 16.4 (entitled Product Sell Off)); and
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
(d) ARTICLE 1 (entitled Definitions), ARTICLE 9 (entitled Confidentiality, ARTICLE 10 (entitled Indemnification, Product Liability), ARTICLE 11 (entitled Representations, Warranties and Disclaimers), ARTICLE 13 (entitled Non-Use of Names), ARTICLE 17 (entitled Notices and Other Communications), ARTICLE 18 (entitled Miscellaneous Provisions), Section 16.9 (entitled Effect on Sublicensees), and 16.10 (entitled Survival).
ARTICLE 17 - NOTICES AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS
Except for payments, each notice or other communication pursuant to this Agreement shall be sufficiently made or given when delivered by courier or other means providing proof of delivery to such Party at its address below or as it shall designate by written notice given to the other Party:
In the case of MSK:
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Office of Technology Development
If by mail: 1275 York Ave., Box 524
New York, NY 10065
If by courier: 600 Third Avenue, 16th floor
New York, NY 10016
Attn: Vice President, Technology Development
Tel: 1-212-639-6181 (not for notice)
Fax: 1-212-888-1120 (not for notice)
With copies to:
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Office of General Counsel
If by mail: 1275 York Ave.
New York, NY 10065
If by courier: 1275 York Ave.
New York, NY 10065
[****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
In the case of LICENSEE:
Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc.
If by mail: 750 3rd Avenue
9th FL.
New York, N.Y. 10017
If by courier: 750 3rd Avenue
9th FL.
New York, N.Y. 10017
With copies to
Satterlee Stephens Burke & Burke
230 Park Avenue, Suite 1130
New York, NY 10169
Attn: Dwight A. Kinsey
Tel: 1-212-818-9200
Fax: 1-212-818-9606
Email: [email protected]
ARTICLE 18 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
18.1 Choice of Law; Choice of Forum. This Agreement shall be construed, governed, interpreted and applied in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any choice/conflict of law principles, except that questions affecting the construction and effect of any patent shall be determined by the law of the country in which the patent was filed or granted. The state and federal courts located in New York County, New York, shall have exclusive jurisdiction of any claims or actions between or among the parties arising out of or relating to this Agreement, and each Party consents to venue and personal jurisdiction of those courts for the purpose of resolving any such disputes.
18.2 Severability. Except to the extent a provision is stated to be essential, or otherwise to the contrary, the provisions of this Agreement are severable, and in the event that any provisions of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable under any controlling body of the law, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not in any way affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof.
18.3 Marking. LICENSEE agrees to legibly mark the Licensed Products (and packaging, marketing materials, package inserts, patient information leaflets, and other documentation therefore) sold in the United States with all applicable United States patent numbers, and other notices relating to MSKs Patent Rights, such markings and notices to be in accordance with any written guidelines that may be provided by MSK from time to time. All Licensed Products shipped to or sold in other countries shall be marked in such a manner as to conform to the patent laws and practice of the country of manufacture or sale. In connection with such patent marking, LICENSEE shall also include a statement that the Licensed Product is made under license from MSK.
18.4 Waiver. The failure of either party to assert a right hereunder or to insist upon compliance with any term or condition of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of that right or excuse a similar subsequent failure to perform any such term or condition by the other party.
18.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be an original and all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same agreement.
18.6 Force Majeure Event. Neither Party shall lose any rights hereunder or be liable to the other Party for damages or losses (except for payment obligations) on account of failure of performance by the defaulting party to the extent such the failure is occasioned by war, strike, fire, Act of God, earthquake, flood, lockout, embargo, governmental acts or orders or restrictions (except if imposed due to or resulting from the Partys violation of law or regulations), failure of suppliers, or any other reason where failure to perform is beyond the reasonable control and not caused by the negligence, intentional conduct or misconduct of the nonperforming party and the nonperforming Party has exerted all reasonable efforts to avoid or remedy such force majeure (each a Force Majeure Event); provided, however, that in no event shall (a) a Party be required to settle any labor dispute or disturbance, or (b) a force majeure excuse performance for a period of more than six months. For clarity, a failure to obtain funding shall not constitute a force majeure event.
18.7 Further Assurances. At any time or from time to time on and after the date of this Agreement, MSK shall at the written request of LICENSEE and at LICENSEEs expense, execute, and deliver or cause to be delivered, all such consents, documents or further instruments required by law to register or confirm the licenses granted in this Agreement.
18.8 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including its attachments and exhibits (which attachments and exhibits are incorporated herein by reference), constitutes the entire understanding among and between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements and communications, whether written, oral or otherwise. This Agreement may only be modified or
supplemented in a writing expressly stated for such purpose and signed by the parties to this Agreement.
18.9 Relationship between the Parties. The relationship between the parties under this Agreement is that of independent contractors. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to create a partnership, joint venture or agency relationship between any of the Parties. No Party is a legal representative of any other party, and no Party can assume or create any obligation, liability, representation, warranty or guarantee, express or implied, on behalf of another Party for any purpose whatsoever.
18.10 Construction and Interpretation. Words (including defined terms) denoting the singular shall include the plural and vice versa. The words hereof, herein, hereunder and words of the like import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole, and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. The term include (and any variant thereof), and the giving of examples, shall not be construed as terms of limitation unless expressly indicated by the context in which they is used. The headings in this Agreement shall not affect its interpretation. Except as expressly provided herein, the rights and remedies herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights or remedies provided by law or otherwise. Each of the Parties has had an opportunity to consult with counsel of its choice. Each provision of this Agreement shall be construed without regard to the principle of contra proferentum. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable the validity of the remaining provisions shall not be affected. The parties shall replace the invalid or unenforceable provision by a valid and enforceable provision closest to the intention of the parties when signing this Agreement. This Agreement was negotiated, and shall be construed and interpreted, exclusively in the English language.
18.11 Method of Payment. Payments may be made by check or wire transfer. Checks shall be: (a) made payable to Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research (Tax I.D. No. [****] (b) attached to the corresponding invoice (if any); (c) accompanied with an note (on the check stub or on its transmittal letter) that the payment relates to Agreement [****] and (d) sent to MSKCCs lock-box:
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
P. O. Box 29035
New York, NY 10087-9035
Wire transfers shall be made as follows:
Bank Name: JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Name on Account: MSKCC- Acct Rec EFTS
Account Type: Checking
[signature page follows]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, authorized representatives of the Parties have signed and dated this Agreement below.
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Y-MABS THERAPEUTICS, INC. | |
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By: |
/s/ Thomas Gad |
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Name: |
Thomas Gad |
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Title: |
Founder, Chairman and President |
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Date: November 13, 2017 | |
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MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING | |
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CANCER CENTER | |
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By: |
/s/ Eric Cottington |
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Name: |
Eric Cottington, PhD |
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Title: |
Senior Vice President |
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Research Technology Management |
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Date: November 10, 2017 |
Exhibit A
PATENT RIGHTS
[****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
Exhibit B
TANGIBLE MATERIAL EXCLUSIVELY LICENSED
[****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
Exhibit C
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
[****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
[****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
[****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
[****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
[****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
[****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
[****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
Exhibit D
SPONSORED RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[****]
Research Plan
[****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
[****]
APPENDIX B
PROJECT BUDGET
[****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
[****]
Project Budget
Budget for two years:
[****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
[****]
Exhibit D
SPONSORED RESEARCH AGREEMENT
This Sponsored Research Agreement (this Agreement), effective as of the date of the signature of the underlying license agreement, SK2017-1696, dated November 13, 2017, (Effective Date), is between Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, a New York not-for-profit entity, with offices at 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 (MSK) and Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation with a principal office at 750 3rd Avenue. New York, N.Y. 10017 (Sponsor). MSK and Sponsor may be individually referred to as a Party, and collectively as the Parties. This Exhibit D, including Appendix A and Appendix B attached hereto, replaces the Exhibit D (including Appendix B) of the License Agreement for MSKs technology CD33 Antibodies and constructs thereof between Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc., dated November 10, 2017 in its entirety, and such original Exhibit D is hereby cancelled and void.
WHEREAS, Sponsor is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company; and
WHEREAS, Sponsor desires to provide support for the research to be conducted at MSK; and
WHEREAS, MSK, a premier cancer center, through its Neuroblastoma Program, has valuable skill, experience, and the necessary expertise to conduct the research;
WHEREAS, the performance and support of such research is of mutual interest and benefit to Sponsor and MSK and is consistent with the academic, research, and public service objectives of MSK as a nonprofit, tax-exempt institution.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, mutual agreements, and promises set forth below, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which arc hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
1. SPONSORED RESEARCH.
1.1. Research Plan. The research program subject to this Agreement is specified in Appendix A, which is incorporated herein by reference (the Sponsored Research).
1.2. Compensation. Sponsor will provide the financial support for the Sponsored Research as detailed in the budget Appendix B which is incorporated herein by reference, (the Budget). If, at any time, a Parry has reason to believe that the cost of the Sponsored Research will exceed the amount set forth in the Budget, such Party will notify the other Party, giving a revised budget for completion of the Sponsored Research.
1.3. By entering into this Agreement, the Parties specifically intend to comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations as they may be amended from time to time, including but not limited to (i) the federal anti-kickback statute (42 U.S.C. 1320a-7(b)) and the related safe harbor regulations and (ii) the limitation on certain physician referrals, also referred to as the Stark Law (42 U.S.C. 1395nn). Accordingly, no part of any
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
[****]
consideration paid hereunder is a prohibited payment for the recommending or arranging for the referral of business of the ordering of items or services; nor are the payments intended to induce illegal referrals of business, If as a result of a change in law or otherwise this Agreement is reasonably determined by legal counsel of a Party to violate, or present an unacceptable risk of violating, any federal, state, or local laws, rules, or regulations, the Parties agree to negotiate in good faith revisions to any provision which is in, or which presents an unacceptable risk of, violation. The Parties acknowledge that rights of MSK may be subject to statutory rights of agencies of the United States government under terms of 35 USC§§200-212 or other statutes, or rights of other funding agencies.
2. ANIMAL STUDIES
2.1. Should warm-blooded animals be used in the Sponsored Research, MSK will comply with the applicable portions of the Animal Welfare Act (P.L. 99-158) and will follow the guidelines prescribed in the Public Health Services Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
2.2. MSKs Animal Care and Use program does not conduct studies subject to the FDA Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations. As a result, nonclinical studies conducted at MSK are not GLP studies. Since MSK does not incorporate GLP into its standard animal care, results obtained from animal studies at MSK cannot be described as GLP compliant and should not be so described in applications to the FDA or in other documents.
3. CONFIDENTIALITY
3.1. Confidential Information. During the Term, one Party (the Disclosing Party) may provide proprietary or confidential information necessary to conduct the Sponsored Research to the other Party (the Receiving Party). Accordingly, Confidential Information is: (i) data and other information that is disclosed by the Disclosing Party to the Receiving Party under this Agreement during the Term and which relates to the Sponsored Research, regardless of whether the information is disclosed in writing, orally, graphically, electronically, or in any other manner, and (ii) any information that is expressly marked or designated in writing as confidential and proprietary by the Disclosing Party. The Receiving Party acknowledges and agrees that the Disclosing Party reserves all rights in and to the Disclosing Partys Confidential Information. This Agreement shall not constitute a license, assignment, or any other rights, expressed or implied, to the Disclosing Partys Confidential Information, except as expressly provided in this Agreement Confidential Information does not include, and each Party has no obligation with respect to, any information which: (i) is already known to it; (ii) is or becomes publicly known through lawful means in no violation of this Agreement by the Receiving Party; (iii) is received from a third party, not bound by a duty confidentiality, without restriction and without breach of this Agreement; (iv) is independently developed by the Receiving Party without use of the Disclosing Partys Confidential Information; or (v) is approved for release by written authorization of the Disclosing Party.
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
[****]
3.2. Confidential Obligation. All Confidential Information disclosed under this Agreement will be held in confidence by the Receiving Party during the Term of this Agreement and for a period of five (5) years following termination or expiration of this Agreement. The Receiving Party shall maintain the confidentiality of the Disclosing Partys Confidential Information with at least the same degree of care as it maintains the confidentiality of its own confidential information, and in any event, not less than a reasonable standard of care. Upon the Disclosing Partys request, the Receiving Party shall promptly return to the Disclosing Party or destroy all copies of the Disclosing Partys Confidential Information; provided, however, that the Receiving Party: (i) may retain a single copy of the Disclosing Partys Confidential Information for the sole purpose of ascertaining its ongoing rights and responsibilities in respect of such information; and (ii) shall not be required to destroy any computer files stored securely by the Receiving Party or its Affiliates that are: (x) created during automatic system back up; or (y) retained for legal purposes by the Receiving Party or its Affiliates.
3.3. Covenants of Non-Use and Non-Disclosure. The Receiving Party may only use, copy and make extracts of the Disclosing Partys Confidential Information in connection with and in the furtherance of the Sponsored Research. The Receiving Party shall not use the Disclosing Partys Confidential Information for any other purpose without the prior written permission of the Disclosing Party. Except as provided below, the Receiving Party shall not disclose any of the Disclosing Partys Confidential Information to any third Party without the prior written permission of the Disclosing Party.
3.3.1. The Receiving Party may disclose the Disclosing Partys Confidential Information to the Receiving Partys Affiliates and the directors, officers, employees, contractors, and consultants of the Receiving Party and its Affiliates who have a need to know the Confidential Information and only in connection with and in the furtherance of the Sponsored Research, after advising each of the obligations under this Agreement, and who are bound by obligations of confidentiality substantially similar to those in this Agreement. The Receiving Party shall be liable to the Disclosing Party for any breach by the Receiving Partys directors, officers, employees, contractors, consultants, and its Affiliates.
3.3.2. If the Receiving Party is required by applicable law, judicial order or governmental regulation, then the Receiving Party will be permitted to disclose (and the Receiving Party shall not be required to destroy) any of the Disclosing Parlys Confidential Information that is required to be disclosed by a governmental authority or applicable law in connection with a legal or administrative proceeding (including in connection with any regulatory approval process), provided that the Receiving Party: (i) notifies the Disclosing Party of any such disclosure requirement as soon as practicable; (ii) reasonably cooperate with the Disclosing Party (at the Disclosing Partys cost) if the Disclosing Party seeks a protective order or other remedy in respect of any such disclosure and (iii) furnishes only that portion of the Confidential Information which the Receiving Party is legally required to disclose.
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
[****]
3.4. Equitable Relief. Each Party acknowledges that disclosure or improper use of the Confidential Information might cause the other Party immediate and irreparable harm. Without limiting the following, each Party agrees that the other Party will be entitled to seek equitable relief in addition to any other remedies available.
3.5. Privacy. MSK will make all attempts to ensure that any information revealing a patients identity attached to patient samples or results from the Sponsored Research are removed (PHI). Should Sponsor be exposed to PHI despite MSKs effort to de-identify any such information, Sponsor agrees to use good faith efforts to delete such PHI and further agrees that there shall be no time limit on the Parties obligation to maintain the confidentiality of PHI, including information whose identifiers may be ascertained by the exercise of reasonable effort through investigation. PHI shall be protected in compliance with all applicable regulations, rules and statutes including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and regulations, laws and guidelines related thereto. Sponsor agrees to refrain from publishing or disclosing any part of such confidential PHI for any purpose. PHI must be maintained in confidence indefinitely. Sponsor shall require that its personnel respect the confidential nature of all medical information relating to MSK patients. Sponsor shall ensure that its personnel have been informed of, and shall comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations governing confidentiality, disclosure, and re-disclosure requirements of federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations, and the standards of The Joint Commission, including but not limited to those provisions concerning HIV, genetic testing, alcohol or drug abuse, and mental health.
4. RESULTS, REPORTS, & PUBLICATION.
4.1. Results means data and information generated from the performance of the Sponsored Research during the term of this Agreement. Results expressly exclude Inventions. MSK will provide the Sponsor with a final report within [****] of the completion of the Sponsored Research and any periodic progress reports specified in Appendix A (Reports). MSK owns all Results and Reports arising from the Sponsored Research under this Agreement. Subject to Section 3 (Confidentiality), Sponsor shall have the right to use the Results disclosed to Sponsor in Reports for its internal research use and solely to the extent such use does not jeopardize MSKs publication or intellectual property rights.
4.2. Publication. MSK is free to publish the Results, MSK will submit for review a copy of the proposed publication (including abstracts, or presentation to a journal, editor, meeting, seminar or other third party) resulting from the Sponsored Research to Sponsor at least [****] prior to submission for publication or presentation. If no response is received from Sponsor within those [****] it may be conclusively presumed that the publication may proceed without delay. Such delay will not, however, be imposed on the filing of any student diesis or dissertation.
4.2.1. If Sponsor determines such proposed publication contains Sponsors Confidential Information, it shall notify MSK within such [****] review period and MSK shall delete such Sponsor Confidential Information before proceeding with its
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
[****]
planned publication, Upon MSKs request, Sponsor and MSK shall work in good faith to develop substitute language that is scientifically comparable but does not disclose Sponsors Confidential Information. For the purpose of this provision only, the term Confidential Information shall not include the Sponsored Research data, results, materials, or description of the Sponsored Research methodology necessary for a meaningful publication, which may otherwise come within the definition of Confidential Information contained in Section 3 (Confidentiality).
4.2.2. If Sponsor determines and requests that the proposed publication or presentation contains patentable subject matter, MSK will delay the publication or presentation for a period of time not to exceed [****] to allow the filing of appropriate patent applications relating to such subject matter.
4.2.3. Any proposed publication disclosed to Sponsor hereunder is MSKs Confidential Information. Sponsor shall hold such disclosure on a confidential basis and shall not disclose the information to any third party, or use the information, without the prior written consent of MSK.
4.3. Copyrights. Title to any copyright or copyrightable material first produced or composed in the performance of the Sponsored Research will remain with, or be assigned to, MSK.
5. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.
5.1. Inventions. Invention means any invention that is within the scope of the Sponsored Research and is first conceived and reduced to practice during the performance of the Sponsored Research funded under this Agreement that is or may be patentable or otherwise protectable under Title 35 of the United States Code. Ownership of an Invention shall track inventorship, inventorship of Inventions shall be determined according to United States patent law. Sponsor owns the entire right, title and interest in and to all Inventions developed by Sponsor personnel (Sponsor Invention). An Invention that is jointly developed by MSK and Sponsor personnel will be jointly owned (Joint Invention). MSK owns the entire right, title, and interest in and to all Inventions developed by MSK personnel (MSK Invention).
5.1.1. Invention Option. MSK grants Sponsor the first option to negotiate an exclusive or non-exclusive commercial license to MSK Inventions and the first option to negotiate an exclusive license to MSK rights in Joint Inventions.
5.1.2. Internal Use Only. MSK grants Sponsor a non-exclusive, non-commercial, non-transferable, royalty-free license under MSKs rights in Joint Inventions and MSK Inventions for the Sponsors internal non-commercial research purposes.
5.2. Other Intellectual Property. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall affect, either directly or by implication, estoppel, or otherwise, the pre-existing rights of either Party in intellectual property developed prior to the Effective Date of this Agreement or intellectual property developed outside of this Agreement. All such intellectual property
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
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shall remain the property of its owner and the option granted to Sponsor in this Agreement shall not apply to such intellectual property.
6. Option.
6.1. Disclosure. Under MSK policy, inventions and discoveries which result from research or other activities carried out at MSK or with the substantial aid of its facilities or funds administered by it, are disclosed to MSK and are the property of MSK. If an Invention, is disclosed to MSK and MSK believes that it may be amenable to patenting and/or licensing, the MSK Office of Technology Development, in accordance with MSK policies and practices, will promptly notify the Sponsor, thereby creating a Disclosure. Sponsor shall hold the Disclosure on a confidential basis and shall not disclose the information to any third party, or use the information, without the prior written consent of MSK. Sponsor shall disclose to MSK any Joint Inventions.
6.2. Option Period. The options granted in §5.1.1 (lnvention Option) begin on the date the Sponsor receives the relevant Disclosure and ends [****] from that date (the Option Period).
6.3. Negotiation Period. If Sponsor elects to exercise the option, Sponsor will provide MSK written notice of said election (the Notice). Upon receipt of the Notice by MSK, the Parties will endeavor to negotiate in good faith, an acceptable license agreement within [****] (the Negotiation Period). Licenses elected and negotiated by Sponsor are effective as of the date the Parties sign a separate license agreement, which will contain indemnity, insurance, and no-warranty provisions, in addition to other customary terms and conditions that are based on standards current in the industry. If the Negotiation Period expires and a license agreement has not been negotiated, all rights to the MSK Invention will remain with MSK.
7. PATENT PROSECUTION. MSK shall control the preparation and prosecution of all patent applications and the maintenance of all parents related to MSK Inventions and Joint Inventions. Sponsor shall, within [****] upon receipt of the Disclosure, determine whether to exercise its Option request MSK to file and prosecute any patent application, domestic or foreign, on the Invention described in the Disclosure.
7.1. If Sponsor requests MSK to file and prosecute such patent applications, Sponsor shall bear all costs incurred in connection with the preparation, filing, prosecution and maintenance of U.S. and foreign applications directed to said MSK or Joint Invention and the cost of any activities investigating patentability. MSK shall keep Sponsor advised as to all developments with regard to said application(s) and shall promptly provide to Sponsor copies of all documents received and/or filed in connection with the filing, prosecution or maintenance thereof in reasonable time, subject to statutory deadlines.
7.1.1. Sponsor may elect to discontinue its financial support of such prosecution and/or maintenance, provided Sponsor notifies MSK in writing of such decision to
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
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discontinue reasonably in advance of MSKs need to respond to any statutory deadlines.
7.1.2. If Sponsor elects to discontinue the financial support of such prosecution and/or maintenance, then Sponsor thereby waives and gives up any right it may have under this Agreement to license the related MSK or Joint Invention and MSK may proceed with such preparation and prosecution at its own cost and expense. With regard to a Joint Invention, should the Sponsor subsequently use, license or sublicense any Joint Invention for economic gain, Sponsor shall reimburse all fees and expenses incurred by MSK in connection with the patent or other intellectual property protection which applies to such use, license or sublicense.
8. TERM AND TERMINATION.
8.1. Term. This Agreement commences on the Effective Date and continues until the earlier of: (i) the completion of the Sponsored Research: or (ii) two (2) year(s) from the Effective Date (Term). Sponsor and MSK will have the option to extend this Agreement for a specified period of time, either with or without further compensation, by the mutual written consent of duly authorized representatives of MSK and Sponsor.
8.2. Termination. Either Party may terminate this Agreement for any reason with [****] written notice. In the event of such early termination, Sponsor will reimburse MSK for all expenses incurred up to the date of termination, including, but not limited to, all non-cancelable obligations, and shall pro-rate financial support due based upon actual work performed and expenses committed pursuant to the Sponsored Research.
8.3. Survival. In the event of termination of this Agreement, the provisions of Sections 3 (Confidentiality), 4 (Results, Reports & Publication), 5 (Intellectual Property), 7 (Patent Prosecution) 8 (Term and Termination), 9 (Indemnification), 10 (Disclaimer and Warranties/Limitation of Liabilities), 11 (Use of Name) and 14 (Miscellaneous) will remain in effect, as well as any other provisions of this Agreement, as are necessary to effect the purposes of this Agreement.
9. INDEMNIFICATION. The Sponsor will defend, indemnify and hold MSK, the MSK Investigator and any of MSKs employees, trustees, officers. Affiliates and agents, harmless from any claim, suit, loss, cost, damage, liability or expense arising out of Sponsors (including Sponsors employees, Affiliates, contractors, licensees or agents) performance or actions under this Agreement, the Sponsors use of any information, results, or deliverables, MSKs use of Sponsor Resources for the purposes provided by Sponsor, and/or claims by or relating to Sponsor Staff. Such defense will be conducted by attorneys reasonably acceptable to both Parties. Sponsor may not settle any claims admitting MSKs fault without MSKs express prior written approval.
10. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES/LIABILITY LIMITATION. ANY RESULTS, REPORTS, MATERIALS, 1NVENTIONS, TECHNOLOGIES, INTELLECTUAL.
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
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PROPERTY OR OTHER PROPERTY OR RIGHTS GRANTED, GRANTED ACCESS TO, OR PROVIDED BY MSK PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT ARE ON AN AS IS BASIS. MSK MAKES NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO ANY MATTER INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE, MERCHANTABILITY, EXCLUSIVITY OR TO FREEDOM FROM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INFRINGEMENT. MSK IS NOT LIABLE TO SPONSOR FOR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES SUCH AS LOSS OF PROFITS OR INABILITY TO USE SAID INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OR ANY APPLICATIONS AND DERIVATIONS THEREOF. SPONSOR AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT MAKE ANY WARRANTY ON BEHALF OF MSK, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, TO ANY PERSON.
11. USE OF NAME. Neither Party will, without the prior written consent of the other Party, use in any advertising, publicity, or otherwise, the name, trademark, logo, symbol, other image of the Party, or any variation thereof, or that of the Partys employees, agents, related schools, departments, or Affiliates.
12. INSURANCE. Sponsor will maintain insurance in type and amount sufficient to satisfy its obligations under this Agreement.
13. NOTICES. Any notice or communication required or permitted to be given to a Parry under this Agreement will be made in writing and sent by registered or certified mail or by a nationally recognized overnight courier service. Notices under the preceding sentence will be deemed given on the date of receipt.
If to MSK |
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If to Sponsor | ||
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center |
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Y-m Abs Therapeutics, Inc | ||
Attn: |
Gregory Raskin, M.D. |
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Attn: |
Thomas Gad |
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Vice President, |
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Chairman, President |
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Technology Development |
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750 3rd Avenue. 9th Floor | |
1275 York Avenue, Box 524 |
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New York, N.Y. 10017 | ||
New York, NY 10065 |
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with a copy to: |
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with a copy to: | ||
Office of Technology Development |
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Satterlee Stephens LLP | ||
Attn: |
Shilpi Banerjee, Esq., Ph.D. |
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Attn: |
Dwight A. Kinsey, Esq |
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Chief Intellectual Property Counsel |
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General Counsel |
1275 York Avenue, Box 524 |
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230 Park Avenue, Suite 1130 | ||
New York, N.Y. 10065 |
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New York, N.Y. 10169 |
A Party may change its contact Information immediately upon written notice to the other Party given in the manner provided in this Section 13.
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
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14. MISCELLANEOUS
14.1. Tax Exempt Status. MSK is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation. Sponsor agrees that if this Agreement is subject to taxation by any governmental authority, Sponsor will pay these taxes in full. MSK will have no liability for the payment of any taxes.
14.2. Governing Law and Venue. The Parties expressly agree that this Agreement and the enforcement of the rights and obligations hereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its provisions concerning the applicability of the laws of other jurisdictions. Any and all claims arising out of, relating to or in connection with this Agreement, or the relationship between the Parties hereto, shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of and venue in the federal and state courts within New York and each Party hereby consents to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of these courts, without regard to any conflicts of law principles. Each Party agrees that all claims and matters may be heard and determined in any such court and each Party waives any right to object to such action on venue, forum non conveniens, or similar grounds.
14.3. Headings. The captions or headings in this Agreement do not form part of this Agreement, but are included solely for convenience.
14.4. Affiliates. Affiliates as used in this Agreement, means any person, firm, corporation or other entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with a Party hereto. The term control wherever used throughout this Agreement shall mean ownership, directly or indirectly, of more than fifty percent (50%) of the equity capital or the ability to effect the election of a majority of the directors. With regard to MSK, Affiliates shall include: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, and Memorial Hospital for Cancer and Allied Diseases.
14.5. Waiver, Amendment. No waiver, amendment or modification of this Agreement will be effective unless in writing and signed by both Parties.
14.6. Assignment. Neither Party may assign this Agreement or delegate any of its obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other Party; however, this Agreement will be binding on any successors or permitted assigns of either Party. Any purported assignment of rights or delegation of performance in violation of this Section is void.
14.7. Risk; Severability. In the event that the performance of any covenant, condition or provision of this Agreement should jeopardize MSKs status with regard to (i) licensure, (ii) participation in Medicare or Medicaid programs, (iii) full accreditation by The Joint Commission; or (iv) tax exempt status or the tax exempt status of any financing, this Agreement shall be renegotiated so as to eliminate the violation or non-complying aspects hereof, but without altering all other material rights and obligations of the Parties hereunder (hat reasonably can be given effect If the Parties cannot promptly agree on the renegotiated provisions, either Party may terminate upon [****] written notice to the other Party. If any term or condition of this Agreement is contrary to applicable law, such term or condition will not apply and will not invalidate any other part of this
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
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Agreement. However, if its deletion materially and adversely changes the position of either of the Parties, the affected Party may terminate this Agreement by giving [****] written notice.
14.8. No Agency. Neither Party is agent, servant, employee, legal representative, partner or joint venturer of the other. Nothing herein will be deemed or construed as creating a joint venture or partnership between the Parties and neither Party has the power or authority to bind or commit the other.
14.9. No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement does not create any rights, or rights of enforcement, in third parties.
14.10. Independent Developments. Nothing contained in this Agreement will prevent either Sponsor or MSK from entering into research projects with third parties which are similar to the Sponsored Research herein, or from independently developing (either through third parties or through the use of its own personnel), or from acquiring from third parties, technologies or products which are similar to and competitive with Inventions resulting from the Sponsored Research. Further, nothing herein will be construed to grant either Party any rights in any such independently developed technologies or products so developed or acquired as described in this section or any rights to the revenues or any portion thereof derived by the other from the use, sale, lease, license or other disposal of any such technologies or products. Furthermore, nothing herein will preclude either Party from transferring any such technologies or products to others including to users of the Inventions resulting from the Sponsored Research.
14.11. Export Controls. Each Parry acknowledges that any information or materials provided by the other under this Agreement may he subject to U.S. export laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms (ITAR) Regulations (22 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter M, Parts 120-130), Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Chapter VII, Subchapter C, Parts 730-774), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Regulations (31 CFR, Subtitle B, Chapter V), and Assistance to Foreign Atomic Energy Activities (10 CFR Part 810); each Party agrees to comply with all such laws. Because MSK is an academic institution and has many faculty, staff, students, and visitors who are foreign persons, MSK intends to conduct the Sponsored Research as fundamental research under the export regulations, such that the results generated by MSK qualify as public domain under ITAR Parts 120 10 and 120.11 or publicly available under EAR Parts 734.3(b)(3) and 734.8(a,b). Sponsor will not knowingly disclose, and will use commercially reasonable efforts to prevent disclosure to MSK of any information subject to export controls under the ITARs United States Munitions List (USML, 22 CFR Part 121), the EARS Commerce Control List (CCL, 15 CFR Part 774 and Supplements), or 10 CFR Part 810 Restricted Data or Sensitive Nuclear Technology. If for purposes of the Sponsored Research, Sponsor intends to disclose export-controlled information to MSK, Sponsor will not disclose such information to MSK unless and until a plan for transfer, use, dissemination and control of the information has been approved by MSK. If Sponsor learns of an export control classification by the U.S. or any other government during the course of the Research, Sponsor shall inform MSK of such promptly. In the event Sponsor
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inadvertently (i) discloses export controlled information or (ii) breaches this Section 14.11, deadlines contemplated by the Sponsored Research will be adjusted based on the time it takes to address the disclosure. The Sponsor represents and agrees that it shall not export from the U.S. directly or indirectly, or transfer to a non-U.S. Person located in the U.S., any technical information (or the direct product thereof) furnished to the Sponsor either directly or indirectly by MSK without first complying with all requirements of all relevant U.S. export regulations, including any government license requirements, if applicable. Sponsor agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless MSK, its officers, agents and employees from all liability involving, the violation of such export regulations, either directly or indirectly by the Sponsor. Sponsor acknowledges it may be subject to criminal liability under U.S. laws for the Sponsors failure to obtain any required export licenses.
14.12. Force Majeure. Each of the Parties will be excused from performance of this Agreement only to the extent that performance is prevented by conditions beyond the reasonable control of the Party affected, The Parties will, however, use their best efforts to avoid or cure such conditions. The Party claiming such conditions as an excuse lor delaying performance will give prompt written notice of the conditions, and its intent to delay performance, to the other Party and will resume its performance as soon ax performance is possible.
14.13. Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement of the Parties. It supersedes all prior agreements between the Parties with respect to the subject mailer.
14.14. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by one or more counterparts by the Parties by signature of a person having authority to bind the Party, each of which when executed and delivered by facsimile, electronic transmission or by mail delivery, will be an original and all of which will constitute but one and the same Agreement. The Parties agree to the use of electronic signatures, and agree to being subject to the provisions of the U.S. K-S1GN Act (i.e., the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (enacted June 30, 2000, and codified at 15 U.S.C. § 7001 ct seq)).
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the authorized representatives of the Parties have executed this Agreement below:
SPONSOR |
MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING | |||
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CANCER CENTER | |||
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By: |
/s/ Thomas Gad |
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By: |
/s/ Eric Cottington |
Name: |
Thomas Gad |
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Name: |
Eric Cottington, Ph.D. |
Title: |
Chairman, President |
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Title: |
Senior Vice President, Research and Techonology Management |
Date: |
3/2/2018 |
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Date: |
3-5-18 |
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Although not individually a party to this Agreement, I, the undersigned MSK Investigator, as an employee of MSK, have read and understand the terms of this Agreementy. | |
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By: |
[****] |
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Name: |
[****] |
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
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Title: |
[****] |
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Date: |
3/5/18 |
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
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APPENDIX A
The Sponsored Research
[****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
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APPENDIX B
PROJECT BUDGET
1. Payment Method. Sponsor will make payments to, and checks made payable to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and will have: (i) a note on the check stub or on its transmittal Letter that the payment relates to this Agreement; (ii) references the MSK Investigator; (iii) the [****]; and (iv) the invoice number. Payments will be sent to the Mowing address (or other address, or direct wire transfer, as may be agreed to by the Parties):
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
P.O. Box 29035
New York, N.Y. 10087
1.1. Should Sponsor fail to pay MSK monies due and payable hereunder for more than [****] following the date of invoicing or payment due under a Budget, MSK will have the right to terminate this Agreement on [****] written notice, unless Sponsor pays MSK within the [****] period all such payments due. Upon failure to receive timely payment MSK may choose to halt any current work until full payments (including late fees) arc received. Sponsor shall be responsible for all collection costs associated with non-payment.
1.2. Payments made after the due date will accrue interest beginning the [****] following the due date, calculated at the annual rate of the sum of: (i) [****]; plus (ii) the prime interest rate quoted by the Wall Street Journal on the date said payment is due.
2. Equipment and Property. Title to and ownership of all equipment and property provided to or purchased by MSK under this Agreement will be in and remain with MSK even after completion or termination of this Agreement.
3. Budget and Payment Schedule.
Payment Schedule. MSK shall invoice [****] of the total annual budget for each year of research detailed under Total Budget on the following page at the beginning of each calendar quarter, except that the first invoice for [****] of the total annual budget for Year I shall be sent immediately upon execution of this Agreement, the second invoice shall follow at the beginning of the following quarter.
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
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BUDGET CATEGORY |
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YEAR ONE |
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YEAR TWO |
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TOTAL |
TOTALS |
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[****] |
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[****] |
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[****] |
A.PERSONNEL COSTS (including Fringe) |
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[****] |
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[****] |
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[****] |
B. OTHER COSTS |
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[****] |
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[****] |
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[****] |
MAJOR EQUIPMENT |
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[****] |
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[****] |
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[****] |
TRAVEL COSTS |
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[****] |
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[****] |
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[****] |
MATERIALS, SUPPLIES, AND CONSUMAHLES |
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[****] |
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[****] |
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[****] |
CONSULTANT COSTS |
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[****] |
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[****] |
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[****] |
SUBAWARD/CONSORTIUM/ CONTRACTUAL COSTS |
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[****] |
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[****] |
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[****] |
ANIMAL COSTS |
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[****] |
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[****] |
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[****] |
RESEARCH-RELATED SUBJECT COSTS |
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[****] |
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[****] |
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[****] |
OTHER EXPENSES |
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[****] |
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[****] |
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[****] |
C. TOTAL DIRECT COSTS |
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[****] |
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[****] |
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[****] |
D. TOTAL INDIRECT COSTS (71/1% IDC) |
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[****] |
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[****] |
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[****] |
E.TOTAL COST |
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4. Invoice Instructions from Sponsor.
4.1. Purchase Order No [****]
4.2. Invoices are to be submitted As follows: [email protected]
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MASTER DATA SERVICES AGREEMENT
This MASTER DATA SERVICES AGREEMENT (together with Appendix A and any Project Descriptions (as defined in Section 1), the Agreement) is made on September 20, 2016 (the Effective Date) by and between YMABS THERAPEUTICS, INC., a for profit having a place of business at 701 Gateway Drive, Suite 200, South San Francisco, Ca 94080 (Ymabs) and MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER, a New York membership corporation with principal offices at 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065 (Institution).
1. Background and Definitions. Ymabs and Institution have entered into an Exclusive License Agreement dated as of August 20, 2015 (the License Agreement) pursuant to which, among other things, (i) Ymabs has obtained exclusive license rights to the Licensed Products (as defined in the License Agreement) and (ii) Institution has agreed to transfer clinical data and databases, regulatory files and other Licensed Know-How to Ymabs and Ymabss designees. Capitalized terms used, but not defined in this Agreement, are used as defined in the License Agreement.
1.1. Affiliate means, with respect to either Ymabs or Institution, any corporation company, partnership, joint venture and/or firm which controls, is controlled by or is under common control with Ymabs or Institution, as applicable. For the purpose of this definition, control means (i) in the case of corporate entities, direct or indirect ownership of more than percent (50%) of the stock or shares having the right to vote for the election of directors (or such lesser percentage that is the maximum allowed to be owned by a foreign corporation in a particular jurisdiction); and (ii) in the case of non-corporate entities, the direct or indirect power to manage, direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the non-corporate entity or the power to elect more than fifty percent (50%) of the members of the governing body of such non-corporate entity.
1.2. Applicable Law means all applicable ordinances, rules, regulations, laws, guidelines, guidances, requirements and court orders of any kind whatsoever of any Authority, as amended from time to time, including Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and/or Good Clinical Practices (GCP).
1.3. Ymabs Representative has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
1.4. Authority means any government regulatory authority responsible for granting approvals for the performance of Services under this Agreement or for issuing regulations pertaining to the Licensed Products or the Services, including the FDA.
1.5. Facility means the Institutions 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065.
1.6. FDA means the United States Food and Drug Administration, and any successor agency having substantially the some functions.
1.7. Institution Personnel has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2.
1.8. Materials has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1.
1.9. Project Description has the meaning set forth in Section 2.
1.10. Project Leader has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
1.11. Records has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.
1.12. Services means the transfer of clinical date and databases, regulatory files and other Licensed Know-How to Ymabs and Ymabs designees, and/or other services for clinical studies as described in a Project Description entered into by the parties.
2. Agreement Structure. From time to time, Ymabs may request that Institution provide certain Services. This Agreement contains general terms and conditions under which Ymabs would engage Institution and under which Institution would provide such Services. Ymabs and Institution must complete and execute a project description referencing this Agreement (each, a Project Description) before any Services arc provided. Each Project Description will include, at a minimum, the information relating to the specific Services outlined in the sample Project Description attached as Appendix A. Once executed, each Project Description becomes part of this Agreement, although the terms in a Project Description will apply only to Services described in that Project Description. A Project Description may not change any term in this Agreement
3. About Services.
3.1. Provision of Services. Institution agrees to provide all Services identified in any Project Description: (a) within the time period specified in the relevant Project Description; and (b) with the requisite care, skill and diligence. For each Project Description. Institution will designate a Project Leader who will be available for communications with Ymabs regarding Services provided under that Project Description, as well as contacts for administrative and payment matters for those Services. Ymabs will designate an Ymabs Representative who will be the point of contact for the Project Leader. Institution will provide all staff necessary to perform the Services in accordance with the terms of the applicable Project Description and this Agreement.
3.2. Subcontracting. Institution may not subcontract the performance of specific obligations of Institution under a Project Description to any third party without Ymabss prior written approval (such prior written approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), and provided, that, if such approval is given (a) such third party performs those Services in a manner consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
3.3. Audits. With reasonable notice by Ymabs to Institution and during normal bussness hours and mutually agreed upon times. Institution will allow Ymabs employees and representative to review Institutions standard operating procedures and records pertaining to Services and to inspect the facilities used to render Services. In addition, the Project Leader and the Ymabs Representative and their designees will participate in meetings to review the performance of Services and to coordinate Services as necessary. The Ymabs Representative, or his or her designee, will also have access during normal business hours and mutually agreed upon times to observe performance of the Services. If any Authority wishes to audit Institution in connection with the Services or any Licenced Product, Institution agrees, to the extent feasible and not legally prohibited to (a) promptly notify Ymabs of such audit and cooperate with Ymabs and/or its designees with respect to audit preparation, and (b) cooperate with the Authority, comply with the legitimate requirements of the audit, and make appropriate Institution Personnel available to explain and discuss records and documentation related to the Services of Licensed Product, as the case may be.
3.4. Regulatory Contacts. Expect as otherwise specified in a Project Description, Ymabs will be solely responsible for all contacts and communications with any Authorities with respect to matters relating to the Services rendered under such Project Description.
3.5. Key Institution Personnel. All Institution Personnel (as defined in Section 4.2) identified in a Project Description as Key Institution Personnel will remain assigned to perform Services covered by the applicable Project Description as long as such individuals remain employed by or under contract with Institution, unless an individual is unavailable for reasons of disability, illness or promotion. The parties agree to periodically review the performance of the Key Institution Personnel and promptly remedy any concerns to Ymabs reasonable satisfaction.
4. Representations and Warranties of Institution. Institution represents and warrants as follows:
4.1. Absence of Other Contractual Restrictions. To the best or Institution knowledge, Institution is under no contractual or other obligation or restriction that is inconsistent with Institutions execution or performance of this Agreement, Institution use reasonable efforts to not enter into any agreement, either written or oral, that would materially conflict with Institutions responsibilities under this Agreement.
4.2. Qualifications of Institution Personnel. Institution has engaged and will engage employees and permitted third parties (collectively, Institution Personnel) with the proper skill, training and experience to provide Services. Before providing Services, all Institution Personnel must be subject to binding agreements with Institution under which they (a) have confidentiality obligations that apply to Ymabss Confidential Information and that are similar to terms of this Agreement, and (b) assign and effectively vest in Institution any and all rights that such personnel might have in the results of their work without any obligation of Ymabs to pay any royalties or other consideration to such Institution Personnel.
4.3. Compliance. Institution will perform all Services in accordance with all Applicable Laws.
4.4. Conflicts with Rights of Third Parties. Institution agrees that it will not use any patent, trade secret or other proprietary or intellectual property right of any third party in the performance of Services unless it is authorized by Ymabs to do so.
4.5. Absence of Debarment. Neither Institution nor any Institution Personnel have been, and are not under consideration to be (a) debarred from providing services pursuant to Section 306 of the United States Federal Food. Drug and Cosmetic Act 21 U.S.C. 335a; (b) excluded, debarred or suspended from, or otherwise ineligible to participate in any federal or state health care programs or federal procurement or non-procurement programs (as that term is defined in 42 U.S.C. §1320a-7b(f)); (c) disqualified by any government or regulatory agencies from performing specific services, and are not subject to a pending disqualification proceeding: or (d) convicted of a criminal offense related to the provision of health care items or services, or under investigation or subject to any such action that is pending. Institution will notify Ymabs immediately if Institution, or any Institution Personnel are subject to the foregoing, or if any action, suit, claim, investigation, or proceeding relating to the foregoing is pending, or to the best of Institutions knowledge, is threatened
5. Compensation. As full consideration for the Services. Ymabs will pay Institution as set forth in the applicable Project Description, in accordance with the terms of the License Agreement. Institution will invoice Ymabs for all amounts due in United States Dollars. All undisputed payments will be made by Ymabs within [****] after its receipt of an invoice and reasonable supporting documentation for such invoice.
6. Proprietary Rights.
6.1. Materials. All documentation, information, and biological, chemical or other materials controlled by Ymabs and furnished to Institution by or on behalf of Ymabs (collectively, with all associated intellectual property rights, the Materials) will remain the exclusive property of Ymabs. Institution will use Materials only as necessary to perform Services. Institution will not analyze Materials except as necessary to perform Services and will not transfer or make the Materials available to third parties without the prior written consent of Ymabs.
6.2. Intellectual Property Rights. All inventions, discoveries, improvements, ideas, processes, formulations, products, computer programs, works of authorship, databases, know-how, information, data, documentation, reports, research, creations and all other products and/or materials arising from or made in the performance of the Services (whether or not patentable or subject to copyright or trade secret protection), together with all associated intellectual property rights, will be deemed to be Licensed Rights and subject to the terms of the License Agreement.
6.3. Records; Records Storage. Institution will maintain all materials, data and documentation obtained or generated by Institution in the course of preparing for and providing Services, including computerized records and files (collectively, the Records) in a secure area reasonably protected from fire, theft and destruction. All Records will be the property of Ymabs. Institution will not transfer, deliver or otherwise provide any Records to any party other than Ymabs or its Affiliates or designees, without the prior written approval of Ymabs.
6.4. Record Retention. All Records will be retained by Institution until Ymabs requests the transfer of such Records in writing. Institution will, at the direction and written request of Ymabs, promptly deliver Records to Ymabs or its designee, or dispose of the Records, unless the Records are required to be retained by Institution by Applicable Law or for insurance purposes. In no event will Institution dispose of any Records without first giving Ymabs [****] prior written notice of its intent to do so.
7. Confidential Information; Identifiable Information. All confidential or proprietary information disclosed by Ymabs or its designees to Institution in connection with this Agreement, and all data, information and Records generated by Institution in the performance of this Agreement, will be deemed Ymabss Confidential Information and subject to the terms of the License Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 7. (a) Institution will not disclose to any third party nor use any protected health information, personal data or required biological samples of subjects enrolled in clinical studies that are the subject of Services (collectively, Personal Identifiable Information) except as expressly required in the applicable Project Description and as long as such disclosure and use is in compliance with Applicable Law; and (b) such restrictions on the disclosure and use of Personal Identifiable Information will remain in place for as long as such restrictions are required under Applicable
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
Law. Ymabs use and disclosure of Personal Identifiable Information will be in accordance with Applicable Law.
8. Expiration and Termination.
8.1. Expiration. This Agreement will expire on the later of (a) two (2) years from the Effective Date or (b) the completion of all Services under all Project Description(s) executed by the parties prior to the second anniversary of the Effective Date; provided, however, that the term of this Agreement may be extended by written notice to Institution from Ymabs prior to the expiration of the then current term. This Agreement may be earlier terminated in accordance with Section 8.2 or 8.3.
8.2. Termination by Ymabs. In the event of a material breach of this Agreement if Institution fails to cure a material breach (e.g., breach of confidentiality obligations under Section 6), Ymabs may terminate this Agreement or any Project Description with immediate effect, at any time upon [****] prior written notice to Institution.
8.3. Termination by Institution. Institution may terminate this Agreement or any Project Description if Ymabs fails to cure a material breach of this Agreement or of a Project Description within [****] after receiving written notice from Institution of such breach.
8.4. Effect of Termination or Expiration. Upon termination or expiration of this Agreement, neither Institution nor Ymabs will have any further obligations under this Agreement, or in the case of termination or expiration of a Project Description, under that Project Description, except that:
(a) Institution will terminate all affected Services in progress in an orderly manner as soon as practical and in accordance with a schedule agreed to by Ymabs and Institution, unless Ymabs specifies in the notice of termination that Services in progress should be completed;
(b) Ymabs will pay Institution any monies due and owing institution, up to the time of termination or expiration, for Services properly performed and all authorized expenses actually incurred (as specified in the applicable Project Description);
(c) Institution will promptly refund any monies paid in advance by Ymabs for Services not rendered;
(d) each Recipient will promptly return to the Discloser all of Disclosers. Confidential Information (including all copies) provided to Recipient under this Agreement or under any Project Description which has been terminated or has expired, except for one (1) copy which Recipient may retain solely to monitor Recipients surviving obligations of confidentiality and non-use, and in the case of Ymabs, to exercise all surviving rights of Ymabs under this Agreements; and
(e) the terms and conditions under Sections 1, 3.2 - 3.4, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9 will survive any such termination or expiration
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
9. Miscellaneous.
9.1. Relationship between the parties; taxes. The relationship between the parties under this Agreement is that of independent contractors. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to create a partnership, joint venture or agency relationship between any of the parties. No party is a legal representative of any other party, and no party can assume or create any obligation, liability, representation, warranty or guarantee, express or implied, on behalf of another party for any purpose whatsoever. Institution is responsible for, and will withhold and/or pay, any and all applicable federal, state or local taxes, payroll taxes, workers compensation contributions, unemployment insurance contributions or other payroll deductions from the compensation of Institutions employees and other Institution Personnel and no such employees or other Institution Personnel will be entitled to any benefits applicable to or available to employees of Ymabs.
9.2. Publicity. Except to the extent required by Applicable Law or the rules of any stock exchange or listing agency, neither party will make any public statement or release concerning this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or use the other partys name, logos or trademarks in any form of advertising, promotion or publicity, without obtaining the prior written consent of such other party.
9.3. Certain Disclosures and Transparency. Institution acknowledges that Ymabs and its Affiliates are required to abide by federal and state disclosure laws and certain transparency policies governing their activities including providing reports to the government and to the public concerning financial or other relationships with healthcare providers. Institution agrees that Ymabs and its Affiliates may, as legally required, disclose information about this Agreement and about Institutions Services including those relating to healthcare providers and any compensation paid to healthcare providers pursuant to this Agreement. Institution agrees to promptly supply information reasonably requested by Ymabs for disclosure purposes. To the extent that Institution is independently obligated to disclose specific information concerning Services relating to healthcare providers and compensation paid to healthcare providers pursuant to this Agreement. Institution will make timely and accurate required disclosures.
9.4. Notices. Except for payments, each notice or other communication pursuant to this Agreement shall be sufficiently made or given when delivered by courier or other means providing proof of delivery to such party at its address below or as it shall designate by written notice given to the other party:
In the case or Institution: |
Memorial Sloan Kettering Canter Center |
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If by mail: |
1275 York Avenue, Box 524 |
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New York, NY 10065 |
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Attn: |
Gregory Raskin, MD |
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Vice President |
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Technology Development |
With copies to: |
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center |
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Office of Technology Development |
Attention: |
Shilpi Banerjee, Esq., Ph D |
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Chief Intellectual Property Counsel |
If by mail: |
1275 York Avenue, Box 524 |
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New York N.Y. 10065 |
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If by courier: |
600 Third Avenue, 16th FL |
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New York, NY 10016 |
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In the case of Ymabs: |
Ymabs Biotherapeutics, Inc. |
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701 Gateway Blvd. Suite 200 |
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South San Francisco. CA 94080 |
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Attn: CEO |
9.5. Force Majeure. A party shall not lose any rights hereunder or be liable to the other party for damages or losses (except for payment obligations) on account of a delay or failure of performance by the such party to the extent such the delay or failure is occasioned or caused by war, strike, fire. Act of God, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, fire, flood, lockout, embargo, governmental acts or orders or restrictions (except if imposed due to or resulting from the partys violation of law or regulations), failure of suppliers, or any other circumstance or reason where the delay or failure to perform is beyond the reasonable control of such party (a Force Majeure), and provided that such failure is not caused by the gross negligence or intentional misconduct of the party and the party has exerted reasonable efforts to avoid or remedy the effects of such Force Majeure; However, if a Force Majeure event causes a material failure of performance by a party for a period of more than six months, then the other party may terminate this Agreement on written notice. For clarity, a failure to obtain funding shall not constitute a force majeure event.
9.6. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, (a) together with the attached Appendix A, any fully-signed Project Descriptions, each of which are incorporated into this Agreement, and (b) the License Agreement, constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the specific subject matter of this Agreement and all prior agreements, oral or written, with respect to such subject matter are superseded. Each party confirms that it is not relying on any representations or warranties of the other party except as specifically set forth in this Agreement or the License Agreement. If there is any conflict, discrepancy or inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and any Project Description, purchase order or other form used by the parties, the terms of this Agreement will control.
9.7. No Modification. This Agreement (including the Project Description(s)) may be changed only by a writing signed by authorized representatives of each party.
9.8. Severability; Reformation. Each provision in this Agreement is independent and severable from the others, and no provision will be rendered unenforceable because any other provision is found by a proper Authority to be invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part. If any provision of this Agreement is found by such an Authority to be invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part, such provision will be changed and interpreted so as to
best accomplish the objectives of such unenforceable or invalid provision and the intent of the parties, within the limits of Applicable Law.
9.9. Governing Law. This Agreement and any disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement will be governed by, construed and interpreted in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, without regard to any choice of law principle that would require the application of the law of another jurisdiction. The state and federal courts located in New York Country, New York, shall have exclusive jurisdiction of any claims or actions between or among the parties arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any aspect of the parties relationship, and each party consents to venue and personal jurisdiction of those courts for the purpose of resolving any such disputes.
9.10. Waivers. Any delay in enforcing a partys rights under this Agreement, or any waiver as to a particular default or other matter, will not constitute a waiver of such partys rights to the future enforcement of its rights under this Agreement, except with respect to an express written waiver relating to a particular matter for a particular period of time signed by an authorized representative of the waiving party, as applicable.
9.11. No Strict Construction; Heading; Interpretation. This Agreement has been prepared jointly and will not be strictly construed against either party. The section headings, are included solely for convenience of reference and will not control or affect the meaning or interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement. The words include, includes and including when used in this Agreement (and any Project Description(s)) are deemed to be followed by the phrase but not limited to.
9.12. Liability.
Each party shall be responsible for its negligent acts or omissions and the negligent acts or omissions of its employees, officers, or directors to the extent allowed by law.
9.13. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by electronic signature and in any number of counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original and all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized representative as of the Effective Date.
MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER |
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By: |
/s/ Gregory Raskin |
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Print Name: |
Gregory Raskin, MD |
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Title: |
Executive Vice President, Technology Development |
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Date: |
9/21/16 |
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YMABS BIOTHERAPEUTICS, INC. |
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By: |
/s/ Thomas Gad |
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Print Name: |
Thomas Gad |
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Title: |
President |
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Date: |
9/23/2016 |
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APPENDIX A
SAMPLE PROJECT DESCRIPTION
THIS PROJECT DESCRIPTION (the Project Description by and between YMABS THERAPEUTICS, INC. and MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER, will be effective as of the last date of signature below, and upon execution will be incorporated into the Data Services Agreement between Ymabs and Institution dated [EFFECTlVE DATE OF DATA SERVICES AGREEMENT] (the Agreement). Capitalized terms used in this Project Description will have the same meaning as set forth in the Agreement.
Ymabs hereby engages Institution to provide Services, as follows
1. Services. Institution will provide the following Services to Ymabs:
Describe specific Services to be provided.
2. Institution Contacts.
Project Leader: [NAME AND TITLE]
Administration Contact: [NAME AND TITLE]
Payment Contact: [NAME AND TITLE]
3. Ymabs Representative. [NAME AND TITLE]
4. Compensation. All amounts due under this Project Description will be invoiced in United States Dollars to the attention of [NAME AND TITLE] as follows: [INVOICE SCHEDULE]. Payment will be made in accordance with Section 4 (Compensation) of the Agreement. Institution agrees that the amounts payable or otherwise provided by Ymabs under this Agreement represent the fair market value of the Services and have not been determined in a manner that takes into account the volume or value of any referrals or business.
All terms and conditions of the Agreement will apply to this Project Description, in the event of any conflict between this Project Description and the terms or the Agreement, the terms of the Agreement will control. A facsimile or portable document format (.pdf) copy of this Project Description, including the signature pages, will be deemed an original.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED BY: | |||
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MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER |
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By: |
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Print Name: |
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APPENDIX A
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
THIS PROJECT DESCRIPTION (the Project Description) by and between YMABS THERAPEUTICS, INC. and MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER, will be effective as of the last date of signature below, and upon execution will be incorporated into the Data Services Agreement between Ymabs and Institution dated September 20, 2016 (the Agreement). Capitalized terms used in this Project Description will have the same meaning as set forth in the Agreement.
Ymabs hereby engages Institution to provide Services, as follows:
I. Services
Provided below are descriptions of the general services to the fulfilled under the Master Data Services Agreement (Agreement) by and between YMabs, and Institution, made effective September 20, 2016. These services will be provided by the Department of Pediatrics Clinical Trials office within Institution. Any requests beyond the activities described below will be subject to a mutually agreed upon amendment to this Project Description with appropriate funding support provided.
[****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
[****]
II. Institution Contacts.
Project Leader: [****]
Payment Contact: [****]
III. Ymabs Representative. Thomas Gad, President
IV. Compensation.
All amounts due under this Project Description will be invoiced in United States Dollars to the attention of Bo Kruse, Chief Financial Officer as follows. Payment will be made in accordance with Section 4 (Compensation) of the Agreement. Institution agrees that the amounts payable or otherwise provided by Ymabs under this Agreement represent the fair
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
market value of the Services and have not been determined in a manner that takes into account the volume or value of any referrals or business.
All terms and conditions of the Agreement will apply to this Project Description. In the event of any conflict between this Project Description and the terms of the Agreement, the terms of the Agreement will control. A facsimile or portable document format (.pdf) copy of this Project Description including the signature pages, will be deemed an original.
For this scope of work, payments will be made according the schedule below:
Payment |
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Timeline |
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Amount |
Personnel Support |
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Upon execution (for January 1, 2016 August 31, 2016) |
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[****] |
Personnel Support |
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Quarterly, beginning September 2016 |
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[****] |
Data Transfer (initial) |
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Upon transfer |
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[****] |
Data Transfer (ongoing) |
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Ad hoc, upon transfer |
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[****] |
IND Support |
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Upon Execution |
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[****] |
If the scope of services is revised, the parties agree to negotiate revised payments in good faith.
Invoices will be directed to:
Name: |
Bo Kruse |
Email: |
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Phone: |
+45 25 27 47 07 |
Payments will be directed to
Payee: |
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center |
Attn: |
Trang Left of Pediatrics Fund Manager |
Tax ID: |
[****] |
Mailing Address: |
P.O. BOX 29035 |
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New York, MY 10087 |
All terms and conditions of the Agreement will apply to this Project Description. In the event of any conflict between this Project Description and the terms of the Agreement, the terms of the Agreement will control. A facsimile or portable document format (.pdf) copy of this Project Description, including the signature pages, will be deemed an original.
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
PROJECT DESCRPTION AGREED TO AMD ACCEPTED BY:
MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER | ||
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By: |
/s/ Gregory Raskin |
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Print Name: |
Gregory Raskin, MD |
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Title: |
Vice President, Technology Development |
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Date: |
9/21/16 |
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YMABS THERAPEUTICS, INC. |
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By: |
/s/ Thomas Gad |
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Print Name: |
Thomas Gad |
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Title: |
President |
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Date: |
9/23/2016 |
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FIRST AMENDMENT TO APPENDIX A
AMENDED PROJECT DESCRIPTION
THIS AMENDED PROJECT DESCRIPTION (the Amendment) by and between YMABS THERAPEUTICS, INC. and MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER, will be effective as of the last date of signature below, and upon execution will amend the Appendix A Project Description, effective as of September 23, 2016 (Project Description), which is incorporated into the Data Services Agreement between Ymabs and Institution dated September 23, 2016 (the Agreement). Capitalized terms used in this Amended Project Description will have the same meaning as set forth in the Project Description and the Agreement.
1. Section I, Services, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:
1. Services
Provided below are descriptions of the general services to be fulfilled under the Master Data Services Agreement (Agreement) by and between YMabs, and Institution, made effective September 23, 2016. These services will be provided by the Department of Pediatrics Clinical Trials Office within Institution. Any requests beyond the activities described below will be subject to a mutually agreed upon amendment to this Project Description with appropriate funding support provided. The Parties agree that as Project personnel described herein are added to the performance or the Project during the term hereof, Institution shall provide notice to Y-mAbs including the name and contact information of such personnel.
[****]
Confidential |
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[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
[****]
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
[****]
2. Section II, Compensation, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:
II. Compensation.
All amounts due under this Project Description will be involeed in United States Dollars to die attention of Bo Kruse, Chief Financial Officer as follows: Payment will be made in accordance with Section 4 (Compensation) of the Agreement. Institution agrees that the amounts payable or otherwise provided by Ymabs under this Agreement represent the fair market value of the Services and have not been determined in a manner that takes into account the volume or value of any referrals or business.
All terms and conditions of the Agreement will apply to this Project Description. In the event of any conflict between this Project Description and the terms of the Agreement, the terms of the Agreement will control. A facsimile or portable document format (.pdf) copy of this Project Description, including the signature pages, will be deemed an original.
For this scope of work, payments will be made according the schedule below:
Personnel Support |
Quarterly, beginning |
[****] |
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October 2017 |
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Data Transfer |
Ad hoe, upon transfer |
[****] |
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(ongoing) |
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If the scope of services is revised, the panics agree to negotiate revised payments in good faith.
Invoices will be directed to:
Name: Bo kruse
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +45 25274707
Payments will be directed to:
Payee: |
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center |
Attn: |
Trang Left Department of Pediatrics Fund Manager |
Tax ID: |
[****] |
Mailing Address: |
P.O. Box 29035 |
[****] Certain information in this document has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.
New York, NY 10087
3. Except as amended hereby, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms and in the event of any inconsistency between the Agreement and this Amendment, the terms and conditions of this Amendment shall prevail.
4. This Amendment will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any conflict of law principles.
5. This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. The exchange of copies of this Amendment and of executed signature pages by facsimile transmission or by electronic mail in portable document format (.pdf) or by a combination of such means, will constitute effective execution and delivery of this Amendment as to the parties and may be used in lieu of an original Amendment for all purposes.
[SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE REMAINDER OF PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK]
PROJECT DESCRIPTION AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED BY:
MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER |
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By: |
/s/ Eric Cottington |
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Print Name: |
Eric Cottington, PhD |
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Title: |
Senior Vice President, Research and Technology Management |
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Date: |
10-11-17 |
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YMABS THERAPEUTICS, INC.
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By: |
/s/ Thomas Gad |
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Print Name: |
Thomas Gad |
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Title: |
President |
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Date: |
10/10/2017 |
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