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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2025
OR
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period from to
Commission File No. 001-35996
VIVOSIM LABS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware |
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27-1488943 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
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(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
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11555 Sorrento Valley Rd, Suite 100
San Diego, CA
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92121 |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
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(Zip code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 858-224-1000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of each class |
Trading Symbol |
Name of each exchange on which registered |
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share |
VIVS |
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
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.
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Large accelerated filer |
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Accelerated filer |
☐ |
Non-accelerated filer |
☒ |
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Smaller reporting company |
☒ |
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Emerging growth company |
☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or
issued its audit report. ☐
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates based on the closing stock price as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market on September 30, 2024, the last trading day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $7,720,472. For purposes of this computation only, shares of common stock held by each executive officer, director, and 10% or greater stockholders have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed affiliates.
The number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock, as of June 1, 2025 was 2,599,797.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain information required for Part III of this report is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive proxy statement for the 2025 annual meeting of the registrant’s stockholders, expected to be filed within 120 days of the end of the registrant’s fiscal year.
VivoSim Labs, Inc.
Annual Report on Form 10-K
For the Year Ended March 31, 2025
Table of Contents
Important Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Portions of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (including information incorporated by reference) (“Annual Report”) include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, based on our current beliefs, expectations and projections regarding any strategic transaction process; the ability to advance our research and development activities and pursue development of any of our pipeline products; our technology; our product and service development opportunities and timelines; our business strategies; customer acceptance and the market potential of our technology; products and services; our future capital requirements; our future financial performance; and other matters. This includes, in particular, Item 1. “Business” and Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Annual Report, as well as other portions of this Annual Report. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “could,” “would,” and similar expressions, among others, generally identify “forward-looking statements,” which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The matters discussed in these forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. As a result, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The most significant of these risks, uncertainties and other factors are described in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report. Except to the limited extent required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Reverse Stock Split
Except as otherwise indicated, all information in this Annual Report gives effect to the 1-for-12 reverse stock split of the common stock that was effected on March 21, 2025.
PART I
Item 1. Business.
Overview
VivoSim Labs, Inc., formerly known as Organovo Holdings, Inc. ("VivoSim," “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” and “our Company”), is a pharmaceutical and biotechnology services company that is focused on providing testing of drugs and drug candidates in three-dimensional (“3D”) human tissue models of liver and intestine. We offer partners liver and intestinal toxicology insights using our new approach methodologies ("NAM") models. We anticipate accelerated adoption of human tissue models following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") announcement on April 10, 2025 to refine animal testing requirements in favor of these non-animal NAM methods. We will also offer bespoke services in the areas of investigational toxicology, mechanism of drug action elucidation, and other applications of these complex human tissue models.
Prior to March 2025, we were a clinical stage biotechnology company that was focused on developing FXR314 in inflammatory bowel disease ("IBD"), including ulcerative colitis ("UC"), based on demonstration of clinical promise in 3D human tissues as well as strong preclinical data. Our clinical focus was in advancing FXR314 in IBD, including UC and Crohn’s disease. We planned to start a Phase 2a clinical trial in UC in the calendar year 2025 and were also exploring the potential for combination therapies using FXR314 and approved mechanisms in preclinical animal studies and our IBD disease models.
In March 2025, we sold our FXR program for $10.0 million, with $9.0 million paid at closing and $1.0 million held in escrow for a period of 15 months, with future milestones of up to $50.0 million in the aggregate to be paid if the lead asset, FXR314, hits key development, regulatory and commercial milestones.
Effective April 24, 2025, we changed our corporate name to VivoSim Labs, Inc. by filing a Certificate of Amendment to our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. We changed our name to reflect our new business model, which includes the use of other longstanding assets of the Company, intestinal and liver tox models and expertise, and our IP portfolio for 3D bioprinting.
We are now offering liver toxicology predictive screening and research services as well as working on predicting and studying the intestinal side effect profiles of drugs that are therapeutic candidates of pharmaceutical and biotech companies at all stages of drug development. Our services offer the potential benefit of reducing the significant risk and cost of bringing therapeutics to market through the regulatory process. It is estimated that less than 10% of drug candidates entering clinical trials are approved, with a portion of the failures due to unexpected liver toxicity or intestinal intolerability. In addition, even approved drugs are occasionally withdrawn after liver toxicity is determined to be caused by the drug in a phenomenon called drug induced liver injury. We presented findings at the May 2025 Digestive Disease Week scientific conference showing that our liver toxicology platform had a best-in-class predictive power. Our liver predictive power was shown to be 87.5% for a set of challenging liver toxicity cases – inclusive of classic cases of “liver tox misses” drugs with unforeseen liver toxicity found in clinical trials or drugs that were withdrawn from the market after liver toxicity issues emerged later. The platform identified correctly that 87.5% of the known liver-toxic drugs could be seen as liver toxic using NAMkind™ liver. This is known as the sensitivity of the platform, which at 87.5% is a world’s best. Importantly, the specificity was 100%, meaning that none of the compounds tested that are not liver toxic were incorrectly identified as having liver toxicity issues by the platform.
We use our proprietary technologies to build functional 3D human tissues that mimic key aspects of native human tissue composition, architecture, function, and disease. We believe these attributes can enable critical complex, multicellular disease models that can be used to study and develop clinically effective drugs across multiple therapeutic areas.
We have also used these human disease models to identify new molecular targets responsible for driving IBD and to explore the mechanism of action of known drugs including JAK inhibitors and related molecules. A portion of our internal research continues to focus on early stage internal drug discovery programs, validating targets, and testing potentially licensable or transactable external drug compounds to identify drug candidates for partnering and/or internal clinical development.
Our Platform Technology
Our 3D human tissue platform is multifaceted. We have expertise in 3D organoids, such as spheroids, and have made significant advances in proprietary cell culture techniques including ratios, components, and conditions that remain protected as our trade secrets. We are developing novel human normal and disease models using high throughput systems, bioprinted and flow/stretch capable 3D systems as appropriate. Our expertise includes important technology such as proprietary bioprinting and related technologies for preparing bio-inks and bioprinting multicellular tissues with complex architecture, grounded in over a decade of peer-reviewed scientific publications. We have a broad portfolio of intellectual property rights covering the principles, enabling instrumentation, applications, tissue constructs and methods of cell-based printing.
We own or exclusively license more than 160 patents and pending applications worldwide covering specific tissue designs, uses, and methods of manufacture.
Intellectual Property
We rely on a combination of patents, trademarks, trade secrets, confidential know-how, copyrights, and a variety of contractual mechanisms such as confidentiality, material transfer, licenses, research collaboration, limited technology access, and invention assignment agreements to protect our intellectual property. Our intellectual property portfolio for our core technology was initially built through licenses from University of Missouri-Columbia ("MU") and the Medical University of South Carolina. We subsequently expanded our intellectual property portfolio by filing our own patent and trademark applications worldwide and negotiating additional licenses and purchases.
On an ongoing basis we review and analyze our full intellectual property portfolio to align it with our current business needs, strategies and objectives. Based on that ongoing review, selected patents and patent applications in various countries are or will be abandoned or allowed to lapse. The numbers provided herein are reflective of those changes.
We solely own or hold exclusive licenses to 34 issued U.S. patents and more than 50 issued international patents in foreign jurisdictions including Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Sweden, the Netherlands and Switzerland. We solely or jointly own or hold exclusive licenses to 9 pending U.S. patent applications, 3 of which are allowed, and more than 5 pending international applications in foreign jurisdictions including Australia, Canada, China, and the European Patent Office. These patent families relate to our bioprinting technology and our engineered tissue products and services, including our various uses in areas of tissue creation, in vitro testing, utilization in drug discovery, and in vivo therapeutics.
In-Licensed Intellectual Property
In 2009 and 2010, we obtained world-wide exclusive licenses to intellectual property owned by MU and the Medical University of South Carolina, which now includes 5 issued U.S. patents and 1 pending U.S. application. Dr. Gabor Forgacs, one of our founders and a former George H. Vineyard Professor of Biophysics at MU, was one of the co-inventors of all of these works (collectively, the “Forgacs Intellectual Property”). The Forgacs Intellectual Property provides us with intellectual property rights relating to cellular aggregates, the use of cellular aggregates to create engineered tissues, and the use of cellular aggregates to create engineered tissue with no scaffold present. The intellectual property rights derived from the Forgacs Intellectual Property also enables us to utilize our NovoGen Bioprinter® to create engineered tissues.
The patent rights we obtained through these exclusive licenses are not only foundational within the field of 3D bioprinting but provide us with favorable priority dates. We are required to make ongoing royalty payments under these exclusive licenses based on net sales of products and services that rely on the intellectual property we in-licensed. For additional information regarding our royalty obligations see “Note 6. Collaborative Research, Development, and License Agreements” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report.
Company Owned Intellectual Property
In addition to the intellectual property we have in-licensed, we have historically innovated and grown our intellectual property portfolio.
With respect to our bioprinting platform, we have 11 issued U.S. patents and 15 issued foreign patents directed to our NovoGen Bioprinter® and methods of bioprinting: U.S. Patent Nos. 8,931,880, 9,149,952, 9,227,339, 9,315,043, 9,499,779, 9,855,369, 10,174,276, 10,967,560, 11,577,450, 11,577,451 and 11,413,805; Australia Patent Nos. 2015202836, 2013249569 and 2014296246; Canada Patent Nos. 2,812,766, 2,868,530 and 2,919,734; China Patent Nos. ZL201180050831.4 and ZL201480054148.1; European Patent Nos. 2838985, 2629975, and 3028042; Japan Patent Nos. 6333231, 6566426 and 6842918; and Russian Patent No. 2560393. An additional U.S. continuation application has been allowed. These issued patents and pending patent applications carry remaining patent terms ranging from over 9 years to just over 6 years.
Our NAMkind Human Liver Tissue is protected by U.S. Patent Nos. 9,222,932, 9,442,105, 10,400,219 and 11,127,774; Australia Patent Nos. 2014236780 and 2017200691; Canada Patent No. 2,903,844; and European Patent No. 2970896. We also have a pending U.S. application. Our Human Kidney Tissue is protected by U.S. Patent Nos. 9,481,868, 10,094,821, 10,962,526 and 11,867,689; Australian Patent No. 2015328173; Canadian Patent No. 2,962,778; Chinese Patent No. ZL201580066469.8; European Patent No. 3204488; and Japan Patent No. 7021177. These issued patents and pending patent applications carry remaining patent terms ranging from over 10 years to just over 8 years.
We currently have several patents and pending patent applications in the U.S. and globally that are directed to additional features on bioprinters, additional tissue types, their methods of fabrication, and specific applications.
Our U.S. Patent Nos. 9,855,369 and 9,149,952, which relate to our bioprinter technology, were the subject of inter partes review proceedings filed by Cellink AB and its subsidiaries (collectively, “BICO Group AB”), one of our competitors. Likewise, U.S. Patent Nos. 9,149,952, 9,855,369, 8,931,880, 9,227,339, 9,315,043 and 10,967,560 (all assigned to Organovo, Inc.) and U.S. Patent Nos. 7,051,654, 8,241,905, 8,852,932 and 9,752,116 (assigned to Clemson University and the University of Missouri, respectively) were implicated in a declaratory judgment complaint filed against Organovo, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary, by BICO Group AB and certain of its subsidiaries in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. All of these matters have since been settled in a favorable manner for the Company. Specifically, on February 23, 2022, we announced an agreement of a non-exclusive license for BICO Group AB and its affiliate companies to our foundational patent portfolio in 3D bioprinting.
On March 25, 2025, we sold our FXR program and related assets to Eli Lilly and Company (the “FXR Asset Sale”). The consideration for the FXR Asset Sale consisted of (i) an upfront cash payment by Lilly to us equal to $10.0 million, of which $9.0 million was paid at closing and the remaining $1.0 million was deposited into escrow for 15 months to satisfy claims for indemnification, (ii) the assumption by Eli Lilly and Company of certain liabilities related to the FXR program, and (iii) potential milestone payments by Eli Lilly and Company of up to $50.0 million in the aggregate, which are contingent upon the achievement of certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones.
Employees and Human Capital
As of June 1, 2025, we had 13 employees, of which 5 are full-time. We have also retained some of our former employees as consultants, in addition to a number of expert consultants in specific scientific and operational areas. Our employees are not represented by labor unions or covered under any collective bargaining agreements. We consider our relationship with our employees to be good.
Our human capital resources objectives include, as applicable, identifying, recruiting, retaining, incentivizing and integrating our existing and additional employees. The principal purposes of our equity incentive plans are to attract, retain and motivate select employees, consultants, and directors through the granting of equity-based compensation awards.
Corporate Information
We are operating the business of our subsidiaries, including Organovo, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary, which we acquired in February 2012 and which was incorporated in Delaware in April 2007 and our wholly-owned subsidiary, VivoSim, Inc., which was incorporated in Delaware in May 2025. Effective April 24, 2025, we changed our corporate name to VivoSim Labs, Inc. Since April 24, 2025, our common stock has traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “VIVS.” Between August 8, 2016 and April 24, 2025, our common stock traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “ONVO.”
Our principal executive offices are located at 11555 Sorrento Valley Rd, Suite 100, San Diego CA 92121 and our phone number is (858) 224-1000. Our Internet website can be found at https://www.vivosim.ai. The content of our website is not intended to be incorporated by reference into this Annual Report or in any other report or document that we file.
Available Information
Our investor relations website is under development and will be live as soon as reasonably practicable and is expected to be located at https://www.vivosim.ai. We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pursuant to the Exchange Act, including annual and quarterly reports, and other reports we file, are expected to be available free of charge, through our website once it is live. The content of our website is not intended to be incorporated by reference into this Annual Report or in any other report or document that we file. We intend to make them available on our website as soon as reasonably possible after we file them with the SEC. The reports we file with the SEC, as well as proxy and information statements and other information that we file electronically with the SEC, are also available on the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov).
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Investment in our common stock involves a substantial degree of risk and should be regarded as speculative. As a result, the purchase of our common stock should be considered only by persons who can reasonably afford to lose their entire investment. Before you elect to purchase our common stock, you should carefully consider the risk and uncertainties described below in addition to the other information incorporated herein by reference. Additional risks and uncertainties of which we are unaware or which we currently believe are immaterial could also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. If any of the risks or uncertainties discussed in this Annual Report occur, our business, prospects, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected, in which case the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
Risk Factor Summary
Below is a summary of the principal factors that make an investment in our common stock speculative or risky. This summary does not address all of the risks that we face. Additional discussion of the risks summarized in this risk factor summary, and other risks that we face, can be found below and should be carefully considered, together with other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission before making investment decisions regarding our common stock.
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We will incur substantial additional operating losses over the next several years as our services and research and development activities proceed.
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Using our platform technology to develop healthy human tissues and disease models to support both external and internal drug discovery and development is new and unproven.
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We will require access to a constant, steady, reliable supply of human cells to support our services and research and development activities.
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We may require substantial additional funding. Raising additional capital would cause dilution to our existing stockholders and may restrict our operations or require us to relinquish rights to our technologies or to a product candidate.
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We will be supporting external clinical development through our services and pursuing our own R&D programs. Clinical drug development involves a lengthy and expensive process with uncertain timelines and uncertain outcomes, and results of earlier studies and trials may not be predictive of future results.
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The near and long-term viability of our services and R&D efforts will depend on our ability to successfully establish strategic relationships.
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Current and future legislation may increase the difficulty and cost of commercializing drug candidates and may affect the prices that can be charged if drug candidates are approved for commercialization.
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Management has performed an analysis and concluded that substantial doubt exists about our ability to continue as a going concern. Separately, our independent registered public accounting firm has included in its opinion for the year ended March 31, 2025 an explanatory paragraph expressing substantial doubt in our ability to continue as a going concern, which may hinder our ability to obtain future financing.
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We have a history of operating losses and expect to incur significant additional operating losses.
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There is no assurance that an active market in our common stock will continue at present levels or increase in the future.
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The price of our common stock may continue to be volatile, which could lead to losses by investors and costly securities litigation.
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Patents covering our products could be found invalid or unenforceable if challenged in court or before administrative bodies in the United States or abroad.
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We may be involved in lawsuits or other proceedings to protect or enforce our patents or the patents of our licensors, which could be expensive, time-consuming and unsuccessful.
Risks Related to our Business
We are a pharmaceutical and biotechnology services company focusing providing testing of drugs and drug candidates in 3D human tissue models, which is an unproven business strategy that may never achieve profitability.
We are a pharmaceutical and biotechnology services company that is focused on providing testing of drugs and drug candidates in three-dimensional (“3D”) human tissue models of liver and intestine. We offer our partners liver and intestinal toxicology insights using our new approach methodologies ("NAM") models. We anticipate accelerated adoption of human tissue models following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") announcement on April 10, 2025 to refine animal testing requirements in favor of these non-animal NAM methods. We will also offer bespoke services in the areas of investigational toxicology, mechanism of drug action elucidation, and other applications of these complex human tissue models. These models may not be accepted by our partners. We may not be able to partner or license our drug candidates. We may never achieve profitability, or even if we achieve profitability, we may not be able to maintain or increase our profitability.
We will incur substantial additional operating losses over the next several years as our services and research and development activities proceed.
We will incur substantial additional operating losses over the next several years as our services and research and development activities proceed. The amount of future losses and when, if ever, we will achieve profitability are uncertain. Our ability to generate revenue and achieve profitability will depend on, among other things:
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entering into partnering arrangements with pharmaceutical companies to provide safety and toxicology assessment services;
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successfully developing human tissues and disease models for drug discovery and development that enable us to identify drug candidates;
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successfully outsourcing certain portions of our development efforts;
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entering into partnering or licensing arrangements with pharmaceutical companies to further develop and conduct clinical trials for any drug candidates we identify;
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obtaining any necessary regulatory approval for any drug candidates we identify; and
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raising sufficient funds to finance our activities and long-term business plan.
We might not succeed at any of these undertakings. If we are unsuccessful at one or more of these undertakings, our business, prospects, and results of operations will be materially adversely affected.
Using our platform technology to develop healthy human tissues and disease models to support both external and internal drug discovery and development is new and unproven.
Utilizing our 3D bioprinting platform technology to develop human tissues and disease models to support both internal and external drug discovery and development will involve new and unproven technologies, disease models and approaches, each of which is subject to the risk associated with new and evolving technologies. To date, we have not identified or developed any drug candidates utilizing our business model. We may experience unforeseen technical complications, unrecognized defects and limitations in our technology or our ability to develop disease models or identify viable drug candidates. These complications could materially delay or substantially increase the anticipated costs and time to identify and develop viable drug candidates, which would have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition and our ability to continue operations.
We will face intense competition in our services and drug discovery efforts.
The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry is subject to intense competition and rapid and significant technological change. There are many potential competitors for the services we will provide and our drug discovery efforts, including major drug companies, specialized biotechnology firms, academic institutions, government agencies and private and public research institutions. Many of these competitors have significantly greater financial and technical resources, experience and expertise in the following areas than we have, including:
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research and technology development;
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development of or access to disease models;
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identification and development of drug candidates;
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regulatory processes and approvals; and
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identifying and entering into agreements with potential collaborators.
Principal competitive factors in our industry include: the quality, scientific and technical support, management and the execution of drug development and regulatory approval strategies; skill and experience of employees, including the ability to recruit and retain skilled, experienced employees; intellectual property portfolio; range of capabilities, including drug identification, development and regulatory approval; and the availability of substantial capital resources to fund these activities.
In order to effectively compete, we may need to make substantial investments in our research and technology development, drug candidate identification and development, testing and regulatory approval and licensing and business development activities. There is no assurance that we will be successful in marketing our services or discovering effective drug candidates using our 3D tissue models or disease models using our 3D tissue models. Our technologies and drug development plans also may be rendered obsolete or noncompetitive as a result of drugs, intellectual property, technologies, products and services introduced by competitors. Any of these risks may prevent us from building a successful services and drug discovery business or entering into a strategic partnership or collaboration.
We will require access to a constant, steady, reliable supply of human cells to support our services and research and development activities.
As we pursue providing services and drug development through 3D tissues and disease models, we will require access to a constant, steady, reliable supply of human cells to support our 3D tissue activities. We purchase human cells from selected third-party suppliers based on quality assurance, cost effectiveness, and regulatory requirements. We need to continue to identify additional sources of qualified human cells and there can be no guarantee that we will be able to access the quantity and quality of raw materials needed at a cost-effective price. Any failure to obtain a reliable supply of sufficient human cells or a supply at cost effective prices would harm our business and our results of operations and could cause us to be unable to support our services platform and drug research and development efforts.
Our business will be adversely impacted if we are unable to successfully attract, hire and integrate key additional employees or contractors.
Our future success depends in part on our ability to successfully attract and then retain key additional executive officers and other key employees and contractors to support our services platform and drug discovery plans. Recruiting and retaining qualified scientific and clinical personnel is critical to our success. Competition to hire qualified personnel in our industry is intense, and we may be unable to hire, train, retain or motivate these key personnel on acceptable terms given the competition among numerous pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies for similar personnel. If we are unable to attract and retain high quality personnel, our ability to pursue our services platform and drug discovery business will be limited, and our business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations may be adversely affected.
We may require substantial additional funding. Raising additional capital would cause dilution to our existing stockholders and may restrict our operations or require us to relinquish rights to our technologies or to a product candidate.
We currently do not have any committed external source of funds and do not expect to generate any meaningful revenue in the foreseeable future. If our board of directors decides that we should pursue further research and development activities than already proposed, we will require substantial additional funding to operate our proposed business, including expanding our facilities and hiring additional qualified personnel, and we would expect to finance these cash needs through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings, government or other third-party funding and licensing or collaboration arrangements.
To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt, the ownership interests of our stockholders will be diluted. In addition, the terms of any equity or convertible debt we agree to issue may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect the rights of our stockholders. Convertible 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, and declaring dividends, and may impose limitations on our ability to acquire, sell or license intellectual property rights and other operating restrictions that could adversely impact our ability to conduct our business.
Moreover, we have the ability to sell up to $3.1 million of additional shares of our common stock to the public through an “at the market offering” pursuant to a Sales Agreement that we entered into with JonesTrading Institutional Services LLC on March 16, 2018 (the “Sales Agreement”). Any shares of common stock issued in the “at the market offering” (“ATM offering”) will result in dilution to our existing stockholders.
We currently have an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which we may use to offer from time to time any combination of debt securities, common and preferred stock and warrants. On March 16, 2018, we entered into the Sales Agreement pursuant to which we have the ability to sell shares of our common stock to the public through an ATM offering. As of March 31, 2025, we have issued and sold pursuant to the Sales Agreement an aggregate of 828,272 shares of our common stock for gross proceeds of approximately $50.1 million. However, in the event that the aggregate market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates (“public float”) is less than $75.0 million, the amount we can raise through primary public offerings of securities, including sales under the Sales Agreement, in any twelve-month period using shelf registration statements is limited to an aggregate of one-third of our public float. As of the date of filing of this Annual Report, our public float was less than $75.0 million, and therefore we are limited to an aggregate of one-third of our public float in the amount we could raise through primary public offerings of securities in any twelve-month period using shelf registration statements, with such public float recalculated at the time of sale. If our public float meets or exceeds $75.0 million at any time, we will no longer be subject to the restrictions set forth in General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3. Although we would still maintain the ability to raise funds through other means, such as through the filing of a registration statement on Form S-1 or in private placements, the rules and regulations of the SEC or any other regulatory agencies may restrict our ability to conduct certain types of financing activities, or may affect the timing of and amounts we can raise by undertaking such activities.
Further, additional funds may not be available when we need them on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. If adequate funds are not available to us on a timely basis, we may be required to curtail or cease our operations. Raising additional funding through debt or equity financing is likely to be difficult or unavailable altogether given the early stage of our technology and any drug candidates we identify. Furthermore, the issuance of additional securities, whether equity or debt, by us, or the possibility of such issuance, may cause the market price of our common stock to decline further and existing stockholders may not agree with our financing plans or the terms of such financings.
We will be supporting external clinical development by third parties through our services and pursuing our own R&D programs. Clinical drug development involves a lengthy and expensive process with uncertain timelines and uncertain outcomes, and results of earlier studies and trials may not be predictive of future results.
Before obtaining marketing approval from regulatory authorities for the sale of any drug candidates we identify, any such drug candidates must undergo extensive clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the drug candidates in humans. Human clinical testing is expensive and can take many years to complete, and we cannot be certain that any clinical trials will be conducted as planned or completed on schedule, if at all. We may elect to complete this testing, or some portion thereof, internally or enter into a partnering or development agreement with a pharmaceutical company to complete these trials. Our inability, or the inability of any third party with whom we enter into a partnering or development agreement, to successfully complete preclinical and clinical development could result in additional costs to us and negatively impact our ability to generate revenues or receive development or milestone payments. Our future success is dependent on our ability, or the ability of any pharmaceutical company with whom we enter into a partnering or development agreement, to successfully develop, obtain regulatory approval for, and then successfully commercialize any drug candidates we identify.
Any drug candidates we identify will require additional clinical development, management of clinical, preclinical and manufacturing activities, regulatory approval in applicable jurisdictions, achieving and maintaining commercial-scale supply, building of a commercial organization, substantial investment and significant marketing efforts. We are not permitted to market or promote any of our drug candidates before we receive regulatory approval from the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities, and we may never receive such regulatory approval for any of our drug candidates.
We, or any third party with whom we enter into a partnering or development agreement, may experience numerous unforeseen events during, or as a result of, clinical trials that could delay or prevent our ability to earn development or milestone payments or for any drug candidates to obtain regulatory approval, including:
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delays in or failure to reach agreement on acceptable terms with prospective contract research organizations (“CROs”) and clinical sites, the terms of which can be subject to extensive negotiation and may vary significantly among different CROs and trial sites;
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failure to obtain sufficient enrollment in clinical trials or participants may fail to complete clinical trials; clinical trials of our drug candidates that may produce negative or inconclusive results, and as a result we, or any pharmaceutical company with who we enter into a partnering or development agreement, may decide, or regulators may require, additional clinical trials;
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suspension or termination of clinical research, either by us, any third party with whom we enter into a partnering or development agreement, regulators or institutional review boards, for various reasons, including noncompliance with regulatory requirements or a finding that the participants are being exposed to unacceptable health risks;
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additional or unanticipated clinical trials required by regulators or institutional review boards to obtain approval or any drug candidates may be subject to additional post-marketing testing requirements to maintain regulatory approval;
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regulators may revise the requirements for approving any drug candidates, or such requirements may not be as anticipated;
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the cost of clinical trials for any drug candidates may be greater than anticipated;
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the supply or quality of any drug candidates or other materials necessary to conduct clinical trials of our drug candidates may be insufficient or inadequate or may be delayed;
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unexpected changes in tariffs, trade barriers, price and exchange controls and other regulatory requirements may negatively impact the supply chain or cause other disruption; and
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regulatory authorities may suspend or withdraw their approval of a product or impose restrictions on its distribution.
If we, or any third party with whom we enter into a partnering or development agreement, experience delays in the completion of, or termination of, any clinical trial of any drug candidates that we develop, or are unable to achieve clinical endpoints due to unforeseen events, the commercial prospects of our drug candidates will be harmed, and our ability to develop milestones, development fees or product revenues from any of these drug candidates will be delayed.
We may expend our limited resources to pursue a particular product candidate or indication and fail to capitalize on potential product candidates or indications that may be more profitable or for which there is a greater likelihood of success.
Because we have limited financial and managerial resources, we focus on research programs and potential product candidates that we identify for specific indications among many potential options. As a result, we may forego or delay pursuit of opportunities with other potential product candidates or for other indications that later prove to have greater commercial potential. Our resource allocation decisions may cause us to fail to capitalize on viable commercial medicines or profitable market opportunities. Our projections of both the number of people who have the diseases that our potential product candidates are intended to treat, as well as the subset of people with these diseases who have the potential to benefit from treatment with our potential product candidates, are based on estimates. If any of our estimates are inaccurate, the market opportunities for any of our potential product candidates could be significantly diminished and have an adverse material impact on our business. Additionally, the potentially addressable patient population for our potential product candidates may be limited, or may not be amenable to treatment with our potential product candidates. Our spending on current and future research and development programs and potential 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 collaboration, licensing, or other royalty arrangements in cases in which it would have been more advantageous for us to retain sole development and commercialization rights to such product candidate. Any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
We will rely upon third-party contractors and service providers for the execution of critical aspects of any future development programs. Failure of these collaborators to provide services of a suitable quality and within acceptable timeframes may cause the delay or failure of any future development programs.
We plan to outsource certain functions, tests and services to CROs, medical institutions and collaborators as well as outsource manufacturing to collaborators and/or contract manufacturers, and we will rely on third parties for quality assurance, clinical monitoring, clinical data management and regulatory expertise. We may elect, in the future, to engage a CRO to run all aspects of a clinical trial on our behalf. There is no assurance that such individuals or organizations will be able to provide the functions, tests, biologic supply or services as agreed upon or in a quality fashion and we could suffer significant delays in the development of our drug candidates or development programs.
In some cases, there may be only one or few providers of such services, including clinical data management or manufacturing services. In addition, the cost of such services could be significantly increased over time. We may rely on third parties and collaborators to enroll qualified patients and conduct, supervise and monitor our clinical trials. Our reliance on these third parties and collaborators for clinical development activities reduces our control over these activities.
Our reliance on these parties, however, does not relieve us of our regulatory responsibilities, including ensuring that our clinical trials are conducted in accordance with Good Clinical Practice regulations and the investigational plan and protocols contained in the regulatory agency applications. In addition, these third parties may not complete activities on schedule or may not manufacture under Current Good Manufacturing Practice conditions. Preclinical or clinical studies may not be performed or completed in accordance with Good Laboratory Practices regulatory requirements or our trial design. If these third parties or collaborators do not successfully carry out their contractual duties or meet expected deadlines, obtaining regulatory approval for manufacturing and commercialization of our drug candidates may be delayed or prevented. We may rely substantially on third-party data managers for our clinical trial data. There is no assurance that these third parties will not make errors in the design, management or retention of our data or data systems. There is no assurance these third parties will pass FDA or regulatory audits, which could delay or prohibit regulatory approval.
In addition, we will exercise limited control over our third-party partners and vendors, which makes us vulnerable to any errors, interruptions or delays in their operations. If these third parties experience any service disruptions, financial distress or other business disruption, or difficulties meeting our requirements or standards, it could make it difficult for us to operate some aspects of our business.
The near and long-term viability of our services platform and R&D efforts will depend on our ability to successfully establish strategic relationships.
The near and long-term viability of our services platform and R&D efforts depend in part on our ability to successfully establish new strategic partnering, collaboration and licensing arrangements with biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies, universities, hospitals, insurance companies and or government agencies. Establishing strategic relationships is difficult and time-consuming. Potential partners and collaborators may not enter into relationships with us based upon their assessment of our technology or drug candidates or our financial, regulatory or intellectual property position. If we fail to establish a sufficient number of strategic relationships on acceptable terms, we may not be able to develop and obtain regulatory approval for our drug candidates or generate sufficient revenue to fund further research and development efforts. Even if we establish new strategic relationships, these relationships may never result in the successful development or regulatory approval for any drug candidates we identify or the long-term viability of our services platform for a number of reasons both within and outside of our control.
Our ability to effectively monitor and respond to the rapid and evolving developments and expectations relating to sustainability, including environmental, social and governance factors may impose unexpected costs or results in reputational or other harm that could have a material adverse effect on our business.
There is an increasing focus from certain investors, employees, regulators, listing exchanges and other stakeholders concerning corporate responsibility and sustainability matters, including with regarding environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) factors. Some investors and investor groups may use these factors—either positively or negatively—to guide their investment strategies and, in some cases, investors may choose not to invest in our Company if they believe our policies or practices relating to corporate responsibility and sustainability do not align with their expectations. Currently, a variety of third-party providers of corporate responsibility and sustainability ratings measure the performance of companies on ESG topics, and the results of these assessments are widely publicized. Investors, particularly institutional investors, use these ratings to benchmark companies against their peers, and major institutional investors have publicly emphasized the importance of ESG measures to their investment decisions. Topics taken into account in such assessments include, among others, companies’ efforts and impacts on climate change, human rights, business ethics and compliance, diversity, equity and inclusion (“DEI”) and the role of companies’ board of directors in overseeing various sustainability-related issues. In light of investors’ increased focus on sustainability matters, if we are, for example, are perceived as lagging in taking steps with respect to ESG initiatives, certain investors may seek to engage with us on improving our ESG disclosures or performance. They may also make voting decisions, or take other actions to hold us and our board of directors accountable.
In addition, there are rapidly and on-going developments and changing expectations relating to sustainability matters. As a result, the criteria by which our corporate responsibility and sustainability practices are assessed may change, which cause us to undertake costly initiatives or actions to satisfy new demands. If we elect not to or are unable to adequately recognize and respond to such developments and changing governmental, societal, investor and/or consumer expectations relating to sustainability matters, we may miss corporate opportunities, become subject to additional scrutiny or incur unexpected costs.
We may face risk of litigation or reputational damage in the event our sustainability policies or practices do not meet the standards set by various constituencies. We may also face reputation damage if we are unable to achieve an acceptable sustainability rating from third-party rating services. A low sustainability rating by a third-party rating service could also result in the exclusion of our common stock from consideration by certain investors who may elect to invest with our competition instead. Ongoing focus on corporate responsibility and sustainability matters by investors and other parties as described above may impose additional costs or expose us to new risks.
Any failure or perceived failure by us in this regard could have a material adverse effect on our reputation and on our business, share price, financial condition, or results of operations, including the sustainability of our business over time.
Further, our emphasis on sustainability issues may not maximize short-term financial results and may yield financial results that conflict with the market’s expectations. We may in the future make business decisions consistent with our sustainability goals that we believe, based on considered analysis, will create value and improve our financial performance over the long-term. These decisions, however, may not be consistent with the short-term expectations of our stockholders and may not produce the long-term benefits that we expect, in which case our business, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed.
Unstable market and economic conditions may have serious adverse consequences on our business, financial condition and share price.
Our business, financial condition and share price could be adversely affected by general conditions in the global economy and in the global financial markets. A severe or prolonged economic downturn could result in a variety of risks to our business, including our ability to raise additional capital when needed on acceptable terms, if at all. A weak or declining economy could also strain our suppliers, service providers, manufacturers or other partners and there is a risk that one or more would not survive or be able to meet their commitments to us under such circumstances. There can be no assurances that further deterioration in credit and financial markets and confidence in economic conditions will not occur. For example, U.S. debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns have increased the possibility of additional credit-rating downgrades and economic slowdowns, or a recession in the United States. Although U.S. lawmakers passed legislation to raise the federal debt ceiling on multiple occasions, including a suspension of the federal debt ceiling in June 2023, ratings agencies have lowered or threatened to lower the long-term sovereign credit rating on the United States. The impact of this or any further downgrades to the U.S. government’s sovereign credit rating or its perceived creditworthiness could adversely affect the U.S. and global financial markets and economic conditions. Moreover, disagreement over the federal budget has caused the U.S. federal government to shut down for periods of time.
Any of the foregoing could harm our business and we cannot anticipate all of the ways in which the current economic climate and financial market conditions could adversely impact our business.
Furthermore, the new U.S. administration has substantially departed from prior U.S. government international trade policy and has commenced activities to renegotiate, or potentially terminate, certain existing bilateral or multi-lateral trade agreements and treaties with foreign countries. In addition, the new U.S. administration has initiated or is considering imposing tariffs on certain foreign goods. Related to this action, certain foreign governments, including China, have instituted or are considering imposing reciprocal tariffs on certain U.S. goods. It remains unclear what the new U.S. administration or foreign governments will or will not do with respect to tariffs or other international trade agreements and policies. A trade war or other governmental action related to tariffs or international trade agreements or policies has the potential to disrupt our research activities, affect our suppliers, increase the cost of materials purchased to manufacture our potential products, impact our ability to sell our products outside the United States or to sell our products outside the United States at competitive prices and/or to affect the United States or global economy or certain sectors thereof and, thus, could adversely impact our business and financial condition.
Risks Related to Government Regulation
In the past, we have used hazardous chemicals, biological materials and infectious agents in our business. Any claims relating to improper handling, storage or disposal of these materials could be time consuming and costly.
Our product manufacturing, research and development, and testing activities have involved the controlled use of hazardous materials, including chemicals, biological materials and infectious disease agents. We cannot eliminate the risks of accidental contamination or the accidental spread or discharge of these materials, or any resulting injury from such an event. We may be sued for any injury or contamination that results from our use or the use by third parties of these materials, and our liability may exceed our insurance coverage and our total assets. Federal, state and local laws and regulations govern the use, manufacture, storage, handling and disposal of these hazardous materials and specified waste products, as well as the discharge of pollutants into the environment and human health and safety matters. We were also subject to various laws and regulations relating to safe working conditions, laboratory and manufacturing practices, and the experimental use of animals. Our operations may have required that environmental permits and approvals be issued by applicable government agencies. If we failed to comply with these requirements, we could incur substantial costs, including civil or criminal fines and penalties, clean-up costs or capital expenditures for control equipment or operational changes necessary to achieve and maintain compliance.
If we fail to obtain and sustain an adequate level of reimbursement for our potential products by third-party payors, potential future sales would be materially adversely affected.
There will be no viable commercial market for our drug candidates, if approved, without reimbursement from third-party payors. Reimbursement policies may be affected by future healthcare reform measures. We cannot be certain that reimbursement will be available for any drug candidate we may develop. Additionally, even if there is a viable commercial market, if the level of reimbursement is below our expectations, our anticipated revenue and gross margins will be adversely affected.
Third-party payors, such as government or private healthcare insurers, carefully review and increasingly question and challenge the coverage of and the prices charged for drugs. Reimbursement rates from private health insurance companies vary depending on the company, the insurance plan and other factors. Reimbursement rates may be based on reimbursement levels already set for lower cost drugs and may be incorporated into existing payments for other services. There is a current trend in the U.S. healthcare industry toward cost containment.
Large public and private payors, managed care organizations, group purchasing organizations and similar organizations are exerting increasing influence on decisions regarding the use of, and reimbursement levels for, particular treatments. Such third-party payors, including Medicare, may question the coverage of, and challenge the prices charged for, medical products and services, and many third-party payors limit coverage of or reimbursement for newly approved healthcare products. In particular, third-party payors may limit the covered indications. Cost-control initiatives could decrease the price we might establish for products, which could result in product revenues being lower than anticipated. We believe our drugs will be priced significantly higher than existing generic drugs and consistent with current branded drugs. If we are unable to show a significant benefit relative to existing generic drugs, Medicare, Medicaid and private payors may not be willing to provide reimbursement for our drugs, which would significantly reduce the likelihood of our products gaining market acceptance.
We expect that private insurers will consider the efficacy, cost-effectiveness, safety and tolerability of our potential products in determining whether to approve reimbursement for such products and at what level. Obtaining these approvals can be a time consuming and expensive process. Our business, financial condition and results of operations would be materially adversely affected if we do not receive approval for reimbursement of our potential products from private insurers on a timely or satisfactory basis. Limitations on coverage could also be imposed at the local Medicare carrier level or by fiscal intermediaries. Medicare Part D, which provides a pharmacy benefit to Medicare patients as discussed below, does not require participating prescription drug plans to cover all drugs within a class of products. Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected if Part D prescription drug plans were to limit access to, or deny or limit reimbursement of, our drug candidates or other potential products.
Reimbursement systems in international markets vary significantly by country and by region, and reimbursement approvals must be obtained on a country-by-country basis. In many countries, the product cannot be commercially launched until reimbursement is approved. In some foreign markets, prescription pharmaceutical pricing remains subject to continuing governmental control even after initial approval is granted. The negotiation process in some countries can exceed 12 months. 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 products to other available therapies.
If the prices for our potential products are reduced or if governmental and other third-party payors do not provide adequate coverage and reimbursement of our drugs, our future revenue, cash flows and prospects for profitability will suffer.
Current and future legislation may increase the difficulty and cost of commercializing drug candidates and may affect the prices that can be charged if drug candidates are approved for commercialization.
In the U.S. and some foreign jurisdictions, there have been a number of adopted and proposed legislative and regulatory changes regarding the healthcare system that could prevent or delay regulatory approval of drug candidates, restrict or regulate post-marketing activities and affect the ability to profitably sell any drug candidates for which regulatory approval is obtained.
In the U.S., the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (“MMA”) changed the way Medicare covers and pays for pharmaceutical products. Cost reduction initiatives and other provisions of this legislation could limit the coverage and reimbursement rate that we receive for any of our approved products. While the MMA only applies to drug benefits for Medicare beneficiaries, private 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, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively the “PPACA”), was enacted. The PPACA was intended to broaden access to health insurance, reduce or constrain the growth of healthcare spending, enhance remedies against healthcare fraud and abuse, add new transparency requirements for healthcare and health insurance industries, impose new taxes and fees on the health industry and impose additional health policy reforms. The PPACA increased manufacturers’ rebate liability under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program by increasing the minimum rebate amount for both branded and generic drugs and revised the definition of “average manufacturer price”, which may also increase the amount of Medicaid drug rebates manufacturers are required to pay to states. The legislation also expanded Medicaid drug rebates and created an alternative rebate formula for certain new formulations of certain existing products that is intended to increase the rebates due on those drugs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”), which administers the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, also has proposed to expand Medicaid rebates to the utilization that occurs in the territories of the U.S., such as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Further, beginning in 2011, the PPACA imposed a significant annual fee on companies that manufacture or import branded prescription drug products and required manufacturers to provide a discount, equal to 70% off, effective as of 2019, the negotiated price of prescriptions filled by beneficiaries in the Medicare Part D coverage gap, referred to as the “donut hole.” Legislative and regulatory proposals have been introduced at both the state and federal level to expand post-approval requirements and restrict sales and promotional activities for pharmaceutical products.
Moreover, payment methodologies may be subject to changes in healthcare legislation and regulatory initiatives. For example, CMS may develop new payment and delivery models, such as bundled payment models. In addition, recently there has been heightened governmental scrutiny over the manner in which manufacturers set prices for their marketed products, which has resulted in several U.S. Congressional inquiries and proposed and enacted federal and state legislation designed to, among other things, bring more transparency to drug pricing, reduce the cost of prescription drugs under government payor programs, and review the relationship between pricing and manufacturer patient programs. We also expect that additional U.S. federal healthcare reform measures will be adopted in the future, any of which could limit the amounts that the U.S. federal government will pay for healthcare products and services, which could result in reduced demand for our drug candidates, if approved for commercialization.
In Europe, the United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union on January 31, 2020, and entered into a transition period that expired on December 31, 2020. A significant portion of the previous regulatory framework in the United Kingdom was derived from the regulations of the European Union. In 2021, the United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and the European Medicines Agency released guidance explaining the new regulatory framework. We cannot predict the consequences or impact that the new regulatory framework will have on our future operations, if any, in these jurisdictions.
In addition, on August 16, 2022, former President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which, among other things, includes policies that are designed to have a direct impact on drug prices and reduce drug spending by the federal government, which took effect in 2023. Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Congress authorized Medicare beginning in 2026 to negotiate lower prices for certain costly single-source drug and biologic products that do not have competing generics or biosimilars. This provision is limited in terms of the number of pharmaceuticals whose prices can be negotiated in any given year and it only applies to drug products that have been approved for at least 9 years and biologics that have been licensed for 13 years. Drugs and biologics that have been approved for a single rare disease or condition are categorically excluded from price negotiation. Further, the new legislation provides that if pharmaceutical companies raise prices in Medicare faster than the rate of inflation, they must pay rebates back to the government for the difference. The new law also capped Medicare out-of-pocket drug costs at an estimated $2,000 a year.
Changes in government funding for the FDA, the SEC and other government agencies could hinder their ability to hire and retain key leadership and other personnel, properly administer drug innovation, or prevent our potential product candidates from being developed or commercialized in a timely manner or otherwise prevent those agencies from performing normal business functions on which the operation of our business may rely, which could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The ability of the FDA to review and approve new products, to provide feedback on clinical trials and development programs, to meet with sponsors and to otherwise review regulatory submissions can be affected by a variety of factors, including government budget and funding levels, reductions in workforce, ability to hire and retain key personnel, and statutory, regulatory and policy changes. In addition, there may be delays in necessary interactions with regulators, ethics committees and other important agencies and contractors due to limitations in employee resources or forced furlough of government or contractor personnel. Average review times at the agency have fluctuated in recent years as a result. In addition, government funding of other agencies that fund research and development activities is subject to the political process, which is inherently fluid and unpredictable. In addition, government shutdowns, if prolonged, could significantly impact the ability of government agencies upon which rely, such as the FDA and SEC, to timely review and process our regulatory submissions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
In December 2016, the 21st Century Cures Act was signed into law. This legislation is designed to advance medical innovation and empower the FDA with the authority to directly hire positions related to drug and device development and review. However, government proposals to reduce or eliminate budgetary deficits may include reduced allocations to the FDA and other related government agencies.
These budgetary pressures may result in a reduced ability by the FDA to perform its roles, including the related impact to academic institutions and research laboratories whose funding is fully or partially dependent on both the level and timing of funding from government sources.
Disruptions at the FDA and other agencies may also slow the time necessary for our potential product candidates to be reviewed or approved by necessary government agencies, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, over the past decade, the U.S. government has shut down several times, and certain regulatory agencies, such as the FDA and the SEC, have had to furlough critical employees and stop critical activities. If a prolonged government shutdown occurs, it could significantly impact the ability of the FDA to timely review and process our regulatory submissions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Further, future government shutdowns could impact our ability to access the public markets and obtain necessary capital in order to properly capitalize and continue to fund our operations.
Finally, with the change in U.S. presidential administrations in 2025, there is substantial uncertainty as to how, if at all, the new administration will seek to modify or revise the requirements and policies of the FDA and other regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over our potential product candidates. The impending uncertainty could present new challenges or potential opportunities as we navigate the clinical development and approval process for our potential product candidates. If we or our collaborators experience delays in obtaining approval or if we or they fail to obtain approval of our potential product candidates, the commercial prospects for our potential product candidates may be harmed and our ability to generate revenue will be materially impaired.
Furthermore, the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2024 decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which overturned the long-standing Chevron doctrine that required courts to give deference to regulatory agencies’ reasonable interpretations of ambiguous federal statutes, could result in additional legal challenges to regulations and guidance issued by federal agencies, including the FDA, on which we rely. The Loper decision may result in increased regulatory uncertainty, inconsistent judicial interpretations and other impacts to the agency rule-making process, any of which could adversely impact our business and operations. We cannot predict the likelihood, nature or extent of government regulation that may arise from future legislation or administrative action or as a result of legal challenges, either in the United States or abroad. If we are slow or unable to adapt to changes in existing requirements or the adoption of new requirements or policies, or if we are not able to maintain regulatory compliance, our business could be materially harmed.
Risks Related to Our Capital Requirements, Finances and Operations
Management has performed an analysis and concluded that substantial doubt exists about our ability to continue as a going concern. Separately, our independent registered public accounting firm has included in its opinion for the year ended March 31, 2025 an explanatory paragraph expressing substantial doubt in our ability to continue as a going concern, which may hinder our ability to obtain future financing.
Our financial statements as of March 31, 2025 have been prepared under the assumption that we will continue as a going concern for the next twelve months. Management has performed an analysis and concluded that substantial doubt exists about our ability to continue as a going concern. Separately, our independent registered public accounting firm included in its opinion for the year ended March 31, 2025 an explanatory paragraph referring to our recurring losses from operations and expressing substantial doubt in our ability to continue as a going concern without additional capital becoming available. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to obtain additional equity or debt financing, obtain government grants, reduce expenditures, and generate significant revenue. Our financial statements as of March 31, 2025 do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. The reaction of investors to the inclusion of a going concern statement by management and our auditors, and our potential inability to continue as a going concern, in future years could materially adversely affect our share price and our ability to raise new capital or enter into strategic alliances.
We have a history of operating losses and expect to incur significant additional operating losses.
As of March 31, 2025, we had total current assets of approximately $12.1 million and current liabilities of approximately $3.7 million, resulting in working capital of $8.4 million. We have generated operating losses each year since we began operations, including $12.6 million and $15.1 million for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. As of March 31, 2025, we had an accumulated deficit of $342.2 million. We expect to incur substantial additional operating losses over the next several years as our research and development activities increase.
The amount of future losses and when, if ever, we will achieve profitability are uncertain. Our ability to generate revenue and achieve profitability will depend on, among other things:
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successfully building a services platform supported by adoption by pharmaceutical and biotech companies to support their development efforts; entering into collaboration or licensing arrangements with pharmaceutical companies to further develop and conduct clinical trials for any drug candidates we identify;
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successfully developing human tissues and disease models for drug discovery and development that enable us to identify drug candidates;
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successfully outsourcing certain portions of our development efforts;
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obtaining any necessary regulatory approvals for any drug candidates we identify; and
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raising sufficient funds to finance our activities and long-term business plan.
We might not succeed at any of these undertakings. If we are unsuccessful at one or more of these undertakings, our business, prospects, and results of operations will be materially adversely affected. We may never generate significant revenue, and even if we do generate significant revenue, we may never achieve profitability.
Our quarterly operating results may vary, which could negatively affect the market price of our common stock.
Our results of operations in any quarter may vary from quarter to quarter and are influenced by such factors as expenses related to:
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evaluating and implementing strategic alternatives, technology licensing opportunities, potential collaborations, and other strategic transactions;
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research and development expenditures, including commencement of preclinical studies and clinical trials;
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the timing of the hiring of new employees, which may require payments of signing, retention or similar bonuses; and
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changes in costs related to the general global economy.
We believe that operating results for any particular quarter are not necessarily a meaningful indication of future results. Nonetheless, fluctuations in our quarterly operating results could negatively affect the market price of our common stock.
We may identify material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting in the future that may cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations or result in material misstatements of our financial statements.
Our management team 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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 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 annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
We cannot assure you that we will not have material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting. If we identify any material weaknesses or significant deficiencies that may exist, the accuracy and timing of our financial reporting may be adversely affected, we may be unable to maintain compliance with securities law requirements regarding timely filing of periodic reports in addition to applicable stock exchange listing requirements, and our stock price may decline materially as a result.
The anticipated benefits of the sale of our FXR program may not be fully realized as we may not receive some or all of the potential milestone payments related to the sale of our FXR program.
On March 25, 2025, we sold our FXR program and related assets to Eli Lilly and Company (the “FXR Asset Sale”). The consideration for the FXR Asset Sale included potential milestone payments by Eli Lilly and Company of up to $50.0 million in the aggregate, which are contingent upon the achievement of certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones. There can be no assurance that we will be entitled to receive any milestone payments, and there is risk that any or all of the milestone events may not be achieved, that disagreements may occur regarding the achievement of such milestones and that any or all of the payments tied to the achievement of the milestone events might not be received.
Future strategic investments could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations if we fail to achieve the desired returns on our investment.
Our ability to benefit from future external strategic investments depends on our ability to successfully conduct due diligence, evaluate prospective opportunities, and buy the equity of our target investments at acceptable market prices. Our failure in any of these tasks could result in unforeseen loses associated with the strategic investments.
We may also discover deficiencies in internal controls, data adequacy and integrity, product quality, regulatory compliance, product liabilities or other undisclosed liabilities that we did not uncover prior to our investment, which could result in us becoming subject asset impairments, including potential loss of our investment capital. In addition, if we do not achieve the anticipated benefits of an external investment as rapidly as expected, or at all, investors or analysts may downgrade our stock.
We also expect to continue to carry out strategic investments that we believe are necessary to expand our business. There are no assurances that such initiatives will yield favorable results for us. Accordingly, if these initiatives are not successful, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. If these risks materialize, our stock price could be materially adversely affected. Any difficulties in such investments could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business could be adversely impacted if we are unable to retain our executive officers and other key personnel.
Our future success will depend to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of our key personnel, especially our executive officers. We do not currently have long-term employment agreements with our executive officers or our other key personnel, and there is no guarantee that our executive officers or key personnel will remain employed with us. Moreover, we have not obtained key man life insurance that would provide us with proceeds in the event of the death, disability or incapacity of any of our executive officers or other key personnel. Further, the process of attracting and retaining suitable replacements for any executive officers and other key personnel we lose in the future would result in transition costs and would divert the attention of other members of our senior management from our existing operations. Additionally, such a loss could be negatively perceived in the capital markets. Finally, our Executive Chairman also provides services to Viscient Biosciences, Inc. (“Viscient”). He provides services to us and Viscient and does not dedicate all of his time to us, as disclosed in our filings, and we may therefore compete with Viscient for the time commitments of our Executive Chairman from time to time.
We may be subject to security breaches or other cybersecurity incidents that could compromise our information and expose us to liability.
We routinely collect and store sensitive data (such as intellectual property, proprietary business information and personally identifiable information) for ourselves, our employees and our suppliers and customers. We make significant efforts to maintain the security and integrity of our computer systems and networks and to protect this information. However, like other companies in our industry, our networks and infrastructure may be vulnerable to cyber-attacks or intrusions, including by computer hackers, foreign governments, foreign companies or competitors, or may be breached by employee error, malfeasance or other disruption. Any such breach could result in unauthorized access to (or disclosure of) sensitive, proprietary or confidential information of ours, our employees or our suppliers or customers, and/or loss or damage to our data. Any such unauthorized access, disclosure, or loss of information could cause competitive harm, result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, and/or cause reputational harm.
Compliance with global privacy and data security requirements could result in additional costs and liabilities to us or inhibit our ability to collect and process data globally, and the failure to comply with such requirements could subject us to significant fines and penalties, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The regulatory framework for the collection, use, safeguarding, sharing, transfer, and other processing of information worldwide is rapidly evolving and is likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. Globally, virtually every jurisdiction in which we operate has established its own data security and privacy frameworks with which we must comply. For example, the collection, use, disclosure, transfer, or other processing of personal data regarding individuals in the European Union, including personal health data, is subject to the EU General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”), which took effect across all member states of the European Economic Area (the “EEA”) in May 2018. The GDPR is wide-ranging in scope and imposes numerous requirements on companies that process personal data, including requirements relating to processing health and other sensitive data, obtaining consent of the individuals to whom the personal data relates, providing information to individuals regarding data processing activities, implementing safeguards to protect the security and confidentiality of personal data, providing notification of data breaches, and taking certain measures when engaging third-party processors. The GDPR increases our obligations with respect to clinical trials conducted in the EEA by expanding the definition of personal data to include coded data and requiring changes to informed consent practices and more detailed notices for clinical trial subjects and investigators. The GDPR increases our obligations with respect to clinical trials conducted in the EEA by expanding the definition of personal data to include coded data and requiring changes to informed consent practices and more detailed notices for clinical trial subjects and investigators. In addition, the GDPR imposes strict rules on the transfer of personal data to countries outside the European Union, including the United States, and, as a result, increases the scrutiny that clinical trial sites located in the EEA should apply to transfers of personal data from such sites to countries that are considered to lack an adequate level of data protection, such as the United States. The GDPR also permits data protection authorities to require destruction of improperly gathered or used personal data and/or impose substantial fines for violations of the GDPR, which can be up to four percent of global revenues or 20 million Euros, whichever is greater, and it also confers a private right of action on data subjects and consumer associations to lodge complaints with supervisory authorities, seek judicial remedies, and obtain compensation for damages resulting from violations of the GDPR. In addition, the GDPR provides that European Union member states may make their own further laws and regulations limiting the processing of personal data, including genetic, biometric or health data.
The European Data Protection Board continues to release guidelines for industries and impose fines related to the GDPR, some of which have been very significant. To improve coordination among EU supervisory authorities, the European Commission has proposed a new regulation that would help to streamline enforcement of the GDPR in cross-border cases. Meanwhile, there continues to be persistent uncertainty relating to the transfer of personal data from Europe to the U.S., or other non-adequate countries, following the Schrems II decision. On July 10, 2023, the European Commission adopted its adequacy decision on the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (the “DPF”). The decision, which took effect on the day of its adoption, concludes that the United States ensures an adequate level of protection for personal data transferred from the EEA to companies certified to the DPF. However, it remains too soon to tell how the future of the DPF will evolve and what impact it will have on our international activities. At least one challenge to the DPF is pending before the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Further, Brexit has led to, and could continue to lead to legislative and regulatory changes, which may increase our compliance costs. As of January 1, 2021 and the expiry of transitional arrangements agreed to between the United Kingdom and the European Union, data processing in the United Kingdom is governed by a United Kingdom version of the GDPR (combining the GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018), exposing us to two parallel regimes, each of which authorizes similar fines and other potentially divergent enforcement actions for certain violations. On June 28, 2021, the European Commission adopted an Adequacy Decision for the United Kingdom, allowing for the relatively free exchange of personal data between the European Union and the United Kingdom (as the United Kingdom correspondingly allows transfer back to the EU). However, the European Commission may suspend the Adequacy Decision if it considers that the United Kingdom no longer provides for an adequate level of data protection. A bill to amend the existing UK framework has been reintroduced (in a different form) by the new UK Government and was announced as a bill which will be introduced into Parliament at the King’s Speech on July 17, 2024. At this time, there is no specific clarity on the provisions of the bill, or the extent to which it will amend the UK framework, beyond general descriptions on its intended purpose. Other jurisdictions outside the European Union are similarly introducing or enhancing privacy and data security laws, rules and regulations.
Similar actions are either in place or under way in the United States. There are a broad variety of data protection and breach notification laws that are applicable to our activities, and a wide range of enforcement agencies at both the state and federal levels that can review companies for privacy and data security concerns based on general consumer protection laws. Each of these laws is subject to varying interpretations and the legislative landscape is constantly evolving and the Federal Trade Commission and state Attorneys General all are aggressive in reviewing privacy and data security protections for consumers. At the federal level, for example, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) which establishes privacy and security standards that limit the use and disclosure of individually identifiable health information, or protected health information, and require the implementation of administrative, physical and technological safeguards to protect the privacy of protected health information and ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of electronic protected health information. We may obtain health information from third parties (including research institutions from which we obtain clinical trial data) that are subject to privacy and security requirements under HIPAA. Depending on the facts and circumstances, we could be subject to civil, criminal, and administrative penalties if we knowingly obtain, use, or disclose individually identifiable health information maintained by a HIPAA-covered entity in a manner that is not authorized or permitted by HIPAA. Requirements for compliance under HIPAA are also subject to change, as the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights issued a proposed rule that would amend certain security compliance requirements for covered entities and business associates.
New laws also are being considered at both the state and federal levels and several states have passed comprehensive privacy laws. For example, the California Consumer Privacy Act — which went into effect on January 1, 2020 — is creating similar risks and obligations as those created by the GDPR, though the California Consumer Privacy Act does exempt certain information collected as part of a clinical trial subject to the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects (the Common Rule). As of January 1, 2023, the California Consumer Privacy Act (as amended and expanded by the California Privacy Rights Act) is in full effect, with enforcement by California’s dedicated privacy enforcement agency expected to start later in 2023. While California was first among the states in adopting comprehensive data privacy legislation similar to the GDPR, many other states are following suit. Similar laws passed in Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and Utah took effect in 2023 while laws in Oregon, Montana, and Texas went into effect in 2024. Additionally, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Tennessee have adopted privacy laws, which took or take effect from January 1, 2025 through 2026. Some state laws also minimize what data can be collected from consumers and how businesses may use and disclose it. These state privacy laws also require businesses to make disclosures to consumers about data collection, use and sharing practices. In addition, some of these laws (including the California Privacy Rights Act), along with other standalone health privacy laws, subject health-related information to additional safeguards and disclosures and some specifically regulate consumer health data, such as the Washington My Health My Data Act, which became effective in 2023 and 2024, Nevada's Consumer Health Data Privacy Law, which became effective in 2024, and Connecticut's amendments to its privacy law to address health data, which became effective in 2023. Additionally, a broad range of legislative measures also have been introduced at the federal level. Accordingly, failure to comply with federal and state laws (both those currently in effect and future legislation) regarding privacy and security of personal data could expose us to fines and penalties under such laws. There also is the threat of consumer class actions related to these laws and the overall protection of personal data. This is particularly true with respect to data security incidents, and sensitive personal data, including health and biometric data. Even if we are not determined to have violated these laws, government investigations into these issues typically require the expenditure of significant resources and generate negative publicity, which could harm our reputation and business.
Given the breadth and depth of changes in data protection obligations, preparing for and complying with these requirements is rigorous and time intensive and requires significant resources and a review of our technologies, systems and practices, as well as those of any third-party collaborators, service providers, contractors or consultants that process or transfer personal data collected in the European Union. The GDPR, new state privacy laws and other changes in laws or regulations associated with the enhanced protection of certain types of sensitive data, such as healthcare data or other personal data from our clinical trials, and access to certain data such as the European Health Data Space Regulation, could require us to change our business practices and put in place additional compliance mechanisms, may interrupt or delay our development, regulatory and commercialization activities and increase our cost of doing business, and could lead to government enforcement actions, private litigation and significant fines and penalties against us and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We and our partners may be subject to stringent privacy laws, information security laws, regulations, policies and contractual obligations related to data privacy and security, and changes in such laws, regulations, policies or how they are interpreted or changes in contractual obligations could adversely affect our business.
There are numerous U.S. federal and state data privacy and protection laws and regulations that apply to the collection, transmission, processing, storage and use of personally-identifying information, which among other things, impose certain requirements relating to the privacy, security and transmission of personal information. The legislative and regulatory landscape for privacy and data protection continues to evolve in jurisdictions worldwide, and there has been an increasing focus on privacy and data protection issues with the potential to affect our business. Failure to comply with any of these laws and regulations could result in enforcement action against us, including fines, imprisonment of company officials and public censure, claims for damages by affected individuals, damage to our reputation and loss of goodwill, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.
If we are unable to properly protect the privacy and security of health-related information or other sensitive or confidential information in our possession, we could be found to have breached our contracts. Further, if we fail to comply with applicable privacy laws, including applicable HIPAA privacy and security standards, we could face significant administrative, civil and criminal penalties. Enforcement activity can also result in financial liability and reputational harm, and responses to such enforcement activity can consume significant internal resources. In addition, state attorneys general are authorized to bring civil actions seeking either injunctions or damages in response to violations that threaten the privacy of state residents.
We may experience conflicts of interest with Viscient Biosciences, Inc. with respect to business opportunities and other matters.
Keith Murphy, our Executive Chairman, is the Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and principal stockholder of Viscient, a private company that he founded in 2017 that is focused on drug discovery and development utilizing 3D tissue technology and multi-omics (genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics).
In addition, Adam Stern, Douglas Jay Cohen and David Gobel (through the Methuselah Foundation and the Methuselah Fund), members of our board of directors, have invested funds through a convertible promissory note in Viscient, but do not serve as an employee, officer or director of Viscient. Additional members of our Research and Development organization also work at Viscient, and we expect that additional employees or consultants of ours will also be employees of or consultants to Viscient. We use certain Viscient-owned facilities and equipment and allow Viscient to use certain of our facilities and equipment. During fiscal 2025, we provided services to Viscient, and we expect to continue to provide services to Viscient and enter into additional agreements with Viscient in the future.
In addition, we license, as well as cross-license, certain intellectual property to and from Viscient and expect to continue to do so in the future. In particular, pursuant to an Asset Purchase and Non-Exclusive Patent License Agreement with Viscient, dated November 6, 2019, as amended, we have provided a paid up, worldwide, irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive license to Viscient under certain of our patents and know-how to (a) make, have made, use, sell, offer to sell, import and otherwise exploit the inventions and subject matter covered by certain patents regarding certain bioprinter devices and bioprinting methods, engineered liver tissues, engineered renal tissues, engineered intestinal tissue and engineered tissue for in vitro research use, (b) to use and internally repair the bioprinters, and (c) to make additional bioprinters for internal use only in connection with drug discovery and development research, target identification and validation, compound screening, preclinical safety, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicology (ADMET) studies, and in vitro research to complement clinical development of a therapeutic compound. Although we have entered, and expect to enter, into agreements and arrangements that we believe appropriately govern the ownership of intellectual property created by joint employees or consultants of Viscient and/or using our or Viscient’s facilities or equipment, it is possible that we may disagree with Viscient as to the ownership of intellectual property created by shared employees or consultants, or using shared equipment or facilities.
On December 28, 2020, we entered into an intercompany agreement with Viscient and Organovo, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary (the “Intercompany Agreement”). Pursuant to the Intercompany Agreement and subsequent statements of work entered into pursuant thereto, we agreed to provide Viscient certain services related to 3D bioprinting technology, which includes, but is not limited to, histology services, cell isolation, and proliferation of cells, and Viscient agreed to provide us certain services related to 3D bioprinting technology, including bioprinter training, bioprinting services, and qPCR assays, in each case on payment terms specified in the Intercompany Agreement and as may be further determined by the parties. In addition, Viscient and we each agreed to share certain facilities and equipment and, subject to further agreement, to each make certain employees available for specified projects to the other party at prices to be determined in good faith by the parties. During the second quarter of fiscal 2025 and first quarter of fiscal 2026, the companies added Statements of Work to the Intercompany Agreement, where Viscient agreed to provide us with certain testing services related to our ongoing research and development. Under the Intercompany Agreement, each party will retain its own prior intellectual property and will obtain new intellectual property rights within their respectively defined fields of use.
Due to the interrelated nature of Viscient with us, conflicts of interest may arise with respect to transactions involving business dealings between us and Viscient, potential acquisitions of businesses or products, the development and ownership of technologies and products, the sale of products, markets and other matters in which our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders may conflict with the best interests of the stockholders of Viscient. In addition, we and Viscient may disagree regarding the interpretation of certain terms of the arrangements we previously entered into with Viscient or may enter into in the future. We cannot guarantee that any conflict of interest will be resolved in our favor, or that, with respect to our transactions with Viscient, we will negotiate terms that are as favorable to us as if such transactions were with another third-party. In addition, an executive that provides services to us and Viscient may not dedicate all of such executive’s time to us and we may therefore compete with Viscient for the time commitments of our executive officer from time to time.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock and Liquidity Risks
We could fail to maintain the listing of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market, which could seriously harm the liquidity of our stock and our ability to raise capital or complete a strategic transaction.
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) has established continued listing requirements, including a requirement to maintain a minimum closing bid price of at least $1 per share. If a company trades for 30 consecutive business days below such minimum closing bid price, it will receive a deficiency notice from Nasdaq. Assuming it is in compliance with the other continued listing requirements, Nasdaq would provide such company a period of 180 calendar days in which to regain compliance by maintaining a closing bid price at least $1 per share for a minimum of ten consecutive business days. There can be no assurance that we will continue to maintain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement or other listing requirements necessary for us to maintain the listing of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
On July 18, 2024, we received a written notice from the Listing Qualifications Staff (the "Staff") of Nasdaq indicating that, based upon the closing bid price of our common stock for the last 30 consecutive business days, we no longer met the requirement to maintain a minimum bid price of $1 per share, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (“Rule 5550(a)(2)”). In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), we were provided an initial period of 180 calendar days, or until January 14, 2025, to regain compliance.
On January 16, 2025, the Staff provided a notice to us (the “Nasdaq Notice”) that we had not regained compliance with Rule 5550(a)(2) and were not eligible for a second 180 calendar day compliance period as we did not comply with the requirements for initial listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. The Nasdaq Notice further indicated that, unless we timely requested a hearing before a Hearings Panel (the “Hearings Panel”), our common stock would be subject to delisting. We timely requested a hearing, which automatically stayed any delisting or suspension action pending the hearing and the expiration of any extension period granted by the Hearings Panel following the hearing.
On February 19, 2025, we received a written notice from the Staff of Nasdaq indicating that, since our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2024 reported stockholders’ equity of $364,000, and as of February 19, 2025, we did not meet the alternatives of market value of listed securities or net income from continuing operations, we no longer met the requirement to maintain a minimum of $2,500,000 in stockholders’ equity, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1) (“Rule 5550(b)(1)”).
On March 21, 2025, we effected a 1-for-12 reverse stock split of our common stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”). On March 27, 2025, the Hearings Panel granted us an exception until April 15, 2025 to demonstrate compliance with Rule 5550(a)(2) and Rule 5550(b)(1). On April 30, 2025, we received a letter from Nasdaq (the “April 30, 2025 Letter”) notifying us that we had demonstrated compliance with Rule 5550(a)(2) and Rule 5550(b)(1) as required by the Hearings Panel’s March 27, 2025 decision. We will be subject to a Mandatory Panel Monitor for a period of one year from the date of the April 30, 2025 Letter pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5815(d)(4)(B). If, within that one-year monitoring period, the Staff finds us again out of compliance with Rule 5550(b)(1), notwithstanding Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(2), we will not be permitted to provide the Staff with a plan of compliance with respect to that deficiency and the Staff will not be permitted to grant additional time for us to regain compliance with respect to that deficiency, nor will we be afforded an applicable cure or compliance period pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3). Instead, the Staff will issue a Delist Determination Letter and we will have an opportunity to request a new hearing with the initial Hearings Panel or a newly convened Hearings Panel if the initial Hearings Panel is unavailable. We will have the opportunity to respond/present to the Hearings Panel as provided by Nasdaq Listing Rule 5815(d)(4)(C). Our securities may be at that time delisted from Nasdaq.
A delisting from Nasdaq and commencement of trading on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board would likely result in a reduction in some or all of the following, each of which could have a material adverse effect on stockholders:
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the liquidity of our common stock;
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the market price of our common stock (and the accompanying valuation of our Company);
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our ability to obtain financing or complete a strategic transaction;
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the number of institutional and other investors that will consider investing in shares of our common stock;
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the number of market markers or broker-dealers for our common stock; and
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the availability of information concerning the trading prices and volume of shares of our common stock.
There is no assurance that an active market in our common stock will continue at present levels or increase in the future.
Our common stock is currently traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market, but there is no assurance that an active market in our common stock will continue at present levels or increase in the future. As a result, an investor may find it difficult to dispose of our common stock on the timeline and at the volumes they desire. This factor limits the liquidity of our common stock and may have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock and on our ability to raise additional capital.
The price of our common stock may continue to be volatile, which could lead to losses by investors and costly securities litigation.
The trading price of our common stock is likely to be highly volatile and could fluctuate in response to factors such as:
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announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;
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our ability to execute on our new strategic plan;
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reduced government funding for research and development activities;
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actual or anticipated variations in our operating results;
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adoption of new accounting standards affecting our industry; additions or departures of key personnel;
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sales of our common stock or other securities in the open market;
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degree of coverage of securities analysts and reports and recommendations issued by securities analysts regarding our business;
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volume fluctuations in the trading of our common stock; and
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other events or factors, many of which are beyond our control.
The stock market is subject to significant price and volume fluctuations. The trading price of our common stock is, and is likely to continue to be, volatile. For example, during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, our closing stock price ranged from $2.24 to $16.20 per share. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been initiated against such a company. Litigation initiated against us, whether or not successful, could result in substantial costs and diversion of our management’s attention and resources, which could harm our business and financial condition.
Investors may experience dilution of their ownership interests because of the future issuance of additional shares of our capital stock.
We are authorized to issue 200,000,000 shares of common stock and 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock. As of March 31, 2025, there were an aggregate of 1,898,068 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding and available for issuance on a fully diluted basis and no shares of preferred stock outstanding. That total for our common stock includes 348,419 shares of our common stock that may be issued upon the vesting of restricted stock units, the exercise of outstanding stock options, or is available for issuance under our equity incentive plans, and 3,708 shares of common stock that may be issued through our 2023 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and 539,060 shares of our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of outstanding warrants.
In the future, we may issue additional authorized but previously unissued equity securities to raise funds to support our continued operations and to implement our business plan. We may also issue additional shares of our capital stock or other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for our capital stock in connection with hiring or retaining employees, future acquisitions, or for other business purposes. If we raise additional funds from the issuance of equity securities, substantial dilution to our existing stockholders may result. In addition, the future issuance of any such additional shares of capital stock may create downward pressure on the trading price of our common stock. There can be no assurance that we will not be required to issue additional shares, warrants or other convertible securities in the future in conjunction with any capital raising efforts, including at a price (or exercise prices) below the price at which shares of our common stock is currently traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Moreover, depending on market conditions, we cannot be sure that additional financing will be available when needed or that, if available, financing will be obtained on terms favorable to us or to our stockholders.
We do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future.
We have paid no dividends on our common stock to date and it is not anticipated that any dividends will be paid to holders of our common stock in the foreseeable future. While our future dividend policy will be based on the operating results and capital needs of our business, it is currently anticipated that any earnings will be retained to finance our future expansion and for the implementation of our business plan. As an investor, you should take note of the fact that a lack of a dividend can further affect the market value of our stock and could significantly affect the value of any investment.
Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents and Delaware law may discourage or prevent a change of control, even if an acquisition would be beneficial to our stockholders, which could affect our stock price adversely and prevent attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management.
Our Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (“Certificate of Incorporation”), and Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended (“Bylaws”) contain provisions that could delay or prevent a change of control of our Company or changes in our board of directors that our stockholders might consider favorable. Some of these provisions:
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authorize the issuance of preferred stock which can be created and issued by our board of directors without prior stockholder approval, with rights senior to those of the common stock;
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provide for a classified board of directors, with each director serving a staggered three-year term;
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provide that each director may be removed by the stockholders only for cause;
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prohibit our stockholders from filling board vacancies, calling special stockholder meetings, or taking action by written consent; and
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require advance written notice of stockholder proposals and director nominations.
In addition, we are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which may prohibit certain business combinations with stockholders owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock. These and other provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and Delaware law could make it more difficult for stockholders or potential acquirers to obtain control of our board of directors or initiate actions that are opposed by our then-current board of directors, including delaying or impeding a merger, tender offer, or proxy contest involving our Company. Any delay or prevention of a change of control transaction or changes in our board of directors could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.
Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property
If we are not able to adequately protect our proprietary rights, our business could be harmed.
Our success will depend to a significant extent on our ability to obtain patents and maintain adequate protection for our technologies, intellectual property and products and service offerings in the United States and other countries. If we do not protect our intellectual property adequately, competitors may be able to use our technologies and gain a competitive advantage.
To protect our products and technologies, we, and our collaborators and licensors, must prosecute and maintain existing patents, obtain new patents and pursue other intellectual property protection. Our existing patents and any future patents we obtain may not be sufficiently broad to prevent others from using our technologies or from developing competing products and technologies. Changes in either the patent laws or interpretations of patent laws in the United States and other countries may also affect the value of our licensed or owned intellectual property or create uncertainty. Moreover, the patent positions of many biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies are highly uncertain, involve complex legal and factual questions and have in recent years been the subject of much litigation. As a result, we cannot guarantee that:
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any patent applications filed by us will issue as patents;
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third parties will not challenge our proprietary rights, and if challenged that a court or an administrative board of a patent office will hold that our patents are valid and enforceable;
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third parties will not independently develop similar or alternative technologies or duplicate any of our technologies by inventing around our claims;
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any patents issued to us will cover our technology and products as ultimately developed;
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we will develop additional proprietary technologies that are patentable;
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the patents of others will not have an adverse effect on our business; or
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as issued patents expire, we will not lose some competitive advantage.
As previously disclosed, we have recommenced certain historical operations and are now focusing our future efforts on developing highly customized 3D human tissues as living, dynamic models for healthy and diseased human biology for drug development. These tissues will be used to provide testing of drugs and drug candidates to our partners. We offer partners liver and intestinal toxicology insights using our new approach methodologies ("NAM") models. Previously, we focused our efforts on developing our in vivo liver tissues to treat end-stage liver disease and a select group of life-threatening, orphan diseases, for which there were limited treatment options other than organ transplant. We also explored the development of other potential pipeline in vivo tissue constructs. As we focus our business on developing highly customized 3D human tissues as part of a services platform, we may sell, discontinue, adjust or abandon certain patents and patent applications relating to our historical operations. There can be no assurance that we will be successful at such efforts or sell or otherwise monetize such assets on acceptable terms, if at all. There is also no guarantee that our remaining patents will be sufficiently broad to prevent others from using our technologies or from developing competing products and technologies.
We may not be able to protect our intellectual property rights throughout the world.
Certain foreign jurisdictions have an absolute requirement of novelty that renders any public disclosure of an invention immediately fatal to patentability in such jurisdictions. Therefore, there is a risk that we may not be able to protect some of our intellectual property in the United States or abroad due to disclosures, which we may not be aware of, by our collaborators or licensors. Some foreign jurisdictions prohibit certain types of patent claims, such as “method-of-treatment/use-type” claims; thus, the scope of protection available to us in such jurisdictions is limited.
Moreover, filing, prosecuting and defending patents on all of our potential products and technologies throughout the world would be prohibitively expensive. Competitors may use our technologies in jurisdictions where we have not sought or 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 that in the United States. These products may compete with our future 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 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 in violation of our proprietary rights generally. Proceedings to enforce our patent rights in foreign jurisdictions could result in substantial cost and divert our efforts and attention from other aspects of our business.
Patents covering our products could be found invalid or unenforceable if challenged in court or before administrative bodies in the United States or abroad.
The issuance of a patent is not conclusive as to its inventorship, scope, validity or enforceability, and our patents may be challenged in the courts or patent offices in the United States and abroad. We may be subject to a third-party preissuance submission of prior art to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (the “USPTO”), or become involved in opposition, derivation, revocation, reexamination, post-grant and inter partes review (“IPR”), or interference proceedings or other similar proceedings challenging our patent rights. An adverse determination in any such submission, proceeding or litigation could reduce the scope of, or invalidate or render unenforceable, our patent rights, allow third parties to commercialize our technology or products 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. Moreover, we may have to participate in interference proceedings declared by the USPTO to determine priority of invention or in post-grant challenge proceedings, such as oppositions in a foreign patent office, that challenge our priority of invention or other features of patentability with respect to our patents and patent applications. Such challenges may result in loss of patent rights, in loss of exclusivity or in patent claims being narrowed, invalidated or held unenforceable, which could limit our ability to stop others from using or commercializing similar or identical technology and products, or limit the duration of the patent protection of our technology or products. Such proceedings also may result in substantial cost and require significant time from our scientists and management, even if the eventual outcome is favorable to us.
For example, our U.S. Patent Nos. 9,855,369 and 9,149,952, which relate to our bioprinter technology, were the subject of IPR proceedings filed by Cellink AB and its subsidiaries (collectively, “BICO Group AB”), one of our competitors. Likewise, U.S. Patent Nos. 9,149,952, 9,855,369, 8,931,880, 9,227,339, 9,315,043 and 10,967,560 (all assigned to Organovo, Inc.) and U.S. Patent Nos. 7,051,654, 8,241,905, 8,852,932 and 9,752,116 (assigned to Clemson University and the University of Missouri, respectively) were implicated in a declaratory judgment complaint filed against Organovo, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary, by BICO Group AB and certain of its subsidiaries in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. All of these matters were eventually settled in February 2022.
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. Patent litigation and other proceedings may also absorb significant management time. Uncertainties resulting from the initiation and continuation of patent litigation or other proceedings could impair our ability to compete in the marketplace. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We may become involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce our inventions, patents or other intellectual property or the patents of our licensors, which could be expensive and time consuming.
In addition, if we initiate legal proceedings against a third party to enforce a patent covering our products, the defendant could counterclaim that such patent is invalid or unenforceable. In patent litigation in the United States, defendant counterclaims alleging invalidity or unenforceability are commonplace. Grounds for a validity challenge could be an alleged failure to meet any of several statutory requirements, including lack of novelty, obviousness, or non-enablement. Grounds for an unenforceability assertion could be an allegation that someone connected with prosecution of the patent withheld relevant information from the USPTO or made a misleading statement during prosecution. Third parties may also raise claims challenging the validity or enforceability of our patents before administrative bodies in the United States or abroad, even outside the context of litigation, including through re-examination, post-grant review, IPR, interference proceedings, derivation proceedings and equivalent proceedings in foreign jurisdictions (e.g., opposition proceedings). Such proceedings could result in the revocation of, cancellation of or amendment to our patents in such a way that they no longer cover our products. The outcome following legal assertions of invalidity and unenforceability is unpredictable. With respect to the validity question, for example, we cannot be certain that there is no invalidating prior art, of which we and the patent examiner were unaware during prosecution. If a third party were to prevail on a legal assertion of invalidity or unenforceability, we would lose at least part, and perhaps all, of the patent protection on our products. Such a loss of patent protection would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We may be involved in lawsuits or other proceedings to protect or enforce our patents or the patents of our licensors, which could be expensive, time-consuming and unsuccessful.
Competitors may infringe our patents or the patents of our collaborators or licensors or our licensors may breach or otherwise prematurely terminate the provisions of our license agreements with them. To counter infringement or unauthorized use, we may be required to file infringement claims or lawsuits, which can be expensive and time-consuming. In addition, in an infringement proceeding, a court may decide that a patent of ours or our collaborators or licensors is not valid or is unenforceable or may refuse to stop the other party from using the technology at issue on the grounds that our patents do not cover the technology in question. An adverse result in any litigation or defense proceedings could put one or more of our patents at risk of being invalidated, held unenforceable, or interpreted narrowly and could put our other patent applications at risk of not issuing. Additionally, our licensors may continue to retain certain rights to use technologies licensed by us for research purposes. Patent disputes can take years to resolve, can be very costly and can result in loss of rights, injunctions or substantial penalties. Moreover, patent disputes and related proceedings can distract management’s attention and interfere with running our business.
Furthermore, because of the potential for substantial discovery in connection with intellectual property litigation, there is a risk that some of our confidential information could be compromised by disclosure during this type of litigation. In addition, there could be public announcements of the results of hearings, motions or other interim proceedings or developments which could harm our business.
As more companies file patents relating to bioprinters and bioprinted tissues, it is possible that patent claims relating to bioprinters or bioprinted human tissue may be asserted against us. In addition, the drug candidates we pursue may also be pursued by other companies, and it is possible that patent claims relating to such drug candidates may also be asserted against us. Any patent claims asserted against us could harm our business. Moreover, we may face claims from non-practicing entities, which have no relevant product revenue and against whom our own patent portfolio may have no deterrent effect. Any such claims, with or without merit, could be time-consuming to defend, result in costly litigation and diversion of resources, cause product shipment or delays or require us to enter into royalty or license agreements. These licenses may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all. Even if we are successful in defending such claims, infringement and other intellectual property litigation can be expensive and time-consuming to litigate and divert management’s attention from our core business. Any of these events could harm our business significantly.
Our current and future research, development and commercialization activities also must satisfy the obligations under our license agreements. Any disputes arising under our license agreements could be costly and distract our management from the conduct of our business. Moreover, premature termination of a license agreement could have an adverse impact on our business.
In addition to infringement claims against us, if third parties have prepared and filed patent applications in the United States that also claim technology to which we have rights, we may have to participate in interference proceedings in the USPTO to determine the priority of invention and opposition proceedings outside of the United States. An unfavorable outcome could require us to cease using the related technology or to attempt to license rights to it from the prevailing party.
Third parties may also attempt to initiate reexamination, post grant review or inter partes review of our patents or those of our collaborators or licensors in the PTO. We may also become involved in similar opposition proceedings in the European Patent Office or similar offices in other jurisdictions regarding our intellectual property rights with respect to our products and technology.
Changes in U.S. patent law or the patent law of other countries or jurisdictions could diminish the value of patents in general, thereby impairing our ability to protect our products.
As is the case with other biopharmaceutical companies, our success is heavily dependent on intellectual property, particularly patents. Obtaining and enforcing patents in the biopharmaceutical industry involves both technological and legal complexity and is costly, time-consuming and inherently uncertain. For example, on September 16, 2011, the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, or the Leahy-Smith Act, was signed into law. The Leahy-Smith Act included a number of significant changes to U.S. patent law, including provisions that affect the way patent applications will be prosecuted and that may also affect patent litigation. In particular, under the Leahy-Smith Act, the United States transitioned in March 2013 to a “first to file” system in which the first inventor to file a patent application is typically entitled to the patent. Third parties are allowed to submit prior art before the issuance of a patent by the USPTO, and may become involved in post-grant proceedings, including opposition, derivation, reexamination, inter partes review or interference proceedings challenging our patent rights or the patent rights of others. An adverse determination in any such submission, proceeding or litigation could reduce the scope or enforceability of, or invalidate, our patent rights, which could adversely affect our competitive position.
In addition, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled on several patent cases in recent years, either narrowing the scope of patent protection available in certain circumstances or weakening the rights of patent owners in certain situations. In addition to increasing uncertainty with regard to our ability to obtain patents in the future, this combination of events has created uncertainty with respect to the value of patents, once obtained. Depending on decisions by the U.S. Congress, the federal courts and the USPTO, the laws and regulations governing patents could change in unpredictable ways that would weaken our ability to obtain new patents or to enforce patents that we might obtain in the future.
Similarly, changes in patent law and regulations in other countries or jurisdictions or changes in the governmental bodies that enforce them or changes in how the relevant governmental authority enforces patent laws or regulations may weaken our ability to obtain new patents or to enforce patents that we have licensed or that we may obtain in the future. For example, the complexity and uncertainty of European patent laws have also increased in recent years. In Europe, in June 2023, a new unitary patent system was introduced, which will significantly impact European patents, including those granted before the introduction of the system. Under the unitary patent system, after a European patent is granted, the patent proprietor can request unitary effect, thereby getting a European patent with unitary Effect, or a Unitary Patent. Each Unitary Patent is subject to the jurisdiction of the Unitary Patent Court, or the UPC. As the UPC is a new court system, there is no precedent for the court, increasing the uncertainty of any litigation. Patents granted before the implementation of the UPC will have the option of opting out of the jurisdiction of the UPC and remaining as national patents in the UPC countries. Patents that remain under the jurisdiction of the UPC may be potentially vulnerable to a single UPC-based revocation challenge that, if successful, could invalidate the patent in all countries who are signatories to the UPC. We cannot predict with certainty the long-term effects of the new unitary patent system.
We depend on license agreements with University of Missouri for rights to use certain patents, pending applications, and know how. Failure to comply with or maintain obligations under these agreements and any related or other termination of these agreements could materially harm our business and prevent us from developing or commercializing new product candidates.
We are party to license agreements with University of Missouri under which we were granted exclusive rights to patents and patent applications that are important to our business and to our ability to develop and commercialize our 3D tissue products fabricated using our NovoGen Bioprinters. Our rights to use these patents and patent applications and employ the inventions claimed in these licensed patents are subject to the continuation of and our compliance with the terms of our license agreements. If we were to breach the terms of these license agreements and the agreements were terminated as a result, our ability to continue to develop and commercialize our NovoGen Bioprinters and 3D tissue products and to operate our business could be adversely impacted.
We may be unable to adequately prevent disclosure of trade secrets and other proprietary information.
In order to protect our proprietary and licensed technology and processes, we rely in part on confidentiality agreements with our corporate partners, employees, consultants, manufacturers, outside scientific collaborators and sponsored researchers and other advisors. These agreements may not effectively prevent disclosure of our confidential information and may not provide an adequate remedy in the event of unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. In addition, others may independently discover our trade secrets and proprietary information. Failure to obtain or maintain trade secret protection could adversely affect our competitive business position.
We may be subject to claims that our employees, consultants or independent contractors have wrongfully used or disclosed confidential information of third parties.
We employ or engage individuals who were previously employed at other biopharmaceutical companies. Although we have no knowledge of any such claims against us, we may be subject to claims that we or our employees, consultants or independent contractors have inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed confidential information of our employees’ former employers or other third parties. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these claims. There is no guarantee of success in defending these claims, and even if we are successful, litigation could result in substantial cost and be a distraction to our management and other employees. To date, none of our employees have been subject to such claims.
Risks Related to Litigation
Claims, litigation, government investigations and other proceedings may adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
We are, from time to time, involved in various claims, litigation matters and regulatory proceedings that could have a material adverse effect on us. These matters may include intellectual property disputes, contract disputes, employment and tax matters and other proceedings and litigation, including class action lawsuits. It is not possible to predict the outcome of pending or future litigation and any such claims, with or without merit, could be time consuming and expensive, and may require us to incur substantial costs and divert the resources of management.
For example, on August 27, 2024, H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC (“H.C. Wainwright”) filed a complaint against us in the State of New York alleging that we breached a tail financing provision included in an engagement agreement we entered into with H.C. Wainwright in May 2023. In its complaint, H.C. Wainwright is seeking compensatory and consequential damages and attorneys’ fees. On October 18, 2024, we filed an answer to the complaint.
We are defending these claims vigorously, but there is no guarantee that we will be successful in these efforts.
Determining legal reserves or possible losses from claims against us involves judgment and may not reflect the full range of uncertainties and unpredictable outcomes. Until the final resolution of such matters, we may be exposed to losses in excess of the amount recorded, and such excess amounts could have a material effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, it is possible that a resolution of any claim, including as a result of a settlement, could require us to make substantial future payments or require us to change our business practices each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
General Risk Factors
Compliance with the reporting requirements of federal securities laws can be expensive.
We are a public reporting company in the United States, and accordingly, subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and other federal securities laws, including the compliance obligations of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley Act”). The costs of complying with the reporting requirements of the federal securities laws, including preparing and filing annual and quarterly reports and other information with the SEC and furnishing audited reports to stockholders, can be substantial.
If we fail to comply with the rules of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act related to accounting controls and procedures, or, if we discover material weaknesses and deficiencies in our internal control and accounting procedures, we may be subject to sanctions by regulatory authorities and our stock price could decline.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (“Section 404”) requires that we evaluate and determine the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. We believe our system and process evaluation and testing comply with the management certification requirements of Section 404. We cannot be certain, however, that we will be able to satisfy the requirements in Section 404 in all future periods. If we are not able to continue to meet the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner or with adequate compliance, we may be subject to sanctions or investigation by regulatory authorities, such as the SEC or Nasdaq. Any such action could adversely affect our financial results or investors’ confidence in us and could cause our stock price to fall. Moreover, if we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner, or if we identify deficiencies in our internal controls that are deemed to be material weaknesses, we may be required to incur significant additional financial and management resources to achieve compliance.
None.
Item 1C. Cybersecurity
We believe cybersecurity is critical to advancing our technological advancements. As a pharmaceutical and biotechnology services company, we face a multitude of cybersecurity threats that include attacks common in most industries, such as ransomware and denial-of service. Our customers, suppliers, subcontractors, and business partners face similar cybersecurity threats, and a cybersecurity incident impacting us or any of these entities could materially adversely affect our operations, performance, and results of operations. These cybersecurity threats and related risks make it imperative that we expend resources on cybersecurity.
Assessing, identifying, and managing cybersecurity related risks are factored into our overall business approach. We have implemented a governance structure and processes to assess, identify, manage, and report cybersecurity risks and have developed our own practices and framework, which we believe enhance our ability to identify and manage cybersecurity risks. Our Audit Committee oversees management’s processes for identifying and mitigating risks, including cybersecurity risks, to help align our risk exposure with our strategic objectives. The IT Risk Committee and our cybersecurity consultant, which has extensive information technology and program management experience, regularly brief the Audit Committee on our cybersecurity and information security posture and the Audit Committee is apprised of any cybersecurity incidents deemed to have a moderate or higher business impact, even if immaterial to us. The Audit Committee retains oversight of cybersecurity because of its importance. In the event of any incident, we intend to follow our detailed incident response playbook, which outlines the steps to be followed from incident detection to mitigation, recovery, and notification, including notifying functional areas (e.g., legal), as well as senior leadership and the Audit Committee, as appropriate.
Additionally, we must also comply with extensive regulations, including requirements imposed by the FDA related to adequately safeguarding patient information. We work with our cybersecurity consultant on assessing cybersecurity risk and on policies and practices aimed at mitigating these risks. Third parties also play a role in our cybersecurity. We engage third-party services to conduct evaluations of our security controls, whether through penetration testing, independent audits, or consulting on best practices to address new challenges.
We rely heavily on our supply chain to deliver our products and services, and a cybersecurity incident at a supplier, subcontractor or business partner could materially adversely impact us. We will require that our subcontractors report cybersecurity incidents to us so that we can assess the impact of the incident on us.
Notwithstanding the extensive approach we take to cybersecurity, we may not be successful in preventing or mitigating a cybersecurity incident that could have a material adverse effect on us. See “Risk Factors” for a discussion of cybersecurity risks, including, without limitation, the risk factor under the heading “We may be subject to security breaches or other cybersecurity incidents that could compromise our information and expose us to liability”. Except as set forth therein, risks from cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any previous cybersecurity incidents, have not materially affected and are not reasonably likely to materially affect our Company, including our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition.
Item 2. Properties.
In November 2020, we entered into a sixty-two month lease agreement for our long term permanent premises, consisting of approximately 8,051 square feet of lab and office space. In November 2021, we amended the permanent lease agreement to add an additional 2,892 square feet of office space in the same building. In December 2021, we took occupancy of the aforementioned lab and office space, located at 11555 Sorrento Valley Road, San Diego, CA 92121. See “Note 8. Leases” of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained within this Annual Report for a further discussion of properties. We believe that our existing facilities are adequate to meet our current needs, and that suitable additional alternative spaces will be available in the future on commercially reasonable terms.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
In addition to commitments and obligations in the ordinary course of business, we may be subject, from time to time, to various claims and pending and potential legal actions arising out of the normal conduct of our business.
We assess contingencies to determine the degree of probability and range of possible loss for potential accrual in our financial statements. Because litigation is inherently unpredictable and unfavorable resolutions could occur, assessing litigation contingencies is subjective and requires judgments about future events. When evaluating contingencies, we may be unable to provide a meaningful estimate due to a number of factors, including the procedural status of the matter in question, the presence of complex or novel legal theories, and/or the ongoing discovery and development of information important to the matters. In addition, damage amounts claimed in litigation against us may be unsupported, exaggerated or unrelated to possible outcomes, and as such are not meaningful indicators of our potential liability.
See “Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies” of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained within this Annual Report for a further discussion of potential commitments and contingencies related to legal proceedings.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market Information for Common Stock
Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “VIVS.”
Holders of Record
As of May 20, 2025, we had 2,599,797 outstanding shares of common stock and approximately 64 holders of record of our common stock. The number of beneficial owners is substantially greater than the number of record holders because a large portion of our common stock is held of record through brokerage firms in “street name.”
Dividend Policy
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain all future earnings, if any, for use in our business and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
None.
Item 6. [Reserved]
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our historical consolidated financial statements and the related notes. This management’s discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements of our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified below and those discussed in section Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report. Except as required by applicable law we do not undertake any obligation to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this Annual Report.
Overview
We are a pharmaceutical and biotechnology services company that is focused on providing testing of drugs and drug candidates in three-dimensional (“3D”) human tissue models of liver and intestine. We offer partners liver and intestinal toxicology insights using our new approach methodologies ("NAM") models. We anticipate accelerated adoption of human tissue models following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA") announcement on April 10, 2025 to refine animal testing requirements in favor of these non-animal NAM methods. We will also offer bespoke services in the areas of investigational toxicology, mechanism of drug action elucidation, and other applications of these complex human tissue models.
Prior to March 2025, we were a clinical stage biotechnology company that was focused on developing FXR314 in inflammatory bowel disease ("IBD"), including ulcerative colitis ("UC"), based on demonstration of clinical promise in 3D human tissues as well as strong preclinical data. Our clinical focus was in advancing FXR314 in IBD, including UC and Crohn’s disease. We planned to start a Phase 2a clinical trial in UC in the calendar year 2025 and were also exploring the potential for combination therapies using FXR314 and approved mechanisms in preclinical animal studies and our IBD disease models.
In March 2025, we sold our FXR program for $10.0 million, with $9.0 million paid at closing and $1.0 million held in escrow for a period of 15 months, with future milestones of up to $50.0 million in the aggregate to be paid if the lead asset, FXR314, hits key development, regulatory and commercial milestones.
Effective April 24, 2025, we changed our corporate name to VivoSim Labs, Inc. by filing a Certificate of Amendment to our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. We changed our name to reflect our new business model, which includes the use of other longstanding assets of the Company, intestinal and liver tox models and expertise, and our IP portfolio for 3D bioprinting.
We are now offering liver toxicology predictive screening and research services as well as working on predicting and studying the intestinal side effect profiles of drugs that are therapeutic candidates of pharmaceutical and biotech companies at all stages of drug development. Our services offer the potential benefit of reducing the significant risk and cost of bringing therapeutics to market through the regulatory process. It is estimated that less than 10% of drug candidates entering clinical trials are approved, with a portion of the failures due to unexpected liver toxicity or intestinal intolerability. In addition, even approved drugs are occasionally withdrawn after liver toxicity is determined to be caused by the drug in a phenomenon called drug induced liver injury. We presented findings at the May 2025 Digestive Disease Week scientific conference showing that our liver toxicology platform had a best-in-class predictive power. Our liver predictive power was shown to be 87.5% for a set of challenging liver toxicity cases – inclusive of classic cases of “liver tox misses” drugs with unforeseen liver toxicity found in clinical trials or drugs that were withdrawn from the market after liver toxicity issues emerged later. The platform identified correctly that 87.5% of the known liver-toxic drugs could be seen as liver toxic using NAMkind™ liver. This is known as the sensitivity of the platform, which at 87.5% is a world’s best. Importantly, the specificity was 100%, meaning that none of the compounds tested that are not liver toxic were incorrectly identified as having liver toxicity issues by the platform.
We use our proprietary technologies to build functional 3D human tissues that mimic key aspects of native human tissue composition, architecture, function, and disease. We believe these attributes can enable critical complex, multicellular disease models that can be used to study and develop clinically effective drugs across multiple therapeutic areas.
We have also used these human disease models to identify new molecular targets responsible for driving IBD and to explore the mechanism of action of known drugs including JAK inhibitors and related molecules. A portion of our internal research continues to focus on early stage internal drug discovery programs, validating targets, and testing potentially licensable or transactable external drug compounds to identify drug candidates for partnering and/or internal clinical development.
Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates, and Judgments
Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Any reference in this Annual Report to applicable guidance is meant to refer to the authoritative accounting principles generally accepted in the United States as found in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) and Accounting Standards Updates of the Financial Accounting Standards Board. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We continually evaluate our estimates and judgments used in preparing our financial statements and related disclosures, none of which are considered critical. All estimates affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, as well as disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. These estimates and judgments are also based on historical experience and other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Materially different results can occur as circumstances change and additional information becomes known.
Our significant accounting policies are set forth in “Note 1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained within this Annual Report. Of those policies, we believe that the policies discussed below may involve a higher degree of judgment and may be more critical to an accurate reflection of our financial condition and results of operations. Accounting policies regarding stock-based compensation and revenue are considered critical, as they require significant assumptions. If there is a difference between the assumptions used in determining our stock-based compensation expense and the actual factors that become known over time, specifically with respect to anticipated forfeitures, we may change the input factors used in determining stock-based compensation costs for future grants. These changes, if any, may materially impact our results of operations in the period such changes are made.
Stock-based compensation
For purposes of calculating stock-based compensation, we estimate the fair value of stock options and shares acquirable under our 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (“2022 Plan”), Amended and Restated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”), our 2023 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”), or our 2021 Inducement Equity Plan (the “Inducement Plan”) using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The determination of the fair value of share-based payment awards utilizing the Black-Scholes model is affected by our stock price and a number of assumptions, including expected volatility, expected life, risk-free interest rate and expected dividends. Expected volatility is based on the Company-specific historical volatility rate. For certain options granted with vesting criteria contingent on market conditions, we engage with valuation specialists to calculate fair value and requisite service periods using Monte Carlo simulations. For certain options granted with vesting criteria contingent on pre-defined Company performance criteria, we periodically assess and adjust the expense based on the probability of achievement of such performance criteria. For shares acquirable under our ESPP, we use our Company-specific volatility rate. The expected life of the stock options is based on historical and other economic data trended into the future. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based on observed interest rates appropriate for the expected terms of our stock options. The dividend yield assumption is based on our history and expectation of no dividend payouts. If factors change and we employ different assumptions, our stock-based compensation expense may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the past.
For purposes of calculating stock-based compensation, we estimate the fair value of restricted stock units with pre-defined performance criteria, based on the closing stock price on the date of grant. No exercise price or other monetary payment is required for receipt of the shares issued in settlement of the respective award; instead, consideration is furnished in the form of the participant’s service to us.
If there is a difference between the assumptions used in determining our stock-based compensation expense and the actual factors that become known over time, we may change the input factors used in determining stock-based compensation costs for future grants. These changes, if any, may materially impact our results of operations in the period such changes are made.
Revenue
Royalty revenue
We assess whether our license agreements are considered a contract with a customer under ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“Topic 606”) or an arrangement with a collaborator subject to guidance under ASC Topic 808, Collaborative Arrangements. At contract inception, we consider a variety of factors in determining the appropriate estimates and assumptions under these arrangements, such as whether we are a principal or agent, whether the elements are distinct performance obligations, whether there are determinable stand-alone prices, and, if applicable, whether any licenses are functional or symbolic. We then recognize as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied. Typically, non-refundable upfront fees have been considered fixed, while sales-based royalty payments have been identified as variable consideration which must be evaluated to determine if it has been constrained and, therefore, excluded from the transaction price.
For agreements that include sales-based royalties, we estimate and recognize revenue in the period the underlying sales occur. Key factors considered in the estimate include sales of products that include the underlying licensed intellectual property (“IP”) and the location of customers related to the jurisdictions of the licensed IP. In addition, variable consideration must be evaluated to determine if it is constrained and, therefore, excluded from the transaction price. Differences in the allocation of the transaction price between delivered and undelivered performance obligations can impact the timing of revenue recognition but do not change the total revenue recognized under any agreement.
Product revenue, net
Our former product-based division, Mosaic Cell Sciences ("Mosaic"), which was established in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, produced high-quality cell-based products for use in our R&D and for use by life science customers. We recognized product revenue when the performance obligation was satisfied, which was at the point in time that the customer obtained control of our products, typically upon delivery. Product revenues were recorded at the transaction price under Topic 606. We provided no right of return to our customers except in cases where a customer obtained authorization from us for the return. To date, there have been no product returns. We ended Mosaic's commercial operations during the third quarter of fiscal 2025.
Sale of FXR Program
On March 25, 2025, we sold our FXR program and related assets to Eli Lilly and Company (the “FXR Asset Sale”). The consideration for the FXR Asset Sale consisted of (i) an upfront cash payment by Lilly to us equal to $10.0 million, of which $9.0 million was paid at closing and the remaining $1.0 million was deposited into escrow for 15 months to satisfy claims for indemnification, (ii) the assumption by Eli Lilly and Company of certain liabilities related to the FXR program, and (iii) potential milestone payments by Eli Lilly and Company of up to $50.0 million in the aggregate, which are contingent upon the achievement of certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones.
We assessed whether this agreement was considered a contract with a customer pursuant to Topic 606 or subject to guidance pursuant to ASC Topic 610, Other Income ("Topic 610"). We considered a variety of factors in determining the appropriate assumptions under this arrangement, such as whether the counterparty was a customer, the nature of our operations, both historically and ongoing, and any contingent consideration constraints. We determined the counterparty was not a customer based on the nature of our ordinary business operations and recorded the transaction within other income under Topic 610. Furthermore, we determined the $1.0 million held in escrow was not constrained due to the terms of the indemnification language and it was therefore recognized as a component of the consideration received at the time of closing; however, we did determine future potential milestone payments that may be made by Eli Lilly were constrained due to the uncertainty of the milestones being met. If and when the future milestone payments are no longer considered constrained, we will record such payments in other income.
Results of Operations
Comparison of the Years Ended March 31, 2025 and 2024
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands, except percentages):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
Increase (decrease) |
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
Royalty revenue |
$ |
119 |
|
|
$ |
109 |
|
|
$ |
10 |
|
|
|
9 |
% |
Product revenue |
|
25 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
Cost of revenues |
|
5 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
Research and development |
|
5,025 |
|
|
|
5,498 |
|
|
|
(473 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
%) |
Selling, general and administrative |
|
7,730 |
|
|
|
9,697 |
|
|
|
(1,967 |
) |
|
|
(20 |
%) |
Other income |
|
10,130 |
|
|
|
417 |
|
|
|
9,713 |
|
|
|
2,329 |
% |
Revenues
For each of the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, total revenue was $0.1 million. Royalty revenue for each of the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, was related to the sales-based royalty revenue earned from licensing intellectual property. Product revenue is related to the sale of human cells developed by our former division, Mosaic.
As we ended Mosaic's commercial operations during the third quarter of fiscal year 2025, there will be no product revenue from Mosaic going forward.
Cost of Revenues
For the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, total cost of revenues was less than $0.1 million and zero, respectively, and is related to the sale of finished goods inventory by Mosaic.
Research and Development Expenses
The following table summarizes our research and development expenses for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands, except percentages):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
Increase (decrease) |
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
Research and development |
$ |
4,712 |
|
|
$ |
5,133 |
|
|
$ |
(421 |
) |
|
|
(8 |
%) |
Non-cash stock-based compensation |
|
86 |
|
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
(52 |
) |
|
|
(38 |
%) |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
227 |
|
|
|
227 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
0 |
% |
Total research and development expenses |
$ |
5,025 |
|
|
$ |
5,498 |
|
|
$ |
(473 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
%) |
Total research and development expenses decreased by $0.5 million, or 9%, from approximately $5.5 million for the year ended March 31, 2024 to approximately $5.0 million for the year ended March 31, 2025. Our full-time research and development staff decreased from an average of sixteen employees for the year ended March 31, 2024 to an average of thirteen employees for the year ended March 31, 2025. The decrease in total research and development activities consisted of a $0.3 million decrease in personnel related costs due to the decrease in headcount, including one executive, and a $0.1 million decrease in facilities and materials cost due to our efforts to reduce spending and extend our cash runway, which was offset by an inventory write-off.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
The following table summarizes our selling, general and administrative expenses for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands, except percentages):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
Increase (decrease) |
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
Selling, general and administrative |
$ |
7,245 |
|
|
$ |
8,274 |
|
|
$ |
(1,029 |
) |
|
|
(12 |
%) |
Non-cash stock-based compensation |
|
446 |
|
|
|
1,370 |
|
|
|
(924 |
) |
|
|
(67 |
%) |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
39 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
(26 |
%) |
Total selling, general and administrative expenses |
$ |
7,730 |
|
|
$ |
9,697 |
|
|
$ |
(1,967 |
) |
|
|
(20 |
%) |
Total selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by approximately $2.0 million, or 20%, from $9.7 million for the year ended March 31, 2024 to approximately $7.7 million for the year ended March 31, 2025. The decrease in total selling, general and administrative activities consisted of a $1.3 million decrease in personnel related costs, of which $0.9 million related to a reduction in stock-based compensation expense for forfeitures that occurred during fiscal 2024 and $0.4 million related to severance that was expensed during the prior fiscal year. In addition to the decrease in personnel related costs, we had a $0.6 million decrease in investor relation expenses and a $0.1 million decrease in other corporate costs due to our efforts to reduce spending and extend our cash runway. Our full-time selling, general, and administrative employees remained an average of four employees for each of the years ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025.
Other Income (Expense)
Other income was approximately $10.1 million and $0.4 million for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The significant increase in other income was related to the sale of our FXR program for $10.0 million, which was offset by a $0.3 million decrease in net interest income.
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Going forward, we intend to offer partners liver and intestinal toxicology insights using NAM models. We plan to work with pharmaceutical and biotech companies at all stages of drug development to reduce the significant risk and cost of bringing therapeutics to market through the regulatory process.
We will also offer bespoke services in the areas of investigational toxicology, mechanism of drug action elucidation, and other applications of these complex human tissue models.
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on the basis that we are a going concern, which contemplates, among other things, the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. As of March 31, 2025, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $11.3 million and an accumulated deficit of $342.2 million. As of March 31, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $2.9 million and an accumulated deficit of $339.7 million. We had negative cash flows from operations of $9.5 million and $14.7 million for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
As of March 31, 2025, we had total current assets of approximately $12.1 million and current liabilities of approximately $3.7 million, resulting in working capital of $8.4 million. At March 31, 2024, we had total current assets of approximately $3.9 million and current liabilities of approximately $1.9 million, resulting in working capital of $2.0 million.
The following table sets forth a summary of the primary sources and uses of cash for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
Net cash (used in) provided by: |
|
|
|
|
|
Operating activities |
$ |
(9,461 |
) |
|
$ |
(14,653 |
) |
Investing activities |
|
9,025 |
|
|
|
816 |
|
Financing activities |
|
8,847 |
|
|
|
1,437 |
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash |
$ |
8,411 |
|
|
$ |
(12,400 |
) |
Operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $9.5 million and $14.7 million for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The $5.2 million decrease in operating cash usage, for the year ended March 31, 2025, was attributable primarily to the $2.0 million cash payment in fiscal 2024 for acquired in process research and development, in addition to an increase in working capital requirements, including a $3.6 million increase to accounts payable and accrued expenses, offset by a $0.3 million decrease in receivables and prepaid expenses.
Investing activities
Net cash provided by investing activities was approximately $9.0 million and $0.8 million for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Net cash provided by investing activities for the year ended March 31, 2025 consisted primarily of the sale of our FXR program resulting in $9.0 million of proceeds. Net cash provided by investing activities for the year ended March 31, 2024 consisted of the liquidation of equity securities of $0.7 million and $0.1 million of investment income.
Financing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $8.8 million and $1.4 million for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Financing activities consisted of the sale of common stock through at-the-market (“ATM”) share offerings and a public offering of common stock and accompanying common warrants and pre-funded warrants. Refer to "Operations funding requirements" below for further information regarding financing activities.
Operations funding requirements
Through March 31, 2025, we have financed our operations primarily through the sale of common stock through public offerings, including our ATM program, the private placement of equity securities, from revenue derived from the licensing of intellectual property, products and research-based services, grants, and collaborative research agreements, the sale of our FXR program, and from the sale of convertible notes.
Our ongoing cash requirements include research and development expenses, compensation for personnel, consulting fees, legal and accounting support, insurance premiums, facilities, maintenance of our intellectual property portfolio, license and collaboration agreements, listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, and other miscellaneous fees to support our operations. We expect our total operating expense for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026 to be approximately $10.1 million. Based on our current operating plan and available cash resources, we will need substantial additional funding to support future operating activities. We have concluded that the prevailing conditions and ongoing liquidity risks faced by us raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern for at least one year following the date these financial statements are issued.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern.
On January 26, 2024, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-276722) to register $150.0 million of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants and units, or any combination of the foregoing (the “2024 Shelf”). The 2024 Shelf was declared effective by the SEC on February 8, 2024.
On March 16, 2018, we entered into a Sales Agreement with Jones Trading Institutional Services LLC (the “Agent”).
On January 26, 2024, we filed a prospectus with the 2024 Shelf (as amended, the “2024 ATM Prospectus”), pursuant to which we may offer and sell, from time to time, through the Agent, shares of our common stock in ATM sales transactions having an aggregate offering price of up to $2,605,728. We filed amendments to the 2024 ATM Prospectus on February 26, 2025 and again on April 11, 2025, pursuant to which we may offer and sell, from time to time through the Agent, shares of our common stock in ATM sales transactions having an additional aggregate offering price of up to $5,311,508 and $4,766,105, respectively. Any shares offered and sold in these ATM transactions are issued pursuant to the 2024 Shelf.
During the year ended March 31, 2025, we sold 493,372 shares of common stock in ATM offerings for net proceeds of approximately $4.9 million all of which were sold pursuant to the 2024 Shelf. As of March 31, 2025, we have sold an aggregate of 496,405 shares of common stock in ATM offerings under the 2024 ATM Prospectus, with gross proceeds of approximately $5.0 million. As of March 31, 2025, there was approximately $142.7 million available in future offerings under the 2024 Shelf, and approximately $2.3 million available for future offerings through our ATM program under the 2024 ATM Prospectus. As of June 1, 2025, we had approximately $3.1 million available for future offerings through our ATM program under the 2024 ATM Prospectus, as amended on April 11, 2025.
In the event that the aggregate market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates (“public float”) is less than $75.0 million, the amount we can raise through primary public offerings of securities, including sales under the Sales Agreement, in any twelve-month period using shelf registration statements is limited to an aggregate of one-third of our public float. As of the date of filing of this Annual Report, our public float was less than $75.0 million, and therefore we are limited to an aggregate of one-third of our public float in the amount we could raise through primary public offerings of securities in any twelve-month period using shelf registration statements, with such public float recalculated at the time of sale. If our public float meets or exceeds $75.0 million at any time, we will no longer be subject to the restrictions set forth in General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3.
On May 8, 2024, we priced a best efforts public offering (the “Offering”) of: (i) 130,202 shares of our common stock and accompanying common warrants (“Common Warrants”) to purchase up to 130,202 shares of common stock at a combined public offering price of $9.60 per share and accompanying Common Warrant to purchase one share of common stock and (ii) pre-funded warrants (“Pre-Funded Warrants”) to purchase 416,666 shares of common stock and accompanying Common Warrants to purchase up to 416,666 shares of common stock at a combined public offering price of $9.588 per Pre-Funded Warrant and accompanying Common Warrant to purchase one share of common stock. The closing of the Offering occurred on May 13, 2024. We received net proceeds of approximately $4.5 million from the Offering, after deducting the offering expenses payable by us including the placement agent fees.
Having insufficient funds may require us to relinquish rights to our technology on less favorable terms than we would otherwise choose. Failure to obtain adequate financing could adversely affect our operations. If we raise additional funds from the issuance of equity securities, substantial dilution to our existing stockholders would likely result. If we raise additional funds by incurring debt financing, the terms of the debt may involve significant cash payment obligations as well as covenants and specific financial ratios that may restrict our ability to operate our business. We cannot be sure that additional financing will be available if and when needed, or that, if available, we can obtain financing on terms favorable to our stockholders. Any failure to obtain financing when required will have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Nasdaq Deficiency Notices & Reverse Stock Split
On July 18, 2024, we received a written notice from the Listing Qualifications Staff (the “Staff”) of Nasdaq indicating that, based upon the closing bid price of our common stock for the last 30 consecutive business days, we no longer met the requirement to maintain a minimum bid price of $1 per share, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (“Rule 5550(a)(2)”). In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), we were provided an initial period of 180 calendar days, or until January 14, 2025, to regain compliance.
On January 16, 2025, the Staff provided a notice to us (the “Nasdaq Notice”) that we had not regained compliance with Rule 5550(a)(2) and were not eligible for a second 180 calendar day compliance period as we did not comply with the requirements for initial listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. The Nasdaq Notice further indicated that, unless we timely requested a hearing before a Hearings Panel (the “Hearings Panel”), our common stock would be subject to delisting. We timely requested a hearing, which automatically stayed any delisting or suspension action pending the hearing and the expiration of any extension period granted by the Hearings Panel following the hearing.
On February 19, 2025, we received a written notice from the Staff of Nasdaq indicating that, since our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2024 reported stockholders’ equity of $364,000, and as of February 19, 2025, we did not meet the alternatives of market value of listed securities or net income from continuing operations, we no longer met the requirement to maintain a minimum of $2,500,000 in stockholders’ equity, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1) (“Rule 5550(b)(1)”).
On March 21, 2025, we effected a 1-for-12 reverse stock split of our common stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”). On March 27, 2025, the Hearings Panel granted us an exception until April 15, 2025 to demonstrate compliance with Rule 5550(a)(2) and Rule 5550(b)(1). On April 30, 2025, we received a letter from Nasdaq (the “April 30, 2025 Letter”) notifying us that we had demonstrated compliance with Rule 5550(a)(2) and Rule 5550(b)(1) as required by the Hearings Panel’s March 27, 2025 decision. We will be subject to a Mandatory Panel Monitor for a period of one year from the date of the April 30, 2025 Letter pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5815(d)(4)(B).
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
We enter into contracts in the normal course of business with suppliers, consultants, and service providers. These agreements provide for termination at the request of either party generally with less than six-months notice and are therefore cancellable contracts. We do not currently expect any of these agreements to be terminated and did not have any noncancelable obligations under these agreements as of March 31, 2025.
We have operating lease arrangements for office space in San Diego, California. As of March 31, 2025, we had total undiscounted lease payment obligations of $0.5 million payable in the 12 months following March 31, 2025 and $0.5 million payable thereafter.
See "Note 8. Leases" and "Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies" in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Annual Report for additional information.
Effect of Inflation and Changes in Prices
Management does not believe that inflation and changes in price will have a material effect on our operations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For information regarding recently adopted and issued accounting pronouncements, see “Note 13. Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Annual Report.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
We invest our excess cash in short term, high quality interest bearing securities including U.S. government and U.S. government agency securities and high-grade corporate commercial paper. The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve our capital for the purpose of funding our operations. To achieve these objectives, our investment policy allows us to maintain a portfolio of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments in a variety of securities, including money market funds. Our primary exposure to market risk is interest income sensitivity, which is affected by changes in the general level of U.S. interest rates, particularly because the majority of our investments are comprised of cash and cash equivalents. We currently do not hedge interest rate exposure. Due to the nature of our short-term investments, we believe that we are not subject to any material market risk exposure. We have limited foreign currency risk exposure as our business operates primarily in U.S. dollars. We do not have significant foreign currency nor any other derivative financial instruments. As of March 31, 2025, all of our investments that consisted of U.S. Treasury bills matured.
Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements.
VivoSim Labs, Inc.
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of:
VivoSim Labs, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet of VivoSim Labs, Inc., formerly known as Organovo Holdings, Inc., (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2025 and 2024, and the related statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended March 31, 2025, and 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 March 31, 2025 and 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended March 31, 2025, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Going Concern Uncertainty
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has incurred recurring losses and negative cash flows from operations and is dependent on additional financing to fund operations. These conditions raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans regarding these matters are also described in Note 1. The Consolidated Financial Statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s 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 audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Presentation of other income
The Company recognized other income of $10,000,000 during the year ended March 31, 2025. Such amount was a result of the sale of an intangible asset. We identified the recognition of other income as a critical audit matter because of the significance of the account balances and the significant management judgment involved in evaluating the appropriateness of the presentation of other income. The auditing for this transaction required a high degree of audit judgment, including evaluating the reasonableness of the significant judgments made by management in determining the appropriate financial statement presentation.
The primary audit procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included the following, amongst others:
•
Obtaining and examining related documents supporting the sale of the asset.
•
Obtaining management's evaluation of the appropriateness of the financial statement presentation of this transaction as other income outside of loss from operations, including a determination that such items did not result from the Company's principal revenue activities during the period.
•
Evaluated the accounting treatment for the agreement, under the relevant accounting guidance ASC 610-20, Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets, and ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.
/s/ Rosenberg Rich Baker Berman, P.A.
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2023.
Somerset, New Jersey
June 5, 2025
VIVOSIM LABS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands except for share and per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2025 |
|
|
March 31, 2024 |
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
11,312 |
|
|
$ |
2,901 |
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
33 |
|
Inventory |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
297 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
789 |
|
|
|
705 |
|
Total current assets |
|
|
12,131 |
|
|
|
3,936 |
|
Fixed assets, net |
|
|
419 |
|
|
|
669 |
|
Restricted cash |
|
|
143 |
|
|
|
143 |
|
Operating lease right-of-use assets |
|
|
867 |
|
|
|
1,299 |
|
Escrow receivable |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net |
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
302 |
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
14,650 |
|
|
$ |
6,349 |
|
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
|
$ |
1,644 |
|
|
$ |
627 |
|
Accrued expenses |
|
|
1,226 |
|
|
|
727 |
|
Insurance premium financing liability |
|
|
128 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Liability to be settled in equity |
|
|
218 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Operating lease liability, current portion |
|
|
521 |
|
|
|
506 |
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
3,737 |
|
|
|
1,860 |
|
Operating lease liability, net of current portion |
|
|
421 |
|
|
|
888 |
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
4,158 |
|
|
|
2,748 |
|
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 9) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders' Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized, 1,898,068 and 839,814 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
352,648 |
|
|
|
343,270 |
|
Accumulated deficit |
|
|
(342,157 |
) |
|
|
(339,669 |
) |
Treasury stock, 3 shares at cost |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
Total stockholders' equity |
|
|
10,492 |
|
|
|
3,601 |
|
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity |
|
$ |
14,650 |
|
|
$ |
6,349 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
VIVOSIM LABS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(in thousands except for share and per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, 2025 |
|
|
March 31, 2024 |
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Royalty revenue |
|
$ |
119 |
|
|
$ |
109 |
|
Product revenue |
|
25 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Total Revenues |
|
|
144 |
|
|
|
109 |
|
Cost of revenues |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Research and development expenses |
|
|
5,025 |
|
|
|
5,498 |
|
Selling, general, and administrative expenses |
|
|
7,730 |
|
|
|
9,697 |
|
Total costs and expenses |
|
|
12,760 |
|
|
|
15,195 |
|
Loss from Operations |
|
|
(12,616 |
) |
|
|
(15,086 |
) |
Other Income (Expense) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on investment in equity securities |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
12 |
|
Gain on sale of asset |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Interest income |
|
|
140 |
|
|
|
405 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Total Other Income |
|
|
10,130 |
|
|
|
417 |
|
Income Tax Expense |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
(2 |
) |
Net Loss |
|
$ |
(2,488 |
) |
|
$ |
(14,671 |
) |
Other Comprehensive Income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale debt securities |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
Comprehensive Loss |
|
$ |
(2,488 |
) |
|
$ |
(14,673 |
) |
Net loss per common share—basic and diluted |
|
$ |
(1.70 |
) |
|
$ |
(19.25 |
) |
Weighted average shares used in computing net loss per common share—basic and diluted |
|
|
1,463,609 |
|
|
|
762,076 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
VIVOSIM LABS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
Treasury Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Additional Paid-in Capital |
|
|
Shares |
|
Amount |
|
|
Accumulated Deficit |
|
|
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
|
Total |
|
Balance at March 31, 2023 |
|
|
727 |
|
|
$ |
1 |
|
|
$ |
340,325 |
|
|
|
— |
|
$ |
(1 |
) |
|
$ |
(324,998 |
) |
|
$ |
2 |
|
$ |
15,329 |
|
Issuance of common stock under employee and director stock option, RSU and purchase plans |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Stock-based compensation expense |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,508 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
1,508 |
|
Issuance of common stock from public offering, net |
|
|
98 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,437 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
1,437 |
|
Net loss |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(14,671 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
(14,671 |
) |
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale debt securities, net of tax |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
(2 |
) |
Balance at March 31, 2024 |
|
|
840 |
|
|
$ |
1 |
|
|
$ |
343,270 |
|
|
|
— |
|
$ |
(1 |
) |
|
$ |
(339,669 |
) |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
3,601 |
|
Issuance of common stock under employee and director stock option, RSU and purchase plans |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Issuance of common stock under warrants exercise |
|
|
425 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
80 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
80 |
|
Stock-based compensation expense |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
532 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
532 |
|
Issuance of common stock from public offering, net |
|
|
623 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
8,766 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
8,767 |
|
Net loss |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(2,488 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
(2,488 |
) |
Balance at March 31, 2025 |
|
|
1,898 |
|
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
$ |
352,648 |
|
|
|
— |
|
$ |
(1 |
) |
|
$ |
(342,157 |
) |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
10,492 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
VIVOSIM LABS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, 2025 |
|
|
March 31, 2024 |
|
Cash Flows From Operating Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
$ |
(2,488 |
) |
|
$ |
(14,671 |
) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on investment in equity securities |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
Gain on sale of asset |
|
|
(10,000 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Accretion on investments |
|
|
(38 |
) |
|
|
(142 |
) |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
266 |
|
|
|
280 |
|
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
532 |
|
|
|
1,508 |
|
Non-cash lease expense |
|
|
432 |
|
|
|
406 |
|
Inventory write-off |
|
|
798 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Increase (decrease) in cash resulting from changes in: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
119 |
|
Inventory |
|
|
(501 |
) |
|
|
(297 |
) |
Prepaid expenses and other assets |
|
|
253 |
|
|
|
392 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
1,017 |
|
|
|
296 |
|
Accrued expenses |
|
|
717 |
|
|
|
(2,121 |
) |
Operating lease liability |
|
|
(452 |
) |
|
|
(411 |
) |
Net cash used in operating activities |
|
|
(9,461 |
) |
|
|
(14,653 |
) |
Cash Flows From Investing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases of fixed assets |
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
(42 |
) |
Proceeds from sale of asset |
|
|
9,000 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Purchases of investments |
|
|
(2,962 |
) |
|
|
(10,860 |
) |
Maturities of investments |
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
11,000 |
|
Liquidation of equity securities |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
718 |
|
Net cash provided by investing activities |
|
|
9,025 |
|
|
|
816 |
|
Cash Flows From Financing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net |
|
|
8,847 |
|
|
|
1,437 |
|
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
|
8,847 |
|
|
|
1,437 |
|
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash |
|
|
8,411 |
|
|
|
(12,400 |
) |
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period |
|
|
3,044 |
|
|
|
15,444 |
|
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period |
|
$ |
11,455 |
|
|
$ |
3,044 |
|
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash to the consolidated balance sheets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
11,312 |
|
|
$ |
2,901 |
|
Restricted cash |
|
|
143 |
|
|
|
143 |
|
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
|
$ |
11,455 |
|
|
$ |
3,044 |
|
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Escrow receivable |
|
$ |
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
Income taxes paid |
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
$ |
2 |
|
Interest paid |
|
$ |
10 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
Liability to be settled in equity |
|
$ |
218 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
Financed insurance premium exchanged for prepaid insurance |
|
$ |
128 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
VivoSim Labs, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Operations
VivoSim Labs, Inc., formerly known as Organovo Holdings, Inc. ("VivoSim" and the “Company”), is a pharmaceutical and biotechnology services company that is focused on providing testing of drugs and drug candidates in three-dimensional (“3D”) human tissue models of liver and intestine. The Company offers partners liver and intestinal toxicology insights using its new approach methodologies ("NAM") models. The Company anticipates accelerated adoption of human tissue models following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA") announcement on April 10, 2025 to refine animal testing requirements in favor of these non-animal NAM methods. The Company will also offer bespoke services in the areas of investigational toxicology, mechanism of drug action elucidation, and other applications of these complex human tissue models.
Prior to March 2025, the Company was a clinical stage biotechnology company that was focused on developing FXR314 in inflammatory bowel disease ("IBD"), including ulcerative colitis ("UC"), based on demonstration of clinical promise in 3D human tissues as well as strong preclinical data. The Company's clinical focus was in advancing FXR314 in IBD, including UC and Crohn’s disease. The Company planned to start a Phase 2a clinical trial in UC in the calendar year 2025 and was also exploring the potential for combination therapies using FXR314 and approved mechanisms in preclinical animal studies and the Company's IBD disease models.
In March 2025, the Company sold its FXR program for $10.0 million, with $9.0 million paid at closing and $1.0 million held in escrow for a period of 15 months, with future milestones of up to $50.0 million in the aggregate to be paid if the lead asset, FXR314, hits key development, regulatory and commercial milestones.
Effective April 24, 2025, the Company changed its corporate name to VivoSim Labs, Inc. by filing a Certificate of Amendment to its Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The Company changed its name to reflect its new business model, which includes the use of other longstanding assets of the Company, intestinal and liver tox models and expertise, and its IP portfolio for 3D bioprinting.
The Company is now offering liver toxicology predictive screening and research services as well as working on predicting and studying the intestinal side effect profiles of drugs that are therapeutic candidates of pharmaceutical and biotech companies at all stages of drug development. The Company's services offer the potential benefit of reducing the significant risk and cost of bringing therapeutics to market through the regulatory process. It is estimated that less than 10% of drug candidates entering clinical trials are approved, with a portion of the failures due to unexpected liver toxicity or intestinal intolerability. In addition, even approved drugs are occasionally withdrawn after liver toxicity is determined to be caused by the drug in a phenomenon called drug induced liver injury. The Company presented findings at the May 2025 Digestive Disease Week scientific conference showing that the liver toxicology platform had a best-in-class predictive power. VivoSim's liver predictive power was shown to be 87.5% for a set of challenging liver toxicity cases – inclusive of classic cases of “liver tox misses” drugs with unforeseen liver toxicity found in clinical trials or drugs that were withdrawn from the market after liver toxicity issues emerged later. The platform identified correctly that 87.5% of the known liver-toxic drugs could be seen as liver toxic using NAMkind™ liver. This is known as the sensitivity of the platform, which at 87.5% is a world’s best. Importantly, the specificity was 100%, meaning that none of the compounds tested that are not liver toxic were incorrectly identified as having liver toxicity issues by the platform.
The Company uses its proprietary technologies to build functional 3D human tissues that mimic key aspects of native human tissue composition, architecture, function, and disease. The Company believes these attributes can enable critical complex, multicellular disease models that can be used to study and develop clinically effective drugs across multiple therapeutic areas.
The Company has also used these human disease models to identify new molecular targets responsible for driving IBD and to explore the mechanism of action of known drugs including JAK inhibitors and related molecules. A portion of its internal research continues to focus on early stage internal drug discovery programs, validating targets, and testing potentially licensable or transactable external drug compounds to identify drug candidates for partnering and/or internal clinical development.
In February 2024, the Company formed its Mosaic Cell Sciences division (“Mosaic”) that was intended to serve as a key source of certain primary human cells that the Company utilizes in its research and development efforts. Mosaic provided the Company with qualified human cells for use in its clinical research and development programs. In addition to supplying the Company with primary human cells, Mosaic offered human cells for sale to life science customers, both directly and through distribution partners, which the Company expected to offset costs and over time become a profit center that offset overall research and development ("R&D") spending by the Company. The Company ended Mosaic's commercial sales operations in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, and any remaining saleable inventory was internally transferred to R&D at that time.
Liquidity and Going Concern
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on the basis that the Company is a going concern, which contemplates, among other things, the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. As of March 31, 2025, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $11.3 million, restricted cash of approximately $0.1 million and an accumulated deficit of approximately $342.2 million. The restricted cash was pledged as collateral for a letter of credit that the Company is required to maintain as a security deposit under the terms of the lease agreements for its facilities. The Company also had negative cash flows from operations of approximately $9.5 million during the year ended March 31, 2025. As of March 31, 2025, the Company had total current assets of approximately $12.1 million and current liabilities of approximately $3.7 million, resulting in working capital of $8.4 million.
Through March 31, 2025, the Company has financed its operations primarily through the sale of common stock through public and at-the-market (“ATM”) offerings, the private placement of equity securities, from revenue derived from the licensing of intellectual property, products and research-based services, grants, and collaborative research agreements, the sale of the Company’s FXR program, and from the sale of convertible notes. During the year ended March 31, 2025, the Company issued 493,372 shares of its common stock through its ATM facility, for net proceeds of approximately $4.9 million.
On March 25, 2025, the Company sold its FXR program for $10.0 million, with $9.0 million paid at closing and $1.0 million held in escrow for a period of 15 months, with future milestones of up to $50.0 million to be paid if the lead asset, FXR314, hits key regulatory and commercial milestones.
Based on the Company's current operating plan and available cash resources, the Company will need substantial additional funding to support future operating activities. The Company has concluded that the prevailing conditions and ongoing liquidity risks faced by the Company raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern for at least one year following the date these Consolidated Financial Statements are issued. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. As the Company continues its operations and is focusing its efforts on services, research, and development, the Company will need to raise additional capital to implement this business plan. The Company cannot predict with certainty the exact amount or timing for any future capital raises. The Company will seek to raise additional capital through debt or equity financings, or through some other financing arrangement. However, the Company cannot be sure that additional financing will be available if and when needed, or that, if available, it can obtain financing on terms favorable to its stockholders. Any failure to obtain financing when required will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operating results, and financial condition.
Nasdaq Deficiency Notices
On July 18, 2024, the Company received a written notice from the Listing Qualifications Staff (the "Staff") of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) indicating that, based upon the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock for the last 30 consecutive business days, the Company no longer meets the requirement to maintain a minimum bid price of $1 per share, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (“Rule 5550(a)(2)”). In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), the Company was provided an initial period of 180 calendar days, or until January 14, 2025, to regain compliance.
On January 16, 2025, the Staff provided a notice to the Company (the “Nasdaq Notice”) that it had not regained compliance with Rule 5550(a)(2) and was not eligible for a second 180 calendar day compliance period as it did not comply with the requirements for initial listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. The Nasdaq Notice further indicated that, unless the Company timely requested a hearing before a Hearings Panel (the “Hearings Panel”), the Company’s common stock would be subject to delisting. The Company timely requested a hearing, which automatically stayed any delisting or suspension action pending the hearing and the expiration of any extension period granted by the Hearings Panel following the hearing.
On February 19, 2025, the Company received a written notice from the Staff of Nasdaq indicating that, since the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2024 reported stockholders’ equity of $364,000, and as of February 19, 2025, the Company did not meet the alternatives of market value of listed securities or net income from continuing operations, the Company no longer met the requirement to maintain a minimum of $2,500,000 in stockholders’ equity, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1) (“Rule 5550(b)(1)”).
On March 31, 2025, the Company effected a 1-for-12 reverse stock split of its common stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”). On March 27, 2025, the Hearings Panel granted the Company an exception until April 15, 2025 to demonstrate compliance with Rule 5550(a)(2) and Rule 5550(b)(1). On April 30, 2025, the Company received a letter from Nasdaq notifying it that it has demonstrated compliance with Rule 5550(a)(2) and Rule 5550(b)(1) as required by the Hearings Panel’s March 27, 2025 decision. Pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5815(d)(4)(B), the Company will be subject to a Mandatory Panel Monitor for a period of one year from the date of Nasdaq’s letter.
Reverse Stock Split
The par value per share and the number of authorized shares were not adjusted as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. The shares of
common stock underlying outstanding stock options, common stock warrants and other equity instruments were proportionately reduced and the respective exercise prices, if applicable, were proportionately increased in accordance with the terms of the agreements governing such securities. In addition, the shares available for grants under the Company’s incentive plans were adjusted as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. All references to common stock, options to purchase common stock, outstanding common stock
warrants, common stock share data, per share data, and related information contained in the consolidated financial statements have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the effect of the Reverse Stock Split for all periods presented.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Any reference in these notes to applicable guidance is meant to refer to U.S. GAAP as found in the Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") and Accounting Standards Updates promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB").
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of VivoSim and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, management reviews these estimates and assumptions.
Financial Instruments
For certain of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, prepaid expenses and other assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses, the carrying amounts are generally considered to be representative of their respective fair values because of the short-term nature of those instruments.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Credit Risk and Significant Customers
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents and short-term investments. The Company maintains deposits in federally insured financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any material losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to significant risk. The Company has invested its excess cash primarily in money market funds and U.S. Treasury securities. Additionally, the Company adheres to established guidelines regarding approved investments and maturities of investments, which are designed to preserve their principal value and maintain liquidity.
The Company is also potentially subject to concentrations of credit risk in its revenues and receivable accounts. The Company’s receivables to date have been derived from a relatively small number of customers and third parties. The Company makes judgment as to its ability to collect outstanding receivables and provides reserves against receivables for estimated losses that may result from a customer or third party's ability to pay. Specific amounts determined to be uncollectable are charged against the reserve. The Company has not historically experienced any receivable write-downs and management does not believe significant credit risk exists as of March 31, 2025.
As of March 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had approximately $0.1 million of restricted cash, deposited with a financial institution. The entire amount was held in certificates of deposit to support a letter of credit agreement related to the Company’s facility leases entered into in November 2020 and amended in November 2021.
Investments
Investments consist of investments in debt securities.
Investments in debt securities consist of investments in U.S. Treasury bills. Any investments that have original maturities of three months or less are classified as cash equivalents on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of March 31, 2025, all Company investments, which consisted of U.S. Treasury bills, matured. As of March 31, 2024, all investments were classified as available-for-sale, as the sale of such investments may be required prior to maturity to implement management strategies. Available-for-sale debt securities are recorded at fair value. Any unrealized gains and losses are included in accumulated other comprehensive income as a component of stockholders' equity until realized. As U.S. Treasury bills are risk-free, any declines in fair value are considered temporary.
Fair Value Measurement
Financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value, which is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The following is a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value:
•
Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
•
Level 2 — Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
•
Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
Insurance Premium Financing Liability
In September 2024, the Company entered into an insurance premium financing agreement for $0.4 million, with a term of nine months and an annual interest rate of 8.57%. The Company made a down payment of 10% and is required to make monthly principal and interest payments of $44,281 over the term of the agreement, which matures in June 2025. The insurance premium financing liability was approximately $0.1 million as of March 31, 2025. Related prepaid insurance at March 31, 2025 of $0.2 million is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Inventory as of March 31, 2024 consisted of approximately $0.3 million in finished goods, which was related to the Company's former division, Mosaic. There was no inventory as of March 31, 2025. The Company ended Mosaic's commercial operations in the third quarter of fiscal 2025. At that time, all remaining inventory was internally transferred to R&D and written off to research and development expenses.
Fixed Assets and Depreciation
Fixed assets are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures that extend the life of the asset are capitalized and depreciated. Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets or, in the case of leasehold improvements, over the lesser of the useful life of the related asset or the remaining lease term. The estimated useful lives of the fixed assets range between one and seven years.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
In accordance with authoritative guidance, the Company reviews its long-lived assets, including fixed assets and other assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of the assets may not be fully recoverable. To determine recoverability of its long-lived assets, the Company evaluates whether future undiscounted net cash flows will be less than the carrying amount of the assets and adjusts the carrying amount of its assets to fair value. Management has determined that no impairment of long-lived assets occurred as of March 31, 2025 and 2024.
Research and Development
Research and development expenses, including direct and allocated expenses, consist of independent research and development costs, as well as costs associated with sponsored research and development. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Acquired In-Process Research and Development
FXR Program
In March 2023, the Company acquired Metacrine's FXR program for $4.0 million. The FXR program was determined to have no alternative future use, and therefore was considered acquired in-process research and development and fully expensed. Acquired in-process research and development expenses were included in total research and development expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Loss. In the year ended March 31, 2023, the Company paid a $2.0 million upfront payment, and the remaining $2.0 million was paid in the year ended March 31, 2024, upon the final transfer of the drug compounds, related data, and IP.
On March 25, 2025, the Company sold its FXR program and related assets to Eli Lilly and Company (the “FXR Asset Sale”). The consideration for the FXR Asset Sale consisted of (i) an upfront cash payment by Lilly to the Company equal to $10.0 million, of which $9.0 million was paid at closing and the remaining $1.0 million was deposited into escrow for 15 months to satisfy any claims for indemnification during such period, (ii) the assumption by Eli Lilly and Company of certain liabilities related to the FXR program, and (iii) potential milestone payments by Eli Lilly and Company of up to $50.0 million in the aggregate, which are contingent upon the achievement of certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones.
The Company assessed whether this agreement was considered a contract with a customer pursuant to Topic 606 or subject to guidance pursuant to ASC Topic 610, Other Income ("Topic 610"). The Company considered a variety of factors in determining the appropriate assumptions under this arrangement, such as whether the counterparty was a customer, the nature of its operations, both historically and ongoing, and any contingent consideration constraints. The Company determined the counterparty was not a customer based on the nature of its ordinary business operations and recorded the transaction within other income under Topic 610. Furthermore, the Company determined the $1.0 million held in escrow was not constrained due to the terms of the indemnification language and it was therefore recognized as a component of the consideration received at the time of closing; however, the Company did determine future potential milestone payments that may be made by Eli Lilly and Company were constrained due to the uncertainty of the milestones being met. If and when the future milestone payments are no longer considered constrained, the Company will record such payments in other income.
Segment Reporting
Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated on a regular basis by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources to an individual segment and in assessing performance. As of March 31, 2025, the Company identified only one operating segment. Please refer to "Note 15. Business Segment Information" for further information.
Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years for differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year end based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. Income tax expense is the combination of the tax payable for the year and the change during the year in deferred tax assets and liabilities. The Company’s policy regarding uncertainty in income taxes is pursuant to ASC Topic 740-10. Interest and penalties that would be assessed in relation to the settlement value of unrecognized tax benefits is recognized as a component of income tax expense.
Revenue Recognition
Royalty revenue
The Company has entered into a license agreement with a company that includes the following: (i) non-refundable upfront fees and (ii) royalties based on specified percentages of net product sales, if any. At the initiation of the agreement, the Company has analyzed whether it results in a contract with a customer under Topic 606.
The Company has considered a variety of factors in determining the appropriate estimates and assumptions under these arrangements, such as whether the Company is a principal or agent, whether the elements are distinct performance obligations, whether there are determinable stand-alone prices, and whether any licenses are functional or symbolic. The Company has evaluated each performance obligation to determine if it can be satisfied and recognized as revenue at a point in time or over time. Typically, non-refundable upfront fees have been considered fixed, while sales-based royalty payments have been identified as variable consideration which must be evaluated to determine if it has been constrained and, therefore, excluded from the transaction price. Please refer to “Note 6. Collaborative Research, Development, and License Agreements” for further information.
Product revenue, net
The Company’s former product-based division, Mosaic, which was established in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, produced high-quality cell-based products for use in its R&D and for use by life science customers. The Company recognized product revenue when the performance obligation is satisfied, which was at the point in time the customer obtained control of the Company’s product, typically upon delivery. Product revenues were recorded at the transaction price under Topic 606. The Company provided no right of return to its customers except in cases where a customer obtained authorization from the Company for the return. To date, there have been no product returns. The Company ended Mosaic's commercial operations during the third quarter of fiscal 2025.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with the ASC Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation, which establishes accounting for equity instruments exchanged for employee and non-employee services. Under such provisions, stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award (determined using either the Black-Scholes or Monte Carlo option-pricing models, depending on the complexity of the equity grant), and is recognized as an expense, under the straight-line method, over the employee or non-employee's requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity grant). The assumed dividend yield is based on the Company’s expectation of not paying dividends in the foreseeable future. The Company uses its Company-specific historical volatility rate. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based on U.S. Treasury rates. The weighted average expected life of options is estimated using the average of the contractual term and the weighted average vesting term of the options. Option forfeitures are treated as a reduction of stock-based compensation expense and accounted for as they occur.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. The Company is required to record all components of comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated financial statements in the period in which they are recognized. Net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss), including unrealized gains and losses on investments, are reported, net of their related tax effect, to arrive at comprehensive income (loss).
Net Loss Per Share
Basic and diluted net loss per share has been computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. The weighted-average number of shares used to compute diluted loss per share includes the assumed exercise of any outstanding pre-funded warrants, and excludes any assumed exercise of stock options, shares reserved for purchase under the Company’s 2023 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the assumed vesting of restricted stock units, the exercise of common warrants, and shares subject to repurchase as the effect would be anti-dilutive. No dilutive effect was calculated for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 as the Company reported a net loss for each respective period and the effect would have been anti-dilutive.
Common stock equivalents excluded from computing diluted net loss per share due to their anti-dilutive effect were approximately 0.7 million shares and less than 0.1 million shares for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Note 2. Investments and fair value measurement
Investments in debt securities
As of March 31, 2025, all Company investments that consisted of U.S. Treasury bills matured. For the year ended March 31, 2025, there was approximately $0.1 million of interest income related to the investments in debt securities. As the investments in debt securities consist of U.S. Treasury bills from active markets, the fair value is measured using level 1 inputs.
The Company did not have any investments in debt securities as of March 31, 2025. The following table summarizes the Company's investments in debt securities that are measured at fair value as of March 31, 2024 (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortized costs basis |
|
|
Gross unrealized gains |
|
|
Gross unrealized losses |
|
|
Fair value |
|
As of March 31, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments in debt securities |
|
$ |
996 |
|
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
998 |
|
Note 3. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2025 |
|
|
March 31, 2024 |
|
Prepaid insurance |
|
$ |
417 |
|
|
$ |
445 |
|
Prepaid expenses |
|
|
360 |
|
|
|
256 |
|
Other current assets |
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
$ |
789 |
|
|
$ |
705 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 was approximately $0.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively.
Note 4. Fixed Assets
Fixed assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2025 |
|
|
March 31, 2024 |
|
Laboratory equipment |
|
$ |
1,630 |
|
|
$ |
1,617 |
|
Furniture and fixtures |
|
|
66 |
|
|
|
66 |
|
Computer software and equipment |
|
|
244 |
|
|
|
244 |
|
Fixed Assets, gross |
|
|
1,940 |
|
|
|
1,927 |
|
Less accumulated depreciation |
|
|
(1,521 |
) |
|
|
(1,258 |
) |
Fixed Assets, net |
|
$ |
419 |
|
|
$ |
669 |
|
As of March 31, 2025 and 2024, all of the Company’s fixed assets were active and in use. Depreciation expense for each of the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 was approximately $0.3 million.
Note 5. Accrued Expenses
Accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2025 |
|
|
March 31, 2024 |
|
Accrued payroll and other employee benefits |
|
$ |
652 |
|
|
$ |
536 |
|
Accrued legal and professional fees |
|
|
515 |
|
|
|
93 |
|
Other accrued expenses |
|
|
59 |
|
|
|
98 |
|
Total accrued expenses |
|
$ |
1,226 |
|
|
$ |
727 |
|
Note 6. Collaborative Research, Development, and License Agreements
License Agreements
BICO Group AB
In February 2022, the Company entered into a license agreement with Cellink AB and its subsidiaries (collectively, “BICO Group AB”), where the Company agreed to grant a non-exclusive license to BICO Group AB to use the Company’s aforementioned patents for its business operations of manufacturing and selling bioprinters as well as bioinks. As part of the license agreement, BICO Group AB agreed to pay the Company a one time, nonrefundable upfront fee of $1,500,000, as well as ongoing sales-based royalties (based on percentages of BICO Group AB’s net sales) for the use of the granted license, which was recorded as revenue. The sales-based royalties became effective beginning on February 22, 2022, the effective date of the license agreement, and continues until the expiration of the last surviving licensed patent. As the sales-based royalties are required to be paid 45 days after the end of every quarter, there is variable consideration that must be estimated to determine royalty revenue within a given reporting period. Once actual revenue earned is determined in the following fiscal quarter, an adjustment is made from the previously estimated amount. For the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company recorded $119,000 and $109,000, respectively, of royalty revenue based on sales-based royalties from the license agreement.
Also as part of the license agreement, certain patents involved in the agreement are sublicensed by the Company from the University of Missouri and certain patents were previously sublicensed by the Company from Clemson University. See below for further information.
University of Missouri
In March 2009, the Company entered into a license agreement with the Curators of the University of Missouri to in-license certain technology and intellectual property relating to self-assembling cell aggregates and to intermediate cellular units. The Company received the exclusive worldwide rights to commercialize products comprising this technology for all fields of use. The Company is required to pay the University of Missouri royalties ranging from 1% to 3% of net sales of covered tissue products, and of the fair market value of covered tissues transferred internally for use in the Company’s commercial service business, depending on the level of net sales achieved by the Company each year.
On December 5, 2022, the Company amended the license agreement with the University of Missouri, whereby the Company agreed to pay a single, upfront payment of $50,000 to the University of Missouri in exchange for the aforementioned licensed intellectual property to be fully paid up by the Company. As a result, the Company will continue to have rights to the licensed intellectual property until its expiration in June 2028, but will no longer owe minimum annual royalty payments, royalty payments based on net sales, or any other payments (other than patent annuities and any prosecution costs) in the future.
Clemson University
In May 2011, the Company entered into a license agreement with Clemson University Research Foundation ("CURF") to in-license certain technology and intellectual property relating to ink-jet printing of viable cells. The Company received the exclusive worldwide rights to commercialize products comprising this technology for all fields of use. The Company was required to pay the university royalties ranging from 1.5% to 3% of net sales of covered tissue products and the fair market value of covered tissues transferred internally for use in the Company’s commercial service business, depending on the level of net sales reached each year. The license agreement terminated in May 2024 upon expiration of the patents licensed and was subject to certain conditions as defined in the license agreement. Minimum annual royalty payments of $40,000 per year were due beginning in calendar 2016. Royalty payments of $40,000 were made for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024. The annual minimum royalty was creditable against royalties owed during the same calendar year.
In addition to the annual royalty noted above, CURF was owed 40% of all payments including but not limited to, upfront payments, license fees, issue fees, maintenance fees, and milestone payments received from third parties, including sublicensees, in consideration for sublicensing rights to licensed products. However, per the agreement, in the event that the Company defended the technology by litigation, it could offset any royalties due by legal expenses incurred. As of the expiration of the license agreement in May 2024, the Company’s legal expenses exceeded royalties owed from the upfront payment and sales-based royalties related to the BICO Group AB license agreement. Therefore, no royalty expense to CURF was recorded for the year ended March 31, 2025 and no royalty expense related to sales-based royalties was ever recorded under the agreement.
Capitalized License Fees
Capitalized license fees consisted of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2025 |
|
|
March 31, 2024 |
|
License fees |
|
$ |
44 |
|
|
$ |
109 |
|
Less accumulated amortization |
|
|
(39 |
) |
|
|
(101 |
) |
License fees, net |
|
$ |
5 |
|
|
$ |
8 |
|
The above license fees, net of accumulated amortization, are included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and are being amortized over the life of the related patents. Amortization expense of licenses was approximately $3,000 and $5,000 for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, which are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses. At March 31, 2025, the weighted average remaining amortization period for all licenses was approximately 2 years. The annual amortization expense of licenses for the next three years is estimated to be approximately $2,000 per year.
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies
In March 2023, the Company acquired the FXR Agonist program from Metacrine. All patent rights related to this program were assigned to the Company in connection with the acquisition. In addition, the Company assumed and was assigned a license agreement with the Salk Institute for Biological Studies (hereafter “Salk”) that provided for certain payments to Salk upon the successful development and commercialization of the lead compound, FXR314. The Company was required to pay Salk royalties ranging from 1% to 1.125% of net sales of therapeutics based on FXR314. In addition, the Company was required to make certain milestone payments based on the successful initiation and/or completion of certain development milestones, including $500,000 within 45 days of the dosing of the first patient in a phase III clinical trial, $1,000,000 within 45 days of FDA approval of the first Licensed Product and $1,500,000 within 45 days of the first commercial sale of a Licensed Product in the Territory. There were also reduced milestone payments application to a second or third licensed product, if any. In March 2025, the Company closed the sale of its FXR program under which the license agreement was assigned to the buyer thereof. Pursuant to the license agreement with Salk, the Company paid $100,000 to Salk following the closing of the sale of the FXR program, which was recorded as selling, general, and administrative royalty expense.
Note 7. Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock
The Company is authorized to issue 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock. There are no shares of preferred stock currently outstanding, and the Company has no present plans to issue shares of preferred stock.
Common stock
In January 2012, the Company's Board of Directors ("Board") approved the 2012 Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan ("2012 Plan"). The 2012 Plan initially authorized the issuance of up to 27,308 shares of common stock for awards of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, RSUs, performance units, performance shares, and other stock or cash awards, and the number of shares issuable pursuant thereto was increased several times to an aggregate of 193,974 shares.
In March 2021, the Board approved the 2021 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan ("Inducement Plan"). The Inducement Plan authorized the issuance of up to 62,500 shares of common stock for awards of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, RSUs, performance units, performance shares, and other stock or cash awards. In February 2022, 4,166 incentive stock options were issued under the Inducement Plan.
On October 12, 2022, the Company's stockholders and the Board approved the 2022 Equity Incentive Plan ("2022 Plan"), and it became effective on that date. The 2022 Plan replaced the 2012 Plan on the effective date. Upon the effective date, the Company ceased granting awards under the 2012 Plan and any shares remaining available for future issuance under the 2012 Plan were cancelled and are no longer available for future issuance. The 2012 Plan continues to govern awards previously granted under it. At the time the Board approved the 2022 Plan, an aggregate of 113,583 shares of the Company’s common stock was initially reserved for issuance under the 2022 Plan. The Company committed to reducing the new 2022 Plan share reserve by the number of shares that were granted under the 2012 Plan and the Inducement Plan between July 25, 2022 and October 12, 2022.
From July 25, 2022 to October 12, 2022, the Company issued 10,521 shares of its common stock under the 2012 Plan. As a result, the number of shares reserved for future issuance under the 2022 Plan was 103,062 shares of common stock. The Company also committed to reducing the aggregate number of shares of its common stock issuable pursuant to the Inducement Plan from 62,500 shares to 4,250 shares (which includes 4,166 shares of its common stock issuable pursuant to an outstanding option to purchase common stock with an exercise price of $33 per share, leaving only 83 shares available for future issuance under the Inducement Plan) and the share reserve was reduced effective October 12, 2022. On November 20, 2024, the Company’s stockholders approved the amendment and restatement of the 2022 Plan (the “A&R 2022 Plan”) to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance thereunder by 147,916 shares.
The Company previously had an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-252224), declared effective by the SEC on January 29, 2021 (the “2021 Shelf”), which registered $150.0 million of common stock, preferred stock, warrants and units, or any combination of the foregoing, that expired on January 29, 2024. On January 26, 2024, the Company filed a new shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-276722) to register $150.0 million of the Company's common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants and units, or any combination of the foregoing (the "2024 Shelf"). The 2024 Shelf was declared effective by the SEC on February 8, 2024 and replaced the 2021 Shelf at that time.
On March 16, 2018, the Company entered into a Sales Agreement with Jones Trading Institutional Services LLC (the “Agent”). On January 29, 2021, the Company filed a prospectus supplement to the 2021 Shelf, pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time through the Agent, shares of its common stock in ATM sales transactions having an aggregate offering price of up to $50.0 million. Any shares offered and sold were issued pursuant to the 2021 Shelf until it was replaced by the 2024 Shelf.
On January 26, 2024, the Company filed a prospectus with the 2024 Shelf (the "2024 ATM Prospectus"), pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time through the Agent, shares of its common stock in ATM sales transactions having an aggregate offering price of up to $2,605,728. The Company filed amendments to the 2024 ATM Prospectus on February 26, 2025 and again on April 11, 2025, providing that the Company may offer and sell, from time to time through the Agent, shares of its common stock in ATM sales transactions having an additional aggregate offering price of up to $5,311,508 and $4,766,105, respectively. Any shares offered and sold in these ATM transactions will be issued pursuant to the 2024 Shelf.
During the year ended March 31, 2025, the Company issued 493,372 shares of common stock in ATM offerings, pursuant to the 2024 Shelf. As of March 31, 2025, the Company has sold an aggregate of 496,405 shares of common stock in ATM offerings under the 2024 ATM Prospectus, with gross proceeds of approximately $5.0 million. As of March 31, 2025, there was approximately $142.7 million unallocated and available for future offerings under the 2024 Shelf, and approximately $2.3 million available for future offerings through the Company’s ATM program under the 2024 ATM Prospectus.
In the event that the aggregate market value of the Company’s common stock held by non-affiliates (“public float”) is less than $75.0 million, the amount the Company can raise through primary public offerings of securities, including sales under the Sales Agreement, in any twelve-month period using shelf registration statements is limited to an aggregate of one-third of its public float. As of the date of filing of this Annual Report, the Company’s public float was less than $75.0 million, and therefore it is limited to an aggregate of one-third of its public float in the amount it could raise through primary public offerings of securities in any twelve-month period using shelf registration statements, with such public float recalculated at the time of sale. If the Company’s public float meets or exceeds $75.0 million at any time, the Company will no longer be subject to the restrictions set forth in General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3.
May 2024 Best Efforts Public Offering
On May 8, 2024, the Company priced a best efforts public offering (the “Offering”) of: (i) 130,202 shares of its common stock and accompanying common warrants (“Common Warrants”) to purchase up to 130,202 shares of common stock at a combined public offering price of $9.60 per share and accompanying Common Warrant to purchase one share of common stock and (ii) pre-funded warrants (“Pre-Funded Warrants”) to purchase 416,666 shares of common stock and accompanying Common Warrants to purchase up to 416,666 shares of common stock at a combined public offering price of $9.588 per Pre-Funded Warrant and accompanying Common Warrant to purchase one share of common stock. In connection with the Offering, the Company entered into Securities Purchase Agreements with the purchasers of the securities in the Offering on May 8, 2024.
The per share exercise price for the Pre-Funded Warrants was $0.001, subject to adjustment as provided therein. The Pre-Funded Warrants were immediately exercisable, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations, and were to expire when exercised in full. The holders could exercise the Pre-Funded Warrants by means of a “cashless exercise.” During the year ended March 31, 2025, all 416,666 Pre-Funded Warrants were exercised.
The per share exercise price for the Common Warrants is $9.60, subject to adjustment as provided therein. The Common Warrants were immediately exercisable, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations, and will expire on the date that is five years following the original issuance date.
If a registration statement covering the issuance of the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Common Warrants is not available for the issuance, then the holders may exercise the Common Warrants by means of a “cashless exercise.”
In connection with the Offering, the Company paid JonesTrading Institutional Services LLC, which acted as the placement agent in connection with the Offering, a cash fee of 5.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds raised in the Offering.
The closing of the Offering occurred on May 13, 2024. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $4.5 million from the Offering, after deducting the offering expenses payable by the Company, including the Placement Agent fees.
The Company sold (i) 130,202 shares of its common stock and Common Warrants to purchase up to 130,202 shares of common stock and (ii) Pre-Funded Warrants to purchase 416,666 shares of common stock and accompanying Common Warrants to purchase up to 416,666 shares of common stock. As of March 31, 2025, all of the Pre-Funded Warrants had been exercised and 7,810 shares of common stock had been issued upon exercise of Common Warrants.
Restricted stock units
The following table summarizes the Company’s RSUs activity for the year ended March 31, 2025:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares |
|
|
Weighted Average Price |
|
Unvested at March 31, 2024 |
|
|
10,214 |
|
|
$ |
21.02 |
|
Granted |
|
|
9,798 |
|
|
$ |
6.57 |
|
Vested |
|
|
(10,214 |
) |
|
$ |
21.02 |
|
Cancelled / forfeited |
|
|
(1,633 |
) |
|
$ |
6.57 |
|
Unvested at March 31, 2025 |
|
|
8,165 |
|
|
$ |
6.57 |
|
Stock options
During the year ended March 31, 2025, under the A&R 2022 Plan, 96,169 stock options were granted at various exercise prices.
On August 5, 2024, the Company granted 83,841 stock options to its Executive Chairman under the A&R 2022 Plan. Of the stock options granted, 47,910 will vest evenly on an annual basis over three years. 11,977 of the options granted have unique vesting criteria based on market conditions, more specifically the Company's stock price. As the market condition based stock options require significant estimates and assumptions to calculate their fair value, the Company engaged with valuation specialists to calculate the fair value and requisite service periods using Monte Carlo simulations. The stock options will be expensed over their determined requisite service periods. The remaining 23,954 options granted have unique vesting criteria based on specific Company performance conditions. The vesting criteria for 11,977 of these options includes the Company achieving cumulative revenue of $1.5 million. The vesting criteria for the remaining 11,977 options includes the Company entering into a definitive agreement that constitutes a major strategic partnership, at the discretion of the Board. As of March 31, 2025, no performance conditions have been met. The grant date fair value of the performance based awards is $118,000 in the aggregate, which will be recognized when the performance condition is satisfied.
The following table summarizes stock option activity for the year ended March 31, 2025:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options Outstanding |
|
|
Weighted- Average Exercise Price |
|
|
Aggregate Intrinsic Value |
|
Outstanding at March 31, 2024 |
|
|
58,140 |
|
|
$ |
51.14 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
Options granted |
|
|
96,169 |
|
|
$ |
7.11 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
Options canceled |
|
|
(12,912 |
) |
|
$ |
35.08 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
Outstanding at March 31, 2025 |
|
|
141,397 |
|
|
$ |
22.66 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
Vested and Exercisable at March 31, 2025 |
|
|
40,292 |
|
|
$ |
57.61 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
The weighted-average remaining contractual term of stock options exercisable and outstanding at March 31, 2025 was approximately 8.3 years.
Warrants
In connection with the Offering described above, the Company issued Common Warrants to purchase up to 130,202 shares of common stock at a combined public offering price of $9.60 per share and accompanying Common Warrant to purchase one share of common stock and (ii) Pre-Funded Warrants to purchase 416,666 shares of common stock and accompanying Common Warrants to purchase up to 416,666 shares of common stock at a combined public offering price of $9.588 per Pre-Funded Warrant and accompanying Common Warrant to purchase one share of common stock. The Company has determined that these warrants should be classified as equity instruments since they do not require the Company to repurchase the underlying common stock and do not require the Company to issue a variable amount of common stock. In addition, these warrants are indexed to common stock and do not have any antidilution rights.
The following table summarizes the Company’s Common Warrant activity from March 31, 2024 to March 31, 2025:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Warrants |
|
Exercise Price |
Outstanding at March 31, 2024 |
|
— |
|
— |
Issued |
|
546,870 |
|
$9.60 |
Exercised |
|
(7,810) |
|
$9.60 |
Outstanding at March 31, 2025 |
|
539,060 |
|
$9.60 |
During the year ended March 31, 2025, all 416,666 Pre-Funded Warrants were exercised. The following table summarizes the Company’s Pre-Funded Warrants activity from March 31, 2024 to March 31, 2025:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Warrants |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
Outstanding at March 31, 2024 |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Issued |
|
|
416,666 |
|
|
$ |
0.001 |
|
Exercised |
|
|
(416,666 |
) |
|
$ |
0.001 |
|
Outstanding at March 31, 2025 |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In July 2023, the Board adopted, and subsequently on October 31, 2023, the Company's stockholders approved, the 2023 ESPP. The ESPP became effective on October 31, 2023. The Company reserved 3,750 shares of common stock for issuance thereunder. The ESPP permits employees to purchase common stock through payroll deductions, limited to 15 percent of each employee’s compensation up to $25,000 per employee per year or 42 shares per employee per six-month purchase period. Shares under the ESPP are purchased at 85 percent of the fair market value at the lower of (i) the closing price on the first trading day of the six-month purchase period or (ii) the closing price on the last trading day of the six-month purchase period. The initial offering under the ESPP commenced on March 1, 2024. During the year ended March 31, 2025, 42 shares were issued under the ESPP. At March 31, 2025, there were 3,708 shares remaining available for purchase under the ESPP.
Common stock reserved for future issuance
Common stock reserved for future issuance consisted of the following at March 31, 2025:
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock issuable pursuant to options outstanding and reserved under the 2012 Plan |
|
|
31,292 |
|
Common stock reserved under the 2012 Plan |
|
|
— |
|
Common stock issuable pursuant to options outstanding and reserved under the A&R 2022 Plan |
|
|
105,939 |
|
Common stock reserved under the A&R 2022 Plan |
|
|
198,774 |
|
Common stock reserved under the ESPP |
|
|
3,708 |
|
Common stock reserved under the 2021 Inducement Equity Plan |
|
|
83 |
|
Common stock issuable pursuant to restricted stock units outstanding under the 2012 Plan |
|
|
— |
|
Common stock issuable pursuant to restricted stock units outstanding under the A&R 2022 Plan |
|
|
8,165 |
|
Common stock issuable pursuant to options outstanding and reserved under the Inducement Plan |
|
|
4,166 |
|
Common stock issuable pursuant to outstanding Pre-Funded Warrants |
|
|
— |
|
Common stock issuable pursuant to outstanding Common Warrants |
|
|
539,060 |
|
Total at March 31, 2025 |
|
|
891,187 |
|
Stock-based compensation expense and valuation information
Stock-based awards include stock options and RSUs under the Company's A&R 2022 Plan, 2012 Plan, inducement awards, performance-based RSUs under an Incentive Award Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, the Inducement Plan, and rights to purchase stock under the ESPP.
Stock-based compensation expense for all stock-based awards consists of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended March 31, 2025 |
|
|
Year Ended March 31, 2024 |
|
Research and development |
|
$ |
86 |
|
|
$ |
138 |
|
General and administrative |
|
|
446 |
|
|
|
1,370 |
|
Total |
|
$ |
532 |
|
|
$ |
1,508 |
|
The total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock option grants as of March 31, 2025 was approximately $0.6 million and the weighted average period over which these grants are expected to vest is 2.51 years.
The total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost related to unvested RSUs as of March 31, 2025 was less than $0.1 million, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.35 years.
The Company uses either the Black-Scholes or Monte Carlo option-pricing models to calculate the fair value of stock options, depending on the complexity of the equity grants. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period using the straight-line method. The assumed dividend yield is based on the Company’s expectation of not paying dividends in the foreseeable future. The Company uses the Company-specific historical volatility rate as the indicator of expected volatility. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based on U.S. Treasury rates. The weighted average expected life of options was estimated using the average of the contractual term and the weighted average vesting term of the options. The measurement and classification of share-based payments to non-employees is consistent with the measurement and classification of share-based payments to employees. The fair value of stock options was estimated at the grant date using the following weighted average assumptions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended March 31, 2025 |
|
|
Year Ended March 31, 2024 |
|
Dividend yield |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Volatility |
|
|
99.38 |
% |
|
|
99.04 |
% |
Risk-free interest rate |
|
|
3.75 |
% |
|
|
4.11 |
% |
Expected life of options |
|
5.75 years |
|
|
6 years |
|
Weighted average grant date fair value |
|
$ |
5.67 |
|
|
$ |
1.34 |
|
The fair value of each RSU is recognized as stock-based compensation expense over the vesting term of the award. The fair value is based on the closing stock price on the date of the grant.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes valuation model to calculate the fair value of shares issued pursuant to the ESPP. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the purchase period using the straight-line method. The fair value of the ESPP shares was estimated at the purchase period commencement date using the following assumptions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended March 31, 2025 |
|
|
Year Ended March 31, 2024 |
|
Dividend yield |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Volatility |
|
|
95.20 |
% |
|
|
95.20 |
% |
Risk-free interest rate |
|
|
5.27 |
% |
|
|
5.27 |
% |
Expected term |
|
6 months |
|
|
6 months |
|
Grant date fair value |
|
$ |
0.39 |
|
|
$ |
0.39 |
|
The assumed dividend yield was based on the Company’s expectation of not paying dividends in the foreseeable future. The Company uses the Company-specific historical volatility rate as the indicator of expected volatility. The risk-free interest rate assumption was based on U.S. Treasury rates. The expected life is the 6-month purchase period.
Note 8. Leases
After the initial adoption of ASC Topic 842, on an on-going basis, the Company evaluates all contracts upon inception and determines whether the contract contains a lease by assessing whether there is an identified asset and whether the contract conveys the right to control the use of identified asset in exchange for consideration over a period of time. If a lease is identified, the Company will apply the guidance from ASC Topic 842 to properly account for the lease.
Operating Leases
On November 23, 2020, the Company entered into a lease agreement, pursuant to which the Company permanently leased approximately 8,051 square feet of office space (the “Permanent Lease”) in San Diego once certain tenant improvements were completed by the landlord and the premises were ready for occupancy. Additionally, on November 17, 2021, the Permanent Lease was amended to add an additional 2,892 square feet of office space in the same building. The Permanent Lease commenced on December 17, 2021 and is intended to serve as the Company’s permanent premises for approximately sixty-two months. Monthly rental payments are approximately $40,800 with 3% annual escalators.
The Company determined that the Permanent Lease is considered an operating lease under ASC Topic 842, and therefore upon the lease commencement date of December 17, 2021, recognized lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets of $2.3 million. The Company records operating lease expense on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease (referred to as “operating lease expense”). Variable lease expenses associated with the Company’s leases, such as payments for additional monthly fees to cover the Company’s share of certain facility expenses (common area maintenance) are expensed as incurred.
The table below summarizes the Company’s lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets as of March 31, 2025 (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2025 |
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
Operating lease right-of-use assets |
|
$ |
867 |
|
Total lease right-of-use assets |
|
$ |
867 |
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
Operating lease liability |
|
|
521 |
|
Noncurrent |
|
|
|
Operating lease liability, net of current portion |
|
|
421 |
|
Total lease liabilities |
|
$ |
942 |
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average remaining lease term: |
|
1.83 years |
|
Weighted average discount rate: |
|
|
6 |
% |
Variable lease expense was approximately $93,000 and $153,000 for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Operating lease expense was approximately $503,000 for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Cash outflows associated with the Company’s operating lease for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 were $524,000 and $509,000, respectively.
Future lease payments relating to the Company’s operating lease liabilities as of March, 31, 2025 are as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal year ending March 31, 2026 |
|
|
538 |
|
Fiscal year ending March 31, 2027 |
|
|
460 |
|
Total future lease payments |
|
|
998 |
|
Less: Imputed Interest |
|
|
(56 |
) |
Total lease obligations |
|
|
942 |
|
Less: Current obligations |
|
|
(521 |
) |
Noncurrent lease obligations |
|
$ |
421 |
|
Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies
Legal matters
In addition to commitments and obligations in the ordinary course of business, the Company may be subject, from time to time, to various claims and pending and potential legal actions arising out of the normal conduct of its business.
On August 27, 2024, H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC (“H.C. Wainwright”) filed a complaint against the Company in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York alleging that the Company breached a tail financing provision included in an engagement agreement the Company entered into with H.C. Wainwright in May 2023. In its complaint, H.C. Wainwright is seeking compensatory and consequential damages and attorneys’ fees. On October 18, 2024, the Company filed an answer to the complaint. The Company is defending these claims vigorously, but there is no guarantee that it will be successful in these efforts.
The Company assesses contingencies to determine the degree of probability and range of possible loss for potential accrual in its Consolidated Financial Statements. Accruals are recognized when it is probable that a liability will be incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Gain contingencies are not recognized until realized. Legal fees are expensed as incurred. Because litigation is inherently unpredictable and unfavorable resolutions could occur, assessing litigation contingencies is subjective and requires judgments about future events. When evaluating contingencies, the Company may be unable to provide a meaningful estimate due to a number of factors, including the procedural status of the matter in question, the presence of complex or novel legal theories, and/or the ongoing discovery and development of information important to the matters. In addition, damage amounts claimed in litigation against it may be unsupported, exaggerated or unrelated to possible outcomes, and as such are not meaningful indicators of its potential liability.
The Company regularly reviews contingencies to determine the adequacy of its accruals and related disclosures. During fiscal 2025, the Company recorded an accrual of $0.6 million (which was considered a financing fee related to the Offering discussed in Note 7. Stockholders' Equity) for the loss contingencies associated with the above described H.C. Wainwright complaint. Of the $0.6 million loss contingency accrual, $0.4 million is included in accrued expenses on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The remaining $0.2 million of the loss contingency accrual is classified as a liability to be settled in equity on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The liability to be settled in equity relates to a fixed number of warrants that were included in the complaint as part of the sought compensatory damages. The Company recorded the loss contingency accrual as it determined that an unfavorable outcome is probable or reasonably possible and believed that the amount or range of any possible loss was reasonably estimable. However, amounts accrued for legal contingencies often result from a complex series of judgments about future events and uncertainties that rely heavily on estimates and assumptions including timing of related payments, and the outcome of legal proceedings and claims brought against the Company is subject to significant uncertainty. If one or more legal matters were resolved against the Company in a reporting period, the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for that reporting period could be materially adversely affected.
Note 10. Income Taxes
A reconciliation of the statutory federal rate and the effective rate, for operations, is as follows for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands, except percentages):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2025 |
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2024 |
|
|
|
Tax computed at federal statutory rate |
$ |
(522 |
) |
|
21.0 |
% |
|
$ |
(3,081 |
) |
|
21.0 |
% |
State income tax, net of federal benefit |
|
(35 |
) |
|
1.4 |
% |
|
|
(110 |
) |
|
0.7 |
% |
Stock-based compensation |
|
75 |
|
|
-3.0 |
% |
|
|
721 |
|
|
-4.9 |
% |
Research credits |
|
— |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
|
|
— |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
Change in tax rate |
|
(32 |
) |
|
1.3 |
% |
|
|
(62 |
) |
|
0.4 |
% |
Removal of net operating losses and research development credits |
|
615 |
|
|
-24.7 |
% |
|
|
1,910 |
|
|
-13.0 |
% |
Uncertain tax positions |
|
96 |
|
|
-3.9 |
% |
|
|
111 |
|
|
-0.8 |
% |
Other |
|
(18 |
) |
|
0.7 |
% |
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
0.1 |
% |
Valuation allowance |
|
(177 |
) |
|
7.1 |
% |
|
|
527 |
|
|
-3.6 |
% |
Provision (benefit) for income taxes |
$ |
2 |
|
|
-0.1 |
% |
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s net deferred tax assets are as follows as of March 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands, except percentages):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2025 |
|
|
March 31, 2024 |
|
Deferred tax assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization |
$ |
1 |
|
|
$ |
593 |
|
Section 174 R&D capitalization |
|
2,380 |
|
|
|
1,793 |
|
Accrued expenses and reserves |
|
132 |
|
|
|
105 |
|
Operating lease liability |
|
207 |
|
|
|
307 |
|
Stock-based compensation |
|
336 |
|
|
|
315 |
|
Inventory |
|
— |
|
|
|
259 |
|
Other, net |
|
5 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
Total deferred tax assets |
|
3,061 |
|
|
|
3,376 |
|
Valuation allowance |
|
(2,807 |
) |
|
|
(2,983 |
) |
Net deferred tax assets |
$ |
254 |
|
|
$ |
393 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
Operating lease right-of-use assets |
|
(191 |
) |
|
|
(286 |
) |
Depreciation |
|
(63 |
) |
|
|
(107 |
) |
Total deferred tax liabilities |
$ |
(254 |
) |
|
$ |
(393 |
) |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
A full valuation allowance has been established to offset the deferred tax assets as management cannot conclude that realization of such assets is more likely than not. Under the Internal Revenue Code Sections 382 and 383, annual use of the Company’s net operating loss and research tax credit carryforwards to offset taxable income may be limited based on cumulative changes in ownership. The Company has not completed an analysis to determine whether any such limitations have been triggered as of March 31, 2025. Until this analysis is completed, the Company has removed the deferred tax assets related to net operating losses from its deferred tax asset schedule. Further, until a study is completed and any limitation known, approximately $1.8 million and $1.7 million for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, would be considered as an uncertain tax position if netted against the deferred tax asset. Due to the existence of the valuation allowance, future changes in the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits will not impact its effective tax rate. Any carryforwards that will expire prior to utilization as a result of such limitations will be removed from deferred tax assets with a corresponding reduction of the valuation allowance. The valuation allowance decreased by approximately $177,000 and increased by approximately $525,000 for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
The Company had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $222.2 million and $44.3 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2025. Federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $78.6 million will carryforward indefinitely and be available to offset up to 80% of future taxable income each year subject to revisions made by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. The remaining federal net operating losses will begin to expire in 2028, unless previously utilized. The state net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2028, unless previously utilized.
The Company had federal and state research tax credit carryforwards of approximately $5.3 million and $4.8 million at March 31, 2025, respectively. The federal research tax credit carryforwards begin expiring in 2028. The state research tax credit carryforwards do not expire.
The Company did not record any accruals for income tax accounting uncertainties for the year ended March 31, 2025.
The Company did not accrue either interest or penalties from inception through March 31, 2025.
The Company does not expect its unrecognized tax benefits to significantly increase or decrease within the next 12 months.
The Company is subject to tax in the United States and in California. As of March 31, 2025, the Company’s tax years from inception are subject to examination by the tax authorities due to the generation of net operating losses. The Company is not currently under examination by any jurisdiction.
Note 11. Related Parties
From time to time, the Company enters into agreements with one or more related parties in the ordinary course of its business. These agreements are ratified by the Board or a committee thereof pursuant to its related party transaction policy.
Viscient Biosciences (“Viscient”) is an entity for which Keith Murphy, the Company’s Executive Chairman, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and President.
On December 28, 2020, the Company entered into an intercompany agreement (the “Intercompany Agreement”) with Viscient and Organovo, Inc., the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, which included an asset purchase agreement for certain lab equipment. Pursuant to the Intercompany Agreement, the Company agreed to provide Viscient certain services related to 3D bioprinting technology, which includes, but is not limited to, histology services, cell isolation, and proliferation of cells and Viscient agreed to provide the Company certain services related to 3D bioprinting technology, including bioprinter training, bioprinting services, and qPCR assays, in each case on payment terms specified in the Intercompany Agreement and as may be further determined by the parties. In addition, the Company and Viscient each agreed to share certain facilities and equipment and, subject to further agreement, to each make certain employees available for specified projects for the other party at prices to be determined in good faith by the parties. During the second quarter of fiscal 2025 and first quarter of fiscal 2026, the companies added Statements of Work to the Intercompany Agreement, where Viscient agreed to provide the Company with certain testing services related to the Company's ongoing R&D. The Company evaluated the accounting for the Intercompany Agreement and concluded that any services provided by Viscient to the Company will be expensed as incurred, and any compensation for services provided by the Company to Viscient will be considered a reduction of personnel related expenses. Any services provided to Viscient do not fall under Topic 606 as the Intercompany Agreement is not a contract with a customer. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, the Company incurred $118,000 in R&D consulting expenses from Viscient. The Company did not incur any consulting expenses during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. Additionally, for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company provided approximately $3,000 and $14,000 of histology services to Viscient, respectively.
Note 12. Defined Contribution Plan
The Company has a defined contribution 401(k) plan covering substantially all employees. During the year ended March 31, 2015, the 401(k) plan was amended (the “Amended Plan”) to include an employer matching provision. Under the terms of the Amended Plan, the Company will make matching contributions on up to the first 6% of compensation contributed by its employees. Amounts expensed under the Company’s 401(k) plan for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 were approximately $66,000 and $61,000, respectively.
Note 13. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standard setting bodies. Unless otherwise stated, the Company believes that the impact of the recently issued accounting pronouncements that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations upon adoption.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This ASU updates reportable segment disclosure requirements by requiring disclosures of significant reportable segment expenses that are regularly provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) and included within each reported measure of a segment's profit or loss. This ASU also requires disclosure of the title and position of the individual identified as the CODM and an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measures of a segment’s profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Please refer to "Note 16. Business Segment Information" for further information.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The update requires a public business entity to disclose, on an annual basis, a tabular rate reconciliation using both percentages and currency amounts, broken out into specified categories with certain reconciling items further broken out by nature and jurisdiction to the extent those items exceed a specified threshold. In addition, all entities are required to disclose income taxes paid, net of refunds received disaggregated by federal, state/local, and foreign and by jurisdiction if the amount is at least 5% of total income tax payments, net of refunds received. Adoption of the ASU allows for either the prospective or retrospective application of the amendment and is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company has not yet completed its assessment of the impact of ASU 2023-09 on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses, which is intended to improve the disclosures of expenses by providing more detailed information about the types of expenses in commonly presented expense captions. The standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted.
The standard can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. The Company has not yet completed its assessment of the impact of ASU 2024-03 on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Note 14. Restructuring
On August 18, 2023, the Company announced to its employees a plan to reduce the Company’s workforce, effective August 25, 2023, by approximately six employees, which represented approximately 24% of its employees as of August 18, 2023. The Company refocused operations on FXR314, its clinical drug candidate. This decision to reduce the Company’s workforce was made in order to focus spending on the Company’s clinical program for FXR314, reduce ongoing operating expenses not related to clinical expenses, and extend the Company’s cash runway. The Company incurred approximately $0.4 million of cash expenditures for the year ended March 31, 2024, in connection with the reduction in force, which related to severance pay. As of March 31, 2024, all restructuring costs were paid in full. The Company's annual cost savings for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 was approximately $1.4 million resulting from the reduction in force.
Note 15. Business Segment Information
Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated on a regular basis by the CODM in deciding how to allocate resources to an individual segment and in assessing performance. The Company identified two operating segments in fiscal 2024, which did not impact prior periods, and during fiscal 2025 had a change in the operating segments from two to one operating segment. During fiscal 2024, the Company's operating segments were as follows:
Research & Development
The R&D segment consisted of the Company's drug development efforts. The Company's clinical focus was in advancing FXR314 in IBD, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. In March 2025, the Company sold its FXR program. The Company now focuses on providing testing of drugs and drug candidates in 3D human tissue models of liver and intestine, offering partners liver and intestinal toxicology insights using its NAM models. The Company plans to work with pharmaceutical and biotech companies at all stages of drug development to reduce the significant risk and cost of bringing therapeutics to market through the regulatory process and offer bespoke services in the areas of investigational toxicology, mechanism of drug action elucidation, and other applications of these complex human tissue models.
Mosaic Cell Sciences
The Mosaic segment, which began operations in February 2024, consisted of the Company's Mosaic Cell Sciences division, which served as a key source of certain of the primary human cells that the Company utilized in its research and development efforts. Mosaic provided the Company with qualified human cells for use in its clinical research and development programs. In addition to supplying the Company with primary human cells, Mosaic offered human cells for sale to life science customers, both directly and through distribution partners, which the Company expected to offset costs and over time become a profit center that offset overall R&D spending by the Company. However, the Company ended Mosaic's operations in the third quarter of fiscal 2025.
Change to Reportable Segments
The Company had a change in reportable segments in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, due to Mosaic ending its operations during the third quarter of fiscal 2025. As a result, there was an update to the financial information that is evaluated on a regular basis by the CODM for purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance, where the chief operating decision maker now regularly reviews the entity-wide operating results and performance. As a result, the Company's single operating segment constitutes all of the consolidated entity. The change in reportable segments does not affect prior period segment reporting.
The Company analyzed whether the closing of the Mosaic business segment qualified for reporting as a discontinued operation under ASC Topic 205. The Company's main operations are its R&D activities. Mosaic was initially formed to generate primary human cells for use by R&D rather than purchasing from third parties, while also selling excess inventory commercially to external customers, as a way to offset costs. However, the Company did not achieve significant revenues from Mosaic as initially expected. Therefore, Mosaic's remaining saleable inventory was internally transferred to R&D and Mosaic ended its commercial operations. The Company concluded that the closing of the Mosaic business segment does not qualify for reporting as a discontinued operation because the closing of the segment does not represent a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the Company's operations and financial results.
For purposes of evaluating performance and allocating resources, the Company’s CODM, its Executive Chairman, regularly reviews Consolidated Net Loss as reported in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss as compared to budget. The measure of segment assets is reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as Total Consolidated Assets.
In addition to the significant expense categories included within Consolidated Net Loss presented in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Loss, see below for disaggregated expense amounts for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
March 31, 2025 |
|
|
March 31, 2024 |
|
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
Royalty revenue |
$ |
119 |
|
|
$ |
109 |
|
Product revenue |
|
25 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Total revenue |
|
144 |
|
|
|
109 |
|
Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenues |
|
5 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Research and development (a) (b) |
|
4,712 |
|
|
|
5,133 |
|
Selling, general, and administrative expenses (a)(b) |
|
7,245 |
|
|
|
8,274 |
|
Non-cash stock-based compensation (see Note 7) |
|
532 |
|
|
|
1,508 |
|
Depreciation and amortization (see Note 4) |
|
266 |
|
|
|
280 |
|
Total operating expenses |
$ |
12,760 |
|
|
$ |
15,195 |
|
Consolidated operating loss |
$ |
(12,616 |
) |
|
$ |
(15,086 |
) |
(a) Stock-based compensation expense of $86,000 and $138,000 related to research and development and $446,000 and $1,370,000, related to selling, general, and administration have been excluded for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
(b) Depreciation and amortization expense of $227,000 related to research and development for each of the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024. Depreciation and amortization expense of $39,000 and $53,000 related to selling, general, and administration have been excluded for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Note 16. Subsequent Events
Between April 1, 2025 and the date of the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company issued 701,729 shares of common stock in ATM offerings under the 2024 ATM Prospectus for net proceeds of approximately $1.8 million.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed pursuant to the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Executive Chairman and Chief Financial Officer (our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, respectively), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Under the supervision of our Executive Chairman and our Chief Financial Officer, and with the participation of all members of management, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, our Executive Chairman and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were designed and operating effectively as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Our system of internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and the board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of our Consolidated Financial Statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Our management, under the supervision of our Executive Chairman and our Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2025. In making this assessment, we used the framework included in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the criteria set forth in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013), our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of March 31, 2025.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, to which this report relates that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
Our management, including our Executive Chairman and our Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.
Item 9B. Other Information.
During the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2025, none of our directors or officers (as defined in Section 16 of the Exchange Act) adopted or terminated any contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of our securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or any “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.
Not applicable.
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Information relating to our directors, executive officers and corporate governance, including our Code of Business Conduct and Insider Trading Policy, will be included in the proxy statement for our 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, expected to be filed within 120 days of the end of our most recently completed fiscal year, which is incorporated herein by reference. Our Code of Business Conduct, which is the code of ethics that applies to all of our officers, directors and employees, is filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
Information relating to executive compensation will be included in the proxy statement for our 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, expected to be filed within 120 days of the end of our most recently completed fiscal year, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The following table summarizes information about our equity compensation plans by type as of March 31, 2025:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(C) |
|
|
(A) |
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
securities available |
|
|
securities to be |
|
(B) |
|
|
for future issuance |
|
|
issued upon |
|
Weighted-average |
|
|
under Equity |
|
|
exercise/vesting |
|
exercise price |
|
|
Compensation Plans |
|
|
of outstanding |
|
of outstanding |
|
|
(excluding securities |
|
|
options, warrants, |
|
options, warrants, |
|
|
reflected in |
Plan category |
|
units and rights |
|
units and rights |
|
|
column (A)) |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1) |
|
145,396 (2) |
|
$ |
22.34 |
|
|
202,482 (3) |
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (4) |
|
4.166 (5) |
|
$ |
33.00 |
|
|
83 (6) |
(1)
Includes the 2012 Plan, the A&R 2022 Plan, and the ESPP.
(2)
Includes stock options to purchase 137,231 shares of common stock with a per share weighted-average exercise price of $22.34. Also includes 8,165 restricted stock units with no exercise price.
(3)
Includes 198,774 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to the 2012 Plan and A&R 2022 Plan and 3,708 shares of common stock available for purchase under the ESPP as of March 31, 2025.
(4)
Includes the Inducement Plan.
(5)
Includes 4,166 stock options with a per share exercise price of $33.00 granted pursuant to the Inducement Plan.
(6)
Includes 83 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to the Inducement Plan.
Information relating to the beneficial ownership of our common stock will be included in the proxy statement for our 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, expected to be filed within 120 days of the end of our most recently completed fiscal year, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
Information relating to certain relationships and related transactions and director independence will be included in the proxy statement for our 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, expected to be filed within 120 days of the end of our most recently completed fiscal year, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Information relating to principal accountant fees and services will be included in the proxy statement for our 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, expected to be filed within 120 days of the end of our most recently completed fiscal year, which is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
(a)
The following documents have been filed as part of this Annual Report:
1.
Consolidated Financial Statements: The information required by this item is included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report.
2.
Financial Statement Schedules: Financial statement schedules required under the related instructions are not applicable for the years ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 and have therefore been omitted.
3.
Exhibits: The exhibits listed in the Exhibit Index attached to this report are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Annual Report.
(b)
The exhibits listed in the accompanying Exhibit Index are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Annual Report.
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
|
|
Exhibit No. |
|
Description |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.1# |
|
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated February 23, 2025, by and between the Company, Eli Lilly and Company and for certain sections therein, Organovo, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company with the SEC on February 25, 2025). |
|
|
|
3.1 |
|
Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on February 3, 2012). |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on July 27, 2018). |
|
|
|
3.3 |
|
Certificate of Second Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on August 17, 2020). |
|
|
|
3.4 |
|
Certificate of Third Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on March 21, 2025). |
|
|
|
3.5 |
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Certificate of Fourth Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on April 24, 2025). |
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3.6 |
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Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on April 24, 2025). |
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4.1 |
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Form of Common Warrant (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on May 13, 2024). |
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4.2* |
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Description of Securities. |
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10.1+* |
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VivoSim Labs, Inc. Amended and Restated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan. |
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10.2+ |
|
Form of Stock Option Award Agreement under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.16 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on February 13, 2012). |
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10.3+ |
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Form of Non-Employee Director Stock Option Award Agreement under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC on June 9, 2015). |
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10.4+ |
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Form of Executive Stock Option Award Agreement under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC on June 9, 2015). |
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10.5+ |
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Form of Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on February 13, 2012). |
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10.6#* |
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License Agreement, dated March 24, 2009, by and between Organovo, Inc. and the Curators of the University of Missouri. |
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10.7#* |
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License Agreement, dated March 12, 2010, by and between Organovo, Inc. and the Curators of the University of Missouri. |
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10.8+ |
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Severance and Change in Control Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed with the SEC on November 9, 2015). |
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10.9+ |
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Amendment No. 1 to Severance and Change in Control Plan, dated May 19, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on May 20, 2020). |
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10.10+ |
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Form of Severance and Change in Control Plan Participation Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed with the SEC on November 9, 2015). |
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Exhibit No. |
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Description |
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10.11+ |
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Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Retention Form) under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed with the SEC on August 4, 2016). |
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10.12+ |
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Form of Employee Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed with the SEC on August 4, 2016). |
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10.13+ |
|
Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed with the SEC on August 4, 2016). |
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10.14+ |
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Consulting Agreement, dated September 15, 2020, by and between Organovo, Inc. and Multi Dimensional Bio Insight LLC (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed with the SEC on November 5, 2020). |
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10.15+ |
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Consulting Agreement, dated August 25, 2020, by and between Organovo, Inc. and Danforth Advisors (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed with the SEC on November 5, 2020). |
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10.16+ |
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Amendment No. 5, dated October 4, 2021, to Consulting Agreement, dated August 25, 2020, by and between Organovo, Inc. and Danforth Advisors LLC (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on October 6, 2021). |
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10.17+
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Amendment No. 6, dated December 30, 2024, to Consulting Agreement, dated August 25, 2020, by and between Organovo, Inc. and Danforth Advisors, LLC (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on December 31, 2024). |
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10.18 |
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Lease Agreement, dated November 23, 2020, between VivoSim Labs, Inc. and San Diego Inspire 2, LLC (Permanent Lease Agreement 176640186.8) (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on November 25, 2020). |
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10.19 |
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Amended and Restated Lease Agreement, dated November 23, 2020, between Organovo, Inc., as Tenant, and San Diego Inspire 2, LLC, as Landlord, as amended by First Amendment to Amended & Restated Lease, dated November 17, 2021, between Organovo, Inc., as Tenant and San Diego Inspire 2, LLC, as Landlord (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on November 19, 2021). |
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10.20 |
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Intercompany Agreement, dated December 28, 2020, by and among VivoSim Labs, Inc., Organovo, Inc. and Viscient Biosciences, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on December 31, 2020). |
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10.21 |
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Sales Agreement, dated March 16, 2018, by and between VivoSim Labs, Inc. and Jones Trading Institutional Services LLC (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on March 16, 2018). |
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10.22+* |
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VivoSim Labs, Inc. Amended and Restated 2021 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan. |
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10.23+* |
|
Form of Stock Option Agreement under the VivoSim Labs, Inc. 2021 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan. |
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10.24+* |
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Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the VivoSim Labs, Inc. 2021 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan. |
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10.25 |
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Settlement and Patent License Agreement, dated February 22, 2022, by and between Organovo, Inc. and BICO Group AB (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC on June 10, 2022). |
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10.26+* |
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VivoSim Labs, Inc. Amended and Restated 2022 Equity Incentive Plan. |
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10.27+* |
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Form of Global Stock Option Award Agreement under the VivoSim Labs, Inc. Amended and Restated 2022 Equity Incentive Plan. |
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10.28+* |
|
Form of Global Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the VivoSim Labs, Inc. Amended and Restated 2022 Equity Incentive Plan. |
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10.29+* |
|
VivoSim Labs, Inc. Amended and Restated 2023 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. |
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14.1* |
|
VivoSim Labs, Inc. Code of Business Conduct. |
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19.1* |
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VivoSim Labs, Inc. Insider Trading Policy. |
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21.1* |
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Subsidiaries of VivoSim Labs, Inc. |
# Portions of this exhibit (indicated by [* * *]) have been omitted because the Company has determined that the information is both (i) not material and (ii) of the type that the Company treats as private and confidential. In addition, schedules have been omitted from this filing pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Company agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule to the SEC upon its request; provided, however, that the Company may request confidential treatment pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for any schedule so furnished.
* Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith.
+ Designates management contracts and compensation plans.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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VIVOSIM LABS, INC. |
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By: |
/s/ Keith Murphy |
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Keith Murphy |
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Executive Chairman
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Date: |
June 5, 2025 |
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Keith Murphy and Norman Staskey, and each of them individually, as the undersigned’s true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for the undersigned and in the undersigned’s name, place, and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Report, 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 connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming that all said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them or their respective substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
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Signature |
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Title |
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Date |
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/s/ Keith Murphy |
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Executive Chairman |
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June 5, 2025 |
Keith Murphy |
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(Principal Executive Officer) |
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/s/ Norman Staskey |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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June 5, 2025 |
Norman Staskey |
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(Principal Financial and Principal Accounting Officer) |
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/s/ Adam Stern |
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Director |
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June 5, 2025 |
Adam Stern |
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/s/ Douglas Cohen |
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Director |
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June 5, 2025 |
Douglas Cohen |
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/s/ David Gobel |
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Director |
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June 5, 2025 |
David Gobel |
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/s/ Alison Milhous |
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Director |
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June 5, 2025 |
Alison Milhous |
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EX-4.2
2
vivs-ex4_2.htm
EX-4.2
EX-4.2
Exhibit 4.2
DESCRIPTION OF VIVOSIM LABS, INC.’S SECURITIES
REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
The following description of the common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of VivoSim Labs, Inc. (“us,” “our,” “we,” or the “Company”), which is the only security of the Company registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), summarizes certain information regarding the common stock in our certificate of incorporation, as amended (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), our bylaws, as amended (the “Bylaws”), and applicable provisions of General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”), and is qualified by reference to our certificate of incorporation, our certificate of amendment of certificate of incorporation, our second certificate of amendment of certificate of incorporation, our third certificate of amendment of certificate of incorporation, our fourth certificate of amendment of certificate of incorporation and our Bylaws, which are incorporated by reference as Exhibits 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 and 3.6, respectively, to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025.
Our authorized capital stock consists of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share and 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share.
General
As of March 31, 2025, our Certificate of Incorporation, authorizes us to issue up to (i) 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and (ii) 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share.
On August 18, 2020, we effected a 1-for-20 reverse stock split of our outstanding common stock. As a result of the reverse stock split, every twenty (20) shares of our pre-reverse split common stock were combined and reclassified into one (1) share of common stock. The reverse stock split had no effect on the number of authorized shares of common or preferred stock, or on the stated par value per share of our common stock.
On March 21, 2025, we effected a 1-for-12 reverse stock split of our outstanding common stock. As a result of the reverse stock split, every twelve (12) shares of our pre-reverse split common stock were combined and reclassified into one (1) share of common stock. The reverse stock split had no effect on the number of authorized shares of common or preferred stock, or on the stated par value per share of our common stock.
The following is a summary of the material provisions of the common stock and preferred stock provided for in our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. For additional detail about our capital stock, please refer to our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.
Common Stock
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “VIVS”.
Voting. Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share on all matters submitted to a stockholder vote, except matters that relate only to a series of our preferred stock.
The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders, including the election of directors. Generally, all matters to be voted on by stockholders must be approved by a majority (or, in the case of election of directors, by a plurality) of the votes entitled to be cast by all shares of common stock that are present in person or represented by proxy. Except as otherwise provided by law, amendments to the Certificate of Incorporation generally must be approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by all outstanding shares of common stock. The Certificate of Incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors. The common stock holders will be entitled to such cash dividends as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors from funds available. Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the common stock holders will be entitled to receive pro rata all assets available for distribution to such holders.
Dividends. Subject to limitations under Delaware law and preferences that may apply to any then-outstanding shares of preferred stock, holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors in its discretion from funds legally available therefor.
Dividends, if any, will be contingent upon our revenues and earnings, if any, and capital requirements and financial conditions. The payment of dividends, if any, will be within the discretion of our board of directors. We presently intend to retain all earnings, if any, and accordingly our board of directors does not anticipate declaring any dividends prior to a business combination.
Liquidation. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of common stock are entitled to share pro rata all assets remaining after payment in full of all liabilities and after providing for each class of stock, if any, having preference over the common stock, subject to the liquidation preference of any then outstanding shares of preferred stock.
Miscellaneous. Holders of our common stock have no pre-emptive rights, no conversion rights and there are no redemption provisions applicable to our common stock. The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of our common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of our preferred stock that we may designate and issue in the future.
Preferred Stock
Under the terms of our Certificate of Incorporation, our board of directors is authorized to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series without stockholder approval. Our board of directors has the discretion to determine the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including voting rights, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation preferences, of each series of preferred stock. There are no restrictions presently on the repurchase or redemption of any shares of our preferred stock.
The issuance of preferred stock will affect, and may adversely affect, the rights of holders of common stock. It is not possible to state the actual effect of the issuance of any shares of preferred stock on the rights of holders of common stock until the board of directors determines the specific rights attached to that preferred stock. The effects of issuing preferred stock could include one or more of the following:
•
restricting dividends on the common stock;
•
diluting the voting power of the common stock;
•
impairing the liquidation rights of the common stock; or
•
delaying or preventing changes in control or management of our company.
We have no present plans to issue any shares of preferred stock nor are any shares of our preferred stock presently outstanding.
Warrants
As of March 31, 2025, the Company had outstanding warrants to purchase an aggregate of 539,060 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $9.60 per share, all of which are currently exercisable (subject to certain beneficial ownership requirements) and expire on May 13, 2029.
All of the outstanding warrants contain provisions for the adjustment of the exercise price in the event of stock dividends, stock splits or similar transactions. In addition, the warrants contain a “cashless exercise” feature that allows the holders thereof to exercise the warrants without a cash payment to the Company under certain circumstances.
The warrants also contain provisions that provide certain rights to warrant holders in the event of a fundamental transaction, including a merger or consolidation with or into another entity, such as:
•
the right to receive the same amount and kind of consideration paid to the holders of common stock in the fundamental transaction;
•
the right to require the Company or a successor entity to purchase the unexercised portion of certain warrants at the warrant’s respective fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing formula; or
•
the right to require the Company or a successor entity to redeem the unexercised portion of certain warrants for the same consideration paid to holders of common stock in the fundamental transaction at the warrant’s respective fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing formula.
Effect of Certain Provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
Provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and our Bylaws could have the effect of delaying, deferring or discouraging another party from acquiring control of us. These provisions, which are summarized below, may have the effect of discouraging takeover bids. These provisions are also designed, in part, to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board of directors. We believe that the benefits of increased protection of our potential ability to negotiate with an unfriendly or unsolicited acquirer outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging a proposal to acquire us because negotiation of these proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.
Classified Board. Our Certificate of Incorporation and our Bylaws provide that our board of directors is divided into three classes, consisting of two Class I directors, two Class II directors and two Class III directors. The directors designated as Class I directors have a term expiring at our annual meeting of stockholders in 2027. The directors designated as Class II directors have a term expiring at our annual meeting of stockholders in 2025, and the directors designated as a Class III directors have a term expiring at our annual meeting of stockholders in 2026. Directors for each class will be elected at the annual meeting of stockholders held in the year in which the term for that class expires and thereafter will serve for a term of three years. At any meeting of stockholders for the election of directors at which a quorum is present, the election will be determined by a plurality of the votes cast by the stockholders entitled to vote at the election. Under the classified board provisions, it will take at least two elections of directors for any individual or group to gain control of our board. Accordingly, these provisions could discourage a third party from initiating a proxy contest, making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to gain control of us.
Undesignated preferred stock. The authority of our board of directors to issue preferred stock could potentially be used to discourage attempts by third parties to obtain control of our company through a merger, tender offer, proxy contest, or otherwise by making it more difficult or more costly to obtain control of our company. Our board of directors may issue preferred stock with voting rights or conversion rights that, if exercised, could adversely affect the voting power of the holders of common stock.
Advanced Notice Requirement. Stockholder nominations of individuals for election to our board of directors and stockholder proposals of other matters to be brought before an annual meeting of our stockholders must comply with the advance notice procedures set forth in our Bylaws. Generally, to be timely, such notice must be received at our principal executive offices no later than the date specified in our proxy statement released to stockholders in connection with the preceding year’s annual meeting of stockholders, which date shall be not earlier than the 75th day, nor later than the close of business on the 45th day, prior to the one-year anniversary of the date on which we first mailed our proxy materials or a notice of availability of proxy materials (whichever is earlier) for the preceding year’s annual meeting and the stockholder must have complied in all respects with the requirements of Section 14 of the Exchange Act, including, without limitation, the requirements of Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act.
Special Meeting Requirements. Our Bylaws provide that special meetings of our stockholders may only be called at the request of a majority of the authorized number of members of the board of directors, chairperson of the board of directors, chief executive officer, president or secretary. Only such business shall be considered at a special meeting as shall have been stated in the notice for such meeting.
No Stockholder Action by Written Consent Except with Prior Board Approval. Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide that no action shall be taken by our stockholders except at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders called in accordance with the Bylaws, and no action shall be taken by our stockholders by written consent, except if the action to be effected by written consent and the taking of such action by written consent is approved in advance by resolution of the board of directors.
No Cumulative Voting. Our Certificate of Incorporation does not include a provision for cumulative voting for directors.
Removal of Directors. Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide that the holders of our voting stock may only remove our directors for cause.
Authorized but Unissued Shares. Our authorized but unissued shares of common stock and preferred stock will be available for future issuance without stockholder approval. We may use additional shares for a variety of purposes, including future public offerings to raise additional capital, to fund acquisitions and as employee compensation. The existence of authorized but unissued shares of common stock and preferred stock could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.
Size of Board and Vacancies. Our Bylaws provide that the number of directors on our board of directors is fixed exclusively by our board of directors. Vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in our authorized number of directors will be filled by a majority of our board of directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director.
Indemnification. Our Certificate of Incorporation and our Bylaws provide that we will indemnify our officers and directors against losses as they incur in investigations and legal proceedings resulting from their services to us, which may include service in connection with takeover defense measures.
Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute
We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL regulating corporate takeovers. In general, Section 203 generally prohibits a publicly-held Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination with an interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date on which the person became an interested stockholder unless:
•
prior to the date of the transaction, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;
•
upon completion of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding, but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder, (1) shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers and (2) shares owned by employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or
•
at or subsequent to the date of the transaction, the business combination is approved by the board of directors of the corporation and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66⅔% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.
In general, Section 203 defines business combination to include the following:
•
any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder;
•
any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of either the assets or outstanding stock of the corporation involving the interested stockholder; subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder;
•
any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; or
•
the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits by or through the corporation.
In general, Section 203 defines interested stockholder as an entity or person who, together with affiliates and associates, beneficially owns, or within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status did own, 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation.
The provisions of the DGCL, our Certificate of Incorporation and our Bylaws could have the effect of discouraging others from attempting hostile takeovers and, as a consequence, they may also inhibit temporary fluctuations in the market price of our common stock that often result from actual or rumored hostile takeover attempts. These provisions may also have the effect of preventing changes in our management. It is possible that these provisions may make it more difficult to accomplish transactions that stockholders may otherwise deem to be in their best interests.
EX-10.1
3
vivs-ex10_1.htm
EX-10.1
EX-10.1
Exhibit 10.1
VIVOSIM LABS, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED
2012 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
(As Amended and Restated on April 24, 2025)
1.
Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Plan are:
•
to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility;
•
to provide incentives to individuals who perform services for the Company; and
•
to promote the success of the Company’s business.
The Plan permits the grant of Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units, Performance Shares and other stock or cash awards as the Administrator may determine.
2.
Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions will apply:
(a)
“Administrator” means the Board or any of its Committees as will be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 hereof.
(b)
“Affiliate” means any corporation or any other entity (including, but not limited to, partnerships and joint ventures) controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Company.
(c)
“Applicable Laws” means the requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards under U.S. federal and state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted under the Plan.
(d)
“Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units, Performance Shares and other stock or cash awards as the Administrator may determine.
(e)
“Award Agreement” means the written or electronic agreement setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to each Award granted under the Plan. The Award Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(f)
“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(g)
“Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:
(i)
A change in the ownership of the Company which occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (“Person”), acquires ownership of stock in the Company that, together with the stock already held by such Person, constitutes more than 50% of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (i), the acquisition of additional stock by any Person who is considered to own more than 50% of the total voting power of the stock of the Company before the acquisition will not be considered a Change in Control; or A change in the effective control of the Company, which occurs on the date that a majority of the members of the Board are replaced during any twelve (12) month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election.
(ii)
For purposes of this subsection (ii), if any Person is considered to effectively control the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change in Control; or
(iii)
A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets, which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 50% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (iii), the following will not constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets or a Change in Control: (A) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (B) a transfer of assets by the Company to: (1) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (2) an entity, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (3) a Person that owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company, or (4) an entity, at least 50% of the total equity or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in subsection (iii)(B)(3) above. For purposes of this subsection (iii), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, as to any Award under the Plan that consists of deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code, the definition of “Change in Control” shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Code.
For purposes of this Section 2(g), persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation or other entity that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company.
(h)
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Any reference to a section of the Code herein will be a reference to any successor or amended section of the Code.
(i)
“Committee” means a committee of Directors or of other individuals satisfying Applicable Laws appointed by the Board in accordance with Section 4 hereof.
(j)
“Common Stock” means the common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company.
(k)
“Company” means VivoSim Labs, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto.
(l)
“Consultant” means any person, including an advisor, engaged by the Company or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate to render services to the Company or a Subsidiary.
(m)
“Director” means a member of the Board.
(n)
“Disability” means permanent and total disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, provided that in the case of Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, the Administrator in its discretion may determine whether a permanent and total disability exists in accordance with uniform and non-discriminatory standards adopted by the Administrator from time to time.
(o)
“Employee” means any person, including Officers and Directors, employed by the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company will be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.
(p)
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(q)
“Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of the Common Stock determined as follows:
(i)
If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market or the Nasdaq Capital Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such stock (or if no closing sales price was reported on that date, as applicable, on the last trading date such closing sales price was reported) as quoted on such exchange or system on the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;
(ii)
If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a Share will be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the day of determination (or, if no bids and asks were reported on that date, as applicable, on the last trading date such bids and asks were reported), as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or
(iii)
In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, or if such Common Stock is not regularly quoted or does not have sufficient trades or bid prices which would accurately reflect the actual Fair Market Value of the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value will be determined in good faith by the Administrator upon the advice of a qualified valuation expert.
(r)
“Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company.
(s)
“Incentive Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms qualifies and is otherwise intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
(t)
“Nonstatutory Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
(u)
“Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(v)
“Option” means a stock option granted pursuant to Section 6 hereof.
(w)
“Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
(x)
“Participant” means the holder of an outstanding Award.
(y)
“Performance Period” means any Fiscal Year of the Company or such other period as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.
(z)
“Performance Share” means an Award denominated in Shares which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of performance goals or other vesting criteria as the Administrator may determine pursuant to Section 10 hereof.
(aa)
“Performance Unit” means an Award which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of performance goals or other vesting criteria as the Administrator may determine and which may be settled for cash, Shares or other securities or a combination of the foregoing pursuant to Section 10 hereof.
(bb)
“Period of Restriction” means the period during which transfers of Shares of Restricted Stock are subject to restrictions and, therefore, the Shares are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. Such restrictions may be based on the passage of time, the achievement of target levels of performance, or the occurrence of other events as determined by the Administrator.
(cc)
“Plan” means this Amended and Restated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (as may be amended or restated from time to time).
(dd)
“Restricted Stock” means Shares issued pursuant to an Award of Restricted Stock under Section 8 hereof, or issued pursuant to the early exercise of an Option.
(ee)
“Restricted Stock Unit” means a bookkeeping entry representing an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of one Share, granted pursuant to Section 9 hereof. Each Restricted Stock Unit represents an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company.
(ff)
“Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with respect to the Plan.
(gg)
“Section 16(b)” means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.
(hh)
“Service Provider” means an Employee, Director, or Consultant.
(ii)
“Share” means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 15 hereof.
(jj)
“Stock Appreciation Right” means an Award, granted alone or in connection with an Option, that pursuant to Section 7 is designated as a Stock Appreciation Right.
(kk)
“Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.
3.
Stock Subject to the Plan.
(a)
Subject to the provisions of Section 15 hereof, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be awarded and sold under the Plan is 2,327,699 Shares. The Shares may be authorized, but unissued or reacquired Common Stock.
(b)
Lapsed Awards. If an Award expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, or, with respect to Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares or Performance Units, is forfeited to or repurchased by the Company, the unissued Shares (or for Awards other than Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, the forfeited or repurchased Shares) which were subject thereto will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). Upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right settled in Shares, the gross number of Shares covered by the portion of the Award so exercised will cease to be available under the Plan. Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan under any Award will not be returned to the Plan and will not become available for future distribution under the Plan; provided, however, that if unvested Shares of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares or Performance Units are repurchased by the Company, such Shares will not become available for future grant under the Plan. Shares withheld or tendered (actually or through attestation) to pay the tax and/or exercise price of an Award will not become available for future grant or sale under the Plan. To the extent an Award under the Plan is payable in cash rather than Shares, such cash payment will not result in reducing the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 3(b), subject to adjustment provided in Section 14 hereof, the maximum number of Shares that may be issued upon the exercise of Incentive Stock Options will equal the aggregate Share number stated in Section 3(a)above, plus, to the extent allowable under Section 422 of the Code, any Shares that become available for issuance under the Plan under this Section 3(b).
(c)
Share Reserve. The Company, during the term of this Plan, will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as will be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.
(d)
Limitation on Number of Shares Subject to Awards. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, the maximum aggregate number of Shares with respect to one or more Awards that may be granted to any one person during any calendar year (measured from the date of any grant) shall be 400,000 and the maximum aggregate amount of cash that may be paid in cash during any calendar year (measured from the date of any payment) with respect to one or more Awards payable in cash shall be $2,000,000.
4.
Administration of the Plan.
(i)
Multiple Administrative Bodies. Different Committees with respect to different groups of Service Providers may administer the Plan.
(ii)
Rule 16b-3. To the extent desirable to qualify transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated hereunder will be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3.
(iii)
Other Administration. Other than as provided above, the Plan will be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee, which committee will be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws.
(b)
Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator will have the authority, in its discretion:
(i)
to determine the Fair Market Value;
(ii)
to select the Service Providers to whom Awards may be granted hereunder;
(iii)
to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;
(iv)
to approve forms of Award Agreements for use under the Plan;
(v)
to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder;
(vi)
to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and Awards granted pursuant to the Plan;
(vii)
to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of satisfying applicable foreign laws or for qualifying for favorable tax treatment under applicable foreign laws;
(viii)
to modify or amend each Award (subject to Section 20(c) hereof), including but not limited to the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of Awards, but the Administrator cannot reduce the exercise price of an outstanding Award unless such action is approved by the Company’s stockholders;
(ix)
to allow Participants to satisfy withholding tax obligations in a manner described in Section 16 hereof;
(x)
to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Award previously granted by the Administrator;
(xi)
to allow a Participant to defer the receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of Shares that would otherwise be due to such Participant under an Award pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may determine; and
(xii)
to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Plan.
(xiii)
In addition, except in connection with a corporate transaction involving the Company (including, without limitation, any stock dividend, stock split, extraordinary cash dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, or exchange of shares), the Administrator shall not be permitted without stockholder approval to reprice outstanding Awards or to cancel or exchange an outstanding Award for cash or any other Award with an exercise price that is less than the exercise price of the original Award. For purposes of clarity, a “repricing” means any of the following (or any other action that has the same effect as any of the following): (A) changing the terms of an Award to lower its exercise price; (B) any other action that is treated as a “repricing” under generally accepted accounting principles; and (C) repurchasing for cash or canceling Award at a time when its exercise price is greater than the Fair Market Value of the underlying stock in exchange for another Award, unless the cancellation and exchange occurs in connection with an event set forth in Section 15. Such cancellation and exchange would be considered a “repricing” regardless of whether it is treated as a “repricing” under generally accepted accounting principles and regardless of whether it is voluntary on the part of the Participant.
(c)
Effect of Administrator’s Decision. The Administrator’s decisions, determinations, and interpretations will be final and binding on all Participants and any other holders of Awards.
(d)
No Reload Awards. No Award shall contain a reload feature that results in a new Award granted automatically upon delivery of Shares to the Company in payment of the exercise price or any tax withholding obligation.
5.
Eligibility. Nonstatutory Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Appreciation Rights, Performance Units, Performance Shares, and such other cash or stock awards as the Administrator determines may be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees.
(i)
Each Option will be designated in the Award Agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. However, notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000 (U.S.), such Options will be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this Section 6(a), Incentive Stock Options will be taken into account in the order in which they were granted.
The Fair Market Value of the Shares will be determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted.
(ii)
The Administrator will have complete discretion to determine the number of Shares subject to an Option granted to any Participant.
(b)
Term of Option. The Administrator will determine the term of each Option in its sole discretion; provided, however, that the term will be no more than ten (10) years from the date of grant thereof. Moreover, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Incentive Stock Option will be five (5) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement.
(c)
Option Exercise Price and Consideration.
(i)
Exercise Price. The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option will be determined by the Administrator, but will be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. In addition, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an Employee who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price will be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 6(c), Options may be granted with a per Share exercise price of less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Section 424(a) of the Code.
(ii)
Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option is granted, the Administrator will fix the period within which the Option may be exercised and will determine any conditions that must be satisfied before the Option may be exercised.
(iii)
Form of Consideration. The Administrator will determine the acceptable form(s) of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method of payment, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant. Such consideration may consist entirely of: (1) cash; (2) check; (3) promissory note, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, (4) other Shares, provided that such Shares have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which such Option will be exercised and provided further that accepting such Shares will not result in any adverse accounting consequences to the Company, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion; (5) consideration received by the Company under cashless exercise program (whether through a broker or otherwise) implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan; (6) by net exercise, (7) such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, or (8) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment. In making its determination as to the type of consideration to accept, the Administrator will consider if acceptance of such consideration may be reasonably expected to benefit the Company.
(i)
Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder. Any Option granted hereunder will be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement.
An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.
An Option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (A) notice of exercise (in such form as the Administrator specifies from time to time) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (B) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised (together with any applicable withholding taxes). Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and permitted by the Award Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of an Option will be issued in the name of the Participant or, if requested by the Participant, in the name of the Participant and his or her spouse. Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the Shares subject to an Option, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company will issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 15 hereof.
(ii)
Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the Participant’s termination as the result of the Participant’s death or Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for three (3) months following the Participant’s termination. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan. If after termination the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
(iii)
Disability of Participant. Unless otherwise specified in the Award Agreement, if a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Participant’s Disability, the Participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise all of his or her outstanding Options within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement), provided, however, that the accelerated vesting shall only apply to Options granted to the Participant at least 90 days before the Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of Participant’s Disability. In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for six (6) months following the date a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of Participant’s Disability. If a Participant’s Award Agreement specifically provides that Participant will not fully vest in all of the Shares covered by the Option on the date Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of Participant’s Disability, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan. If after Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of Participant’s Disability, Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
(iv)
Death of Participant. Unless otherwise specified in the Award Agreement, if a Participant dies while a Service Provider, the Participant’s outstanding Options will fully vest and may be exercised within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement), by the Participant’s designated beneficiary, provided such beneficiary has been designated prior to Participant’s death in a form acceptable to the Administrator, provided, further, that the accelerated vesting shall only apply to Options granted to the Participant at least 90 days before the Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of Participant’s death.
If no such beneficiary has been designated by the Participant, then such Option may be exercised by the personal representative of the Participant’s estate or by the person(s) to whom the Option is transferred pursuant to the Participant’s will or in accordance with the laws of descent and distribution. In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for six (6) months following Participant’s death. If a Participant’s Award Agreement specifically provides that Participant will not fully vest in all of the Shares covered by the Option if Participant dies while a Service Provider, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will continue to vest in accordance with the Award Agreement. If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
7.
Stock Appreciation Rights.
(a)
Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, a Stock Appreciation Right may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion.
(b)
Number of Shares. The Administrator will have complete discretion to determine the number of Stock Appreciation Rights granted to any Participant.
(c)
Exercise Price and Other Terms. The Administrator, subject to the provisions of the Plan, will have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions of Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan; provided, however, that the exercise price will be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant.
(d)
Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement. Each Stock Appreciation Right grant will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the exercise price, the term of the Stock Appreciation Right, the conditions of exercise, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.
(e)
Expiration of Stock Appreciation Rights. A Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan will expire upon the date determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement; provided, however, that the term will be no more than ten (10) years from the date of grant thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules of Section 6(d) above also will apply to Stock Appreciation Rights.
(f)
Payment of Stock Appreciation Right Amount. Upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, a Participant will be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying:
(i)
The difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the exercise price; times
(ii)
The number of Shares with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised.
At the discretion of the Administrator, the payment upon Stock Appreciation Right exercise may be in cash, in Shares of equivalent value, or in some combination thereof.
(g)
Death or Disability of Participant. Unless otherwise specified in the Award Agreement, if a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Participant’s death or Disability, all of his or her outstanding Stock Appreciation Rights will fully vest and may be exercised within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Stock Appreciation Rights as set forth in the Award Agreement) by the Participant or the Participant’s designated beneficiary, provided such beneficiary has been designated prior to Participant’s death in a form acceptable to the Administrator, provided, further, that the accelerated vesting shall only apply to Stock Appreciation Rights granted to the Participant at least 90 days before the Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of Participant’s death or Disability.
If no such beneficiary has been designated by the Participant, then such Stock Appreciation Rights may be exercised by the personal representative of the Participant’s estate or by the person(s) to whom the Stock Appreciation Right is transferred pursuant to the Participant’s will or in accordance with the laws of descent and distribution. In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Stock Appreciation Rights will remain exercisable for six (6) months following the date the Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of Participant’s death or Disability. If the Stock Appreciation Right is not so exercised within the time specified herein, the Stock Appreciation Right will terminate.
(a)
Grant of Restricted Stock. Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Shares of Restricted Stock to Service Providers in such amounts as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.
(b)
Restricted Stock Agreement. Each Award of Restricted Stock will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Period of Restriction, the number of Shares granted, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the Company as escrow agent will hold Shares of Restricted Stock until the restrictions on such Shares have lapsed.
(c)
Transferability. Except as provided in this Section 8, Shares of Restricted Stock may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the end of the applicable Period of Restriction.
(d)
Other Restrictions. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may impose such other restrictions on Shares of Restricted Stock as it may deem advisable or appropriate.
(e)
Removal of Restrictions. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 8, Shares of Restricted Stock covered by each Restricted Stock grant made under the Plan will be released from escrow as soon as practicable after the last day of the Period of Restriction. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restrictions will lapse or be removed. Unless otherwise specified in the Award Agreement, if a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Participant’s death or Disability, all restrictions on his or her outstanding Restricted Stock, other than those that are Performance Shares (see Section 10 below), will automatically lapse or be removed, provided, however, that the accelerated vesting shall only apply to Restricted Stock granted to the Participant at least 90 days before the Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of Participant’s death or Disability.
(f)
Voting Rights. During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder may exercise full voting rights with respect to those Shares, unless the Administrator determines otherwise.
(g)
Dividends and Other Distributions. During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock will be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such Shares unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement. If any such dividends or distributions are paid in Shares, the Shares will be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid.
(h)
Return of Restricted Stock to Company. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, the Restricted Stock for which restrictions have not lapsed will revert to the Company and again will become available for grant under the Plan.
9.
Restricted Stock Units.
(a)
Grant. Restricted Stock Units may be granted at any time and from time to time as determined by the Administrator. Each Restricted Stock Unit grant will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine, including all terms, conditions, and restrictions related to the grant, the number of Restricted Stock Units and the form of payout, which, subject to Section 9(d) hereof, may be left to the discretion of the Administrator.
(b)
Vesting Criteria and Other Terms. The Administrator will set vesting criteria in its discretion, which, depending on the extent to which the criteria are met, will determine the number of Restricted Stock Units that will be paid out to the Participant. After the grant of Restricted Stock Units, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any restrictions for such Restricted Stock Units. Each Award of Restricted Stock Units will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the vesting criteria, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion will determine. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restrictions will lapse or be removed. Unless otherwise specified in the Award Agreement, if a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Participant’s death or Disability, all restrictions on his or her outstanding Restricted Stock Units, other than those that are Performance Units (see Section 10 below), will automatically lapse or be removed, provided, however, that the accelerated vesting shall only apply to Restricted Stock Units granted to the Participant at least 90 days before the Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of Participant’s death or Disability.
(c)
Earning Restricted Stock Units. Upon meeting the applicable vesting criteria, the Participant will be entitled to receive a payout as specified in the Award Agreement.
(d)
Form and Timing of Payment. Payment of earned Restricted Stock Units will be made as soon as practicable after the date(s) set forth in the Award Agreement. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may pay earned Restricted Stock Units in cash, Shares, or a combination thereof. Shares represented by Restricted Stock Units that are fully paid in cash again will be available for grant under the Plan.
(e)
Cancellation. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned Restricted Stock Units will be forfeited to the Company.
10.
Performance Units and Performance Shares.
(a)
Grant of Performance Units/Shares. Performance Units and Performance Shares may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time, as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. The Administrator will have complete discretion in determining the number of Performance Units/Shares granted to each Participant.
(b)
Value of Performance Units/Shares. Each Performance Unit will have an initial value that is established by the Administrator on or before the date of grant. Each Performance Share will have an initial value equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant.
(c)
Performance Objectives and Other Terms. The Administrator will set performance objectives or other vesting provisions. The Administrator may set vesting criteria based upon the achievement of Company-wide, business unit, or individual goals (including, but not limited to, continued employment), or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion. Each Award of Performance Units/Shares will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Performance Period, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.
Unless otherwise specified in the Award Agreement, if a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Participant’s death or Disability, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at target levels and all other terms and conditions met, provided, however, that the accelerated vesting shall only apply to Performance Units/Shares granted to the Participant at least 90 days before the Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of Participant’s death or Disability.
(d)
Earning of Performance Units/Shares. After the applicable Performance Period has ended, the holder of Performance Units/Shares will be entitled to receive a payout of the number of Performance Units/Shares earned by the Participant over the Performance Period, to be determined as a function of the extent to which the corresponding performance objectives or other vesting provisions have been achieved. After the grant of a Performance Unit/Share, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any performance objectives or other vesting provisions for such Performance Unit/Share.
(e)
Form and Timing of Payment of Performance Units/Shares. Payment of earned Performance Units/Shares will be made as soon as practicable after the expiration of the applicable Performance Period. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may pay earned Performance Units/Shares in the form of cash, in Shares (which have an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the value of the earned Performance Units/Shares at the close of the applicable Performance Period) or in a combination thereof.
(f)
Cancellation of Performance Units/Shares. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned or unvested Performance Units/Shares will be forfeited to the Company, and again will be available for grant under the Plan.
12.
Compliance with Code Section 409A. Awards 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, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator. The Plan and each Award Agreement under the Plan is intended to meet the requirements of Code Section 409A and will be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator. 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 or interest applicable under Code Section 409A.
13.
Leaves of Absence. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise, vesting of Awards granted hereunder will be suspended during any unpaid leave of absence. A Service Provider will not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company, or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Parent, or any Subsidiary. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed three (3) months, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company is not so guaranteed, then six (6) months and one day following the commencement of such leave any Incentive Stock Option held by the Participant will cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and will be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
14.
Transferability of Awards. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, an Award may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Participant, only by the Participant. If the Administrator makes an Award transferable, such Award may only be transferred (i) by will, (ii) by the laws of descent and distribution, (iii) to a revocable trust, or (iv) as permitted by Rule 701 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
15.
Adjustments; Dissolution or Liquidation; Merger or Change in Control.
(a)
Adjustments. In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Shares occurs, the Administrator, in order to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, will adjust the number and class of Shares that may be delivered under the Plan and/or the number, class, and price of Shares covered by each outstanding Award, and the numerical Share limits set forth in Sections 3, 7, 8, 9 and 10 hereof.
(b)
Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator will notify each Participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.
(c)
Change in Control. In the event of a merger of the Company with or into another corporation or other entity or a Change in Control, each outstanding Award will be treated as the Administrator determines (subject to the provisions of the preceding paragraph) without a Participant’s consent, including, without limitation, that (i) Awards will be assumed, or substantially equivalent Awards will be substituted, by the acquiring or succeeding corporation (the “Successor Corporation”) (or an affiliate thereof) with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and prices; (ii) upon written notice to a Participant, that the Participant’s Awards will terminate upon or immediately prior to the consummation of such merger or Change in Control; (iii) outstanding Awards will vest and become exercisable, realizable, or payable, or restrictions applicable to an Award will lapse, in whole or in part prior to or upon consummation of such merger or Change in Control, and, to the extent the Administrator determines, terminate upon or immediately prior to the effectiveness of such merger or Change in Control; (iv) (A) the termination of an Award in exchange for an amount of cash and/or property, if any, equal to the amount that would have been attained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction (and, for the avoidance of doubt, if as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction the Administrator determines in good faith that no amount would have been attained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights, then such Award may be terminated by the Company without payment), or (B) the replacement of such Award with other rights or property selected by the Administrator in its sole discretion; or (v) any combination of the foregoing. In taking any of the actions permitted under this subsection (c), the Administrator will not be obligated to treat all Awards, all Awards held by a Participant, or all Awards of the same type, similarly.
In the event that the Successor Corporation does not assume or substitute for the Award, the Participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise all of his or her outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, including Shares as to which such Awards would not otherwise be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on Restricted Stock will lapse, and, with respect to Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares and Performance Units, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at target levels and all other terms and conditions met. In addition, if an Option or Stock Appreciation Right is not assumed or substituted for in the event of a Change in Control, the Administrator will notify the Participant in writing or electronically that the Option or Stock Appreciation Right will be fully vested and exercisable for a period of time determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, and the Option or Stock Appreciation Right will terminate upon the expiration of such period.
For the purposes of this subsection (c), an Award will be considered assumed if, following the Change in Control, the Award confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share subject to the Award immediately prior to the Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) or, in the case of a Stock Appreciation Right upon the exercise of which the Administrator determines to pay cash or a Performance Share or Performance Unit which the Administrator can determine to pay in cash, the fair market value of the consideration received in the merger or Change in Control by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the Change in Control is not solely common stock of the Successor Corporation, the Administrator may, with the consent of the Successor Corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right or upon the payout of a Performance Share or Performance Unit, for each Share subject to such Award (or in the case of Performance Units, the number of implied shares determined by dividing the value of the Performance Units by the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Change in Control), to be solely common stock of the Successor Corporation equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Change in Control.
Notwithstanding anything in this Section 15(c) to the contrary, an Award that vests, is earned or paid-out upon the satisfaction of one or more performance goals will not be considered assumed if the Company or its successor modifies any of such performance goals without the Participant’s consent; provided, however, a modification to such performance goals only to reflect the Successor Corporation’s post-Change in Control corporate structure will not be deemed to invalidate an otherwise valid Award assumption. In the case of an Award providing for the payment of deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code, any payment of such deferred compensation by reason of a Change in Control shall be made only if the Change in Control is one described in subsection (a)(2)(A)(v) of Section 409A and the guidance thereunder and shall be paid consistent with the requirements of Section 409A. If any deferred compensation that would otherwise be payable by reason of a Change in Control cannot be paid by reason of the immediately preceding sentence, it shall be paid as soon as practicable thereafter consistent with the requirements of Section 409A, as determined by the Administrator.
(a)
Withholding Requirements. Prior to the delivery of any Shares or cash pursuant to an Award (or exercise thereof), the Company will have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, local, foreign or other taxes (including the Participant’s FICA obligation) required to be withheld with respect to such Award (or exercise thereof).
(b)
Withholding Arrangements. The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, 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 the Company withhold otherwise deliverable cash or Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum amount required to be withheld, (iii) delivering to the Company already-owned Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld, or (iv) selling a sufficient number of Shares otherwise deliverable to the Participant through such means as the Administrator may determine in its sole discretion (whether through a broker or otherwise) 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.
17.
No Effect on Employment or Service. Neither the Plan nor any Award will confer upon a Participant any right with respect to continuing the Participant’s relationship as a Service Provider with the Company, nor will they interfere in any way with the Participant’s right or the Company’s right to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without cause, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.
18.
Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Award will be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Award, or such other later date as is determined by the Administrator. Notice of the determination will be provided to each Participant within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.
19.
Term of Plan. Subject to Section 23 hereof, the Plan, as amended and restated, will become effective upon its adoption by the Company’s stockholders at the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. It will continue in effect until July 26, 2028 unless terminated earlier under Section 20 hereof.
20.
Amendment and Termination of the Plan.
(a)
Amendment and Termination. The Administrator may at any time amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.
(b)
Stockholder Approval. The Company will obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws.
(c)
Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration, suspension, or termination of the Plan will impair the rights of any Participant, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Participant and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Participant and the Company. Termination of the Plan will not affect the Administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Awards granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination.
21.
Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.
(a)
Legal Compliance. Shares will not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Award unless the exercise of such Award and the issuance and delivery of such Shares will comply with Applicable Laws and will be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.
(b)
Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise of an Award, the Company may require the person exercising such Award to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.
(c)
Restrictive Legends. All Award Agreements and all securities of the Company issued pursuant thereto shall bear such legends regarding restrictions on transfer and such other legends as the appropriate officer of the Corporation shall determine to be necessary or advisable to comply with applicable securities and other laws.
22.
Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, will relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority will not have been obtained.
23.
Stockholder Approval. The Plan will be subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board. Such stockholder approval will be obtained in the manner and to the degree required under Applicable Laws. In the event that stockholder approval is not obtained within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board, the Plan and all Awards granted hereunder shall be void ab initio and of no effect.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, no Awards shall be exercisable until the date of such stockholder approval.
24.
Notification of Election Under Section 83(b) of the Code. If any Service Provider shall, in connection with the acquisition of Shares under the Plan, make the election permitted under Section 83(b) of the Code, such Service Provider shall notify the Company of such election within ten (10) days of filing notice of the election with the Internal Revenue Service and provide the Company with a copy thereof, in addition to any filing and a notification required pursuant to regulations issued under the authority of Section 83(b) of the Code. A Service Provider shall not be permitted to make a Section 83(b) election with respect to an Award of a Restricted Stock Unit.
25.
Notification Upon Disqualifying Disposition Under Section 421(b) of the Code. Each Service Provider shall notify the Company of any disposition of Shares issued pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option under the circumstances described in Section 421(b) of the Code (relating to certain disqualifying dispositions), within ten (10) days of such disposition.
26.
Choice of Law. The Plan and all rules and determinations made and taken pursuant hereto will be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, to the extent not preempted by federal law, and construed accordingly.
27.
Clawback or Recoupment. Unless otherwise specified in the Award Agreement or determined in the Administrator’s sole discretion, all Awards, and all Shares and cash payable under each Award, are subject to any clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the Company (including any policy required under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or other Applicable Laws), regardless of whether the policy is adopted after the date on which the Award is granted, vests or becomes exercisable, or is exercised or settled by issuance of Shares, payment of cash, or a combination of both.
EX-10.6
4
vivs-ex10_6.htm
EX-10.6
EX-10.6
Exhibit 10.6
***Certain identified information has been excluded from the exhibit because it both (i) is not material and (ii) is the type that the company treats as private or confidential. Such omitted information is indicated by brackets (“[***]”) in this exhibit.***
LICENSE AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this 24th day of March, 2009 (“EFFECTIVE DATE”), by and between THE CURATORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI, a public corporation of the State of Missouri having a principal office at The Office of Technology Management & Industry Relations, 340 Bond Life Sciences Center, Columbia, MO 65211, (“UNIVERSITY”) and Organovo having offices at 11180 Roselle St., Suite H, San Diego, CA 92121 (“LICENSEE”).
WHEREAS, UNIVERSITY has a part ownership interest in PATENT RIGHTS related to LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER; and
WHEREAS, UNIVERSITY has obtained certain rights that allows UNIVERSITY to offer an exclusive license for PATENT RIGHTS pursuant to an Inter‑Institutional Agreement with the MUSC Foundation for Research Development, a non‑profit organization that manages and owns the intellectual property of the Medical University of South Carolina (“MUSC”); and
WHEREAS, the LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER was developed in part under a research program sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National Science Foundation. Therefore, this Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of Public Law 96‑517 and 98‑620 as amended; and
WHEREAS, LICENSEE is desirous of obtaining a license to practice the LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER; and
WHEREAS, UNIVERSITY is desirous of granting such a license to LICENSEE in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the covenants, representations and warranties contained herein, the Parties agree as follows:
1.01
“AFFILIATE” means any business entity more than fifty percent (50%) owned by LICENSEE, any business entity which owns more than fifty percent (50%) of LICENSEE, or any business entity that is more than fifty percent (50%) owned by a business entity that owns more than fifty percent (50%) of LICENSEE.
1.02
“KNOW‑HOW” means research and development information, unpatented inventions, methods and techniques, formulae, biological materials and substances, processes and technical data, whether or not patentable or copyrightable, which are needed to produce LICENSED PRODUCT and are not otherwise in the public domain.
1.03
“LICENSED FIELD” means each of the following business areas:
1.03
“LICENSED PRODUCT” means any product or part thereof where such product or part, and any result of a method, or the practice of a method, comprising LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER pursuant to this Agreement, is Sold by LICENSEE or a SUBLICENSEE.
1.04
“LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER” means inventions and discoveries covered by TECHNOLOGY and PATENT RIGHTS, if any, within LICENSED FIELD.
1.05
“LICENSED TERRITORY” means worldwide.
1.06
“NET SALES” means the amount billed or invoiced for the Sale of LICENSED PRODUCTS, less:
(a)
Customary trade, quantity or cash discounts;
(b)
Amounts repaid or credited by reason of rejection or return; and/or
(c)
Charges for transportation or delivery to be paid by or on behalf of LICENSEE’s customer, to the extent such charges are separately stated on purchase orders, invoices or other documents of Sale.
1.07
“PATENT RIGHTS” means UNIVERSITY’s rights in any of the following: the United States patent application (serial number 10/590,446, titled “Self‑Assembling Cell Aggregates and Methods of Making Engineered Tissue Using the Same” and serial number 61/132,977, titled “Intermediate Cellular Unit, Fabrication, and Use Thereof”) disclosing and claiming the TECHNOLOGY; and continuing applications thereof including divisions, substitutions, continuations, continuations‑in‑part derived from Organovo sponsored research; and any patents issuing on said applications including reissues, reexaminations and extensions; and any corresponding foreign applications or patents. All of the foregoing will be automatically incorporated in and added to this Agreement and shall periodically be added to Appendix A attached to this Agreement and made part thereof.
1.08
“Sale”, “Sell”, or “Sold” means the use, transfer, distribution or disposition of a LICENSED PRODUCT for value to a party other than LICENSEE, or SUBLICENSEE as the case may be.
1.09
“SUBLICENSEE” means any person or entity to whom LICENSEE transfers any right or interest granted to LICENSEE by UNIVERSITY under this Agreement.
1.
the information, discoveries or know how developed by Gabor Forgacs, Karoly Jakab, and Adrean Neagu at UNIVERSITY and Vladimir Mironov at MUSC prior to the date of this Agreement as disclosed in UM Disclosure No. 04UMC007 entitled “Bioink for Organ Printing” dated August 6, 2003; and
2.
the information, discoveries or know how developed by Gabor Forgacs, Francoise Marga, and Cyrille Norotte at UNIVERSITY prior to the date of this Agreement as disclosed in UM Disclosure No. 08UMC050 entitled “Engineering Custom‑Shaped Biological Constructs” dated February 19, 2008.
2.03
UNIVERSITY hereby grants to LICENSEE and LICENSEE accepts, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, a royalty‑bearing, exclusive license under LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER to make, have made, use, Sell, have Sold, import, distribute, or otherwise transfer LICENSED PRODUCT within the LICENSED TERRITORY for use within LICENSED FIELD for a term of the last to expire patent covered under PATENT RIGHTS. UNIVERSITY also grants to LICENSEE, a royalty free, non‑exclusive license to KNOW‑HOW with the right to grant sublicenses in concurrence with a sublicense to a SUBLICENESEE in accordance with 2.02 below.
2.04
The license granted in Section 2.01 above shall include the right to grant sublicenses, and the right of SUBLICENSEE to grant further sublicenses subject to approval of LICENSEE., LICENSEE must deliver to UNIVERISTY a true and correct copy of each fully executed sublicense granted by LICENSEE or SUBLICENSEE, and any modification or termination thereof, within thirty (30) days after execution, modification, or termination.
LICENSEE shall, at such times as UNIVERSITY directs and at UNIVERSITY’s expense, request the inspection of the sublicensee’s records by an independent certified public accountant.
2.05
UNIVERSITY shall have the right to make and to use the LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER for research and educational purposes only, and to grant nonexclusive licenses to non‑profit third parties to make and to use the LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER, for research and educational purposes only.
2.06
LICENSEE agrees that UNIVERSITY shall have a right to publish the research results related to the LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER in accordance with UNIVERSITY’s general policies and that this Agreement shall not restrict, in any fashion, UNIVERSITY’s right to publish.
2.07
LICENSEE understands that the LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER was developed under a funding agreement with the Government of the United States of America and that the Government may have certain rights relative thereto. This Agreement shall be exclusive, to the extent allowed in accordance with Public Laws 96‑517 and 98‑620, in the LICENSED FIELD and is explicitly made subject to the Government’s rights under such Government funding agreement and any applicable law or regulation. If there is a conflict between the Government funding agreement, applicable law or regulation and this Agreement, the terms of the Government funding agreement, applicable law or regulation shall prevail. LICENSEE agrees to take any actions necessary to enable UNIVERSITY to satisfy its obligations with the United States Government relating to the LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER. LICENSEE agrees, during the period of exclusivity of this license in the United States, that any LICENSED PRODUCT produced for Sale in the United States will be manufactured substantially in the United States.
3.03
License Payments: In consideration of rights granted by UNIVERSITY to LICENSEE under this Agreement, LICENSEE will pay UNIVERSITY the following:
a.
A license fee in the amount of twenty five thousand ($25,000) dollars, due and payable within 12 months of the effective date of this agreement;
b.
A running royalty on Sales equal to three percent (3%) of NET SALES totaling [***] ($[***]) dollars per year or less, two percent (2%) of NET SALES totaling between [***] ($[***]) and [***] ($[***]) dollars per year, and one percent (1%) of NET SALES in excess of [***] ($[***]) per year (hereinafter “SALES ROYALTY”) for LICENSED PRODUCTS Sold by LICENSEE. SALES ROYALTY accrue when LICENSED PRODUCTS are invoiced or shipped, whichever occurs first.; and
c.
A minimum annual royalty of twenty five thousand dollars ($25,000) due and payable beginning 2 years after the calendar year in which the first commercial sale occurred. Each minimum annual royalty payment is creditable against SALES ROYALTY due the UNIVERSITY during the twelve (12) month period following each date the minimum annual royalty becomes due and is subsequently paid. For the avoidance of doubt, such minimum annual royalty shall be considered a payment in advance of royalties yet to accrue.
3.04
Sublicense Payments: In consideration of rights granted by UNIVERSITY to LICENSEE under this Agreement, LICENSEE further agrees to pay UNIVERSITY the following after the execution of a sublicense hereunder:
a.
Within thirty (30) days from LICENSEE’s receipt, LICENSEE shall pay to UNIVERSITY an additional royalty of twenty percent (20%) of all revenue received from any SUBLICENSEE. Such revenue shall include, but not be limited to, all option fees, license issue fees (up‑front payments), license maintenance fees, equity, and all royalty payments.
Such revenue shall not include research funding provided to LICENSEE by SUBLICENSEE.
3.05
All payments to the UNIVERSITY pursuant to this Agreement shall be paid in U.S. dollars. Conversion of foreign currency to U.S. dollars shall be made at the conversion rate existing in the United States (as reported in the in the Wall Street Journal) on the last working day of each royalty period. Such payments shall be without deduction of exchange, collection or other charges. Such payments shall be made payable to The Curators of the University of Missouri and shall be mailed to Office of Technology Management & Industry Relations, 340a Bond Life Sciences Center, Columbia, MO 65211.
3.06
Unless stipulated otherwise, all payments due the University hereunder shall be made within thirty (30) days after the end of each calendar quarter. Late payments shall be subject to an interest charge of one and one half percent (1 1/2%) per month.
3.07
Taxes and/or other governmental charges or fees shall not be levied on SALES ROYALTY payments made to UNIVERSITY and shall not be deducted from SALES ROYALTY payments due UNIVERSITY.
4.03
Prior to signing this Agreement, LICENSEE has provided to UNIVERSITY a written plan (hereinafter “COMMERCIALIZATION PLAN”) for LICENSED PRODUCT within the respective LICENSED FIELD and within the respective country or countries of the LICENSED TERRITORY to be introduced by LICENSEE into commercial use. The COMMERCIALIZATION PLAN shall include, without limitation, 1) planned research and development activities, 2) milestones and evidence of sufficient financial resources to successfully implement the COMMERCIALIZATION PLAN and ensure that LICENSED PRODUCT will be kept reasonably available to the public, and 3) projection of Sales and proposed marketing efforts, Such COMMERCIALIZATION PLAN is incorporated as Appendix B.
4.04
LICENSEE shall report to UNIVERSITY the date of first Sale of LICENSED PRODUCTS in each country of LICENSED TERRITORY within thirty (30) days of occurrence.
4.05
Within 30 days after each March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31following the first Sale of LICENSED PRODUCT, whether Sold by LICENSEE or its SUBLICENSEE, if any exists, LICENSEE must deliver to UNIVERSITY a true and accurate written report, even if no payments are due UNIVERSITY, giving the particulars of the business conducted by LICENSEE and its SUBLICENSEE(s), during the preceding three (3) calendar months under this Agreement as are pertinent to calculating payments hereunder. This report will include at least:
a.
the quantities of LICENSED PRODUCT that it has produced;
c.
the calculation of royalties thereon;
d.
offsets of minimum annual royalties or other offsets allowed under this Agreement; and
e.
the total SALES ROYALTY computed and due UNIVERSITY.
This report shall identify the issued patents and/or patent applications under PATENT RIGHTS that cover the particular LICENSED PRODUCT being reported. LICENSEE shall provide sufficient data for UNIVERSITY to verify the calculations, including gross Sales and allowable deductions to derive NET SALES figures, and any reasonable additional information UNIVERSITY requires to determine LICENSEE’s satisfaction of the reporting requirements hereunder or to clarify the information contained in reports provided by LICENSEE. LICENSEE shall provide such additional information within thirty (30) days of receiving a request from UNIVERSITY.
Simultaneously with the delivery of each report, LICENSEE must pay to UNIVERSITY the amount, if any, due for the period of each report.
4.06
On or before each anniversary of the EFFECTIVE DATE, irrespective of having a first Sale or offer for Sale, LICENSEE must deliver to UNIVERSITY a written annual report as to LICENSEE’s (and any SUBLICENSEE’s) efforts and accomplishments during the preceding year in diligently commercializing LICENSED PRODUCT in the LICENSED FIELD, including but not limited to, progress on research and development, regulatory approvals, manufacturing, sublicensing, marketing and Sales and LICENSEE’s (and, if applicable, SUBLICENSEE’s) commercialization plans for the upcoming year. LICENSEE shall also provide any reasonable additional information UNIVERSITY requires to evaluate LICENSEE’S performance under this Agreement.
4.07
LICENSEE agrees to keep records for a period of three (3) years following termination of this Agreement showing the manufacturing, Sales, use, sublicense, and other disposition of LICENSED PRODUCT, Sold or otherwise disposed of under the license herein granted in sufficient detail to enable the royalties payable hereunder by LICENSEE to be determined. LICENSEE agrees to permit UNIVERSITY or its representatives, at UNIVERSITY’s expense, to periodically examine its books, ledgers, and records during regular business hours for the purpose of and to the extent necessary to verify any report required under this Agreement. If the amounts due to UNIVERSITY are determined to have been underpaid, LICENSEE will pay the amount of such underpayment and interest on the amount of such underpayment, calculated in accordance with Section 3.05 with interest accruing from the date such payment was originally due the UNIVERSITY. Such examination is to be made by UNIVERSITY at the expense of UNIVERSITY, except in the event that the results of the audit reveal a discrepancy in UNIVERSITY’s favor of five percent (5%) or more, then the audit fees shall be paid by LICENSEE.
5.03
LICENSEE shall use reasonable efforts to effect introduction of the LICENSED PRODUCT into the commercial market as soon as practicable, consistent with sound and reasonable business practices and judgment; thereafter, until the expiration of this Agreement, LICENSEE shall keep LICENSED PRODUCT reasonably available to the public.
5.04
UNIVERSITY shall have the right, at UNIVERSITY’s sole discretion, to either terminate or render this license nonexclusive in an individual LICENSED FIELD and/or individual country or countries within the LICENSED TERRITORY if LICENSEE or its SUBLICENSEE:
(a)
Has not within one (1) year of the EFFECTIVE DATE presented to and obtained UNIVERSITY’S approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, a new COMMERCIALIZATION PLAN for LICENSED PRODUCT within the respective LICENSED FIELD and within the respective country or countries of the LICENSED TERRITORY not previously introduced by LICENSEE into commercial use, , or
(b)
Has not within one (1) year of the EFFECTIVE DATE received capital investments totaling two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000), or
(c)
Has not within 10 years submitted a regulatory filing for approval to commercialize products in any country within LICENSED TERRITORY.
ARTICLE VI
LIABILITY, WARRANTIES AND INSURANCE
6.03
LICENSEE shall at all times during the term of this Agreement and thereafter, indemnify, defend and hold UNIVERSITY, the MUSC Foundation for Research Development and its related entities (including the Medical University of South Carolina, the Medical University Hospital Authority, and the University Medical Associates, and their agents, assigns, employees, affiliated companies, subsidiaries, departments, wholly owned companies, and contractors) (collectively, “MUSC”), and their respective current or former Curators, officers, employees and affiliates (each individually an “Indemnified Party,” and collectively the “Indemnified Parties”) harmless from any judgments and against all claims 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 and against any other claim, proceeding, demand, expense and liability of any kind whatsoever resulting from 1) the development, manufacture, use, or Sale of LICENSED PRODUCT by LICENSEE, its subsidiaries, and SUBLICENSEEs, or 2) from the use by the end users of LICENSED PRODUCT, or 3) arising from any obligation of LICENSEE hereunder. If any such claims or causes of action are made, Indemnified Parties shall be defended by counsel selected by LICENSEE, subject to each Indemnified Party’s approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. Each Indemnified Party reserves the right to be represented by its own counsel at its own expense.
6.04
At such time as any product, process, or service relating to, or developed pursuant to, this Agreement is being commercially distributed or Sold (other than for the purpose of obtaining regulatory approvals) by LICENSEE, a SUBLICENSEE, or a subsidiary or agent of LICENSEE, LICENSEE shall at its sole cost and expense, procure and maintain comprehensive general liability insurance in amounts not less than $1,000,000 per incident and naming the UNIVERSITY, its Curators, trustees, officers, agents, employees and affiliates, as additional insureds. Such commercial general liability insurance shall provide (i) product liability coverage and (ii) broad form contractual liability coverage for LICENSEE’s indemnification under this Agreement. Such insurance will be considered primary as to any other valid and collectible insurance, but only as to acts of the named insured. Any carrier providing coverage shall have a minimum “Best” rating of “A‑XII”. The minimum amounts of insurance coverage required shall not be construed to create a limit of LICENSEE’s liability with respect to its indemnification under this Agreement.
LICENSEE shall maintain such commercial general liability insurance beyond the expiration or termination of this Agreement during (i) the period that any product, process, or service, relating to, or developed pursuant to this Agreement is being commercially distributed or Sold by LICENSEE, or its SUBLICENSEE, subsidiary or agent of LICENSEE and (ii) a reasonable period after the period referred to in (i) above which in no event shall be less than fifteen (15) years.
LICENSEE shall provide Workers’ Compensation coverage for any employee of LICENSEE that visits UNIVERSITY premises for matters relating to this Agreement. In addition, Employers’ Liability coverage shall be provided to such employee in an amount no less that $1,000,000 per occurrence.
LICENSEE shall provide UNIVERSITY with written evidence of the insurance requirements of this Section 6.02 within thirty (30) days after execution of this Agreement. LICENSEE shall provide UNIVERSITY with written notice at least fifteen (15) days prior to the cancellation, non‑renewal or material change in such insurance; if LICENSEE does not obtain replacement insurance providing comparable coverage within such fifteen (15) day period, UNIVERSITY shall have the right to terminate this Agreement effective at the end of such fifteen (15) day period without notice or any additional waiting periods. It is agreed that the insurance required is required in the public interest and the UNIVERSITY does not assume any liability for acts of LICENSEE, their officers, agents, and employees or of a SUBLICENSEE, their officers, agents, and employees, in connection with the granting of this Agreement.
LICENSEE shall require in any sublicense in which LICENSEE grants to a third party the right to make, have made, use, import, offer to Sell or Sell any LICENSED PRODUCT, provisions that provide the UNIVERSITY, its Curators, trustees, officers, agents, employees and affiliates, comparable protections as those provided the UNIVERSITY in this Article VI.
6.05
EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS LICENSE, UNIVERSITY AND MUSC MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS AND EXTEND NOWARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND VALIDITY OF PATENT RIGHTS CLAIMS, ISSUED OR PENDING, OR THAT THE MANUFACTURE, USE, OR SALE OF THE LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER WILL NOT INFRINGE ANY PATENT, COPYRIGHT, TRADEMARK, OR OTHER RIGHTS.
ARTICLE VII
DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN PATENT FILING AND MAINTENANCE
7.03
LICENSEE shall reimburse UNIVERSITY for all out‑of‑pocket expenses UNIVERSITY has incurred prior to the execution of this Agreement for the preparation, filing, prosecution and maintenance of PATENT RIGHTS (hereinafter “PATENT EXPENSES”) within one year of execution of this Agreement. All PATENT EXPENSES UNIVERSITY incurs during the first year following the execution of this Agreement shall be reimbursed by LICENSEE within two (2) years following the execution of this agreement. PATENT EXPENSES incurred by UNIVERSITY beginning in the second year following execution of this agreement shall be reimbursed by LICNESEE on an ongoing basis following receipt of invoice by UNIVERSITY for such PATENT EXPENSES. All reimbursements for PATENT EXPENSES shall be received as a separate payment apart from any royalties or other revenues owed UNIVERSITY. Late payment of invoices of PATENT EXPENSES received by LICENSEE from UNIVERSITY shall be subject to interest charges of one and one‑half percent (1 1/2%) per month. A payment under this Section 7.01 is considered late if payment is not received by UNIVERSITY within thirty (30) days from LICENSEE’s receipt of an invoice from UNIVERSITY.
7.04
UNIVERSITY shall be solely responsible for the preparation, filing, prosecution and maintenance of any and all U.S. and foreign patent applications and patents included in PATENT RIGHTS mutually agreed upon by UNIVERSITY and LICENSEE. UNIVERSITY shall first consult with LICENSEE as to the preparation, filing, prosecution, and maintenance of such patent applications and patents and shall furnish to LICENSEE copies of documents relevant to any such preparation, filing, prosecution or maintenance.
7.05
If LICENSEE elects not to continue paying future PATENT EXPENSES, LICENSEE shall notify UNIVERSITY immediately in writing, but in no event less than sixty (60) days prior to any deadline which should or must be met in order to maintain the patent or patent application in force (a “deadline” includes a date by which an action must be taken to avoid payment of a late fee). Such notice by LICENSEE shall constitute a waiver of and relinquishment of all of LICENSEE’s rights under this Agreement related to such patent or patent application.
8.03
LICENSEE, at its expense, shall have the right to enforce PATENT RIGHTS against infringement by third parties and it is entitled to retain the recovery from such enforcement, including any cash or other consideration received by way of judgment, settlement or compromise (hereinafter “RECOVERY”). However, any RECOVERY, less direct out‑of‑pocket legal expenses incurred by LICENSEE for such enforcement, shall be considered lost Sales and LICENSEE shall pay UNIVERSITY a SALES ROYALTY on such lost Sales. Before LICENSEE commences a formal legal proceeding with respect to any infringement of PATENT RIGHTS, LICENSEE shall consult with UNIVERSITY regarding the potential effects such legal proceeding may have on the public interest. LICENSEE shall keep UNIVERSITY informed on all actions taken by LICENSEE in its enforcement against an infringer and shall furnish to UNIVERSITY copies of all documents related thereto.
8.04
In any infringement suit or dispute, UNIVERSITY agrees to cooperate reasonably with LICENSEE. At the request and expense of LICENSEE, the UNIVERSITY will permit access to all relevant personnel, records, papers, information, samples, specimens, etc., during regular business hours on UNIVERSITY premises as reasonably necessary for LICENSEE to vigorously conduct such proceeding. In the event that travel is required, LICENSEE agrees to reimburse UNIVERSITY for such travel.
8.05
In the event that LICENSEE elects not to exercise its right to prosecute an infringement of the PATENT RIGHTS pursuant to the above paragraphs, UNIVERSITY may do so at its own expense, controlling such action and retaining all RECOVERY therefrom. LICENSEE agrees to cooperate reasonably with UNIVERSITY in any such infringement suit or dispute.
ARTICLE IX
CONFIDENTIALITY
9.03
LICENSEE agrees that all patent prosecution information and all other information contained in documents marked “confidential” received from UNIVERSITY shall (i) be received in strict confidence, (ii) be used only for the purposes of this Agreement, and (iii) not be disclosed by LICENSEE, its employees, agents, successors or assigns, without the prior written consent of UNIVERSITY, except to the extent that the LICENSEE can establish competent written proof that such information:
a.
was in the public domain at the time of disclosure;
b.
later became part of the public domain through no act or omission of LICENSEE, its employees, agents, successors or assigns;
c.
was lawfully disclosed to LICENSEE by a third party having the right to disclose it;
d.
was already known by LICENSEE at the time of disclosure;
e.
was independently developed by LICENSEE; or f. is required by law or regulation to be disclosed.
9.04
LICENSEE’s obligation of confidence hereunder shall be fulfilled by using at least the same degree of care with UNIVERSITY’s confidential information as LICENSEE uses to protect its own confidential information, but not less than reasonable care. This obligation shall exist during the term of this Agreement and for a period of five (5) years thereafter.
ARTICLE X
TERM AND TERMINATION
10.03
This Agreement shall become effective upon the EFFECTIVE DATE and, unless sooner terminated in accordance with any of the provisions herein, shall remain in full force in the LICENSED TERRITORY during the life of the last to expire patents under PATENT RIGHTS.
10.04
In the event that either Party defaults or breaches any of the provisions of this Agreement, the other Party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to the defaulting Party; provided, however, that if the said defaulting Party cures said default within thirty (30) days after said notice shall have been given, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect. The failure on the part of either of the Parties hereto to exercise or enforce any right conferred upon it hereunder shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any such right nor operate to bar the exercise or enforcement thereof at any time or times thereafter.
10.05
Upon termination of this Agreement, LICENSEE’s interest in sublicenses granted by it under this Agreement shall at UNIVERSITY’s option, terminate or be assigned to UNIVERSITY. LICENSEE shall make provision for the UNIVERSITY’s rights under the preceding sentence to be included in all sublicenses granted by it under this Agreement.
10.06
In the event that LICENSEE shall become insolvent, shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or shall have a petition in bankruptcy filed for or against it, this Agreement shall automatically terminate.
10.07
Termination of this Agreement for any reason shall not release either Party from any obligation theretofore accrued. Articles III, VI, and IX and Sections 4.03, 4.05, 10.03, 11.07, and 11.13 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
11.03
Prior to the issuance of patents under PATENT RIGHTS, LICENSEE agrees to mark LICENSED PRODUCTS (or their containers or labels) Sold by LICENSEE, or a SUBLICENSEE, under the license granted in this Agreement with the words “Patent Pending,” and following the issuance of one or more patents under PATENT RIGHTS, with the words “Patent No.”
11.04
LICENSEE agrees to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. In particular, it is understood and acknowledged that the transfer of certain commodities and technical data is subject to United States laws and regulations controlling the export of such commodities and technical data, including all Export Administration Regulations of the United States Department of Commerce. These laws and regulations among other things, prohibit or require a license for the export of certain types of technical data to certain specified countries. LICENSEE hereby agrees and gives written assurance that it will comply with all United States laws and regulations controlling the export of commodities and technical data, that it will be solely responsible for any violation of such by LICENSEE, its AFFILIATE, or SUBLICENSEES, and that it will defend and hold UNIVERSITY harmless in the event of any legal action of any nature occasioned by such violation.
11.05
LICENSEE agrees not to identify UNIVERSITY or MUSC in any promotional advertising or other promotional materials to be disseminated to the public or any portion thereof or to use the name of any UNIVERSITY or MUSC faculty member, employee, or student or any trademark, service mark, trade name, or symbol of UNIVERSITY or MUSC, without UNIVERSITY’S and MUSC’s prior written consent.
11.06
Except in connection with the sale of substantially all of LICENSEE’s assets to a third party, this Agreement may not be assigned by LICENSEE without the prior written consent of UNIVERSITY, which will not be unreasonably withheld.
11.07
If LICENSEE desires UNIVERSITY participation in performing research and development activities directed towards PATENT RIGHTS, negotiation for such assistance shall be separate and apart from this Agreement, and shall be performed according to UNIVERSITY’S procedures related to research grant and contract activities.
11.08
In the event LICENSEE wishes to engage the inventors as consultants, such an arrangement shall be separate and apart from this Agreement, but shall be in keeping with UNIVERSITY’S and MUSC’s policy on consulting and ownership of intellectual property developed by UNIVERSITY and MUSC employees.
11.09
Any payment, notice, or other communication given under this Agreement (except for correspondence relating to patent filing, prosecution and/or maintenance matters under Article VII herein) shall be in writing and shall be deemed delivered when sent by certified first class mail, registered mail, or overnight courier, or by facsimile, provided that a copy of such facsimile is promptly sent by certified first class mail, registered or overnight courier, addressed to the Parties as follows (or at such other addresses as the Parties may notify each other in writing):
If to UNIVERSITY:
Office of Technology Management & Industry Relations 340A Bond Life Sciences Center Columbia, MO 65211 If to LICENSEE: Organovo 11180 Roselle St., Suite H San Diego, CA 92121
Attn.: Director
Attn.: CEO
11.10
This Agreement constitutes the entire and only agreement between the Parties for LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER and all other prior negotiations, representations, agreements, and understandings are superseded hereby. No agreements altering or supplementing the terms hereof may be made except by a written document signed by both Parties.
11.11
None of the terms, covenants, and conditions of this Agreement can be waived except by the written consent of the Party waiving compliance.
11.12
A failure by one of the Parties to this Agreement to assert its rights for or upon any breach or default of this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver of such rights nor shall any such waiver be implied from acceptance of any payment. No such failure or waiver in writing by any one of the Parties hereto with respect to any rights, shall extend to or affect any subsequent breach or impair any right consequent thereon.
11.13
If any sentence, paragraph, clause or combination of the same is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be in violation of any applicable law or regulation, or is unenforceable or void for any reason whatsoever, such sentence, paragraph, clause or combinations of the same shall be severed from the Agreement and the remainder of the Agreement shall remain binding upon the Parties.
11.14
The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not constitute a part hereof.
11.15
This Agreement shall be construed, interpreted, and applied in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri. Any action to enforce the provisions of the Agreement shall be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction and proper venue in the State of Missouri.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement in duplicate originals by their duly authorized officers or representatives.
|
|
THE CURATORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI |
LICENSEE |
BY: /s/ Christopher M. Fender |
BY: /s/ Keith Murphy |
NAME: Christopher M. Fender |
NAME: Keith Murphy |
TITLE: Interim Director, OTMIR |
TITLE: Chief Executive Officer |
DATE: March 24, 2009 |
DATE: March 24, 2009 |
EXHIBIT A
US Patent Application No. 10/590,446, titled “Self‑Assembling Cell Aggregates and Methods of Making Engineered Tissue Using the Same”
US Patent Application No. 61/132,977, titled “Intermediate Cellular Unit, Fabrication, and Use Thereof”
EX-10.7
5
vivs-ex10_7.htm
EX-10.7
EX-10.7
Exhibit 10.7
***Certain identified information has been excluded from the exhibit because it both (i) is not material and (ii) is the type that the company treats as private or confidential. Such omitted information is indicated by brackets (“[***]”) in this exhibit.***
LICENSE AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this 12th day of March, 2010 (“EFFECTIVE DATE”), by and between THE CURATORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI, a public corporation of the State of Missouri having a principal office at The Office of Technology Management & Industry Relations, 340 Bond Life Sciences Center, Columbia, MO 65211, (“UNIVERSITY”) and Organovo having offices at 5871 Oberlin Dr., Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92121 (“LICENSEE”).
WHEREAS, UNIVERSITY has full ownership interest in PATENT RIGHTS related to LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER; and
WHEREAS, the LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER was developed in part under a research program sponsored by the National Science Foundation. Therefore, this Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of Public Law 96‑517 and 98‑620 as amended; and
WHEREAS, LICENSEE is desirous of obtaining a license to practice the LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER; and
WHEREAS, UNIVERSITY is desirous of granting such a license to LICENSEE in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the covenants, representations and warranties contained herein, the Parties agree as follows:
1.01
“AFFILIATE” means any business entity more than fifty percent (50%) owned by LICENSEE, any business entity which owns more than fifty percent (50%) of LICENSEE, or any business entity that is more than fifty percent (50%) owned by a business entity that owns more than fifty percent (50%) of LICENSEE.
1.02
“KNOW‑HOW” means research and development information, unpatented inventions, methods and techniques, formulae, biological materials and substances, processes and technical data, whether or not patentable or copyrightable, which are needed to produce LICENSED PRODUCT and are not otherwise in the public domain.
1.03
“LICENSED FIELD” means each of the following business areas:
1.03
“LICENSED PRODUCT” means any product or part thereof where such product or part, and any result of a method, or the practice of a method, comprising LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER pursuant to this Agreement, is Sold by LICENSEE or a SUBLICENSEE.
1.04
“LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER” means inventions and discoveries covered by TECHNOLOGY and PATENT RIGHTS, if any, within LICENSED FIELD.
1.05
“LICENSED TERRITORY” means worldwide.
1.06
“NET SALES” means the amount billed or invoiced for the Sale of LICENSED PRODUCTS, less:
(a)
Customary trade, quantity or cash discounts;
(b)
Amounts repaid or credited by reason of rejection or return; and/or
(c)
Charges for transportation or delivery to be paid by or on behalf of LICENSEE’s customer, to the extent such charges are separately stated on purchase orders, invoices or other documents of Sale.
1.07
“PATENT RIGHTS” means UNIVERSITY’s rights in any of the following: the United States patent application (serial number 61/337,037 titled “ENGINEERED BIOLOGICAL NERVE GRAFT,FABRICATION AND APPLICATION THEREOF”) disclosing and claiming the TECHNOLOGY; and continuing applications thereof including divisions, substitutions, continuations, continuations‑in‑part derived from Organovo sponsored research; and any patents issuing on said applications including reissues, reexaminations and extensions; and any corresponding foreign applications or patents. All of the foregoing will be automatically incorporated in and added to this Agreement and shall periodically be added to Appendix A attached to this Agreement and made part thereof
1.08
“Sale”, Sell”, or “Sold” means the use, transfer, distribution or disposition of a LICENSED PRODUCT for value to a party other than LICENSEE, or SUBLICENSEE as the case may be.
1.09
“SUBLICENSEE” means any person or entity to whom LICENSEE transfers any right or interest granted to LICENSEE by UNIVERSITY under this Agreement.
1.10
“TECHNOLOGY” means the information, discoveries or know how developed by Dustin Christiansen, Stephen H. Colbert, Gabor Forgacs, Bradley A. Hubbard and Francoise Marga at UNIVERSITY prior to the date of this Agreement as disclosed in UM Disclosure No. 10UMC008 entitled “Engineering Fully Biological Nerve Graft” dated July 28, 2009
2.03
UNIVERSITY hereby grants to LICENSEE and LICENSEE accepts, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, a royalty‑bearing, exclusive license under LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER to make, have made, use, Sell, have Sold, import, distribute, or otherwise transfer LICENSED PRODUCT within the LICENSED TERRITORY for use within LICENSED FIELD for a term of the last to expire patent covered under PATENT RIGHTS. UNIVERSITY also grants to LICENSEE, a royalty free, non‑exclusive license to KNOW‑HOW with the right to grant sublicenses in concurrence with a sublicense to a SUBLICENESEE in accordance with 2.02 below.
2.04
The license granted in Section 2.01 above shall include the right to grant sublicenses, and the right of SUBLICENSEE to grant further sublicenses subject to approval of LICENSEE., LICENSEE must deliver to UNIVERISTY a true and correct copy of each fully executed sublicense granted by LICENSEE or SUBLICENSEE, and any modification or termination thereof, within thirty (30) days after execution, modification, or termination. LICENSEE shall, at such times as UNIVERSITY directs and at UNIVERSITY’s expense, request the inspection of the sublicensee’s records by an independent certified public accountant.
2.05
UNIVERSITY shall have the right to make and to use the LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER for research and educational purposes only, and to grant nonexclusive licenses to non‑profit third parties to make and to use the LICENSED SUBJECT MATIER, for research and educational purposes only.
2.06
LICENSEE agrees that UNIVERSITY shall have a right to publish the research results related to the LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER in accordance with UNIVERSITY’s general policies and that this Agreement shall not restrict, in any fashion, UNIVERSITY’s right to publish.
2.07
LICENSEE understands that the LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER was developed under a funding agreement with the Government of the United States of America and that the Government may have certain rights relative thereto. This Agreement shall be exclusive, to the extent allowed in accordance with Public Laws 96‑517 and 98‑620, in the LICENSED FIELD and is explicitly made subject to the Government’s rights under such Government funding agreement and any applicable law or regulation. If there is a conflict between the Government funding agreement, applicable law or regulation and this Agreement, the terms of the Government funding agreement, applicable law or regulation shall prevail. LICENSEE agrees to take any actions necessary to enable UNIVERSITY to satisfy its obligations with the United States Government relating to the LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER. LICENSEE agrees, during the period of exclusivity of this license in the United States, that any LICENSED PRODUCT produced for Sale in the United States will be manufactured substantially in the United States.
3.03
License Payments: In consideration of rights granted by UNIVERSITY to LICENSEE under this Agreement, LICENSEE will pay UNIVERSITY the following:
a.
A license fee in the amount of five thousand ($5,000) dollars, due and payable within 12 months of the effective date of this agreement;
b.
A running royalty on Sales equal to three percent (3%) of NET SALES totaling [***] ($[***]) dollars per year or less, two percent (2%) of NET SALES totaling between [***] ($[***]) and [***] ($[***]) dollars per year, and one percent (1%) of NET SALES in excess of [***] ($[***]) per year (hereinafter “SALES ROYALTY”) for LICENSED PRODUCTS Sold by LICENSEE. SALES ROYALTY accrue when LICENSED PRODUCTS are invoiced or shipped, whichever occurs first.; and
c.
A minimum annual royalty of five thousand dollars ($5,000) due and payable beginning 2 years after the calendar year in which the first commercial sale occurred. Each minimum annual royalty payment is creditable against SALES ROYALTY due the UNIVERSITY during the twelve (12) month period following each date the minimum annual royalty becomes due and is subsequently paid. For the avoidance of doubt, such minimum annual royalty shall be considered a payment in advance of royalties yet to accrue.
d.
An additional royalty of twelve thousand, five hundred ($12,500) dollars if there are no NET SALES within five years (5 years) from the EFFECTIVE DATE of this agreement.
3.04
Sublicense Payments: In consideration of rights granted by UNIVERSITY to LICENSEE under this Agreement, LICENSEE further agrees to pay UNIVERSITY the following after the execution of a sublicense hereunder:
a.
Within thirty (30) days from LICENSEE’s receipt, LICENSEE shall pay to UNIVERSITY an additional royalty of twenty percent (20%) of all revenue received from any SUBLICENSEE. Such revenue shall include, but not be limited to, all option fees, license issue fees (up‑front payments), license maintenance fees, equity, and all royalty payments. Such revenue shall not include research funding provided to LICENSEE by SUBLICENSEE.
3.05
All payments to the UNIVERSITY pursuant to this Agreement shall be paid in U.S. dollars. Conversion of foreign currency to U.S. dollars shall be made at the conversion rate existing in the United States (as reported in the in the Wall Street Journal) on the last working day of each royalty period. Such payments shall be without deduction of exchange, collection or other charges. Such payments shall be made payable to The Curators of the University of Missouri and shall be mailed to Office of Technology Management & Industry Relations, 340a Bond Life Sciences Center, Columbia, MO 65211.
3.06
Unless stipulated otherwise, all payments due the University hereunder shall be made within thirty (30) days after the end of each calendar quarter. Late payments shall be subject to an interest charge of one and one half percent (1 1/2%) per month.
3.07
Taxes and/or other governmental charges or fees shall not be levied on SALES ROYALTY payments made to UNIVERSITY and shall not be deducted from SALES ROYALTY payments due UNIVERSITY.
4.03
Prior to signing this Agreement, LICENSEE has provided to UNIVERSITY a written plan (hereinafter “COMMERCIALIZATION PLAN”) for LICENSED PRODUCT within the respective LICENSED FIELD and within the respective country or countries of the LICENSED TERRITORY to be introduced by LICENSEE into commercial use. The COMMERCIALIZATION PLAN shall include, without limitation, 1) planned research and development activities, 2) milestones and evidence of sufficient financial resources to successfully implement the COMMERCIALIZATION PLAN and ensure that LICENSED PRODUCT will be kept reasonably available to the public, and 3) projection of Sales and proposed marketing efforts, Such COMMERCIALIZATION PLAN is incorporated as Appendix B.
4.04
LICENSEE shall report to UNIVERSITY the date of first Sale of LICENSED PRODUCTS in each country of LICENSED TERRITORY within thirty (30) days of occurrence.
4.05
Within 30 days after each March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31following the first Sale of LICENSED PRODUCT, whether Sold by LICENSEE or its SUBLICENSEE, if any exists, LICENSEE must deliver to UNIVERSITY a true and accurate written report, even if no payments are due UNIVERSITY, giving the particulars of the business conducted by LICENSEE and its SUBLICENSEE(s), during the preceding three (3) calendar months under this Agreement as are pertinent to calculating payments hereunder. This report will include at least:
a.
the quantities of LICENSED PRODUCT that it has produced;
c.
the calculation of royalties thereon;
d.
offsets of minimum annual royalties or other offsets allowed under this Agreement; and
e.
the total SALES ROYALTY computed and due UNIVERSITY.
This report shall identify the issued patents and/or patent applications under PATENT RIGHTS that cover the particular LICENSED PRODUCT being reported. LICENSEE shall provide sufficient data for UNIVERSITY to verify the calculations, including gross Sales and allowable deductions to derive NET SALES figures, and any reasonable additional information UNIVERSITY requires to determine LICENSEE’s satisfaction of the reporting requirements hereunder or to clarify the information contained in reports provided by LICENSEE. LICENSEE shall provide such additional information within thirty (30) days of receiving a request from UNIVERSITY. Simultaneously with the delivery of each report, LICENSEE must pay to UNIVERSITY the amount, if any, due for the period of each report.
4.06
On or before each anniversary of the EFFECTIVE DATE, irrespective of having a first Sale or offer for Sale, LICENSEE must deliver to UNIVERSITY a written annual report as to LICENSEE’s (and any SUBLICENSEE’s) efforts and accomplishments during the preceding year in diligently commercializing LICENSED PRODUCT in the LICENSED FIELD, including but not limited to, progress on research and development, regulatory approvals, manufacturing, sublicensing, marketing and Sales and LICENSEE’s (and, if applicable, SUBLICENSEE’s) commercialization plans for the upcoming year. LICENSEE shall also provide any reasonable additional information UNIVERSITY requires to evaluate LICENSEE’S performance under this Agreement.
4.07
LICENSEE agrees to keep records for a period of three (3) years following termination of this Agreement showing the manufacturing, Sales, use, sublicense, and other disposition of LICENSED PRODUCT, Sold or otherwise disposed of under the license herein granted in sufficient detail to enable the royalties payable hereunder by LICENSEE to be determined. LICENSEE agrees to permit UNIVERSITY or its representatives, at UNIVERSITY’s expense, to periodically examine its books, ledgers, and records during regular business hours for the purpose of and to the extent necessary to verify any report required under this Agreement. If the amounts due to UNIVERSITY are determined to have been underpaid, LICENSEE will pay the amount of such underpayment and interest on the amount of such underpayment, calculated in accordance with Section 3.05 with interest accruing from the date such payment was originally due the UNIVERSITY. Such examination is to be made by UNIVERSITY at the expense of UNIVERSITY, except in the event that the results of the audit reveal a discrepancy in UNIVERSITY’s favor of five percent (5%) or more, then the audit fees shall be paid by LICENSEE.
5.03
LICENSEE shall use reasonable efforts to effect introduction of the LICENSED PRODUCT into the commercial market as soon as practicable, consistent with sound and reasonable business practices and judgment; thereafter, until the expiration of this Agreement, LICENSEE shall keep LICENSED PRODUCT reasonably available to the public.
5.04
UNIVERSITY shall have the right, at UNIVERSITY’s sole discretion, to either terminate or render this license nonexclusive in an individual LICENSED FIELD and/or individual country or countries within the LICENSED TERRITORY if LICENSEE or its SUBLICENSEE:
(a)
Has not within one (1) year of the EFFECTIVE DATE presented to and obtained UNIVERSITY’S approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, a new COMMERCIALIZATION PLAN for LICENSED PRODUCT within the respective LICENSED FIELD and within the respective country or countries of the LICENSED TERRITORY not previously introduced by LICENSEE into commercial use, , or
(b)
Has not within one (1) year of the EFFECTIVE DATE received capital investments totaling two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000), or
(c)
Has not within three (3) years initiated an animal study to further evaluate in vivo functionality of the TECHNOLOGY, or
(d)
Has not within 10 years submitted a regulatory filing for approval to commercialize products in any country within LICENSED TERRITORY.
ARTICLE VI
LIABILITY, WARRANTIES AND INSURANCE
6.03
LICENSEE shall at all times during the term of this Agreement and thereafter, indemnify, defend and hold UNIVERSITY, and their respective current or former Curators, officers, employees and affiliates (each individually an “Indemnified Party,” and collectively the “Indemnified Parties”) harmless from any judgments and against all claims 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 and against any other claim, proceeding, demand, expense and liability of any kind whatsoever resulting from 1) the development, manufacture, use, or Sale of LICENSED PRODUCT by LICENSEE, its subsidiaries, and SUBLICENSEEs, or 2) from the use by the end users of LICENSED PRODUCT, or 3) arising from any obligation of LICENSEE hereunder. If any such claims or causes of action are made, Indemnified Parties shall be defended by counsel selected by LICENSEE, subject to each Indemnified Party’s approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.
Each Indemnified Party reserves the right to be represented by its own counsel at its own expense.
6.04
At such time as any product, process, or service relating to, or developed pursuant to, this Agreement is being commercially distributed or Sold (other than for the purpose of obtaining regulatory approvals) by LICENSEE, a SUBLICENSEE, or a subsidiary or agent of LICENSEE, LICENSEE shall at its sole cost and expense, procure and maintain comprehensive general liability insurance in amounts not less than $1,000,000 per incident and naming the UNIVERSITY, its Curators, trustees, officers, agents, employees and affiliates, as additional insureds. Such commercial general liability insurance shall provide (i) product liability coverage and (ii) broad form contractual liability coverage for LICENSEE’s indemnification under this Agreement. Such insurance will be considered primary as to any other valid and collectible insurance, but only as to acts of the named insured. Any carrier providing coverage shall have a minimum “Best” rating of “A‑XII”. The minimum amounts of insurance coverage required shall not be construed to create a limit of LICENSEE’s liability with respect to its indemnification under this Agreement. LICENSEE shall maintain such commercial general liability insurance beyond the expiration or termination of this Agreement during (i) the period that any product, process, or service, relating to, or developed pursuant to this Agreement is being commercially distributed or Sold by LICENSEE, or its SUBLICENSEE, subsidiary or agent of LICENSEE and (ii) a reasonable period after the period referred to in (i) above which in no event shall be less than fifteen (15) years.
LICENSEE shall provide Workers’ Compensation coverage for any employee of LICENSEE that visits UNIVERSITY premises for matters relating to this Agreement. In addition, Employers’ Liability coverage shall be provided to such employee in an amount no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence. LICENSEE shall provide UNIVERSITY with written evidence of the insurance requirements of this Section 6.02 within thirty (30) days after execution of this Agreement. LICENSEE shall provide UNIVERSITY with written notice at least fifteen (15) days prior to the cancellation, non‑renewal or material change in such insurance; if LICENSEE does not obtain replacement insurance providing comparable coverage within such fifteen (15) day period, UNIVERSITY shall have the right to terminate this Agreement effective at the end of such fifteen (15) day period without notice or any additional waiting periods. It is agreed that the insurance required is required in the public interest and the UNIVERSITY does not assume any liability for acts of LICENSEE, their officers, agents, and employees or of a SUBLICENSEE, their officers, agents, and employees, in connection with the granting of this Agreement.
LICENSEE shall require in any sublicense in which LICENSEE grants to a third party the right to make, have made, use, import, offer to Sell or Sell any LICENSED PRODUCT, provisions that provide the UNIVERSITY, its Curators, trustees, officers, agents, employees and affiliates, comparable protections as those provided the UNIVERSITY in this Article VI.
6.05
EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS LICENSE, UNIVERSITY MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS AND EXTENDS NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND VALIDITY OF PATENT RIGHTS CLAIMS, ISSUED OR PENDING, OR THAT THE MANUFACTURE, USE, OR SALE OF THE LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER WILL NOT INFRINGE ANY PATENT, COPYRIGHT, TRADEMARK, OR OTHER RIGHTS.
ARTICLE VII
DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN PATENT FILING AND MAINTENANCE
7.03
LICENSEE shall reimburse UNIVERSITY for all out‑of‑pocket expenses UNIVERSITY has incurred prior to the execution of this Agreement for the preparation, filing, prosecution and maintenance of PATENT RIGHTS (hereinafter “PATENT EXPENSES”) within one year of execution of this Agreement. All PATENT EXPENSES UNIVERSITY incurs during the first year following the execution of this Agreement shall be reimbursed by LICENSEE within two (2) years following the execution of this agreement. PATENT EXPENSES incurred by UNIVERSITY beginning in the second year following execution of this agreement shall be reimbursed by LICNESEE on an ongoing basis following receipt of invoice by UNIVERSITY for such PATENT EXPENSES. All reimbursements for PATENT EXPENSES shall be received as a separate payment apart from any royalties or other revenues owed UNIVERSITY.
Late payment of invoices of PATENT EXPENSES received by LICENSEE from UNIVERSITY shall be subject to interest charges of one and one‑half percent (1 1/2%) per month. A payment under this Section 7.01 is considered late if payment is not received by UNIVERSITY within thirty (30) days from LICENSEE’s receipt of an invoice from UNIVERSITY.
7.04
UNIVERSITY shall be solely responsible for the preparation, filing, prosecution and maintenance of any and all U.S. and foreign patent applications and patents included in PATENT RIGHTS mutually agreed upon by UNIVERSITY and LICENSEE. UNIVERSITY shall first consult with LICENSEE as to the preparation, filing, prosecution, and maintenance of such patent applications and patents and shall furnish to LICENSEE copies of documents relevant to any such preparation, filing, prosecution or maintenance.
7.05
If LICENSEE elects not to continue paying future PATENT EXPENSES, LICENSEE shall notify UNIVERSITY immediately in writing, but in no event less than sixty (60) days prior to any deadline which should or must be met in order to maintain the patent or patent application in force (a “deadline” includes a date by which an action must be taken to avoid payment of a late fee). Such notice by LICENSEE shall constitute a waiver of and relinquishment of all of LICENSEE’s rights under this Agreement related to such patent or patent application.
8.03
LICENSEE, at its expense, shall have the right to enforce PATENT RIGHTS against infringement by third parties and it is entitled to retain the recovery from such enforcement, including any cash or other consideration received by way of judgment, settlement or compromise (hereinafter “RECOVERY”). However, any RECOVERY, less direct out‑of‑pocket legal expenses incurred by LICENSEE for such enforcement, shall be considered lost Sales and LICENSEE shall pay UNIVERSITY a SALES ROYALTY on such lost Sales. Before LICENSEE commences a formal legal proceeding with respect to any infringement of PATENT RIGHTS, LICENSEE shall consult with UNIVERSITY regarding the potential effects such legal proceeding may have on the public interest. LICENSEE shall keep UNIVERSITY informed on all actions taken by LICENSEE in its enforcement against an infringer and shall furnish to UNIVERSITY copies of all documents related thereto.
8.04
In any infringement suit or dispute, UNIVERSITY agrees to cooperate reasonably with LICENSEE. At the request and expense of LICENSEE, the UNIVERSITY will permit access to all relevant personnel, records, papers, information, samples, specimens, etc., during regular business hours on UNIVERSITY premises as reasonably necessary for LICENSEE to vigorously conduct such proceeding. In the event that travel is required, LICENSEE agrees to reimburse UNIVERSITY for such travel.
8.05
In the event that LICENSEE elects not to exercise its right to prosecute an infringement of the PATENT RIGHTS pursuant to the above paragraphs, UNIVERSITY may do so at its own expense, controlling such action and retaining all RECOVERY therefrom. LICENSEE agrees to cooperate reasonably with UNIVERSITY in any such infringement suit or dispute.
ARTICLE IX
CONFIDENTIALITY
9.03
LICENSEE agrees that all patent prosecution information and all other information contained in documents marked “confidential” received from UNIVERSITY shall (i) be received in strict confidence, (ii) be used only for the purposes of this Agreement, and (iii) not be disclosed by LICENSEE, its employees, agents, successors or assigns, without the prior written consent of UNIVERSITY, except to the extent that the LICENSEE can establish competent written proof that such information:
a.
was in the public domain at the time of disclosure;
b.
later became part of the public domain through no act or omission of LICENSEE, its employees, agents, successors or assigns
c.
was lawfully disclosed to LICENSEE by a third party having the right to disclose it;
d.
was already known by LICENSEE at the time of disclosure;
e.
was independently developed by LICENSEE; or f.is required by law or regulation to be disclosed.
9.04
LICENSEE’s obligation of confidence hereunder shall be fulfilled by using at least the same degree of care with UNIVERSITY’s confidential information as LICENSEE uses to protect its own confidential information, but not less than reasonable care. This obligation shall exist during the term of this Agreement and for a period of five (5) years thereafter.
ARTICLE X
TERM AND TERMINATION
10.03
This Agreement shall become effective upon the EFFECTIVE DATE and, unless sooner terminated in accordance with any of the provisions herein, shall remain in full force in the LICENSED TERRITORY during the life of the last to expire patents under PATENT RIGHTS.
10.04
In the event that either Party defaults or breaches any of the provisions of this Agreement, the other Party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to the defaulting Party; provided, however, that if the said defaulting Party cures said default within thirty (30) days after said notice shall have been given, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect. The failure on the part of either of the Parties hereto to exercise or enforce any right conferred upon it hereunder shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any such right nor operate to bar the exercise or enforcement thereof at any time or times thereafter.
10.05
Upon termination of this Agreement, LICENSEE’s interest in sublicenses granted by it under this Agreement shall at UNIVERSITY’s option, terminate or be assigned to UNIVERSITY. LICENSEE shall make provision for the UNIVERSITY’s rights under the preceding sentence to be included in all sublicenses granted by it under this Agreement.
10.06
In the event that LICENSEE shall become insolvent, shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or shall have a petition in bankruptcy filed for or against it, this Agreement shall automatically terminate.
10.07
Termination of this Agreement for any reason shall not release either Party from any obligation theretofore accrued. Articles III, VI, and IX and Sections 4.03, 4.05, 10.03, 11.07, and 11.13 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
11.03
Prior to the issuance of patents under PATENT RIGHTS, LICENSEE agrees to mark LICENSED PRODUCTS (or their containers or labels) Sold by LICENSEE, or a SUBLICENSEE, under the license granted in this Agreement with the words “Patent Pending,” and following the issuance of one or more patents under PATENT RIGHTS, with the words “Patent No.”
11.04
LICENSEE agrees to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. In particular, it is understood and acknowledged that the transfer of certain commodities and technical data is subject to United States laws and regulations controlling the export of such commodities and technical data, including all Export Administration Regulations of the United States Department of Commerce. These laws and regulations among other things, prohibit or require a license for the export of certain types of technical data to certain specified countries.
LICENSEE hereby agrees and gives written assurance that it will comply with all United States laws and regulations controlling the export of commodities and technical data, that it will be solely responsible for any violation of such by LICENSEE, its AFFILIATE, or SUBLICENSEES, and that it will defend and hold UNIVERSITY harmless in the event of any legal action of any nature occasioned by such violation.
11.05
LICENSEE agrees not to identify UNIVERSITY in any promotional advertising or other promotional materials to be disseminated to the public or any portion thereof or to use the name of any UNIVERSITY faculty member, employee, or student or any trademark, service mark, trade name, or symbol of UNIVERSITY, without UNIVERSITY’S and prior written consent.
11.06
Except in connection with the sale of substantially all of LICENSEE’s assets to a third party, this Agreement may not be assigned by LICENSEE without the prior written consent of UNIVERSITY, which will not be unreasonably withheld.
11.07
If LICENSEE desires UNIVERSITY participation in performing research and development activities directed towards PATENT RIGHTS, negotiation for such assistance shall be separate and apart from this Agreement, and shall be performed according to UNIVERSITY’S procedures related to research grant and contract activities.
11.08
In the event LICENSEE wishes to engage the inventors as consultants, such an arrangement shall be separate and apart from this Agreement, but shall be in keeping with UNIVERSITY’S policy on consulting and ownership of intellectual property developed by UNIVERSITY employees.
11.09
Any payment, notice, or other communication given ·under this Agreement (except for correspondence relating to patent filing, prosecution and/or maintenance matters under Article VII herein) shall be in writing and shall be deemed delivered when sent by certified first class mail, registered mail, or overnight courier, or by facsimile, provided that a copy of such facsimile is promptly sent by certified first class mail, registered or overnight courier, addressed to the Parties as follows (or at such other addresses as the Parties may notify each other in writing):
If to UNIVERSITY:
Office of Technology Management & Industry Relations
340A Bond Life Sciences Center
Columbia, MO 65211
Attn.: Director
If to LICENSEE: Organovo
5871 Oberlin Dr. Suite 150
San Diego, CA 92121
Attn.: CEO
11.10
This Agreement constitutes the entire and only agreement between the Parties for LICENSED SUBJECT MATTER and all other prior negotiations, representations, agreements, and understandings are superseded hereby. No agreements altering or supplementing the terms hereof may be made except by a written document signed by both Parties.
11.11
None of the terms, covenants, and conditions of this Agreement can be waived except by the written consent of the Party waiving compliance.
11.12
A failure by one of the Parties to this Agreement to assert its rights for or upon any breach or default of this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver of such rights nor shall any such waiver be implied from acceptance of any payment. No such failure or waiver in writing by any one of the Parties hereto with respect to any rights, shall extend to or affect any subsequent breach or impair any right consequent thereon.
11.13
If any sentence, paragraph, clause or combination of the same is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be in violation of any applicable law or regulation, or is unenforceable or void for any reason whatsoever, such sentence, paragraph, clause or combinations of the same shall be severed from the Agreement and the remainder of the Agreement shall remain binding upon the Parties.
11.14
The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not constitute a part hereof.
11.15
This Agreement shall be construed, interpreted, and applied in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri. Any action to enforce the provisions of the Agreement shall be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction and proper venue in the State of Missouri.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement in duplicate originals by their duly authorized officers or representatives.
|
|
THE CURATORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI |
LICENSEE |
BY: /s/ Christopher M. Fender |
BY: /s/ Keith Murphy |
NAME: Christopher M. Fender |
NAME: Keith Murphy |
TITLE: Interim Director, OTMIR |
TITLE: Chief Executive Officer |
DATE: March 24, 2009 |
DATE: March 24, 2009 |
EXHIBIT A
US Patent Application No. 61/337,037 titled “ENGINEERED BIOLOGICAL NERVE GRAFT, FABRICATION AND APPLICATION THEREOF”
EX-10.22
6
vivs-ex10_22.htm
EX-10.22
EX-10.22
Exhibit 10.22
VIVOSIM LABS, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED 2021 INDUCEMENT EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
(As Amended and Restated on April 24, 2025)
1. Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Plan are to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility by providing an inducement material to individuals entering into employment with the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.
The Plan permits the grant of Nonstatutory Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Appreciation Rights, Performance Units and Performance Shares. Each Award under the Plan is intended to qualify as an employment inducement award under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) (the “Inducement Listing Rule”).
2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions will apply:
(a) “Administrator” means the Board or any of its Committees as will be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.
(b) “Applicable Laws” means the requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted under the Plan.
(c) “Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units or Performance Shares.
(d) “Award Agreement” means the written or electronic agreement setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to each Award granted under the Plan. The Award Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(e) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(f) “Cause” has the same meaning as set forth in any unexpired employment agreement or independent contractor agreement between the Company or an affiliate of the Company and the Participant for purposes of providing severance upon a termination without “Cause” or, in the absence of such agreement, as set forth in the Participant’s Award Agreement. If no such alternative definitions for “Cause” exist, “Cause” means that the Company determines in its reasonable discretion that any of the following situations gave rise to termination of a Participant’s service as a Service Provider: (a) the Participant committed, was convicted, or pled no contest or any similar plea to a misdemeanor involving acts of dishonesty or breach of fiduciary duty or any felony; (b) the Participant willfully failed to substantially perform his or her duties and responsibilities to the Company or deliberately violated a Company policy; (c) the Participant committed any act or acts of fraud, embezzlement, dishonesty, or other willful misconduct; (d) without authorization, the Participant used or disclosed any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or any other party to whom the Participant owes an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of his or her relationship with the Company; or (e) the Participant breached any of his or her material obligations under any written agreement with the Company. The foregoing definition does not in any way limit the Company’s ability to terminate a Participant’s employment or other service relationship at any time, and the term “Company” will be interpreted herein to include any affiliate of the Company or successor thereto, if appropriate. Furthermore, a Participant’s service as a Service Provider shall be deemed to have terminated for Cause within the meaning hereof if, at any time (whether before, on, or after termination of the Participant’s service as a Service Provider), facts or circumstances are discovered that would have justified a termination for Cause, regardless of whether the Participant initiated the termination of the Participant’s service as a Service Provider.
(g) “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:
(i) A change in the ownership of the Company which occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (“Person”), acquires ownership of the stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection, the acquisition of additional stock by any one Person, who is considered to own more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the stock of the Company will not be considered a Change in Control; or
(ii) A change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this clause (ii), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change in Control; or
(iii) A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than fifty percent (50%) of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (iii), the following will not constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets: (A) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (B) a transfer of assets by the Company to: (1) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (2) an entity, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (3) a Person, that owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company, or (4) an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in this subsection (iii)(B)(3). For purposes of this subsection (iii), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.
For purposes of this definition, persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction will not be deemed a Change in Control unless the transaction qualifies as a change in control event within the meaning of Code Section 409A, as it has been and may be amended from time to time, and any proposed or final Treasury Regulations and Internal Revenue Service guidance that has been promulgated or may be promulgated thereunder from time to time.
Further and for the avoidance of doubt, a transaction will not constitute a Change in Control if: (i) its sole purpose is to change the state of the Company’s incorporation, or (ii) its sole purpose is to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction.
(h) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference to a specific section of the Code or regulation thereunder will include such section or regulation, any valid regulation promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such section or regulation.
(i) “Committee” means a committee of Directors or of other individuals satisfying Applicable Laws appointed by the Board, or a duly authorized committee of the Board, in accordance with Section 4 hereof.
(j) “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.
(k) “Company” means VivoSim Labs, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto.
(l) “Consultant” means any natural person, including an advisor, engaged by the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render bona fide services to such entity, provided the services (i) are not in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction, and (ii) do not directly promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities.
(m) “Director” means a member of the Board.
(n) “Disability” means total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, provided that the Administrator in its discretion may determine whether a permanent and total disability exists in accordance with uniform and non-discriminatory standards adopted by the Administrator from time to time.
(o) “Employee” means any person, including Officers and Directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company will be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company. However, for the avoidance of doubt, although a person who is an Employee also may be a Director, a person who already is serving as a Director prior to becoming an Employee will not be eligible to be granted an Award under the Plan unless permitted under the Inducement Listing Rule. The Company shall determine in good faith and in the exercise of its discretion whether an individual has become or has ceased to be an Employee and the effective date of such individual’s employment or termination of employment, as the case may be. For purposes of an individual’s rights, if any, under the Plan as of the time of the Company’s determination, all such determinations by the Company shall be final, binding and conclusive, notwithstanding that the Company or any court of law or governmental agency subsequently makes a contrary determination.
(p) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(q) “Exchange Program” means a program under which (i) outstanding Awards are surrendered or cancelled in exchange for awards of the same type (which may have higher or lower exercise prices and different terms), awards of a different type, and/or cash, (ii) Participants would have the opportunity to transfer any outstanding Awards to a financial institution or other person or entity selected by the Administrator, and/or (iii) the exercise price of an outstanding Award is increased or reduced. The Administrator will determine the terms and conditions of any Exchange Program in its sole discretion.
(r) “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock determined as follows:
(i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market or the Nasdaq Capital Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system on the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;
(ii) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a Share will be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the date of determination (or, if no bids and asks were reported on that date, as applicable, on the last trading date such bids and asks were reported), as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or
(iii) In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value will be determined in good faith by the Administrator.
(s) “Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company.
(t) “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option that is intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.
(u) “Nonstatutory Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
(v) “Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(w) “Option” means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan. All Options granted under the Plan will be Nonstatutory Stock Options.
(x) “Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
(y) “Participant” means the holder of an outstanding Award.
(z) “Performance Share” means an Award denominated in Shares which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of performance goals or other vesting criteria as the Administrator may determine pursuant to Section 10.
(aa) “Performance Unit” means an Award which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of performance goals or other vesting criteria as the Administrator may determine and which may be settled for cash, Shares or other securities or a combination of the foregoing pursuant to Section 10.
(bb) “Period of Restriction” means the period during which the transfer of Shares of Restricted Stock are subject to restrictions and therefore, the Shares are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. Such restrictions may be based on the passage of time, the achievement of target levels of performance, or the occurrence of other events as determined by the Administrator.
(cc) “Plan” means this Amended and Restated 2021 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan.
(dd) “Restricted Stock” means Shares issued pursuant to a Restricted Stock award under Section 7 of the Plan, or issued pursuant to the early exercise of an Option.
(ee) “Restricted Stock Unit” means a bookkeeping entry representing an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of one Share, granted pursuant to Section 8. Each Restricted Stock Unit represents an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company.
(ff) “Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with respect to the Plan.
(gg) “Section 16(b)” means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.
(hh) “Service Provider” means an Employee, Director or Consultant.
(ii) “Share” means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 13 of the Plan.
(jj) “Stock Appreciation Right” means an Award, granted alone or in connection with an Option, that pursuant to Section 9 is designated as a Stock Appreciation Right.
(kk) “Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.
3. Stock Subject to the Plan.
(a) Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 13 of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan is 750,000 Shares. In addition, Shares may become available for issuance under the Plan pursuant to Section 3(b). The Shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.
(b) 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, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units or Performance Shares, is forfeited to, or repurchased by, the Company due to failure to vest, then the unpurchased Shares (or for Awards other than Options or Stock Appreciation Rights the forfeited or repurchased Shares), which were subject thereto will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). With respect to Stock Appreciation Rights, only Shares actually issued (i.e., the net Shares issued) pursuant to a Stock Appreciation Right will cease to be available under the Plan; all remaining Shares under Stock Appreciation Rights will remain available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). Shares that actually have been issued under the Plan under any Award will not be returned to the Plan and will not become available for future distribution under the Plan; provided, however, that if Shares issued pursuant to Awards of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares or Performance Units are repurchased by the Company or are forfeited to the Company, such Shares will become available for future grant under the Plan. Shares used to pay the exercise price of an Award or to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to an Award will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan. To the extent an Award under the Plan 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 Plan.
(c) Share Reserve. The Company, during the term of this Plan, will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as will be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.
4. Administration of the Plan.
(a) Procedure.
(i) Multiple Administrative Bodies. Different Committees with respect to different groups of Service Providers may administer the Plan.
(ii) Rule 16b-3. To the extent desirable to qualify transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated hereunder will be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3.
(iii) Other Administration. Other than as provided above, the Plan will be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee, which committee will be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws.
(iv) Approval. Awards granted under the Plan must be approved by a majority of the Company’s “Independent Directors” (as defined under the Nasdaq Listing Rules) or the Compensation Committee of the Board, in each case acting as the Administrator.
(b) Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator will have the authority, in its discretion:
(i) to determine the Fair Market Value;
(ii) to select the individuals to whom Awards may be granted hereunder, subject to Section 5 (which Awards will be intended as a material inducement to the individual becoming an Employee);
(iii) to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;
(iv) to approve forms of Award Agreements for use under the Plan;
(v) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the time or times when Awards may be exercised (which may be based on performance criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Award or the Shares relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Administrator will determine;
(vi) to institute and determine the terms and conditions of an Exchange Program;
(vii) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and Awards granted pursuant to the Plan;
(viii) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of satisfying applicable foreign laws or for qualifying for favorable tax treatment under applicable foreign laws;
(ix) to modify or amend each Award (subject to Section 18 of the Plan), including but not limited to the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of Awards and to extend the maximum term of an Option;
(x) to allow Participants to satisfy tax withholding obligations in such manner as prescribed in Section 14 of the Plan;
(xi) to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Award previously granted by the Administrator;
(xii) to allow a Participant to defer the receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of Shares that otherwise would be due to such Participant under an Award; and
(xiii) to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Plan.
(c) Effect of Administrator’s Decision. The Administrator’s decisions, determinations and interpretations will be final and binding on all Participants and any other holders of Awards.
5. Eligibility. Nonstatutory Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares and Performance Units may be granted to Employees so long as the following requirements are met:
(a) The Employee was not previously an Employee or Director, or the Employee is returning to employment of the Company following a bona-fide period of non-employment; and
(b) The grant of an Award is an inducement material to the Employee’s entering into employment with the Company in accordance with the Inducement Listing Rule.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Employee may be granted an Award in connection with a merger or acquisition to the extent permitted by Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c) and the official guidance thereunder.
6. Stock Options.
(a) Grant of Option. The Administrator, in its sole discretion and subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, may grant Options to any individual as a material inducement to the individual becoming an Employee, which grant shall become effective only if the individual actually becomes an Employee. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Administrator will have complete discretion to determine the number of Shares granted to any Employee. Each Option shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify the exercise price, the expiration date of the Option, the number of Shares covered by the Option, any conditions to exercise the Option, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its discretion, shall determine.
(b) Term of Option. The term of each Option will be stated in the Award Agreement; provided, however, that the term will be no more than ten (10) years from the date of grant.
(c) Option Exercise Price and Consideration.
(i) Exercise Price. The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option will be determined by the Administrator, subject to the following:
(1) The per Share exercise price will be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.
(2) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options may be granted with a per Share exercise price of less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Section 424(a) of the Code.
(ii) Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option is granted, the Administrator will fix the period within which the Option may be exercised and will determine any conditions that must be satisfied before the Option may be exercised.
(iii) Form of Consideration. The Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method of payment. Such consideration may consist entirely of: (1) cash; (2) check; (3) promissory note, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws; (4) other Shares, provided that such Shares have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which such Option will be exercised and provided that accepting such Shares will not result in any adverse accounting consequences to the Company, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion; (5) consideration received by the Company under a broker-assisted (or other) cashless exercise program (whether through a broker or otherwise) implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan; (6) by net exercise; (7) such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws; or (8) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment.
(d) Exercise of Option.
(i) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder. Any Option granted hereunder will be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.
An Option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (i) a notice of exercise (in such form as the Administrator may specify from time to time) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised (together with applicable withholding taxes).
Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and permitted by the Award Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of an Option will be issued in the name of the Participant or, if requested by the Participant, in the name of the Participant and his or her spouse. Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the Shares subject to an Option, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company will issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 13 of the Plan.
Exercising an Option in any manner will decrease the number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.
(ii) Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the Participant’s termination as the result of the Participant’s death, Disability or for Cause, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for ninety (90) days following the Participant’s termination. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan. If after termination the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
(iii) Disability of Participant. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Participant’s Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Participant’s termination. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan. If after termination the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
(iv) Death of Participant. If a Participant dies while a Service Provider, the Option may be exercised following the Participant’s death within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of death (but in no event may the option be exercised later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement), by the Participant’s designated beneficiary, provided such beneficiary has been designated prior to Participant’s death in a form acceptable to the Administrator. If no such beneficiary has been designated by the Participant, then such Option may be exercised by the personal representative of the Participant’s estate or by the person(s) to whom the Option is transferred pursuant to the Participant’s will or in accordance with the laws of descent and distribution. In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following Participant’s death. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if at the time of death Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will immediately revert to the Plan. If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
(v) Termination for Cause. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider for Cause, the Option, whether or not vested, shall immediately expire effective on the date of the Participant’s termination or when Cause first existed, if earlier.
7. Restricted Stock.
(a) Grant of Restricted Stock. Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Shares of Restricted Stock to any individual as a material inducement to the individual becoming an Employee or as otherwise permitted under Section 5 in connection with a merger or acquisition, in each case, which grant shall become effective only if the individual actually becomes an Employee, in such amounts as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.
(b) Restricted Stock Agreement. Each Award of Restricted Stock will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Period of Restriction, the number of Shares granted, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the Company as escrow agent will hold Shares of Restricted Stock until the restrictions on such Shares have lapsed.
(c) Transferability. Except as provided in this Section 7 or the Award Agreement, Shares of Restricted Stock may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the end of the applicable Period of Restriction.
(d) Other Restrictions. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may impose such other restrictions on Shares of Restricted Stock as it may deem advisable or appropriate.
(e) Removal of Restrictions. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 7, Shares of Restricted Stock covered by each Restricted Stock grant made under the Plan will be released from escrow as soon as practicable after the last day of the Period of Restriction or at such other time as the Administrator may determine. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restrictions will lapse or be removed.
(f) Voting Rights. During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder may exercise full voting rights with respect to those Shares, unless the Administrator determines otherwise.
(g) Dividends and Other Distributions. During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock will be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such Shares, unless the Administrator provides otherwise. If any such dividends or distributions are paid in Shares, the Shares will be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid.
(h) Return of Restricted Stock to Company. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, the Restricted Stock for which restrictions have not lapsed will revert to the Company and again will become available for grant under the Plan.
8. Restricted Stock Units.
(a) Grant of Restricted Stock Units. Restricted Stock Units may be granted at any time and from time to time as determined by the Administrator to any individual as a material inducement to the individual becoming an Employee or as otherwise permitted under Section 5 in connection with a merger or acquisition, in each case, which grant shall become effective only if the individual actually becomes an Employee. After the Administrator determines that it will grant Restricted Stock Units under the Plan, it will advise the Participant in an Award Agreement of the terms, conditions, and restrictions related to the grant, including the number of Restricted Stock Units.
(b) Vesting Criteria and Other Terms. The Administrator will set vesting criteria in its discretion, which, depending on the extent to which the criteria are met, will determine the number of Restricted Stock Units that will be paid out to the Participant. The Administrator may set vesting criteria based upon the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, business unit, or individual goals (including, but not limited to, continued employment or service), applicable federal or state securities laws or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion.
(c) Earning Restricted Stock Units. Upon meeting the applicable vesting criteria, the Participant will be entitled to receive a payout as determined by the Administrator. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time after the grant of Restricted Stock Units, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any vesting criteria that must be met to receive a payout.
(d) Form and Timing of Payment. Payment of earned Restricted Stock Units will be made as soon as practicable after the date(s) determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may only settle earned Restricted Stock Units in cash, Shares, or a combination of both.
(e) Cancellation. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned Restricted Stock Units will be forfeited to the Company.
9. Stock Appreciation Rights.
(a) Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, a Stock Appreciation Right may be granted to any individual as a material inducement to the individual becoming an Employee or as otherwise permitted under Section 5 in connection with a merger or acquisition, in each case, which grant shall become effective only if the individual actually becomes an Employee, at any time and from time to time as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion.
(b) Number of Shares. The Administrator will have complete discretion to determine the number of Stock Appreciation Rights granted to any Service Provider.
(c) Exercise Price and Other Terms. The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right will be determined by the Administrator and will be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. Otherwise, the Administrator, subject to the provisions of the Plan, will have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions of Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan.
(d) Stock Appreciation Right Agreement. Each Stock Appreciation Right grant will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the exercise price, the term of the Stock Appreciation Right, the conditions of exercise, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.
(e) Expiration of Stock Appreciation Rights. A Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan will expire ten (10) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement, as determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules of Section 6(d) relating to exercise also will apply to Stock Appreciation Rights.
(f) Payment of Stock Appreciation Right Amount. Upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, a Participant will be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying:
(i) The difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the exercise price; times
(ii) The number of Shares with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised.
At the discretion of the Administrator, the payment upon Stock Appreciation Right exercise may be in cash, in Shares of equivalent value, or in some combination thereof.
10. Performance Units and Performance Shares.
(a) Grant of Performance Units/Shares. Performance Units and Performance Shares may be granted to any individual as a material inducement to the individual becoming an Employee, which grant shall become effective only if the individual actually becomes an Employee or as otherwise permitted under Section 5 in connection with a merger or acquisition, in each case, at any time and from time to time, as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. The Administrator will have complete discretion in determining the number of Performance Units and Performance Shares granted to each Participant.
(b) Value of Performance Units/Shares. Each Performance Unit will have an initial value that is established by the Administrator on or before the date of grant. Each Performance Share will have an initial value equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant.
(c) Performance Objectives and Other Terms. The Administrator will set performance objectives or other vesting provisions (including, without limitation, continued status as a Service Provider) in its discretion which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the number or value of Performance Units/Shares that will be paid out to the Service Providers. The time period during which the performance objectives or other vesting provisions must be met will be called the “Performance Period.” Each Award of Performance Units/Shares will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Performance Period, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. The Administrator may set performance objectives based upon the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, business unit or individual goals (including, but not limited to, continued employment or service), applicable federal or state securities laws, or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion.
(d) Earning of Performance Units/Shares. After the applicable Performance Period has ended, the holder of Performance Units/Shares will be entitled to receive a payout of the number of Performance Units/Shares earned by the Participant over the Performance Period, to be determined as a function of the extent to which the corresponding performance objectives or other vesting provisions have been achieved. After the grant of a Performance Unit/Share, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any performance objectives or other vesting provisions for such Performance Unit/Share.
(e) Form and Timing of Payment of Performance Units/Shares. Payment of earned Performance Units/Shares will be made as soon as practicable after the expiration of the applicable Performance Period. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may pay earned Performance Units/Shares in the form of cash, in Shares (which have an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the value of the earned Performance Units/Shares at the close of the applicable Performance Period) or in a combination thereof.
(f) Cancellation of Performance Units/Shares. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned or unvested Performance Units/Shares will be forfeited to the Company, and again will be available for grant under the Plan.
11. Leaves of Absence/Transfer Between Locations. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise, vesting of Awards granted hereunder will be suspended during any unpaid leave of absence. A Participant will not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Parent, or any Subsidiary.
12. Transferability of Awards. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, an Award may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Participant, only by the Participant. If the Administrator makes an Award transferable, such Award will contain such additional terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate.
13. Adjustments; Dissolution or Liquidation; Change in Control.
(a) Adjustments. In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Shares occurs, the Administrator, in order to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, will adjust the number and class of Shares that may be delivered under the Plan and/or the number, class, and price of Shares covered by each outstanding Award, and the numerical Share limits in Section 3 of the Plan.
(b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator will notify each Participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. To the extent it previously has not been exercised, an Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.
(c) Change in Control. In the event of a Change in Control, each outstanding Award will be treated as the Administrator determines, including, without limitation, that (i) Awards may be assumed, or substantially equivalent Awards will be substituted, by the acquiring or succeeding corporation (or an affiliate thereof) with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and prices; (ii) upon written notice to a Participant, that the Participant’s Awards will terminate upon or immediately prior to the consummation of such Change in Control; (iii) outstanding Awards will vest and become exercisable, realizable, or payable, or restrictions applicable to an Award will lapse, in whole or in part prior to or upon consummation of such Change in Control, and, to the extent the Administrator determines, terminate upon or immediately prior to the effectiveness of such merger or Change in Control; (iv) (A) the termination of an Award in exchange for an amount of cash and/or property, if any, equal to the amount that would have been attained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction (and, for the avoidance of doubt, if as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction the Administrator determines in good faith that no amount would have been attained upon the
exercise of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights, then such Award may be terminated by the Company without payment), or (B) the replacement of such Award with other rights or property selected by the Administrator in its sole discretion; or (v) any combination of the foregoing. In taking any of the actions permitted under this Section 13(c), the Administrator will not be required to treat all Awards similarly in the transaction.
In the event that the successor corporation does not assume or substitute for the Award, the Participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise all of his or her outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, including Shares as to which such Awards would not otherwise be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units will lapse, and, with respect to Awards with performance-based vesting, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at one hundred percent (100%) of target levels and all other terms and conditions met. In addition, if an Option or Stock Appreciation Right is not assumed or substituted in the event of a Change in Control, the Administrator will notify the Participant in writing or electronically that the Option or Stock Appreciation Right will be exercisable for a period of time determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, and the Option or Stock Appreciation Right will terminate upon the expiration of such period.
For the purposes of this subsection (c), an Award will be considered assumed if, following the Change in Control, the Award confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share subject to the Award immediately prior to the Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the Change in Control by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the Change in Control is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right or upon the payout of a Restricted Stock Unit, Performance Unit or Performance Share, for each Share subject to such Award, to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Change in Control.
Notwithstanding anything in this Section 13(c) to the contrary, an Award that vests, is earned or paid-out upon the satisfaction of one or more performance goals will not be considered assumed if the Company or its successor modifies any of such performance goals without the Participant’s consent; provided, however, a modification to such performance goals only to reflect the successor corporation’s post-Change in Control corporate structure will not be deemed to invalidate an otherwise valid Award assumption.
14. Tax.
(a) Withholding Requirements. Prior to the delivery of any Shares or cash pursuant to an Award (or exercise thereof) or such earlier time as any tax withholding obligations are due, the Company will have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, local, foreign or other taxes (including the Participant’s FICA obligation) required to be withheld with respect to such Award (or exercise thereof).
(b) Withholding Arrangements. The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit a Participant to satisfy such tax withholding obligation, in whole or in part by (without limitation) (a) paying cash, (b) electing to have the Company withhold otherwise deliverable cash or Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum statutory amount required to be withheld, or (c) delivering to the Company already-owned Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum statutory amount required to be withheld. 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.
(c) Compliance With Code Section 409A. Awards 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 such that the grant, payment, settlement or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Code Section 409A, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator. The Plan and each Award Agreement under the Plan is intended to meet the requirements of Code Section 409A and will be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator. 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 or interest applicable under Code Section 409A.
15. No Effect on Employment or Service. Neither the Plan nor any Award will confer upon a Participant any right with respect to continuing the Participant’s relationship as a Service Provider with the Company, nor will they interfere in any way with the Participant’s right or the Company’s right to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without cause, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.
16. Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Award will be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Award, or such other later date as is determined by the Administrator. Notice of the determination will be provided to each Participant within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.
17. Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective upon the date it is approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board or a majority of the Independent Directors (the “Effective Date”). It will continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years from the Effective Date, unless terminated earlier under Section 18 of the Plan.
18. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.
(a) Amendment and Termination. The Administrator may at any time amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.
(b) Stockholder Approval. The Company will obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws.
(c) Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of the Plan will materially impair the rights of any Participant, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Participant and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Participant and the Company. Termination of the Plan will not affect the Administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Awards granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination.
19. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.
(a) Legal Compliance. Shares will not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Award unless the exercise of such Award and the issuance and delivery of such Shares will comply with Applicable Laws and will be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.
(b) Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise of an Award, the Company may require the person exercising such Award to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.
20. Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction or to complete or comply with the requirements of any registration or other qualification of the Shares under any state, federal or foreign law or under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the stock exchange on which Shares of the same class are then listed, or any other governmental or regulatory body, which authority, registration, qualification or rule compliance is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary or advisable for the issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, will relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority, registration, qualification or rule compliance will not have been obtained.
21. Governing Law. The terms of this Plan and all agreements hereunder shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the State’s conflict of laws rules.
EX-10.23
7
vivs-ex10_23.htm
EX-10.23
EX-10.23
Exhibit 10.23
VIVOSIM LABS, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED 2021 INDUCEMENT EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the VivoSim Labs, Inc. Amended and Restated 2021 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) will have the same defined meanings in this Stock Option Agreement (the “Agreement”), including the Notice of Stock Option Grant (the “Notice of Grant”) and Terms and Conditions of Stock Option Grant, attached hereto as Exhibit A.
NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT
Participant has been granted an Option to purchase Common Stock of VivoSim Labs, Inc. (the “Company”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement, as follows:
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Grant Number |
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Date of Grant |
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Vesting Commencement Date |
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Number of Shares Granted |
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Exercise Price per Share |
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Total Exercise Price |
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Type of Option |
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Nonstatutory Stock Option |
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Term/Expiration Date |
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Vesting Schedule:
Subject to accelerated vesting as set forth below or in the Plan, this Option will be exercisable, in whole or in part, in accordance with the following schedule:
[25% of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest and become exercisable on the one (1)-year anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date, and 1/48th of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest and become exercisable each month thereafter, subject to Participant continuing to be a Service Provider through each such date.] [One-third (1/3rd) of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest and become exercisable on the one (1)-year anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date, and [one-twenty-fourth (1/24th) / one-eighth (1/8th)] of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest and become exercisable each [month/quarter] thereafter, subject to Participant continuing to be a Service Provider through each such date.]
Termination Period:
This Option will be exercisable for three (3) months after Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, unless such termination is due to Participant’s death or Disability, in which case this Option will be exercisable for twelve (12) months after Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, or for Cause, in which case this Option will immediately expire on the earlier of the date Participant ceases to be a Service Provider and when Cause first existed.
Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, in no event may this Option be exercised after the Term/Expiration Date as provided above and may be subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 13(c) of the Plan.
[Signature Page Follows]
By Participant’s signature and the signature of the Company’s representative below, Participant and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement, including exhibits hereto, all of which are made a part of this document. Participant has reviewed the Plan and this Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and Agreement. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions relating to the Plan and Agreement. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address indicated below.
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PARTICIPANT: |
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VIVOSIM LABS, INC. |
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Signature
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Name
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[Signature Page (Stock Option Agreement – Amended and Restated 2021 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan)]
EXHIBIT A
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF STOCK OPTION GRANT
1. Grant of Option. The Company hereby grants to the Participant named in the Notice of Grant (the “Participant”) an option (the “Option”) to purchase the number of Shares, as set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise price per Share set forth in the Notice of Grant (the “Exercise Price”), subject to all of the terms and conditions in this Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section 18(c) of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan will prevail.
2. Vesting Schedule. Except as provided in Section 3, the Option awarded by this Agreement will vest in accordance with the vesting provisions set forth in the Notice of Grant. Shares scheduled to vest on a certain date or upon the occurrence of a certain condition will not vest in the Participant in accordance with any of the provisions of this Agreement, unless the Participant will have been continuously a Service Provider from the Date of Grant until the date such vesting occurs.
3. Administrator Discretion. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the vesting of the balance, or some lesser portion of the balance, of the unvested Option at any time, subject to the terms of the Plan. If so accelerated, such Option will be considered as having vested as of the date specified by the Administrator.
4. Exercise of Option.
(a) Right to Exercise. This Option may be exercised only within the term set out in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Method of Exercise. This Option is exercisable by delivery of an exercise notice, in the form attached as Exhibit B (the “Exercise Notice”) or in a manner and pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may determine, which will state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised (the “Exercised Shares”), and such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. The Exercise Notice will be completed by the Participant and delivered to the Company. The Exercise Notice will be accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised Shares together with any applicable tax withholding. This Option will be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by the aggregate Exercise Price.
5. Method of Payment. Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price will be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Participant:
(a) cash;
(b) check;
(c) consideration received by the Company under a formal cashless exercise program adopted by the Company in connection with the Plan; or
(d) surrender of other Shares which have a fair market value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate Exercise Price of the Exercised Shares, provided that accepting such Shares, in the sole discretion of the Administrator, will not result in any adverse accounting consequences to the Company.
6. Tax Obligations.
(a) Withholding of Taxes. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this Agreement, no certificate representing the Shares will be issued to the Participant, unless and until satisfactory arrangements (as determined by the Administrator) will have been made by the Participant with respect to the payment of income, employment, social insurance, payroll and other taxes which the Company determines must be withheld with respect to such Shares. To the extent determined appropriate by the Company in its discretion, it will have the right (but not the obligation) to satisfy any tax withholding obligations by reducing the number of Shares otherwise deliverable to the Participant. If the Participant fails to make satisfactory arrangements for the payment of any required tax withholding obligations hereunder at the time of the Option exercise, the Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to deliver the Shares if such withholding amounts are not delivered at the time of exercise.
(b) Code Section 409A. Under Code Section 409A, an option that vests after December 31, 2004 (or that vested on or prior to such date but which was materially modified after October 3, 2004) that was granted with a per share exercise price that is determined by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) to be less than the fair market value of a share on the date of grant (a “Discount Option”) may be considered “deferred compensation.” A Discount Option may result in (i) income recognition by the Participant prior to the exercise of the option, (ii) an additional 20% federal income tax, and (iii) potential penalty and interest charges. The Discount Option may also result in additional state income, penalty and interest charges to the Participant. The Participant acknowledges that the Company cannot and has not guaranteed that the IRS will agree that the Exercise Price per Share of this Option equals or exceeds the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Date of Grant in a later examination. The Participant agrees that if the IRS determines that the Option was granted with an Exercise Price per Share that was less than the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Date of Grant, the Participant will be solely responsible for the Participant’s costs related to such a determination.
7. Rights as Stockholder. Neither the Participant nor any person claiming under or through the Participant will have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder of the Company in respect of any Shares deliverable hereunder unless and until certificates representing such Shares will have been issued, recorded on the records of the Company or its transfer agents or registrars, and delivered to the Participant. After such issuance, recordation and delivery, the Participant will have all the rights of a stockholder of the Company with respect to voting such Shares and receipt of dividends and distributions on such Shares.
8. No Guarantee of Continued Service. PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (OR THE PARENT OR SUBSIDIARY EMPLOYING OR RETAINING PARTICIPANT) AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THIS OPTION OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER. PARTICIPANT FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND WILL NOT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH PARTICIPANT’S RIGHT OR THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY (OR THE PARENT OR SUBSIDIARY EMPLOYING OR RETAINING PARTICIPANT) TO TERMINATE PARTICIPANT’S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE.
9. Address for Notices. Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of this Agreement will be addressed to the Company at VivoSim Labs, Inc., 11555 Sorrrento Valley Rd, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92121, or at such other address as the Company may hereafter designate in writing.
10. Non-Transferability of Option. This Option may not be transferred in any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of the Participant only by the Participant.
11. Binding Agreement. Subject to the limitation on the transferability of this grant contained herein, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
12. Additional Conditions to Issuance of Stock. If at any time the Company will determine, in its discretion, that the listing, registration, qualification or rule compliance of the Shares upon any securities exchange or under any state, federal or foreign law, the tax code and related regulations or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory authority is necessary or desirable as a condition to the purchase by, or issuance of Shares to, the Participant (or his or her estate) hereunder, such purchase or issuance will not occur unless and until such listing, registration, qualification, rule compliance, consent or approval will have been completed, effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company. The Company will make all reasonable efforts to meet the requirements of any such state, federal or foreign law or securities exchange and to obtain any such consent or approval of any such governmental authority or securities exchange. Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the Exercised Shares will be considered transferred to the Participant on the date the Option is exercised with respect to such Exercised Shares.
13. Plan Governs. This Agreement is subject to all terms and provisions of the Plan. In the event of a conflict between one or more provisions of this Agreement and one or more provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan will govern. Capitalized terms used and not defined in this Agreement will have the meaning set forth in the Plan.
14. Administrator Authority. The Administrator will have the power to interpret the Plan and this Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret or revoke any such rules (including, but not limited to, the determination of whether or not any Shares subject to the Option have vested). All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Administrator in good faith will be final and binding upon the Participant, the Company and all other interested persons. No member of the Administrator will be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or this Agreement.
15. Electronic Delivery. The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to Options awarded under the Plan or future options that may be awarded under the Plan by electronic means or request the Participant’s consent to participate in the Plan by electronic means. The Participant hereby consents to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agrees to participate in the Plan through any on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company.
16. Captions. Captions provided herein are for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.
17. Agreement Severable. In the event that any provision in this Agreement will be held invalid or unenforceable, such provision will be severable from, and such invalidity or unenforceability will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of this Agreement.
18. Modifications to the Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties on the subjects covered. The Participant expressly warrants that he or she is not accepting this Agreement in reliance on any promises, representations, or inducements other than those contained herein. Modifications to this Agreement or the Plan can be made only in an express written contract executed by a duly authorized officer of the Company. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or this Agreement, the Company reserves the right to revise this Agreement as it deems necessary or advisable, in its sole discretion and without the consent of the Participant, to comply with Code Section 409A or to otherwise avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition under Section 409A of the Code in connection to this Option.
19. Amendment, Suspension or Termination of the Plan. By accepting this Award, the Participant expressly warrants that he or she has received an Option under the Plan, and has received, read and understood a description of the Plan. The Participant understands that the Plan is discretionary in nature and may be amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time.
20. Governing Law. The laws of the State of Delaware shall govern the validity of this Agreement, the construction of its terms, and the interpretation of the rights and duties of the parties hereto.
EXHIBIT B
VIVOSIM LABS, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATE 2021 INDUCEMENT EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
EXERCISE NOTICE
VivoSim Labs, Inc.
11555 Sorrento Valley Rd, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92121
Attention: Stock Administration
1. Exercise of Option. Effective as of today, [●], the undersigned (“Purchaser”) hereby elects to purchase [●] shares (the “Shares”) of the Common Stock of VivoSim Labs, Inc. (the “Company”) under and pursuant to the 2021 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and the Stock Option Agreement dated [●] (the “Agreement”). The purchase price for the Shares will be $[●], as required by the Agreement.
2. Delivery of Payment. Purchaser herewith delivers to the Company the full purchase price of the Shares and any required tax withholding to be paid in connection with the exercise of the Option.
3. Representations of Purchaser. Purchaser acknowledges that Purchaser has received, read and understood the Plan and the Agreement and agrees to abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions.
4. Rights as Stockholder. Until the issuance (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company) of the Shares, no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the Shares subject to the Option, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Shares so acquired will be issued to Purchaser as soon as practicable after exercise of the Option. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date of issuance, except as provided in Section 13 of the Plan.
5. Tax Consultation. Purchaser understands that Purchaser may suffer adverse tax consequences as a result of Purchaser’s purchase or disposition of the Shares. Purchaser represents that Purchaser has consulted with any tax consultants Purchaser deems advisable in connection with the purchase or disposition of the Shares and that Purchaser is not relying on the Company for any tax advice.
6. Entire Agreement; Governing Law. The Plan and Agreement are incorporated herein by reference. This Exercise Notice, the Plan and the Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Purchaser with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Purchaser’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Purchaser. This agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of Delaware.
[Signature Page Follows]
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PURCHASER |
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VIVOSIM LABS, INC. |
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[Signature Page (Option Exercise Notice – 20219 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan)]
EX-10.24
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vivs-ex10_24.htm
EX-10.24
EX-10.24
Exhibit 10.24
VIVOSIM LABS, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED 2021 INDUCEMENT EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the VivoSim Labs, Inc. Amended and Restated 2021 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) will have the same defined meanings in this Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (the “Award Agreement”), which includes the Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Grant (the “Notice of Grant”) and the Terms and Conditions of Restricted Stock Unit Grant, attached hereto as Exhibit A.
NOTICE OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT GRANT
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Participant Name: |
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Address: |
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Participant has been granted the right to receive an Award of Restricted Stock Units, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, as follows:
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Grant Number |
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Date of Grant |
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Vesting Commencement Date |
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Number of Restricted Stock Units |
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Vesting Schedule:
Subject to any acceleration provisions contained in the Plan or set forth below, the Restricted Stock Units will vest in accordance with the following schedule:
[25% of the Restricted Stock Units will vest on the 1-year anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date, and 25% of the Restricted Stock Units will vest each year thereafter on the same day as the Vesting Commencement Date, subject to Participant continuing to be a Service Provider through each such date. ]
In the event Participant ceases to be a Service Provider for any or no reason before Participant vests in the Restricted Stock Units, the Restricted Stock Units and Participant’s right to acquire any Shares hereunder will immediately terminate.
[Signature Page Follows]
By Participant’s signature and the signature of the representative of VivoSim Labs, Inc. (the “Company”) below, Participant and the Company agree that this Award of Restricted Stock Units is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement. Participant has reviewed the Plan and this Award Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Award Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and Award Agreement. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions relating to the Plan and Award Agreement. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address indicated below.
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VIVOSIM LABS, INC. |
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[Signature Page (Restricted Stock Unit Agreement – Amended and Restated 2021 Inducement Equity Plan)]
EXHIBIT A
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT GRANT
1. Grant. The Company hereby grants to the individual named in the Notice of Grant (the “Participant”) under the Plan an Award of Restricted Stock Units, subject to all of the terms and conditions in this Award Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section 18(c) of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this Award Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan will prevail.
2. Company’s Obligation to Pay. Each Restricted Stock Unit represents the right to receive a Share on the date it vests. Unless and until the Restricted Stock Units will have vested in the manner set forth in Sections 3 or 4, the Participant will have no right to payment of any such Restricted Stock Units. Prior to actual payment of any vested Restricted Stock Units, such Restricted Stock Units will represent an unsecured obligation of the Company, payable (if at all) only from the general assets of the Company. Any Restricted Stock Units that vest in accordance with Sections 3 or 4 will be paid to the Participant (or in the event of the Participant’s death, to his or her estate) in whole Shares, subject to the Participant satisfying any applicable tax withholding obligations as set forth in Section 7. Subject to the provisions of Section 4, such vested Restricted Stock Units shall be paid in whole Shares as soon as practicable after vesting, but in each such case within the period sixty (60) days following the vesting date. In no event will the Participant be permitted, directly or indirectly, to specify the taxable year of the payment of any Restricted Stock Units payable under this Award Agreement.
3. Vesting Schedule. Except as provided in Section 4, and subject to Section 5, the Restricted Stock Units awarded by this Award Agreement will vest in accordance with the vesting provisions set forth in the Notice of Grant. Restricted Stock Units scheduled to vest on a certain date or upon the occurrence of a certain condition will not vest in the Participant in accordance with any of the provisions of this Award Agreement, unless the Participant will have been continuously a Service Provider from the Date of Grant until the date such vesting occurs.
4. Administrator Discretion. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the vesting of the balance, or some lesser portion of the balance, of the unvested Restricted Stock Units at any time, subject to the terms of the Plan. If so accelerated, such Restricted Stock Units will be considered as having vested as of the date specified by the Administrator. The payment of Shares vesting pursuant to this Section 4 shall in all cases be paid at a time or in a manner that is exempt from, or complies with, Section 409A.
Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or this Award Agreement to the contrary, if the vesting of the balance, or some lesser portion of the balance, of the Restricted Stock Units is accelerated in connection with Participant’s termination as a Service Provider (provided that such termination is a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A, as determined by the Company), other than due to death, and if (x) the Participant is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of such termination as a Service Provider and (y) the payment of such accelerated Restricted Stock Units will result in the imposition of additional tax under Section 409A if paid to the Participant on or within the six (6) month period following the Participant’s termination as a Service Provider, then the payment of such accelerated Restricted Stock Units will not be made until the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of the Participant’s termination as a Service Provider, unless the Participant dies following his or her termination as a Service Provider, in which case, the Restricted Stock Units will be paid in Shares to the Participant’s estate as soon as practicable following his or her death. It is the intent of this Award Agreement that it and all payments and benefits hereunder be exempt from, or comply with, the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the Restricted Stock Units provided under this Award Agreement or Shares issuable thereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to be so exempt or so comply. Each payment payable under this Award Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2). For purposes of this Award Agreement, “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code, and any final Treasury Regulations and Internal Revenue Service guidance thereunder, as each may be amended from time to time.
5. Forfeiture upon Termination of Status as a Service Provider. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this Award Agreement, the balance of the Restricted Stock Units that have not vested as of the time of the Participant’s termination as a Service Provider for any or no reason and the Participant’s right to acquire any Shares hereunder will immediately terminate.
6. Death of Participant. Any distribution or delivery to be made to the Participant under this Award Agreement will, if the Participant is then deceased, be made to the Participant’s designated beneficiary, or if no beneficiary survives the Participant, the administrator or executor of the Participant’s estate. Any such transferee must furnish the Company with (a) written notice of his or her status as transferee, and (b) evidence satisfactory to the Company to establish the validity of the transfer and compliance with any laws or regulations pertaining to said transfer.
7. Withholding of Taxes. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this Award Agreement, no certificate representing the Shares will be issued to the Participant, unless and until satisfactory arrangements (as determined by the Administrator) will have been made by the Participant with respect to the payment of income, employment, social insurance, payroll and other taxes which the Company determines must be withheld with respect to such Shares. Prior to vesting and/or settlement of the Restricted Stock Units, the Participant will pay or make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Participant’s employer (the “Employer”) to satisfy all withholding and payment obligations of the Company and/or the Employer. In this regard, the Participant authorizes the Company and/or the Employer to withhold all applicable tax withholding obligations legally payable by the Participant from his or her wages or other cash compensation paid to the Participant by the Company and/or the Employer or from proceeds of the sale of Shares. Alternatively, or in addition, if permissible under applicable local law, the Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit or require the Participant to satisfy such tax withholding obligation, in whole or in part (without limitation) by (a) paying cash, (b) electing to have the Company withhold otherwise deliverable Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum amount required to be withheld, (c) delivering to the Company already vested and owned Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld, or (d) selling a sufficient number of such Shares otherwise deliverable to the Participant through such means as the Company may determine in its sole discretion (whether through a broker or otherwise) equal to the amount required to be withheld. To the extent determined appropriate by the Company in its discretion, it will have the right (but not the obligation) to satisfy any tax withholding obligations by reducing the number of Shares otherwise deliverable to the Participant and, until determined otherwise by the Company, this will be the method by which such tax withholding obligations are satisfied. If the Participant fails to make satisfactory arrangements for the payment of any required tax withholding obligations hereunder at the time any applicable Restricted Stock Units otherwise are scheduled to vest pursuant to Sections 3 or 4 or tax withholding obligations related to Restricted Stock Units otherwise are due, the Participant will permanently forfeit such Restricted Stock Units and any right to receive Shares thereunder and the Restricted Stock Units will be returned to the Company at no cost to the Company.
8. Rights as Stockholder. Neither the Participant nor any person claiming under or through the Participant will have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder of the Company in respect of any Shares deliverable hereunder unless and until certificates representing such Shares will have been issued, recorded on the records of the Company or its transfer agents or registrars, and delivered to the Participant. After such issuance, recordation and delivery, the Participant will have all the rights of a stockholder of the Company with respect to voting such Shares and receipt of dividends and distributions on such Shares.
9. No Guarantee of Continued Service. THE PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF THE RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (OR THE PARENT OR SUBSIDIARY EMPLOYING OR RETAINING THE PARTICIPANT) AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THIS AWARD OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER. THE PARTICIPANT FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AWARD AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND WILL NOT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH THE PARTICIPANT’S RIGHT OR THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY (OR THE PARENT OR SUBSIDIARY EMPLOYING OR RETAINING THE PARTICIPANT) TO TERMINATE THE PARTICIPANT’S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE.
10. Address for Notices. Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of this Award Agreement will be addressed to the Company at VivoSim Labs, Inc., 11555 Sorrento Valley Rd, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92121, or at such other address as the Company may hereafter designate in writing.
11. Grant is Not Transferable. Except to the limited extent provided in Section 6, this grant and the rights and privileges conferred hereby will not be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated in any way (whether by operation of law or otherwise) and will not be subject to sale under execution, attachment or similar process. Upon any attempt to transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of this grant, or any right or privilege conferred hereby, or upon any attempted sale under any execution, attachment or similar process, this grant and the rights and privileges conferred hereby immediately will become null and void.
12. Binding Agreement. Subject to the limitation on the transferability of this grant contained herein, this Award Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
13. Additional Conditions to Issuance of Stock. If at any time the Company will determine, in its discretion, that the listing, registration, qualification or rule compliance of the Shares upon any securities exchange or under any state, federal or foreign law, the tax code and related regulations or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory authority is necessary or desirable as a condition to the issuance of Shares to the Participant (or his or her estate) hereunder, such issuance will not occur unless and until such listing, registration, qualification, rule compliance, consent or approval will have been completed, effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company. Where the Company determines that the delivery of the payment of any Shares will violate federal securities laws or other applicable laws, the Company will defer delivery until the earliest date at which the Company reasonably anticipates that the delivery of Shares will no longer cause such violation. The Company will make all reasonable efforts to meet the requirements of any such state, federal or foreign law or securities exchange and to obtain any such consent or approval of any such governmental authority or securities exchange.
14. Plan Governs. This Award Agreement is subject to all terms and provisions of the Plan. In the event of a conflict between one or more provisions of this Award Agreement and one or more provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan will govern. Capitalized terms used and not defined in this Award Agreement will have the meaning set forth in the Plan.
15. Administrator Authority. The Administrator will have the power to interpret the Plan and this Award Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret or revoke any such rules (including, but not limited to, the determination of whether or not any Restricted Stock Units have vested). All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Administrator in good faith will be final and binding upon the Participant, the Company and all other interested persons. No member of the Administrator will be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or this Award Agreement.
16. Electronic Delivery. The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to Restricted Stock Units awarded under the Plan or future Restricted Stock Units that may be awarded under the Plan by electronic means or request the Participant’s consent to participate in the Plan by electronic means. The Participant hereby consents to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agrees to participate in the Plan through any on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company.
17. Captions. Captions provided herein are for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Award Agreement.
18. Agreement Severable. In the event that any provision in this Award Agreement will be held invalid or unenforceable, such provision will be severable from, and such invalidity or unenforceability will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of this Award Agreement.
19. Modifications to the Award Agreement. This Award Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties on the subjects covered. The Participant expressly warrants that he or she is not accepting this Award Agreement in reliance on any promises, representations, or inducements other than those contained herein. Modifications to this Award Agreement or the Plan can be made only in an express written contract executed by a duly authorized officer of the Company. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or this Award Agreement, the Company reserves the right to revise this Award Agreement as it deems necessary or advisable, in its sole discretion and without the consent of the Participant, to comply with Section 409A or to otherwise avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition under Section 409A in connection to this Award of Restricted Stock Units.
20. Amendment, Suspension or Termination of the Plan. By accepting this Award, the Participant expressly warrants that he or she has received an Award of Restricted Stock Units under the Plan, and has received, read and understood a description of the Plan. The Participant understands that the Plan is discretionary in nature and may be amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time.
21. Governing Law. The laws of the State of Delaware shall govern the validity of this Award Agreement, the construction of its terms, and the interpretation of the rights and duties of the parties hereto.
EX-10.26
9
vivs-ex10_26.htm
EX-10.26
EX-10.26
Exhibit 10.26
VIVOSIM LABS, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED 2022 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
(As Amended and Restated on April 24, 2025)
1.
Purpose of the Plan. The purpose of this Plan is to:
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to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility,
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to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and Consultants, and
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to promote the success of the Company’s business.
The Plan permits the grant of Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Appreciation Rights, Performance Units and Performance Shares.
2.
Definitions. The following definitions are used in this Plan:
(a)
“Administrator” means the Board or any of its Committees as will be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.
(b)
“Applicable Laws” means the legal and regulatory requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards and issuance of shares of Common Stock, including under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any non-U.S. country or jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted under the Plan. Reference to a specific section of an Applicable Law or regulation related to that section shall include such section or regulation, any valid regulation or other official guidance issued under that section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding that section or regulation.
(c)
“Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units or Performance Shares.
(d)
“Award Agreement” means the written or electronic agreement between the Company and Participant setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to an Award granted under the Plan. The Award Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(e)
“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(f)
“Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:
(i)
Change in Ownership of the Company. A change in the ownership of the Company which occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (“Person”), acquires ownership of the stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than 50% of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection, if any one Person is already considered to own more than 50% of the total voting power of the stock of the Company, the acquisition of additional stock by such Person will not be considered a Change in Control; or Change in Effective Control of the Company.
(ii)
A change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any 12-month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this subsection (ii), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change in Control; or
(iii)
Change in Ownership of a Substantial Portion of the Company’s Assets. A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 50% of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (iii), the following will not constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets: (A) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (B) a transfer of assets by the Company to: (1) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (2) an entity, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (3) a Person, that owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company or (4) an entity, at least 50% of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in subsection (iii)(B)(3). For purposes of this subsection (iii), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.
For purposes of this definition, persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company.
Further and for the avoidance of doubt, a transaction will not constitute a Change in Control if: (x) its primary purpose is to change the jurisdiction of the Company’s incorporation, or (y) its primary purpose is to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction.
(g)
“Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(h)
“Committee” means a committee of Directors or of other individuals satisfying Applicable Laws appointed by the Board, or a duly authorized committee of the Board, in accordance with Section 4 hereof.
(i)
“Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.
(j)
“Company” means VivoSim Labs, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto.
(k)
“Consultant” means any person, including an advisor, engaged by the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary of the Company to render bona fide services to such entity, provided the services (i) are not in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction, and (ii) do not directly promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities, in each case, within the meaning used with respect to Form S-8 promulgated under the Securities Act, and provided, further, that a Consultant will include only those persons to whom the issuance of Shares may be registered under Form S-8 promulgated under the Securities Act.
(l)
“Director” means a member of the Board.
(m)
“Disability” means total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, provided that in the case of Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, the Administrator in its discretion may determine whether a permanent and total disability exists in accordance with uniform and non-discriminatory standards adopted by the Administrator from time to time.
(n)
“Employee” means any person, including Officers and Inside Directors, providing services as an employee to the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company will be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.
(o)
“Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
(p)
“Exchange Program” means a program under which (i) outstanding Awards are surrendered or cancelled in exchange for awards of the same type (which may have higher or lower exercise prices and different terms), awards of a different type, and/or cash, (ii) Participants would have the opportunity to transfer any outstanding Awards to a financial institution or other person or entity selected by the Administrator and/or (iii) the exercise price of an outstanding Award is reduced. As described in Section 4(i), the Administrator may not institute an Exchange Program.
(q)
“Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock determined as follows:
(i)
If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market or the Nasdaq Capital Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market or the New York Stock Exchange, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such stock (or, the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system on the day of determination, as reported by such source as the Administrator deems reliable;
(ii)
If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a Share will be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the day of determination (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported), as reported by such source as the Administrator deems reliable; or
(iii)
In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value will be determined in good faith by the Administrator.
If the Fair Market Value is to be determined under subsection (i) or (ii) above and the determination date for the Fair Market Value occurs on a day other than a Trading Day, the Fair Market Value will be the price as determined under subsection (i) or (ii) above, as applicable, on the immediately preceding Trading Day, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator. In addition, for purposes of determining the fair market value of shares for any reason other than the determination of the exercise price of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights, fair market value will be determined by the Administrator in a manner compliant with Applicable Laws and applied consistently for such purpose. Note that the determination of fair market value for purposes of withholding Tax-Related Items may be made in the Administrator’s sole discretion subject to Applicable Laws and is not required to be consistent with the determination of Fair Market Value for other purposes.
(r)
“Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company.
(s)
“Full-Value Awards” means any Awards that result in the Company transferring the full value of any underlying Share granted pursuant to an Award, but shall not include Options and Stock Appreciation Rights.
(t)
“Incentive Stock Option” means an Option that is intended to qualify, and actually qualifies, as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
(u)
“Inside Director” means a Director who is an Employee.
(v)
“Nonstatutory Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
(w)
“Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(x)
“Option” means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.
(y)
“Outside Director” means a Director who is not an Employee.
(z)
“Parent” means a “parent corporation” of the Company, whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
(aa)
“Participant” means the holder of an outstanding Award.
(bb)
“Performance Share” means an Award denominated in Shares which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of performance goals or other vesting criteria as the Administrator may determine pursuant to Section 10.
(cc)
“Performance Unit” means an Award denominated in Shares or cash, which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of performance goals or other vesting criteria as the Administrator may determine and which may be settled for cash, Shares or other securities or a combination of the foregoing pursuant to Section 10.
(dd)
“Period of Restriction” means the period (if any) during which the transfer of Shares of Restricted Stock are subject to restrictions and therefore, the Shares are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. Such restrictions may be based on the passage of time, the achievement of target levels of performance, or the occurrence of other events as determined by the Administrator.
(ee)
“Plan” means this VivoSim Labs, Inc. Amended and Restated 2022 Equity Incentive Plan.
(ff)
“Restricted Stock” means Shares issued pursuant to a Restricted Stock award under Section 7 of the Plan, or issued pursuant to the early exercise of an Option.
(gg)
“Restricted Stock Unit” means a bookkeeping entry representing an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of one Share, granted pursuant to Section 8. Each Restricted Stock Unit represents an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company.
(hh)
“Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b‑3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with respect to the Plan.
(ii)
“Section 16(b)” means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.
(jj)
“Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code.
(kk)
“Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933.
(ll)
“Service Provider” means an Employee, Director or Consultant.
(mm)
“Share” means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 14 of the Plan.
(nn)
“Stock Appreciation Right” means an Award, granted alone or in connection with an Option, that pursuant to Section 9 is designated as a Stock Appreciation Right.
(oo)
“Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation” of the Company whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.
(pp)
“Substituted Award” means an Award granted in substitution for an equity award of an acquired entity in connection with a merger, reorganization, separation or other transaction to which Section 424(a) of the Code applies.
(qq)
“Tax-Related Items” means any U.S. and non–U.S. federal, state, or local taxes (including, without limitation, income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account and any other tax-related items) related to a Participant’s participation in the Plan and legally applicable or deemed applicable to the Participant, or have been transferred to the Participant.
(rr)
“Trading Day” means a day that the primary stock exchange, national market system, or other trading platform, as applicable, upon which the Common Stock is listed is open for trading.
3.
Stock Subject to the Plan.
(a)
Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 14 of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan is (i) 3,011,738 Shares, plus (ii) any Shares subject to awards granted under the Company’s Amended and Restated 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, that, on or after the date stockholders initially approve the Plan, expire or otherwise terminate without having been exercised or issued in full or are forfeited to or repurchased by the Company due to failure to vest, with the maximum number of Shares to be added to the Plan pursuant to clause (ii) equal to 1,367,722 Shares. In addition, Shares may become available for issuance under the Plan pursuant to Section 3(c). The Shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock. If the Committee grants Substituted Awards in substitution for equity awards outstanding under a plan maintained by an entity acquired by or consolidated with the Company, the grant of those Substituted Awards will not decrease the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan.
(b)
Share Conversion Ratio. Any Shares that are subject to Options, Stock Appreciation Rights or other Awards that are not Full-Value Awards shall be counted against the numerical limits of Section 3(a) as 1.15 Shares for every one Share subject thereto. To the extent that a Share that was subject to an Award that counted as 1.15 Shares against the Plan reserve pursuant to the preceding sentence is recycled back into the Plan under Section 3(c), the Plan shall be credited with 1.15 Shares.
(c)
Lapsed Awards. If an Award expires without having been exercised in full, or, with respect to Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units or Performance Shares, is forfeited to or repurchased by the Company, then the unpurchased Shares (or for Awards other than Options or Stock Appreciation Rights, the forfeited or repurchased Shares) that were subject thereto will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). Upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right settled in Shares, the gross number of Shares covered by the portion of the Stock Appreciation Right so exercised will cease to be available under the Plan. Shares that actually have been issued under the Plan under any Award will not be returned to the Plan and will not become available for future distribution under the Plan; provided, however, that if unvested Shares of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares or Performance Units are repurchased by the Company or are forfeited to the Company, such Shares will become available for future grant under the Plan.
Shares used to pay the exercise price or purchase price of an Award or to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to an Award will not become available for future grant or sale under the Plan. To the extent an Award under the Plan is paid out in cash rather than Shares, such cash payment will not reduce the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing and, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 14, the maximum number of Shares that may be issued upon the exercise of Incentive Stock Options will equal the aggregate Share number stated in Section 3(a), plus, to the extent allowable under Section 422 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, any Shares that become available for issuance under the Plan pursuant to this Section 3(c).
(d)
Share Reserve. The Company, at all times during the term of this Plan, will reserve and keep available such number of Shares as will be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.
4.
Administration of the Plan.
(i)
General. The Plan will be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws. The Board or Committee will be the Administrator. Different Administrators may administer the Plan with respect to different groups of Service Providers. The Board may retain the authority to concurrently administer the Plan with a Committee and may, at any time, revoke the delegation of some or all authority previously delegated.
(ii)
Rule 16b-3. To the extent desirable to qualify transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated hereunder will be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3.
(b)
Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the Plan, any limitations on delegations specified by the Board, and any requirements imposed by Applicable Laws, the Administrator will have the authority, in its sole discretion, to make any determinations and perform any actions deemed necessary or advisable to administer the Plan including to:
(i)
determine the Fair Market Value;
(ii)
select the Service Providers to whom Awards may be granted hereunder;
(iii)
determine the number of Shares to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;
(iv)
approve forms of Award Agreements for use under the Plan;
(v)
determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder. The terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the time or times when Awards may be exercised (which may be based on performance criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions and any restriction or limitation regarding any Award or the Shares relating to an Award;
(vi)
establish, amend and rescind rules and regulations and adopt sub-plans relating to the Plan, including rules, regulations and sub-plans for the purposes of facilitating compliance with non-U.S. laws, easing the administration of the Plan and/or taking advantage of tax-favorable treatment for Awards granted to Service Providers outside the U.S.;
(vii)
interpret the Plan and make any decision necessary to administer the Plan; interpret, modify or amend each Award (subject to Section 17(c) of the Plan), including without limitation the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of Awards;
(ix)
allow Participants to satisfy tax withholding obligations in a manner prescribed in Section 15 of the Plan;
(x)
authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Award previously granted by the Administrator;
(xi)
delegate ministerial duties to any of the Company’s employees;
(xii)
temporarily suspend the exercisability of an Award if the Administrator deems such suspension to be necessary or appropriate for administrative purposes;
(xiii)
allow a Participant to defer the receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of Shares that otherwise would be due to the Participant under an Award; and
(xiv)
make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Plan.
(c)
Grant Date. The grant date of an Award (“Grant Date”) will be the date that the Administrator makes the determination granting such Award or may be a later date if such later date is designated by the Administrator on the date of the determination or under an automatic grant policy. Notice of the determination will be provided to each Participant within a reasonable time after the Grant Date.
(d)
Waiver. The Administrator may waive any terms, conditions or restrictions.
(e)
Fractional Shares. Except as otherwise provided by the Administrator, any fractional Shares that result from the adjustment of Awards will be cancelled. Any fractional Shares that result from vesting percentages will be accumulated and vested on the date that an accumulated full Share is vested.
(f)
Electronic Delivery. The Company may deliver by e-mail or other electronic means (including posting on a website maintained by the Company or its agent) all documents relating to the Plan or any Award and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security holders (including prospectuses, annual reports and proxy statements).
(g)
Choice of Law; Choice of Forum. The Plan, all Awards and all determinations made and actions taken under the Plan, to the extent not otherwise governed by the laws of the United States, will be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. For purposes of litigating any dispute that arises under this Plan, a Participant’s acceptance of an Award is his or her consent to the jurisdiction of the State of Delaware, and agreement that any such litigation will be conducted in Delaware Court of Chancery, or the federal courts for the United States for the District of Delaware, and no other courts, regardless of where a Participant’s services are performed.
(h)
Effect of Administrator’s Decision. The Administrator’s decisions, determinations and interpretations will be final and binding on all Participants and any other holders of Awards and will be given the maximum deference permitted by Applicable Laws.
(i)
Exchange Program. The Administrator may not institute an Exchange Program.
5.
Eligibility. Nonstatutory Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares and Performance Units may be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees.
(a)
Grant of Options. Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Options to Service Providers in such amounts as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion.
(b)
Stock Option Agreement. Each Option will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the exercise price, the number of Shares subject to the Option, the exercise restrictions, if any, applicable to the Option, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion.
(c)
Limitations. Each Option will be designated in the Award Agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. However, notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such Options will be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this Section 6(c), Incentive Stock Options will be taken into account in the order in which they were granted. The Fair Market Value of the Shares will be determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted.
(d)
Term of Option. The term of each Option will be stated in the Award Agreement. The term of an Option will be 10 years from the Grant Date or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement. Moreover, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Incentive Stock Option will be five years from the Grant Date or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement.
(e)
Option Exercise Price and Consideration.
(i)
Exercise Price. The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option will be determined by the Administrator, subject to the following:
(1)
In the case of an Incentive Stock Option
(A)
granted to an Employee who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price will be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the Grant Date.
(B)
granted to any Employee other than an Employee described in paragraph (A) immediately above, the per Share exercise price will be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the Grant Date.
(2)
In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option, the per Share exercise price will be determined by the Administrator and may no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the Grant Date unless otherwise required by Applicable Laws.
(3)
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options may be granted with a per Share exercise price of less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the Grant Date pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Section 424(a) of the Code.
(ii)
Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option is granted, the Administrator will fix the period within which the Option may be exercised and will determine any conditions that must be satisfied before the Option may be exercised.
(iii)
Form of Consideration. The Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method of payment. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant. Such consideration may consist entirely of: (1) cash; (2) check or wire transfer; (3) promissory note, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws; (4) other Shares, provided that such Shares have a fair market value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which such Option will be exercised and provided that accepting such Shares will not result in any adverse accounting consequences to the Company, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion; (5) consideration received by the Company under a broker-assisted (or other) cashless exercise program (whether through a broker or otherwise) implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan; (6) net exercise, under which Shares are withheld from otherwise deliverable Shares that has been approved by the Board or a Committee; (7) such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws; or (8) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment.
(i)
Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder. Any Option granted hereunder will be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time after the grant of an Option, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may accelerate the time at which the Option will vest or become exercisable. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.
An Option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (i) notice of exercise (in accordance with the procedures that the Administrator may specify from time to time) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised (together with any amounts necessary to satisfy withholding obligations for Tax-Related Items). Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and permitted by the Award Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of an Option will be issued in the name of the Participant or, if requested by the Participant and approved by the Administrator, in the name of the Participant and his or her spouse. Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the Shares subject to an Option, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company will issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 14 of the Plan.
Exercising an Option in any manner will decrease the number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.
(ii)
Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the cessation of the Participant’s Service Provider status as the result of the Participant’s death or Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of cessation of the Participant’s Service Provider status (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for three months following cessation of the Participant’s Service Provider status. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of cessation of the Participant’s Service Provider status the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan. If, after cessation of the Participant’s Service Provider status, the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified in the Award Agreement or herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
(iii)
Disability of Participant. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Participant’s Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent the Option is vested on the date of cessation of the Participant’s Service Provider status (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for 12 months following cessation of the Participant’s Service Provider status. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of cessation of the Participant’s Service Provider status the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan. If, after cessation of the Participant’s Service Provider status, the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified in the Award Agreement or herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
(iv)
Death of Participant. If a Participant dies while a Service Provider, the Option may be exercised following the Participant’s death within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of death (but in no event may the Option be exercised later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement), by the Participant’s designated beneficiary, provided the Administrator has permitted the designation of a beneficiary and provided such beneficiary has been designated prior to the Participant’s death in a form acceptable to the Administrator. If the Administrator has not permitted the designation of a beneficiary or if no such beneficiary has been designated by the Participant, then such Option may be exercised by the personal representative of the Participant’s estate or by the person(s) to whom the Option is transferred pursuant to the Participant’s will or in accordance with the laws of descent and distribution. In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for 12 months following the Participant’s death. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if at the time of death, the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will immediately revert to the Plan. If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified in the Award Agreement or herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
(v)
Tolling Expiration. A Participant’s Award Agreement may also provide that:
(1)
if the exercise of the Option following the cessation of the Participant’s status as a Service Provider (other than upon the Participant’s death or Disability) would result in liability under Section 16(b), then the Option will terminate on the earlier of (A) the expiration of the term of the Option set forth in the Award Agreement, or (B) the 10th day after the last date on which such exercise would result in liability under Section 16(b); or
(2)
if the exercise of the Option following the cessation of the Participant’s status as a Service Provider (other than upon the Participant’s death or Disability) would be prohibited at any time solely because the issuance of Shares would violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act, then the Option will terminate on the earlier of (A) the expiration of the term of the Option or (B) the expiration of a period of 30 days after the cessation of the Participant’s status as a Service Provider during which the exercise of the Option would not be in violation of such registration requirements.
(a)
Grant of Restricted Stock. Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Shares of Restricted Stock to Service Providers in such amounts as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion.
(b)
Restricted Stock Agreement. Each Award of Restricted Stock will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify any Period of Restriction, the number of Shares granted, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the Company as escrow agent will hold Shares of Restricted Stock until the restrictions on such Shares have lapsed.
(c)
Transferability. Except as provided in this Section 7 of the Award Agreement, Shares of Restricted Stock may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the end of any applicable Period of Restriction.
(d)
Other Restrictions. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may impose such other restrictions on Shares of Restricted Stock as it may deem advisable or appropriate.
(e)
Removal of Restrictions. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 7, Shares of Restricted Stock covered by each Restricted Stock grant made under the Plan will be released from escrow as soon as practicable after the last day of any applicable Period of Restriction or at such other time as the Administrator may determine. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time after the grant of an Option, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restrictions will lapse or be removed.
(f)
Voting Rights. During any applicable Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder may exercise full voting rights with respect to those Shares, unless the Administrator determines otherwise.
(g)
Return of Restricted Stock to Company. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, the Restricted Stock for which restrictions have not lapsed will revert to the Company and again will become available for grant under the Plan.
8.
Restricted Stock Units.
(a)
Grant. Restricted Stock Units may be granted at any time and from time to time as determined by the Administrator. After the Administrator determines that it will grant Restricted Stock Units under the Plan, it will advise the Participant in an Award Agreement of the terms, conditions and restrictions related to the grant, including the number of Restricted Stock Units.
(b)
Restricted Stock Unit Agreement. Each Award of Restricted Stock Units will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify vesting criteria, the number of Restricted Stock Units granted and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion.
(c)
Vesting Criteria and Other Terms. The Administrator will set vesting criteria in its discretion, which, depending on the extent to which the criteria are met, will determine the number of Restricted Stock Units that will be paid out to the Participant. The Administrator may set vesting criteria based upon the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, business unit or individual goals (including, but not limited to, continued employment or service), applicable U.S. or non-U.S. federal or state securities laws or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion.
(d)
Earning Restricted Stock Units. Upon meeting the applicable vesting criteria, the Participant will be entitled to receive a payout as determined by the Administrator. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time after the grant of Restricted Stock Units, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any vesting criteria that must be met to receive a payout.
(e)
Form and Timing of Payment. Payment of earned Restricted Stock Units will be made as soon as practicable after the date(s) determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may settle earned Restricted Stock Units only in cash, Shares, or a combination of both.
(f)
Cancellation. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned Restricted Stock Units will be forfeited to the Company.
9.
Stock Appreciation Rights.
(a)
Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, a Stock Appreciation Right may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion.
(b)
Stock Appreciation Right Agreement. Each Stock Appreciation Right grant will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the exercise price, the term of the Stock Appreciation Right (which shall not exceed 10 years), the conditions of exercise, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time after the grant of a Stock Appreciation Right, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may accelerate the time at which the Stock Appreciation Right will vest or become exercisable.
(c)
Number of Shares. The Administrator will have complete discretion to determine the number of Stock Appreciation Rights granted to any Service Provider.
(d)
Exercise Price and Other Terms. The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right will be determined by the Administrator and will be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the Grant Date. Otherwise, the Administrator, subject to the provisions of the Plan, will have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions of Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan.
(e)
Expiration of Stock Appreciation Rights. A Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan will expire upon the date as determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the tolling and expiration rules of Section 6(f) relating to exercise also will apply to Stock Appreciation Rights. Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the Shares subject to a Stock Appreciation Right, notwithstanding the exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right. The Company will issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Stock Appreciation Rights are issued, except as provided in Section 14 of the Plan.
(f)
Payment of Stock Appreciation Right Amount. Upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, a Participant will be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined as the product of:
(i)
The difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the exercise price; and
(ii)
The number of Shares with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised.
At the discretion of the Administrator, the payment upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right may be in cash, in Shares of equivalent value or in some combination of both.
10.
Performance Units and Performance Shares.
(a)
Grant of Performance Units/Shares. Performance Units and Performance Shares may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time, as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. The Administrator will have complete discretion in determining the number of Performance Units and Performance Shares granted to each Participant.
(b)
Value of Performance Units/Shares. Each Performance Unit will have an initial value that is established by the Administrator on or before the Grant Date. Each Performance Share will have an initial value equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Grant Date.
(c)
Performance Objectives and Other Terms. The Administrator will set performance objectives or other vesting provisions (including, without limitation, continued status as a Service Provider) in its discretion which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the number or value of Performance Units/Shares that will be paid out to the Service Providers. The time period during which the performance objectives or other vesting provisions must be met will be called the “Performance Period.” Each Award of Performance Units/Shares will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Performance Period, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion. The Administrator may set performance objectives based upon the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, business unit or individual goals (including, but not limited to, continued employment or service), applicable U.S. or non-U.S. federal or state securities laws, or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion.
(d)
Earning of Performance Units/Shares. After the applicable Performance Period has ended, the holder of Performance Units/Shares will be entitled to receive a payout of the number of Performance Units/Shares earned by the Participant over the Performance Period, to be determined as a function of the extent to which the corresponding performance objectives or other vesting provisions have been achieved. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time after the grant of a Performance Unit/Share, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any performance objectives or other vesting provisions for such Performance Unit/Share.
(e)
Form and Timing of Payment of Performance Units/Shares. Payment of earned Performance Units/Shares will be made as soon as practicable after the expiration of the applicable Performance Period. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may pay earned Performance Units/Shares in the form of cash, in Shares (which have an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the value of the earned Performance Units/Shares at the close of the applicable Performance Period) or in a combination thereof.
(f)
Cancellation of Performance Units/Shares. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned or unvested Performance Units/Shares will be forfeited to the Company, and again will be available for grant under the Plan.
(a)
Outside Director Award Limitations. No Outside Director may be paid compensation for service as an Outside Director in their capacity as a Director, that, in the aggregate, exceeds $400,000, increased to $800,000 for such Outside Director for the Fiscal Year in which he or she joins the Board as an Outside Director. Compensation includes equity awards, including any Awards issued under this Plan, the value of which will be based on their grant date fair value determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and any other compensation (including without limitation any cash retainers or fees). Any Awards or other compensation paid or provided to an individual for his or her services as an Employee, or for his or her services as a Consultant (other than as an Outside Director), will not count for purposes of the limitation under this Section 11(a).
(b)
Dividends and Other Distributions. No dividends or other distributions shall be paid with respect to any Shares underlying any unvested portion of an Award.
(c)
Minimum Vesting Requirements. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, Awards granted under the Plan that are payable in shares of Common Stock shall vest no earlier than the first anniversary of the date on which the Award was granted (or the date of commencement of employment or service, in the case of a grant made in connection with a Participant’s commencement of employment or service); provided, that the foregoing minimum vesting requirement does not apply to: (i) Substituted Awards, (ii) shares of Common Stock delivered in lieu of fully vested cash-based obligations, (iii) Awards granted to Outside Directors that are not covered by clause (ii) above and that vest on the earlier of the one-year anniversary of the date on which the Award was granted and the next annual meeting of stockholders and (iv) Awards with respect to a maximum of 5% of the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be granted under the Plan pursuant to Section 3(a) (subject to adjustment under Section 14). Notwithstanding the foregoing minimum vesting requirement, the Administrator may, in its discretion, provide for accelerated vesting or exercisability of an Award, in connection with a Participant’s retirement, death, Disability or in connection with or following a Change in Control, in the terms of an Award Agreement or otherwise.
12.
Leaves of Absence/Transfer Between Locations. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise or Applicable Laws require otherwise, vesting of Awards will be suspended during any unpaid leave of absence. A Participant will not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or the Participant’s employer or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Parent or any of its Subsidiaries. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed three months, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company or the Participant’s employer is not so guaranteed, then six months following the first day of such leave any Incentive Stock Option held by the Participant will cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and will be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
13.
Transferability of Awards.
(a)
General Rule. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, or otherwise required by Applicable Laws, an Award may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Participant, only by the Participant. If the Administrator makes an Award transferable, the Award will be limited by any additional terms and conditions imposed by the Administrator. Any unauthorized transfer of an Award will be void.
(b)
Domestic Relations Orders. If approved by the Administrator, an Award may be transferred pursuant to the terms of a domestic relations order, official marital settlement agreement or other divorce or separation instrument as permitted by Treasury Regulations Section 1.421-1(b)(2). An Incentive Stock Option may be deemed to be a Nonstatutory Stock Option as a result of such transfer.
(c)
Limited Transfers for the Benefit of Family Members. The Administrator may permit an Award or Share issued under this Plan to be assigned or transferred subject to the applicable limitations, set forth in the General Instructions to Form S‑8 Registration Statement under the Securities Act, if applicable, and any other Applicable Laws. For the avoidance of doubt, no Award may be assigned or transferred to a third-party financial institution.
(d)
Permitted Transferees. Any individual or entity to whom an Award is transferred will be subject to all of the terms and conditions applicable to the Participant who transferred the Award, including the terms and conditions in this Plan and the Award Agreement. If an Award is unvested, then the service of the Participant will continue to determine whether the Award will vest and when it will terminate.
14.
Adjustments; Dissolution or Liquidation; Merger or Change in Control; Death.
(a)
Adjustments. In the event that any extraordinary dividend or other extraordinary distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, reclassification, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Shares occurs (other than any ordinary dividends or other ordinary distributions), the Administrator, in order to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, will adjust the number and class of shares of stock that may be delivered under the Plan and/or the number, class and price of shares of stock covered by each outstanding Award, and the numerical Share limits in Section 3 of the Plan.
(b)
Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of a proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator will notify each Participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.
(c)
Merger or Change in Control. In the event of a merger of the Company with or into another corporation or other entity or a Change in Control, each outstanding Award will be treated as the Administrator determines (subject to the provisions of the following paragraph) without a Participant’s consent, including, without limitation, that each Award be assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor corporation or its Parent. The Administrator will not be obligated to treat all Awards, all Awards held by a Participant, all Awards of the same type or all portions of Awards, similarly.
If an Option or Stock Appreciation Right (or portion thereof) is not assumed or substituted for in the event of a merger or Change in Control, the Administrator will notify the Participant in writing or electronically that such Option or Stock Appreciation Right (or its applicable portion) will be exercisable for a period of time determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, and the Option or Stock Appreciation Right (or its applicable portion) will terminate upon the expiration of such period.
For the purposes of this Section 14(c), an Award will be considered assumed if, following the merger or Change in Control, the Award confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share subject to the Award immediately prior to the merger or Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash or other securities or property) received in the merger or Change in Control by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the merger or Change in Control is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right or upon the payout of a Restricted Stock Unit, Performance Unit or Performance Share, for each Share subject to such Award, to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the merger or Change in Control.
Notwithstanding anything in this Section 14(c) to the contrary, and unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement or other written agreement between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, an Award that vests, is earned or paid-out upon the satisfaction of one or more performance goals will not be considered assumed if the Company or its successor modifies any of such performance goals without the Participant’s consent; provided, however, a modification to such performance goals only to reflect the successor corporation’s post-Change in Control corporate structure will not be deemed to invalidate an otherwise valid Award assumption.
Notwithstanding anything in this Section 14(c) to the contrary, if a payment under an Award Agreement is subject to Section 409A and if the change in control definition contained in the Award Agreement or other written agreement related to the Award does not comply with the definition of “change in control” for purposes of a distribution under Section 409A, then any payment of an amount that otherwise is accelerated under this Section will be delayed until the earliest time that such payment would be permissible under Section 409A without triggering any penalties applicable under Section 409A.
(d)
Outside Director Awards. With respect to Awards granted to Outside Directors for their service as Outside Directors, in the event of a Change in Control, such Participants will fully vest in and have the right to exercise Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights as to all of the Shares underlying such Awards, including those Shares which would not be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on such Participants’ Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units will lapse, and, with respect to such Participants’ Awards with performance-based vesting, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at 100% of target levels and all other terms and conditions met, unless specifically provided otherwise under the applicable Award Agreements or other written agreements between the Participants and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable.
(a)
Withholding Requirements. Prior to the delivery of any Shares or cash pursuant to an Award (or exercise thereof) or such earlier time as any withholding obligations for Tax-Related Items are due, the Company (or any of its Subsidiaries, Parents or affiliates employing or retaining the services of a Participant, as applicable) will have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company (or any of its Subsidiaries, Parents or affiliates, as applicable), an amount sufficient to satisfy any Tax-Related Items required to be withheld with respect to such Award (or exercise thereof).
(b)
Withholding Arrangements.
The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit a Participant to satisfy such withholding obligation for Tax-Related Items, in whole or in part by (without limitation) (i) paying cash, check or other cash equivalents, (ii) electing to have the Company withhold otherwise deliverable Shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum statutory amount applicable in a Participant’s jurisdiction or such greater amount as the Administrator may determine (including up to a maximum statutory amount) if such amount would not have adverse accounting consequences, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion, (iii) delivering to the Company already-owned Shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum statutory amount applicable in a Participant’s jurisdiction or such greater amount as the Administrator may determine (including up to a maximum statutory amount), in each case, provided the delivery of such Shares will not result in any adverse accounting consequences, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion, (iv) selling a sufficient number of Shares otherwise deliverable to the Participant through such means as the Administrator may determine in its sole discretion (whether through a broker or otherwise) to cover the amount of the withholding obligation for Tax-Related Items, (v) having the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary withhold from wages or any other cash amount due or to become due to the Participant and payable by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, (vi) any other method of withholding determined by the Administrator or (vii) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment. The withholding amount 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 statutory rates applicable in a Participant’s jurisdiction with respect to the Award on the date that the amount of Tax-Related Items to be withheld is to be determined or such greater amount as the Administrator may determine if such amount would not have adverse accounting consequences, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion. The fair market value of the Shares to be withheld or delivered will be determined as of the date that the amount of Tax-Related Items to be withheld is calculated.
(c)
Compliance With Section 409A. Awards will be designed and operated in such a manner that they are either exempt from the application of, or comply with, the requirements of Section 409A such that the grant, payment, settlement or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Section 409A, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator. The Plan and each Award Agreement under the Plan is intended to meet the requirements of Section 409A, or be exempt therefrom, and will be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator. To the extent that an Award or payment, or the settlement or deferral thereof, is subject to Section 409A the Award will be granted, paid, settled or deferred in a manner that will meet the requirements of Section 409A, such that the grant, payment, settlement or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Section 409A. In no event will the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents have any obligation or liability under the terms of this Plan to reimburse, indemnify, or hold harmless any Participant or any other person in respect of Awards, for any taxes, interest or penalties imposed, or other costs incurred, as a result of Section 409A.
(a)
Stockholder Approval and Term of Plan. The Plan became effective on October 12, 2022. The Plan will continue in effect until terminated earlier under Section 17 of the Plan, but no Incentive Stock Options may be granted after 10 years from the date the Plan is adopted by the Board.
(b)
Legal Compliance. Shares will not be issued pursuant an Award unless the exercise or vesting of such Award and the issuance and delivery of such Shares will comply with Applicable Laws and will be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.
(c)
Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise or vesting of an Award, the Company may require the person exercising or vesting in such Award to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise or vesting that the Shares are being acquired only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.
(d)
Inability to Obtain Authority. If the Company determines it to be impossible or impracticable to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction or to complete or comply with the requirements of any registration or other qualification of the Shares under any U.S. state or federal law or non-U.S. law or under the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the stock exchange on which Shares of the same class are then listed or any other governmental or regulatory body, which authority, registration, qualification or rule compliance is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary or advisable for the issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, the Company will be relieved of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority, registration, qualification or rule compliance will not have been obtained.
(e)
No Effect on Employment or Service. Neither the Plan nor any Award will confer upon a Participant any right with respect to continuing the Participant’s relationship as a Service Provider, nor interfere in any way with the Participant’s right or the right of the Company and its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable, to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without cause, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.
(f)
Forfeiture Events. The Administrator may specify in an Award Agreement that the Participant’s rights, payments and benefits with respect to an Award will be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture, recoupment, reimbursement or reacquisition upon the occurrence of certain specified events, in addition to any otherwise applicable vesting or performance conditions of an Award. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary under this Plan, an Award and any other compensation paid or payable to a Participant (including, but not limited to, equity awards issued outside of this Plan) (such compensation, “Other Compensation”) will be subject to the Company’s clawback policy in effect as of the adoption of this Plan, and will be subject to any other clawback policy of the Company as may be established and/or amended from time to time to comply with Applicable Laws (including without limitation pursuant to the listing standards of any national securities exchange or association on which the Company’s securities are listed or as may be required by the U.S. Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act) (the “Clawback Policy”). The Administrator may require a Participant to forfeit, return or reimburse the Company all or a portion of the Award or Other Compensation and any amounts paid thereunder pursuant to the terms of the Clawback Policy or as necessary or appropriate to comply with Applicable Laws. Unless this subsection (f) specifically is mentioned and waived in an Award Agreement or other document, no recovery of compensation under a Clawback Policy or otherwise will constitute an event that triggers or contributes to any right of a Participant to resign for “good reason” or “constructive termination” (or similar term) under any agreement with the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary.
17.
Amendment and Termination of the Plan.
(a)
Amendment and Termination. The Administrator, at any time, may amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.
(b)
Stockholder Approval. The Company will obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws.
(c)
Consent of Participants Generally Required. Subject to Section 17(d) below, no amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of the Plan or an Award under it will materially impair the rights of any Participant, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Participant and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Participant and the Company. Termination of the Plan will not affect the Administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it regarding Awards granted under the Plan prior to such termination.
(d)
Exceptions to Consent Requirement.
(i)
A Participant’s rights will not be deemed to have been impaired by any amendment, alteration, suspension or termination if the Administrator, in its sole discretion, determines that the amendment, alteration, suspension or termination taken as a whole, does not materially impair the Participant’s rights, and
(ii)
Subject to the limitations of Applicable Laws, if any, the Administrator may amend the terms of any one or more Awards without the affected Participant’s consent even if it does materially impair the Participant’s right if such amendment is done:
(1)
in a manner expressly permitted under the Plan;
(2)
to maintain the qualified status of the Award as an Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code;
(3)
to change the terms of an Incentive Stock Option, if such change results in impairment of the Award only because it impairs the qualified status of the Award as an Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code;
(4)
to clarify the manner of exemption from, or to bring the Award into compliance with, Section 409A; or
(5)
to comply with other Applicable Laws.
EX-10.27
10
vivs-ex10_27.htm
EX-10.27
EX-10.27
Exhibit 10.27
VIVOSIM LABS INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED 2022 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
GLOBAL STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the VivoSim Labs, Inc., Amended and Restated 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) will have the same defined meanings in this Notice of Grant of Stock Option (the “Notice of Grant”), the Terms and Conditions of Stock Option Grant, attached hereto as Exhibit A and the Addendum, attached hereto as Exhibit B, all of which are made a part of this document (together, the “Award Agreement”).
NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT
Participant has been granted an Option to purchase Common Stock of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, as follows:
|
|
Participant |
|
Grant Number |
|
Date of Grant |
|
Vesting Commencement Date |
|
Number of Shares Granted |
|
Exercise Price per Share |
$ |
Total Exercise Price |
$ |
Type of Option |
[Incentive Stock Option][Nonstatutory Stock Option] |
Term/Expiration Date |
|
Vesting Schedule:
Subject to any acceleration provisions contained in the Plan or set forth below, this Option will be exercisable, in whole or in part, in accordance with the following schedule:
[INSERT VESTING SCHEDULE].
Termination Period:
This Option will be exercisable for three months after Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, unless such termination is due to Participant’s death or Disability, in which case this Option will be exercisable for 12 months after Participant ceases to be a Service Provider. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, in no event may this Option be exercised after the Term/Expiration Date as provided above and may be subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 14(c) of the Plan.
By Participant’s signature and the signature of the Company’s representative below, or by Participant’s acceptance of this Award Agreement via the Company’s designated online acceptance procedures, Participant and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement.
Participant has reviewed the Plan and this Award Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Award Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and this Award Agreement. Participant expressly acknowledges the information provided in the Addendum related to the collection, processing and use of Participant’s personal data by the Company and its Subsidiaries and the transfer of personal data to the recipients mentioned in the Addendum. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions relating to the Plan and this Award Agreement. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address indicated below.
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PARTICIPANT |
VIVOSIM LABS, INC. |
Signature: |
Signature: |
Name: |
Name: |
Title: |
Title: |
EXHIBIT A
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF GLOBAL STOCK OPTION GRANT
1.
Grant of Option. The Company hereby grants to the Participant named in the Notice of Grant (“Participant”) an option (the “Option”) to purchase the number of Shares, as set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise price per Share set forth in the Notice of Grant (the “Exercise Price”), subject to all of the terms and conditions in this Award Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section 17(c) of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this Award Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan will prevail.
If designated in the Notice of Grant as an Incentive Stock Option (“ISO”), this Option is intended to qualify as an ISO under Section 422 of the Code. However, if this Option is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option, to the extent required by the $100,000 rule of Code Section 422(d), it will be treated as a Nonstatutory Stock Option (“NSO”). Further, if for any reason this Option (or portion thereof) will not qualify as an ISO, then, to the extent of such nonqualification, such Option (or portion thereof) will be regarded as an NSO granted under the Plan. In no event will the Administrator, the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary or any of their respective employees or directors have any liability or obligation to reimburse, indemnify or hold harmless Participant (or any other person) due to the failure of the Option to qualify for any reason as an ISO.
2.
Vesting Schedule. Except as provided in Section 3, the Option awarded by this Award Agreement will vest in accordance with the vesting provisions set forth in the Notice of Grant. Shares scheduled to vest on a certain date or upon the occurrence of a certain condition will not vest in Participant in accordance with any of the provisions of this Award Agreement, unless Participant will have been continuously a Service Provider from the Date of Grant until the date such vesting occurs, together with any applicable tax withholding. For the avoidance of doubt, if Participant ceases to be a Service Provider prior to any scheduled vesting date, Participant will not earn or be entitled to any pro-rated vesting for any portion of time before the respective vesting date during which Participant was a Service Provider, nor will Participant be entitled to any compensation for lost vesting.
3.
Administrator Discretion. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the vesting of the balance, or some lesser portion of the balance, of the unvested Option at any time, subject to the terms of the Plan. If so accelerated, such Option will be considered as having vested as of the date specified by the Administrator.
(a)
Right to Exercise. This Option may be exercised only within the term set out in the Notice of Grant and may be exercised during such term only in accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Award Agreement.
(b)
Method of Exercise. This Option is exercisable in a manner and pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may determine, which will state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised (the “Exercised Shares”) and such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company. The Exercise Notice will be completed by Participant and delivered to the Company. The Exercise Notice will be accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised Shares together with any Tax-Related Items. This Option will be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by the aggregate Exercise Price and any Tax-Related Items.
5.
Method of Payment. Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price will be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of Participant:
(b)
check or wire transfer;
(c)
consideration received by the Company under a broker-assisted (or other) cashless exercise program (whether through a broker or otherwise) implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan; or
(d)
surrender of other Shares which (i) will be valued at their fair market value on the date of exercise, and (ii) must be owned free and clear of any liens, claims, encumbrances, or security interests, if accepting such Shares, in the sole discretion of the Administrator, will not result in any adverse accounting consequences to the Company.
6.
Responsibility for Taxes. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this Award Agreement, no Shares will be issued to Participant, unless and until satisfactory arrangements (as determined by the Administrator) will have been made by Participant with respect to the payment of Tax-Related Items. Participant acknowledges that, regardless of any action taken by the Company or, if different, the Parent or Subsidiary employing or retaining Participant (the “Employer”), the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items is and remains Participant’s sole responsibility and may exceed the amount, if any, actually withheld by the Company or the Employer. Participant further acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (i) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the Option, including, but not limited to, the grant, vesting or exercise of the Option, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of the Option, and (ii) does not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the Option to reduce or eliminate Participant’s liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if Participant is subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction, Participant acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.
The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit or require Participant to satisfy such Tax-Related Items, in whole or in part (without limitation) by (a) paying cash, (b) electing to have the Company withhold otherwise deliverable Shares, (c) selling a sufficient number of such Shares otherwise deliverable to Participant through such means as the Company may determine in its sole discretion (whether through a broker or otherwise) and without further consent from Participant, (d) electing to have the Company or the Employer withhold from Participant’s wages or other cash compensation payable to Participant or (e) any other method of withholding determined by the Company and permitted by Applicable Laws and the Plan. To the extent determined appropriate by the Company in its discretion, it will have the right (but not the obligation) to satisfy any withholding obligations or rights with regard to Tax-Related Items by means of method (b) above and, until determined otherwise by the Company, this will be the method by which such withholding obligations or rights with regard to Tax-Related Items are satisfied; provided, however, that if Participant is a Section 16 officer of the Company under the Exchange Act, the Company will, in all cases, satisfy any Tax-Related Items by means of method (b) above, unless the use of such withholding method is problematic under applicable tax or securities law or has materially adverse accounting consequences, in which case the obligation for Tax-Related Items may be satisfied by one or a combination of the other methods above.
The Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering statutory or other withholding rates, including minimum or maximum rates applicable in Participant’s jurisdiction(s). In the event of over-withholding, Participant may receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash (with no entitlement to the equivalent in Shares), or if not refunded, Participant may be able to seek a refund from the local tax authorities. In the event of under-withholding, Participant may be required to pay additional Tax Related Items directly to the applicable tax authority. If the obligation for Tax-Related Items is satisfied by withholding in Shares, for tax purposes, Participant will be deemed to have been issued the full number of Shares subject to the exercise of the Option, notwithstanding that a number of the Shares is held back solely for the purpose of paying the Tax-Related Items.
The Company may refuse to deliver the Shares or the proceeds of the sale of Shares if Participant fails to comply with Participant’s obligations for Tax-Related Items.
7.
Notice of Disqualifying Disposition of ISO Shares. If the Option granted to Participant herein is an ISO, and if Participant sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to the ISO on or before the later of (i) the date two years after the Date of Grant, or (ii) the date one year after the date of exercise, Participant will immediately notify the Company in writing of such disposition. Participant agrees that Participant may be subject to income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income recognized by Participant.
8.
Rights as Stockholder. Neither Participant nor any person claiming under or through Participant will have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder of the Company in respect of any Shares deliverable hereunder unless and until such Shares have been issued, recorded on the records of the Company or its transfer agents or registrars, and delivered to Participant. After such issuance, recordation and delivery, Participant will have all the rights of a stockholder of the Company with respect to voting such Shares and receipt of dividends and distributions on such Shares.
9.
No Guarantee of Continued Service. PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF OPTIONS PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THIS OPTION, OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER. PARTICIPANT FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AWARD AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER, AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND WILL NOT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH PARTICIPANT’S RIGHT OR THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY (OR THE PARENT OR SUBSIDIARY EMPLOYING OR RETAINING PARTICIPANT) TO TERMINATE PARTICIPANT’S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE.
10.
Nature of Grant. By accepting the Award, Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that:
(a)
the grant of the Option is exceptional, voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of Option, or benefits in lieu of Option, even if Option have been granted in the past;
(b)
all decisions with respect to future Option or other grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company;
(c)
the Option grant and Participant’s participation in the Plan shall not be interpreted as forming an employment or service contract with the Company, the Employer or any Parent or Subsidiary;
(d)
Participant is voluntarily participating in the Plan;
(e)
the Option and the Shares subject to the Option, and the income from and value of same, are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;
(f)
the Option and the Shares subject to the Option, and the income from and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for purposes of, including but not limited to, calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, holiday pay, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments;
(g)
the future value of the underlying Shares is unknown, indeterminable and cannot be predicted with certainty;
(h)
if the underlying Shares do not increase in value after the Date of Grant, the Option will have no value; if Participant exercises the Option and acquires Shares, the value of such Shares may increase or decrease in value, even below the Exercise Price;
(j)
no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of the Option resulting from the termination of Participant as a Service Provider (for any reason whatsoever, whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of Applicable Laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or rendering services or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any);
(k)
unless otherwise agreed with the Company, the Option and the Shares subject to the Option, and the income from and value of same, are not granted as consideration for, or in connection with, any service Participant may provide as a director of any Subsidiary;
(l)
for purposes of the Option, Participant’s status as a Service Provider will be considered terminated as of the date Participant is no longer actively providing services to the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of Applicable Laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or rendering services or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any) and Participant’s right to vest in the Option under the Plan, if any, will terminate as of such date and will not be extended by any notice period (e.g., Participant’s period of service would not include any contractual notice period or any period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under Applicable Laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or rendering services or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any); the Administrator shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when Participant is no longer actively providing services for purposes of Participant’s Option (including whether Participant may still be considered to be providing services while on a leave of absence);
(m)
the Option and the benefits evidenced by this Award Agreement do not create any entitlement to have the Option or any such benefits transferred to, or assumed by, another company nor to be exchanged, cashed out or substituted for, in connection with any corporate transaction affecting the Shares; and
(n)
if Participant provides services outside the United States:
(i)
the Option and the Shares subject to the Option, and the income from and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purposes; and
(ii)
neither the Company, the Employer nor any Parent or Subsidiary shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar that may affect the value of the Option or of any amounts due to Participant pursuant to the settlement of the Option or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon settlement.
11.
No Advice Regarding Grant. The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan, or Participant’s acquisition or sale of the underlying Shares. Participant should consult with Participant’s own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.
12.
Address for Notices. Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of this Award Agreement will be addressed to the Company at VivoSim Labs, Inc., 11555 Sorrento Valley Rd, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92121, U.S.A., or at such other address as the Company may hereafter designate in writing.
13.
Non-Transferability of Option. This Option may not be transferred in any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of Participant only by Participant.
The terms of the Plan and this Award Agreement (including the exhibits hereto) will be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of Participant.
14.
Binding Agreement. Subject to the limitation on the transferability of this grant contained herein, this Award Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
15.
Additional Conditions to Issuance of Stock. If at any time the Company will determine, in its discretion, that the listing, registration, qualification or rule compliance of the Shares upon any securities exchange, under any U.S. or non-U.S. federal, state or local law, the Code and related regulations, or under the rulings or regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory body, or the clearance, consent or approval of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory authority is necessary or desirable as a condition to the purchase by, or issuance of Shares to, Participant (or his or her estate) hereunder, such purchase or issuance will not occur unless and until such listing, registration, qualification, rule compliance, clearance, consent or approval will have been completed, effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company. The Company will make all reasonable efforts to meet the requirements of any such U.S. or non-U.S. federal, state or local law or securities exchange and to obtain any such consent or approval of any such governmental authority or securities exchange. Assuming such compliance, for U.S. federal income tax purposes the Exercised Shares will be considered transferred to Participant on the date the Option is exercised with respect to such Exercised Shares.
16.
Tax Consequences. Participant has reviewed with its own tax advisors the U.S. and non-U.S. federal, state and local tax consequences of participating in the Plan and the transactions contemplated by this Award Agreement. With respect to such matters, Participant relies solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents, written or oral. Participant understands that Participant (and not the Company) shall be responsible for Participant’s own liability for Tax-Related Items that may arise as a result of Participant’s participation in the Plan or the transactions contemplated by this Award Agreement.
17.
Plan Governs. This Award Agreement is subject to all terms and provisions of the Plan. In the event of a conflict between one or more provisions of this Award Agreement and one or more provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan will govern. Capitalized terms used and not defined in this Award Agreement will have the meaning set forth in the Plan.
18.
Administrator Authority. The Administrator will have the power to interpret the Plan and this Award Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret or revoke any such rules (including, but not limited to, the determination of whether or not any Shares subject to the Option have vested). All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Administrator in good faith will be final and binding upon Participant, the Company and all other interested persons. Neither the Administrator nor any person acting on behalf of the Administrator will be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or this Award Agreement.
19.
Electronic Delivery and Participation. The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to the Option or future Awards that may be granted under the Plan by electronic means or request Participant’s consent to participate in the Plan by electronic means. Participant hereby consents to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agrees to participate in the Plan through any on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company.
20.
Captions. Captions provided herein are for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Award Agreement.
21.
Agreement Severable. In the event that any provision in this Award Agreement will be held invalid or unenforceable, such provision will be severable from, and such invalidity or unenforceability will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of this Award Agreement.
22.
Entire Agreement; Modifications to the Award Agreement. The Plan and this Award Agreement (including the exhibits hereto) constitute the entire agreement of the parties on the subjects covered and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof. Participant expressly warrants that he or she is not accepting this Award Agreement in reliance on any promises, representations or inducements other than those contained herein. Modifications to this Award Agreement can be made only in an express written contract executed by a duly authorized officer of the Company. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or this Award Agreement, the Company reserves the right to revise this Award Agreement as it deems necessary or advisable, in its sole discretion and without the consent of Participant, to comply with Section 409A or to otherwise avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition under Section 409A in connection to this Option.
23.
Amendment, Suspension or Termination of the Plan. By accepting this Award, Participant expressly warrants that he or she has received an Option under the Plan, and has received, read and understood a description of the Plan. Participant understands that the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, is discretionary in nature and may be amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time.
24.
Forfeiture or Clawback. By accepting this Option, Participant agrees that this Option (including any proceeds, gains or other economic benefit received by Participant from a subsequent sale of Shares acquired through the exercise of the Option) will be subject to the provision of Section 16(f) of the Plan with respect to forfeiture or clawback.
25.
Governing Law and Venue. This Award Agreement will be governed by the provisions of Section 4(g) of the Plan, which selects Delaware law and venue.
26.
Language. Participant acknowledges that he or she is proficient in the English language or has consulted with an advisor who is proficient in the English language, so as to enable Participant to understand the terms of this Award Agreement and the Plan. If Participant has received this Award Agreement or any other document related to the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different than the English version, the English version will control.
27.
Imposition of Other Requirements. The Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on Participant’s participation in the Plan, on the Option and on any Shares acquired under the Plan, to the extent the Company determines it is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons, and to require Participant to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing.
28.
Addendum. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Award Agreement, the Option shall be subject to any additional terms and conditions set forth in the Addendum for Participant’s country. Moreover, if Participant relocates to one of the countries included in the Addendum, the additional terms and conditions for such country will apply to Participant, to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons. The Addendum constitutes part of this Award Agreement.
29.
Waiver. Participant acknowledges that a waiver by the Company of breach of any provision of this Award Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other provision of this Award Agreement, or of any subsequent breach by Participant or any other Participant.
30.
Insider-Trading/Market-Abuse Laws. Participant acknowledges that, depending on Participant’s or Participant’s broker’s country or the country in which the Shares are listed, Participant may be subject to insider-trading restrictions and/or market-abuse laws which may affect Participant’s ability to accept, acquire, sell or otherwise dispose of Shares, rights to Shares or rights linked to the value of Shares during such times as Participant is considered to have “inside information” regarding the Company (as defined by the laws or regulations in Participant’s country). Local insider-trading laws and regulations may prohibit the cancellation or amendment of orders Participant places before possessing inside information. Furthermore, Participant could be prohibited from (i) disclosing the inside information to any third party (other than on a “need to know” basis) and (ii) “tipping” third parties or causing them otherwise to buy or sell securities.
Participant understands that third parties include fellow employees.
Any restrictions under these laws or regulations are separate from and in addition to any restrictions that may be imposed under any applicable Company insider-trading policy. Participant is responsible for complying with any applicable restrictions and should speak to Participant’s personal legal advisor for further details regarding any applicable insider-trading and/or market-abuse laws in Participant’s country.
31.
Foreign Asset/Account Reporting Requirements. Participant acknowledges that there may be certain foreign asset and/or account reporting requirements which may affect his or her ability to acquire or hold the Shares acquired under the Plan or cash received from participating in the Plan (including from any dividends paid on the Shares acquired under the Plan) in a brokerage or bank account outside his or her country. Participant may be required to report such accounts, assets or transactions to the tax or other authorities in his or her country. Participant also may be required to repatriate sale proceeds or other funds received as a result of participating in the Plan to his or her country through a designated bank or broker within a certain time after receipt. Participant acknowledges that it is his or her responsibility to be compliant with such regulations, and Participant should speak to his or her personal advisor on this matter.
EXHIBIT B
ADDENDUM TO THE GLOBAL STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT
Certain capitalized terms used but not defined in this Addendum have the meanings set forth in the Plan and/or the Award Agreement.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This Addendum contains additional terms and conditions that govern the Options granted under the Plan to a Participant who resides and/or works in one of the countries listed below.
If Participant is a citizen or resident of a country other than the one in which Participant is currently residing and/or working, transfers employment and/or residency after the Option is granted, or is considered a resident of another country for local law purposes, the terms and conditions of the Option contained herein may not be applicable to Participant, and the Company shall, in its discretion, determine to what extent the terms and conditions contained herein shall apply to Participant.
NOTIFICATIONS
This Addendum contains information regarding exchange controls and certain other issues of which Participant should be aware with respect to participation in the Plan. The information is based on the securities, exchange control and other laws in effect in the respective countries as of [date]. Such laws are often complex and change frequently. As a result, the Company strongly recommends that Participant not rely on the information in this Addendum as the only source of information relating to the consequences of his or her participation in the Plan because the information may be out of date at the time Participant vests in or exercises the Option or sells Shares acquired pursuant thereto.
The information contained herein is general in nature and may not apply to Participant’s particular situation, and the Company is not in a position to assure Participant of a particular result. Accordingly, Participant should seek appropriate professional advice as to how the relevant laws in his or her country may apply to his or her situation.
If Participant is a citizen or resident of a country other than the one in which Participant is currently residing and/or working, transfers employment and/or residency after Option is granted, or is considered a resident of another country for local law purposes, the information contained herein may not be applicable to Participant in the same manner.
DATA PRIVACY PROVISIONS FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS
Terms and Conditions
PARTICIPANTS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION / EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA / SWITZERLAND / UNITED KINGDOM
(1)
Collection and Usage. Pursuant to applicable data protection laws, Participant is hereby notified that the Company collects, processes, uses and transfers certain personally-identifiable information about Participant for the legitimate purpose of granting Options and implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan. Specifics of the data processing are described below.
(2)
Controller and Representative. The Company is the controller responsible for the processing of Participant’s personal data in connection with the Plan. The Company’s representative is [Email address].
(3)
Personal Data Subject to Processing. The Company collects, processes and uses the following types of personal data about Participant: Participant’s name, employee ID, home address and telephone number, work and email address, date of birth, social security number or other tax identification number, social insurance, passport number or other international identification number, salary, nationality, job title, hire date, work country, department, cost center, subsidiary, organization level, expense group, termination date, supervisor, employment status, any shares of stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all Options or any other entitlement to Shares awarded, canceled, settled, vested, unvested or outstanding in Participant’s favor, which the Company receives from Participant or the Employer (“Data”).
(4)
Purposes and Legal Bases of Processing. The Company processes Data for the purposes of performing its contractual obligations under this Award Agreement, granting Options, implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan and facilitating compliance with applicable tax and securities law. The legal basis for the processing of Data by the Company and the third-party service providers described below is the necessity of the data processing for the Company to perform its contractual obligations under this Award Agreement and for the Company’s legitimate business interests of managing the Plan and generally administering employee equity awards.
(5)
Service Providers. The Company transfers Data to [_________] and certain of its affiliated companies (“[______]”), which is an independent stock plan administrator with operations, relevant to the Company, in the United States and assists the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. In the future, the Company may select different service providers and may share Data with such service providers. The Company’s stock plan administrators will open an account for Participant to receive and trade Shares. Participant will be asked to agree on separate terms and data processing practices with the service provider, which is a condition of Participant’s ability to participate in the Plan. Data will only be accessible by those individuals requiring access to it for purposes of implementing, administering and operating Participant’s participation in the Plan. Participant understands that Participant may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of Data by contacting Participant’s local human resources representative, filling out the individual rights request online form at [___________], or by sending an email to [___________].
(6)
International Transfers. The Company and its service providers, including, without limitation, [___________], operate, relevant to the Company, in the United States, which means that it will be necessary for Data to be transferred to, and processed in, the United States. Participant understands and acknowledges that the United States is not subject to an unlimited adequacy finding by the European Commission and that Data may not have an equivalent level of protection as compared to Participant’s country of residence. To provide appropriate safeguards for the protection of Data, Data is transferred to the Company based on data transfer and processing agreements implementing the EU Standard Contractual Clauses. Participant may request a copy of the safeguards used to protect Data by contacting the Company at: [___________]. The Company reserves the right to use a different but adequate data transfer legal mechanism.
(7)
Data Retention. The Company will use Data only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage Participant’s participation in the Plan, or as required to comply with legal or regulatory obligations, including under tax, securities, exchange control and labor laws. When the Company no longer needs Data, the Company will remove it from its systems according to its retention policies. If the Company keeps data longer, it would be to satisfy legal or regulatory obligations and the Company’s legal basis would be relevant laws or regulations.
(8)
Data Subject Rights. To the extent provided by law, Participant has the right to (i) inquire whether and what kind of Data the Company holds about Participant and how it is processed, and to access or request copies of such Data, (ii) request the correction or supplementation of Data that is inaccurate, incomplete or out-of-date in light of the purposes underlying the processing or (iii) obtain the erasure of Data no longer necessary for the purposes underlying the processing or processed in non-compliance with applicable legal requirements. In addition, Participant has, to the extent provided by law, the right to (iv) request the Company to restrict the processing of Data in certain situations where Participant feels its processing is inappropriate, (v) object, in certain circumstances, to the processing of Data for legitimate interests and to (vi) request portability of Data that Participant has actively or passively provided to the Company, where the processing of such Data is based on consent or a contractual agreement with Participant and is carried out by automated means. In case of concerns, Participant also has the right to (vii) lodge a complaint with the competent local data protection authority. To receive additional information regarding Participant’s rights, raise any other questions regarding the practices described in this Award Agreement or to exercise his or her rights, Participant should contact the Company at: [___________] (for questions) or [___________] (to exercise rights).
(9)
Contractual Requirement. Participant’s provision of Data and its processing as described above is a contractual requirement and a condition to Participant’s ability to participate in the Plan. Participant understands that, as a consequence of Participant’s refusing to provide Data, the Company may not be able to allow Participant to participate in the Plan, grant Options to Participant or administer or maintain such Options. However, Participant’s participation in the Plan and his or her acceptance of this Award Agreement are purely voluntary. While Participant will not receive Options if he or she decides against participating in the Plan or providing Data as described above, with the exception of not receiving these benefits, Participant’s status as a Service Provider will not be affected in any way. For more information on the consequences of the refusal to provide Data, Participant may contact the Company at: [___________].
PARTICIPANTS OUTSIDE THE EUROPEAN UNION / EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA / SWITZERLAND / UNITED KINGDOM
Participant consents to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of Participant’s personal data as described in this Award Agreement and any other Restricted Stock Unit grant materials by and among, as applicable, the Employer, the Company and any Subsidiary for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan.
Participant understands that the Company and the Employer may hold certain personal information about Participant, including, but not limited to, Participant’s name, home address, email address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number, passport or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any shares of stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all Options or any other entitlement to Shares awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in Participant’s favor (“Data”), for the purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan.
Participant understands that Data will be transferred to [___________] and certain of its affiliated companies (“[___________]”) which is assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. Participant understands that the recipients of Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that the recipients’ country (e.g., the United States) may have different data privacy laws and protections than Participant’s country. Participant understands that, if Participant resides outside the U.S., Participant may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of Data by contacting Participant’s local human resources representative, filling out the individual rights request online form at [___________], or by sending an email to [___________]. Participant authorizes the Company and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to collect,
receive, possess, use, retain, transfer or otherwise process Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan. Participant understands that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage Participant’s participation in the Plan. Participant understands that, if Participant resides outside the U.S., Participant may, at any time, view Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing Participant’s local human resources representative, filling out the individual rights request online form at [___________], or by sending an email to [___________]. Further, Participant understands that Participant is providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis. If Participant does not consent, or if Participant later seeks to revoke Participant’s consent, Participant’s status as a Service Provider will not be affected; the only consequence of refusing or withdrawing Participant’s consent is that the Company would not be able to grant Participant Options or other equity awards or administer or maintain such awards. Therefore, Participant understands that refusing or withdrawing Participant’s consent may affect Participant’s ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of Participant’s refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, Participant understands that Participant may contact Participant’s local human resources representative or send an email to [___________].
EX-10.28
11
vivs-ex10_28.htm
EX-10.28
EX-10.28
Exhibit 10.28
VIVOSIM LABS, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED 2022 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
GLOBAL RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the VivoSim Labs, Inc., Amended and Restated 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) will have the same defined meanings in this Global Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, the Terms and Conditions of the Global Restricted Stock Unit Grant, attached hereto as Exhibit A and the Addendum, attached hereto as Exhibit B, all of which are made a part of this document (together, the “Award Agreement”).
NOTICE OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT GRANT
Participant has been granted the right to receive an Award of Restricted Stock Units, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, as follows:
Participant: ______________________________
Grant Number: ______________________________
Date of Grant: ______________________________
Vesting Commencement Date: ______________________________
Number of Shares Granted: ______________________________
Vesting Schedule:
Subject to any acceleration provisions contained in the Plan or set forth below, the Restricted Stock Units will vest in accordance with the following schedule:
[INSERT VEST SCHEDULE HERE]
Vesting in each case is subject to Participant continuing to be a Service Provider through the applicable vesting date, as further described in Section 10(j) of the Terms and Conditions of the Global Restricted Stock Unit Grant.
In the event Participant ceases to be a Service Provider for any or no reason before Participant vests in the Restricted Stock Units, the Restricted Stock Units and Participant’s right to acquire any Shares hereunder will immediately terminate.
By Participant’s signature and the signature of the Company’s representative below, or by Participant’s acceptance of this Award Agreement via the Company’s designated online acceptance procedure, Participant and the Company agree that this Award of Restricted Stock Units is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement. Participant has reviewed the Plan and this Award Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Award Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and this Award Agreement. Participant expressly acknowledges the information provided in the Addendum related to the collection, processing and use of Participant’s personal data by the Company and its Subsidiaries and the transfer of personal data to the recipients mentioned in the Addendum. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions relating to the Plan and this Award Agreement. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address indicated below.
|
|
PARTICIPANT |
VIVOSIM LABS, INC. |
Signature: |
Signature: |
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EXHIBIT A
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF GLOBAL RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT GRANT
1.
Grant. The Company hereby grants to the individual named in the Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Grant (the “Notice of Grant”) attached as Part I of this Award Agreement (the “Participant”) under the Plan an Award of Restricted Stock Units, subject to all of the terms and conditions in this Award Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section 17(c) of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this Award Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan will prevail.
2.
Company’s Obligation to Pay. Each Restricted Stock Unit represents the right to receive a Share on the date it vests. Unless and until the Restricted Stock Units will have vested in the manner set forth in Section 3, Participant will have no right to the payment of any such Restricted Stock Units. Prior to the actual payment of any vested Restricted Stock Units, such Restricted Stock Units will represent an unsecured obligation of the Company, payable (if at all) only from the general assets of the Company. Any Restricted Stock Units that vest in accordance with Sections 3 or 4 will be paid to Participant (or in the event of Participant’s death, to his or her estate) in whole Shares, subject to Participant satisfying any applicable withholding obligations for Tax-Related Items. Subject to the provisions of Section 4, such vested Restricted Stock Units shall be paid in whole Shares as soon as practicable after vesting, but in each such case by March 15 of the calendar year following the year in which the vesting date occurs. In no event will Participant be permitted, directly or indirectly, to specify the taxable year of the payment of any Restricted Stock Units payable under this Award Agreement.
3.
Vesting Schedule. Except as provided in Section 4, and subject to Section 5, the Restricted Stock Units awarded by this Award Agreement will vest in accordance with the vesting provisions set forth in the Notice of Grant. Restricted Stock Units scheduled to vest on a certain date or upon the occurrence of a certain condition will not vest in Participant in accordance with any of the provisions of this Award Agreement, unless Participant will have been continuously a Service Provider from the Date of Grant until the date such vesting occurs, as further described in Section 10(j). For the avoidance of doubt, if Participant ceases to be a Service Provider prior to any scheduled vesting date, Participant will not earn or be entitled to any pro-rated vesting for any portion of time before the respective vesting date during which Participant was a Service Provider, nor will Participant be entitled to any compensation for lost vesting.
4.
Administrator Discretion. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the vesting of the balance, or some lesser portion of the balance, of the unvested Restricted Stock Units at any time, subject to the terms of the Plan. If so accelerated, such Restricted Stock Units will be considered as having vested as of the date specified by the Administrator. The payment of Shares in settlement of any Restricted Stock Units vesting pursuant to this Section 4 shall in all cases be paid at a time or in a manner that is exempt from, or complies with, Section 409A.
Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or this Award Agreement to the contrary, if the vesting of the balance, or some lesser portion of the balance, of the Restricted Stock Units is accelerated in connection with Participant’s termination as a Service Provider (provided that such termination is a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A, as determined by the Company), other than due to death, and if (x) Participant is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of such termination as a Service Provider and (y) the payment of such accelerated Restricted Stock Units will result in the imposition of additional tax under Section 409A if paid to Participant on or within the six (6) month period following Participant’s termination as a Service Provider, then the settlement of such accelerated Restricted Stock Units will not be made until the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Participant’s termination as a Service Provider, unless Participant dies following his or her termination as a Service Provider, in which case, the Restricted Stock Units will be settled in Shares to Participant’s estate as soon as practicable following his or her death. It is the intent of this Award Agreement that it and all payments and benefits hereunder be exempt from, or comply with, the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the Restricted Stock Units provided under this Award Agreement or Shares issuable thereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to be so exempt or so comply.
Each payment payable under this Award Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2). For purposes of this Award Agreement, “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code, and any final Treasury Regulations and U.S. Internal Revenue Service guidance thereunder, as each may be amended from time to time.1
5.
Forfeiture upon Termination of Status as a Service Provider. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this Award Agreement, the balance of the Restricted Stock Units that have not vested as of the time of Participant’s termination as a Service Provider for any or no reason and Participant’s right to acquire any Shares hereunder will immediately terminate.
6.
Death of Participant. Any distribution or delivery to be made to Participant under this Award Agreement will, if Participant is then deceased, be made to the administrator or executor of Participant’s estate. Any such transferee must furnish the Company with (a) written notice of his or her status as transferee, and (b) evidence satisfactory to the Company to establish the validity of the transfer and compliance with any laws or regulations pertaining to said transfer.
7.
Responsibility for Taxes. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this Award Agreement, no Shares will be issued to Participant, unless and until satisfactory arrangements (as determined by the Administrator) will have been made by Participant with respect to the payment of Tax-Related Items. Participant acknowledges that, regardless of any action taken by the Company or, if different, the Parent or Subsidiary employing or retaining Participant (the “Employer”), the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items is and remains Participant’s sole responsibility and may exceed the amount, if any, actually withheld by the Company or the Employer. Participant further acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (i) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the Restricted Stock Units, including, but not limited to, the grant, vesting or settlement of the Restricted Stock Units, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to such settlement and the receipt of any dividends or dividend equivalents; and (ii) does not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the Restricted Stock Units to reduce or eliminate Participant’s liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if Participant is subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction, Participant acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.
The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit or require Participant to satisfy such Tax-Related Items, in whole or in part (without limitation) by (a) paying cash, (b) electing to have the Company withhold otherwise deliverable Shares, (c) selling a sufficient number of such Shares otherwise deliverable to Participant through such means as the Company may determine in its sole discretion (whether through a broker or otherwise) and without further consent from Participant, (d) electing to have the Company or the Employer withhold from Participant’s wages or other cash compensation payable to Participant, or (e) any other method of withholding determined by the Company and permitted by Applicable Laws and the Plan. To the extent determined appropriate by the Company in its discretion, it will have the right (but not the obligation) to satisfy any withholding obligations or rights with regard to Tax-Related Items by means of method (b) above and, until determined otherwise by the Company, this will be the method by which such withholding obligations or rights with regard to Tax-Related Items are satisfied; provided, however, that if Participant is a Section 16 officer of the Company under the Exchange Act, the Company will, in all cases, satisfy any Tax-Related Items by means of method (b) above, unless the use of such withholding method is problematic under applicable tax or securities law or has materially adverse accounting consequences, in which case the obligation for Tax-Related Items may be satisfied by one or a combination of the other methods above.
The Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering statutory or other withholding rates, including minimum or maximum rates applicable in Participant’s jurisdiction(s). In the event of over-withholding, Participant may receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash (with no entitlement to the equivalent in Shares), or, if not refunded, Participant may be able to seek a refund from the local tax
1 Section 409A applies to and is relevant only for Participants who are U.S. taxpayers.
authorities. In the event of under-withholding, Participant may be required to pay additional Tax-Related Items directly to the applicable tax authority. If the obligation for Tax-Related Items is satisfied by withholding in Shares, for tax purposes, Participant will be deemed to have been issued the full number of Shares subject to the vested Restricted Stock Units, notwithstanding that a number of the Shares is held back solely for the purpose of paying the Tax-Related Items.
If Participant fails to make satisfactory arrangements for the payment of any Tax-Related Items hereunder at the time any applicable Restricted Stock Units otherwise are scheduled to vest pursuant to Sections 3 or 4 or Tax-Related Items related to Restricted Stock Units otherwise are due, Participant will permanently forfeit such Restricted Stock Units and any right to receive Shares thereunder and the Restricted Stock Units will be returned to the Company at no cost to the Company.
8.
Rights as Stockholder. Neither Participant nor any person claiming under or through Participant will have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder of the Company in respect of any Shares deliverable hereunder unless and until such Shares have been issued, recorded on the records of the Company or its transfer agents or registrars, and delivered to Participant. After such issuance, recordation and delivery, Participant will have all the rights of a stockholder of the Company with respect to voting such Shares and receipt of dividends and distributions on such Shares.
9.
No Guarantee of Continued Service. PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF THE RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THIS AWARD OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER. PARTICIPANT FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AWARD AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND WILL NOT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH PARTICIPANT’S RIGHT OR THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY (OR THE EMPLOYER) TO TERMINATE PARTICIPANT’S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE.
10.
Nature of Grant. By accepting the Award, Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that:
(a)
the grant of the Restricted Stock Units is exceptional, voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of Restricted Stock Units, or benefits in lieu of Restricted Stock Units, even if Restricted Stock Units have been granted in the past;
(b)
all decisions with respect to future Restricted Stock Units or other grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company;
(c)
the Restricted Stock Unit grant and Participant’s participation in the Plan shall not be interpreted as forming an employment or service contract with the Company, the Employer, or any Parent or Subsidiary;
(d)
Participant is voluntarily participating in the Plan;
(e)
the Restricted Stock Units and the Shares subject to the Restricted Stock Units, and the income from and value of same, are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;
(f)
the Restricted Stock Units and the Shares subject to the Restricted Stock Units, and the income from and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for purposes of, including but not limited to, calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, holiday pay, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments;
(g)
the future value of the underlying Shares is unknown, indeterminable and cannot be predicted with certainty;
(h)
no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of the Restricted Stock Units resulting from the termination of Participant as a Service Provider (for any reason whatsoever, whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or rendering services or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any);
(i)
unless otherwise agreed with the Company, the Restricted Stock Units and the Shares subject to the Restricted Stock Units, and the income from and value of same, are not granted as consideration for, or in connection with, any service Participant may provide as a director of any Subsidiary;
(j)
for purposes of the Restricted Stock Units, Participant’s status as a Service Provider will be considered terminated as of the date Participant is no longer actively providing services to the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or rendering services or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any) and Participant’s right to vest in the Restricted Stock Units under the Plan, if any, will terminate as of such date and will not be extended by any notice period (e.g., Participant’s period of service would not include any contractual notice period or any period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or rendering services or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any); the Administrator shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when Participant is no longer actively providing services for purposes of Participant’s Restricted Stock Unit grant (including whether Participant may still be considered to be providing services while on a leave of absence);
(k)
the Restricted Stock Units and the benefits evidenced by this Award Agreement do not create any entitlement to have the Restricted Stock Units or any such benefits transferred to, or assumed by, another company nor to be exchanged, cashed out or substituted for, in connection with any corporate transaction affecting the Shares; and
(l)
if Participant provides services outside the United States:
(i)
the Restricted Stock Units and the Shares subject to the Restricted Stock Units, and the income from and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purposes; and
(ii)
neither the Company, the Employer nor any Parent or Subsidiary shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar that may affect the value of the Restricted Stock Units or of any amounts due to Participant pursuant to the settlement of the Restricted Stock Units or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon settlement.
11.
No Advice Regarding Grant. The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan, or Participant’s acquisition or sale of the underlying Shares. Participant should consult with Participant’s own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.
12.
Address for Notices. Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of this Award Agreement will be addressed to the Company at VivoSim Labs, Inc., 11555 Sorrento Valley Rd, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92121, U.S.A., or at such other address as the Company may hereafter designate in writing.
13.
Grant is Not Transferable. Except to the limited extent provided in Section 6, this grant and the rights and privileges conferred hereby will not be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated in any way (whether by operation of law or otherwise) and will not be subject to sale under execution, attachment or similar process. Upon any attempt to transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of this grant, or any right or privilege conferred hereby, or upon any attempted sale under any execution, attachment or similar process, this grant and the rights and privileges conferred hereby immediately will become null and void.
14.
Binding Agreement. Subject to the limitation on the transferability of this grant contained herein, this Award Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
15.
Additional Conditions to Issuance of Stock. If at any time the Company will determine, in its discretion, that the listing, registration, qualification or rule compliance of the Shares upon any securities exchange, under any U.S. or non-U.S. federal, state or local law, the Code and related regulations, or under the rulings or regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory body, or the clearance, consent or approval of any governmental regulatory authority, is necessary or desirable as a condition to the issuance of Shares to Participant (or his or her estate) hereunder, such issuance will not occur unless and until such listing, registration, qualification, rule compliance, clearance, consent or approval will have been completed, effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company. Where the Company determines that the delivery of any Shares in settlement of any vested Restricted Stock Units will violate U.S. federal securities laws or other Applicable Laws, the Company will defer delivery until the earliest date at which the Company reasonably anticipates that the delivery of Shares will no longer cause such violation. The Company will make all reasonable efforts to meet the requirements of any such U.S. or non-U.S. federal, state or local law or securities exchange and to obtain any such consent or approval of any such governmental authority or securities exchange.
16.
Tax Consequences. Participant has reviewed with its own tax advisors the U.S. and non-U.S. federal, state and local tax consequences of participating in the Plan and the transactions contemplated by this Award Agreement. With respect to such matters, Participant relies solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents, written or oral. Participant understands that Participant (and not the Company) shall be responsible for Participant’s own liability for Tax-Related Items that may arise as a result of Participant’s participation in the Plan or the transactions contemplated by this Award Agreement.
17.
Plan Governs. This Award Agreement is subject to all terms and provisions of the Plan. In the event of a conflict between one or more provisions of this Award Agreement and one or more provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan will govern. Capitalized terms used and not defined in this Award Agreement will have the meaning set forth in the Plan.
18.
Administrator Authority. The Administrator will have the power to interpret the Plan and this Award Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret or revoke any such rules (including, but not limited to, the determination of whether or not any Restricted Stock Units have vested). All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Administrator in good faith will be final and binding upon Participant, the Company and all other interested persons. No member of the Administrator will be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or this Award Agreement.
19.
Electronic Delivery and Participation. The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to the Restricted Stock Units or future Awards that may be granted under the Plan by electronic means or request Participant’s consent to participate in the Plan by electronic means. Participant hereby consents to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agrees to participate in the Plan through any on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company.
20.
Captions. Captions provided herein are for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Award Agreement.
21.
Agreement Severable. In the event that any provision in this Award Agreement will be held invalid or unenforceable, such provision will be severable from, and such invalidity or unenforceability will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of this Award Agreement.
22.
Entire Agreement; Modifications to the Award Agreement. The Plan and this Award Agreement (including the exhibits hereto) constitute the entire agreement of the parties on the subjects covered and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof. Participant expressly warrants that he or she is not accepting this Award Agreement in reliance on any promises, representations or inducements other than those contained herein. Modifications to this Award Agreement can be made only in an express written contract executed by a duly authorized officer of the Company. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or this Award Agreement, the Company reserves the right to revise this Award Agreement as it deems necessary or advisable, in its sole discretion and without the consent of Participant, to comply with Section 409A or to otherwise avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition under Section 409A in connection to this Award of Restricted Stock Units.
23.
Amendment, Suspension or Termination of the Plan. By accepting this Award, Participant expressly warrants that he or she has received an Award of Restricted Stock Units under the Plan, and has received, read and understood a description of the Plan. Participant understands that the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, is discretionary in nature, and may be amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time.
24.
Forfeiture or Clawback. By accepting this Award, Participant agrees that this Award of Restricted Stock Units (including any proceeds, gains or other economic benefit received by Participant from a subsequent sale of Shares acquired through the Award) will be subject to the provision of Section 16(f) of the Plan with respect to forfeiture or clawback.
25.
Governing Law and Venue. This Award Agreement will be governed by the provisions of Section 4(g) of the Plan, which selects Delaware law and venue.
26.
Language. Participant acknowledges that he or she is proficient in the English language, or has consulted with an advisor who is proficient in the English language, so as to enable Participant to understand the terms of this Award Agreement and the Plan. If Participant has received this Award Agreement or any other document related to the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different than the English version, the English version will control.
27.
Imposition of Other Requirements. The Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on Participant’s participation in the Plan, on the Restricted Stock Units and on any Shares acquired under the Plan, to the extent the Company determines it is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons, and to require Participant to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing.
28.
Addendum. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Award Agreement, the Restricted Stock Unit Award shall be subject to any additional terms and conditions set forth in the Addendum for Participant’s country. Moreover, if Participant relocates to one of the countries included in the Addendum, the additional terms and conditions for such country will apply to Participant, to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons. The Addendum constitutes part of this Award Agreement.
29.
Waiver. Participant acknowledges that a waiver by the Company of breach of any provision of this Award Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other provision of this Award Agreement, or of any subsequent breach by Participant or any other Participant.
30.
Insider-Trading/Market-Abuse Laws. Participant acknowledges that, depending on Participant’s or Participant’s broker’s country or the country in which the Shares are listed, Participant may be subject to insider-trading restrictions and/or market-abuse laws, which may affect Participant’s ability to accept, acquire, sell or otherwise dispose of Shares, rights to Shares or rights linked to the value of Shares during such times as Participant is considered to have “inside information” regarding the Company (as defined by the laws or regulations in Participant’s country). Local insider-trading laws and regulations may prohibit the cancellation or amendment of orders Participant places before possessing inside information. Furthermore, Participant could be prohibited from (i) disclosing the inside information to any third party (other than on a “need to know” basis) and (ii) “tipping” third parties or causing them otherwise to buy or sell securities. Participant understands that third parties include fellow employees.
Any restrictions under these laws or regulations are separate from and in addition to any restrictions that may be imposed under any applicable Company insider-trading policy. Participant is responsible for complying with any applicable restrictions and should speak to Participant’s personal legal advisor for further details regarding any applicable insider-trading and/or market-abuse laws in Participant’s country.
31.
Foreign Asset/Account Reporting Requirements. Participant acknowledges that there may be certain foreign asset and/or account reporting requirements which may affect his or her ability to acquire or hold the Shares acquired under the Plan or cash received from participating in the Plan (including from any dividends paid on the Shares acquired under the Plan) in a brokerage or bank account outside his or her country. Participant may be required to report such accounts, assets or transactions to the tax or other authorities in his or her country. Participant also may be required to repatriate sale proceeds or other funds received as a result of participating in the Plan to his or her country through a designated bank or broker within a certain time after receipt. Participant acknowledges that it is his or her responsibility to be compliant with such regulations, and Participant should speak to his or her personal advisor on this matter.
EXHIBIT B
ADDENDUM TO THE GLOBAL RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
Certain capitalized terms used but not defined in this Addendum have the meanings set forth in the Plan and/or the Award Agreement.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This Addendum contains additional terms and conditions that govern the Restricted Stock Units granted under the Plan to a Participant who resides and/or works in one of the countries listed below.
If Participant is a citizen or resident of a country other than the one in which Participant is currently residing and/or working, transfers employment and/or residency after the Restricted Stock Units are granted, or is considered a resident of another country for local law purposes, the terms and conditions of the Restricted Stock Units contained herein may not be applicable to Participant, and the Company shall, in its discretion, determine to what extent the terms and conditions contained herein shall apply to Participant.
NOTIFICATIONS
This Addendum contains information regarding exchange controls and certain other issues of which Participant should be aware with respect to participation in the Plan. The information is based on the securities, exchange control and other laws in effect in the respective countries as of [date]. Such laws are often complex and change frequently. As a result, the Company strongly recommends that Participant not rely on the information in this Addendum as the only source of information relating to the consequences of his or her participation in the Plan because the information may be out of date at the time Participant vests in the Restricted Stock Units or sells Shares acquired pursuant thereto.
The information contained herein is general in nature and may not apply to Participant’s particular situation, and the Company is not in a position to assure Participant of a particular result. Accordingly, Participant should seek appropriate professional advice as to how the relevant laws in his or her country may apply to his or her situation.
If Participant is a citizen or resident of a country other than the one in which Participant is currently residing and/or working, transfers employment and/or residency after the Restricted Stock Units are granted, or is considered a resident of another country for local law purposes, the information contained herein may not be applicable to Participant in the same manner.
DATA PRIVACY PROVISIONS FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS
Terms and Conditions
PARTICIPANTS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION / EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA / SWITZERLAND / UNITED KINGDOM
(i)
Collection and Usage. Pursuant to applicable data protection laws, Participant is hereby notified that the Company collects, processes, uses and transfers certain personally-identifiable information about Participant for the legitimate purpose of granting Restricted Stock Units and implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan. Specifics of the data processing are described below.
(ii)
Controller and Representative. The Company is the controller responsible for the processing of Participant’s personal data in connection with the Plan. The Company’s representative is [Email address].
(iii)
Personal Data Subject to Processing. The Company collects, processes and uses the following types of personal data about Participant: Participant’s name, employee ID, home address and telephone number, work and email address, date of birth, social security number or other tax identification number, social insurance, passport number or other international identification number, salary, nationality, job title, hire date, work country, department, cost center, subsidiary, organization level, expense group, termination date, supervisor, employment status, any shares of stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all Restricted Stock Units or any other entitlement to Shares awarded, canceled, settled, vested, unvested or outstanding in Participant’s favor, which the Company receives from Participant or the Employer (“Data”).
(iv)
Purposes and Legal Bases of Processing. The Company processes Data for the purposes of performing its contractual obligations under this Award Agreement, granting Restricted Stock Units, implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan and facilitating compliance with applicable tax and securities law. The legal basis for the processing of Data by the Company and the third-party service providers described below is the necessity of the data processing for the Company to perform its contractual obligations under this Award Agreement and for the Company’s legitimate business interests of managing the Plan and generally administering employee equity awards.
(v)
Service Providers. The Company transfers Data to [_________] and certain of its affiliated companies (“[______]”), which is an independent stock plan administrator with operations, relevant to the Company, in the United States and assists the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. In the future, the Company may select different service providers and may share Data with such service providers. The Company’s stock plan administrators will open an account for Participant to receive and trade Shares. Participant will be asked to agree on separate terms and data processing practices with the service provider, which is a condition of Participant’s ability to participate in the Plan. Data will only be accessible by those individuals requiring access to it for purposes of implementing, administering and operating Participant’s participation in the Plan. Participant understands that Participant may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of Data by contacting Participant’s local human resources representative, filling out the individual rights request online form at [___________], or by sending an email to [___________].
(vi)
International Transfers. The Company and its service providers, including, without limitation, [___________], operate, relevant to the Company, in the United States, which means that it will be necessary for Data to be transferred to, and processed in, the United States. Participant understands and acknowledges that the United States is not subject to an unlimited adequacy finding by the European Commission and that Data may not have an equivalent level of protection as compared to Participant’s country of residence. To provide appropriate safeguards for the protection of Data, Data is transferred to the Company based on data transfer and processing agreements implementing the EU Standard Contractual Clauses. Participant may request a copy of the safeguards used to protect Data by contacting the Company at: [___________]. The Company reserves the right to use a different but adequate data transfer legal mechanism.
(vii)
Data Retention. The Company will use Data only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage Participant’s participation in the Plan, or as required to comply with legal or regulatory obligations, including under tax, securities, exchange control and labor laws. When the Company no longer needs Data, the Company will remove it from its systems according to its retention policies. If the Company keeps data longer, it would be to satisfy legal or regulatory obligations and the Company’s legal basis would be relevant laws or regulations.
(viii)
Data Subject Rights. To the extent provided by law, Participant has the right to (i) inquire whether and what kind of Data the Company holds about Participant and how it is processed, and to access or request copies of such Data, (ii) request the correction or supplementation of Data that is inaccurate, incomplete or out-of-date in light of the purposes underlying the processing or (iii) obtain the erasure of Data no longer necessary for the purposes underlying the processing or processed in non-compliance with applicable legal requirements. In addition, Participant has, to the extent provided by law, the right to (iv) request the Company to restrict the processing of Data in certain situations where Participant feels its processing is inappropriate, (v) object, in certain circumstances, to the processing of Data for legitimate interests and to (vi) request portability of Data that Participant has actively or passively provided to the Company, where the processing of such Data is based on consent or a contractual agreement with Participant and is carried out by automated means. In case of concerns, Participant also has the right to (vii) lodge a complaint with the competent local data protection authority. To receive additional information regarding Participant’s rights, raise any other questions regarding the practices described in this Award Agreement or to exercise his or her rights, Participant should contact the Company at: [___________] (for questions) or [___________] (to exercise rights).
(ix)
Contractual Requirement. Participant’s provision of Data and its processing as described above is a contractual requirement and a condition to Participant’s ability to participate in the Plan. Participant understands that, as a consequence of Participant’s refusing to provide Data, the Company may not be able to allow Participant to participate in the Plan, grant Restricted Stock Units to Participant or administer or maintain such Restricted Stock Units. However, Participant’s participation in the Plan and his or her acceptance of this Award Agreement are purely voluntary. While Participant will not receive Restricted Stock Units if he or she decides against participating in the Plan or providing Data as described above, with the exception of not receiving these benefits, Participant’s status as a Service Provider will not be affected in any way. For more information on the consequences of the refusal to provide Data, Participant may contact the Company at: [___________].
PARTICIPANTS OUTSIDE THE EUROPEAN UNION / EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA / SWITZERLAND / UNITED KINGDOM
Participant consents to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of Participant’s personal data as described in this Award Agreement and any other Restricted Stock Unit grant materials by and among, as applicable, the Employer, the Company and any Subsidiary for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan.
Participant understands that the Company and the Employer may hold certain personal information about Participant, including, but not limited to, Participant’s name, home address, email address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number, passport or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any shares of stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all Restricted Stock Units or any other entitlement to Shares awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in Participant’s favor (“Data”), for the purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan.
Participant understands that Data will be transferred to [___________] and certain of its affiliated companies (“[___________]”) which is assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. Participant understands that the recipients of Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that the recipients’ country (e.g., the United States) may have different data privacy laws and protections than Participant’s country. Participant understands that, if Participant resides outside the U.S., Participant may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of Data by contacting Participant’s local human resources representative, filling out the individual rights request online form at [___________], or by sending an email to [___________]. Participant authorizes the Company and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to collect,
receive, possess, use, retain, transfer or otherwise process Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan. Participant understands that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage Participant’s participation in the Plan. Participant understands that, if Participant resides outside the U.S., Participant may, at any time, view Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing Participant’s local human resources representative, filling out the individual rights request online form at [___________], or by sending an email to [___________]. Further, Participant understands that Participant is providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis. If Participant does not consent, or if Participant later seeks to revoke Participant’s consent, Participant’s status as a Service Provider will not be affected; the only consequence of refusing or withdrawing Participant’s consent is that the Company would not be able to grant Participant Restricted Stock Units or other equity awards or administer or maintain such awards. Therefore, Participant understands that refusing or withdrawing Participant’s consent may affect Participant’s ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of Participant’s refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, Participant understands that Participant may contact Participant’s local human resources representative or send an email to [___________].
EX-10.29
12
vivs-ex10_29.htm
EX-10.29
EX-10.29
Exhibit 10.29
VivoSim Labs, Inc.
Amended and Restated 2023 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Adopted by the Board of Directors: July 12, 2023
Approved by the Stockholders: October 31, 2023
Effective Date: October 31, 2023
(As Amended and Restated on April 24, 2025)
(a)
The Plan provides a means by which Eligible Employees of the Company and certain Designated Companies may be given an opportunity to purchase shares of Common Stock. The Plan permits the Company to grant a series of Purchase Rights to Eligible Employees under an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. In addition, the Plan permits the Company to grant a series of Purchase Rights to Eligible Employees that do not meet the requirements of an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
(b)
The Plan includes two components: a 423 Component and a Non-423 Component. The Company intends (but makes no undertaking or representation to maintain) the 423 Component to qualify as an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The provisions of the 423 Component, accordingly, will be construed in a manner that is consistent with the requirements of Section 423 of the Code. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or determined by the Board, the Non-423 Component will operate and be administered in the same manner as the 423 Component.
(c)
The Company, by means of the Plan, seeks to retain the services of such Employees, to secure and retain the services of new Employees and to provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for the success of the Company and its Related Corporations.
(a)
The Board or the Committee will administer the Plan. References herein to the Board shall be deemed to refer to the Committee except where context dictates otherwise.
(b)
The Board will have the power, subject to, and within the limitations of, the express provisions of the Plan:
(i)
To determine how and when Purchase Rights will be granted and the provisions of each Offering (which need not be identical).
(ii)
To designate from time to time (A) which Related Corporations will be eligible to participate in the Plan as Designated 423 Corporations, (B) which Related Corporations or Affiliates will be eligible to participate in the Plan as Designated Non-423 Corporations, or (C) which Designated Companies will participate in each separate Offering (to the extent that the Company makes separate Offerings).
(iii)
To construe and interpret the Plan and Purchase Rights, and to establish, amend and revoke rules and regulations for its administration. The Board, in the exercise of this power, may correct any defect, omission or inconsistency in the Plan, in a manner and to the extent it deems necessary or expedient to make the Plan fully effective.
(iv)
To settle all controversies regarding the Plan and Purchase Rights granted under the Plan.
(v)
To suspend or terminate the Plan at any time as provided in Section 12.
(vi)
To amend the Plan at any time as provided in Section 12.
(vii)
Generally, to exercise such powers and to perform such acts as it deems necessary or expedient to promote the best interests of the Company and its Related Corporations and to carry out the intent that the Plan be treated as an Employee Stock Purchase Plan with respect to the 423 Component.
(viii)
To adopt such rules, procedures and sub-plans as are necessary or appropriate to permit or facilitate participation in the Plan by Employees who are foreign nationals or employed or located outside the United States. Without limiting the generality of, and consistent with, the foregoing, the Board specifically is authorized to adopt rules, procedures, and sub-plans regarding, without limitation, eligibility to participate in the Plan, the definition of eligible “earnings,” handling and making of Contributions, establishment of bank or trust accounts to hold Contributions, payment of interest, conversion of local currency, obligations to pay payroll tax, determination of beneficiary designation requirements, withholding procedures and handling of share issuances, any of which may vary according to applicable requirements, and which, if applicable to a Designated Non-423 Corporation, do not have to comply with the requirements of Section 423 of the Code.
(c)
The Board may delegate some or all of the administration of the Plan to a Committee or Committees. If administration is delegated to a Committee, the Committee will have, in connection with the administration of the Plan, the powers theretofore possessed by the Board that have been delegated to the Committee, including the power to delegate to a subcommittee any of the administrative powers the Committee is authorized to exercise (and references in this Plan to the Board will thereafter be to the Committee or subcommittee), subject, however, to such resolutions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as may be adopted from time to time by the Board. Further, to the extent not prohibited by Applicable Law, the Board or Committee may, from time to time, delegate some or all of its authority under the Plan to one or more officers of the Company or other persons or groups of persons as it deems necessary, appropriate or advisable under conditions or limitations that it may set at or after the time of the delegation. The Board may retain the authority to concurrently administer the Plan with the Committee and may, at any time, revest in the Board some or all of the powers previously delegated. Whether or not the Board has delegated administration of the Plan to a Committee, the Board will have the final power to determine all questions of policy and expediency that may arise in the administration of the Plan.
(d)
All determinations, interpretations and constructions made by the Board in good faith will not be subject to review by any person and will be final, binding and conclusive on all persons.
3.
Shares of Common Stock Subject to the Plan.
(a)
Subject to the provisions of Section 11(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan will not exceed 45,000 shares of Common Stock. For the avoidance of doubt, up to the maximum number of shares of Common Stock reserved under this Section 3(a) may be used to satisfy purchases of Common Stock under the 423 Component and any remaining portion of such maximum number of shares may be used to satisfy purchases of Common Stock under the Non-423 Component.
(b)
If any Purchase Right granted under the Plan terminates without having been exercised in full, the shares of Common Stock not purchased under such Purchase Right will again become available for issuance under the Plan.
(c)
The stock purchasable under the Plan will be shares of authorized but unissued or reacquired Common Stock, including shares repurchased by the Company on the open market.
4.
Grant of Purchase Rights; Offering.
(a)
The Board may, from time to time, grant or provide for the grant of Purchase Rights to Eligible Employees under an Offering (consisting of one or more Purchase Periods) on an Offering Date or Offering Dates selected by the Board. Each Offering will be in such form and will contain such terms and conditions as the Board will deem appropriate, and, with respect to the 423 Component, will comply with the requirement of Section 423(b)(5) of the Code that all Employees granted Purchase Rights will have the same rights and privileges. The terms and conditions of an Offering shall be incorporated by reference into the Plan and treated as part of the Plan.
The provisions of separate Offerings need not be identical, but each Offering will include (through incorporation of the provisions of this Plan by reference in the document comprising the Offering or otherwise) the period during which the Offering will be effective, which period will not exceed 27 months beginning with the Offering Date, and the substance of the provisions contained in Sections 5 through 8, inclusive.
(b)
If a Participant has more than one Purchase Right outstanding under the Plan, unless he or she otherwise indicates in forms delivered to the Company or a third party designated by the Company (each, a “Company Designee”): (i) each form will apply to all of his or her Purchase Rights under the Plan, and (ii) a Purchase Right with a lower exercise price (or an earlier-granted Purchase Right, if different Purchase Rights have identical exercise prices) will be exercised to the fullest possible extent before a Purchase Right with a higher exercise price (or a later-granted Purchase Right if different Purchase Rights have identical exercise prices) will be exercised.
(c)
The Board will have the discretion to structure an Offering so that if the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the first Trading Day of a new Purchase Period within that Offering is less than or equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the Offering Date for that Offering, then (i) that Offering will terminate immediately as of that first Trading Day, and (ii) the Participants in such terminated Offering will be automatically enrolled in a new Offering beginning on the first Trading Day of such new Purchase Period.
(a)
Purchase Rights may be granted only to Employees of the Company or, as the Board may designate in accordance with Section 2(b), to Employees of a Related Corporation or an Affiliate. Except as provided in Section 5(b) or as required by Applicable Law, an Employee will not be eligible to be granted Purchase Rights unless, on the Offering Date, the Employee has been in the employ of the Company or the Related Corporation or an Affiliate, as the case may be, for such continuous period preceding such Offering Date as the Board may require, but in no event will the required period of continuous employment be equal to or greater than two years. In addition, the Board may (unless prohibited by Applicable Law) provide that no Employee will be eligible to be granted Purchase Rights under the Plan unless, on the Offering Date, such Employee’s customary employment with the Company, the Related Corporation, or the Affiliate is more than 20 hours per week and more than five months per calendar year or such other criteria as the Board may determine consistent with Section 423 of the Code with respect to the 423 Component. The Board may also exclude from participation in the Plan or any Offering Employees who are “highly compensated employees” (within the meaning of Section 423(b)(4)(D) of the Code) of the Company or a Related Corporation or a subset of such highly compensated employees.
(b)
The Board may provide that each person who, during the course of an Offering, first becomes an Eligible Employee will, on a date or dates specified in the Offering which coincides with the day on which such person becomes an Eligible Employee or which occurs thereafter, receive a Purchase Right under that Offering, which Purchase Right will thereafter be deemed to be a part of that Offering. Such Purchase Right will have the same characteristics as any Purchase Rights originally granted under that Offering, as described herein, except that:
(i)
the date on which such Purchase Right is granted will be the “Offering Date” of such Purchase Right for all purposes, including determination of the exercise price of such Purchase Right;
(ii)
the period of the Offering with respect to such Purchase Right will begin on its Offering Date and end coincident with the end of such Offering; and
(iii)
the Board may provide that if such person first becomes an Eligible Employee within a specified period of time before the end of the Offering, he or she will not receive any Purchase Right under that Offering.
(c)
No Employee will be eligible for the grant of any Purchase Rights if, immediately after any such Purchase Rights are granted, such Employee owns stock possessing 5% or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Company or of any Related Corporation. For purposes of this Section 5(c), the rules of Section 424(d) of the Code will apply in determining the stock ownership of any Employee, and stock that such Employee may purchase under all outstanding Purchase Rights and options will be treated as stock owned by such Employee.
(d)
As specified by Section 423(b)(8) of the Code, an Eligible Employee may be granted Purchase Rights only if such Purchase Rights, together with any other rights granted under all Employee Stock Purchase Plans of the Company and any Related Corporations, do not permit such Eligible Employee’s rights to purchase stock of the Company or any Related Corporation to accrue at a rate which, when aggregated, exceeds US $25,000 of Fair Market Value of such stock (determined at the time such rights are granted, and which, with respect to the Plan, will be determined as of their respective Offering Dates) for each calendar year in which such rights are outstanding at any time.
(e)
Officers of the Company and any Designated Company, if they are otherwise Eligible Employees, will be eligible to participate in Offerings under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may (unless prohibited by Applicable Law) provide in an Offering that Employees who are highly compensated Employees within the meaning of Section 423(b)(4)(D) of the Code will not be eligible to participate.
(f)
Notwithstanding anything in this Section 5 to the contrary, in the case of an Offering under the Non-423 Component, an Eligible Employee (or group of Eligible Employees) may be excluded from participation in the Plan or an Offering if the Board has determined, in its sole discretion, that participation of such Eligible Employee(s) is not advisable or practical for any reason.
6.
Purchase Rights; Purchase Price.
(a)
On each Offering Date, each Eligible Employee, pursuant to an Offering made under the Plan, will be granted a Purchase Right to purchase up to that number of shares of Common Stock purchasable either with a percentage or with a maximum dollar amount, as designated by the Board, but in either case not exceeding 15% of such Employee’s earnings (as defined by the Board in each Offering) during the period that begins on the Offering Date (or such later date as the Board determines for a particular Offering) and ends on the date stated in the Offering, which date will be no later than the end of the Offering.
(b)
The Board will establish one or more Purchase Dates during an Offering on which Purchase Rights granted for that Offering will be exercised and shares of Common Stock will be purchased in accordance with such Offering.
(c)
In connection with each Offering made under the Plan, each Eligible Employee may purchase up to 500 shares of Common Stock (or such lesser number of shares determined by the Board prior to the commencement of the Offering) and the Board may specify (i) a maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be purchased by any Participant on any Purchase Date during such Offering, (ii) a maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be purchased by all Participants pursuant to such Offering and/or (iii) a maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be purchased by all Participants on any Purchase Date under the Offering. If the aggregate purchase of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of Purchase Rights granted under the Offering would exceed any such maximum aggregate number, then, in the absence of any Board action otherwise, a pro rata (based on each Participant’s accumulated Contributions) allocation of the shares of Common Stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) available will be made in as nearly a uniform manner as will be practicable and equitable.
(d)
The purchase price of shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to Purchase Rights will be not less than the lesser of:
(i)
an amount equal to 85% of the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock on the Offering Date; or
(ii)
an amount equal to 85% of the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock on the applicable Purchase Date.
7.
Participation; Withdrawal; Termination.
(a)
An Eligible Employee may elect to participate in an Offering and authorize payroll deductions as the means of making Contributions by completing and delivering to the Company or a Company Designee, within the time specified in the Offering, an enrollment form provided by the Company or Company Designee. The enrollment form will specify the amount of Contributions not to exceed the maximum amount specified by the Board. Each Participant’s Contributions will be credited to a bookkeeping account for such Participant under the Plan and will be deposited with the general funds of the Company except where Applicable Law requires that Contributions be deposited with a third party. If permitted in the Offering, a Participant may begin such Contributions with the first payroll occurring on or after the Offering Date (or, in the case of a payroll date that occurs after the end of the prior Offering but before the Offering Date of the next new Offering, Contributions from such payroll will be included in the new Offering). If permitted in the Offering, a Participant may thereafter reduce (including to zero) or increase his or her Contributions. If required under Applicable Law or if specifically provided in the Offering, in addition to or instead of making Contributions by payroll deductions, a Participant may make Contributions through payment by cash, check or wire transfer prior to a Purchase Date.
(b)
During an Offering, a Participant may cease making Contributions and withdraw from the Offering by delivering to the Company or a Company Designee a withdrawal form provided by the Company. The Company may impose a deadline before a Purchase Date for withdrawing. Upon such withdrawal, such Participant’s Purchase Right in that Offering will immediately terminate and the Company will distribute as soon as practicable to such Participant all of his or her accumulated but unused Contributions and such Participant’s Purchase Right in that Offering shall thereupon terminate. A Participant’s withdrawal from that Offering will have no effect upon his or her eligibility to participate in any other Offerings under the Plan, but such Participant will be required to deliver a new enrollment form to participate in subsequent Offerings.
(c)
Unless otherwise required by Applicable Law, Purchase Rights granted pursuant to any Offering under the Plan will terminate immediately if the Participant either (i) is no longer an Employee for any reason or for no reason (subject to any post-employment participation period required by Applicable Law) or (ii) is otherwise no longer eligible to participate. The Company will distribute as soon as practicable to such individual all of his or her accumulated but unused Contributions.
(d)
Unless otherwise determined by the Board, a Participant whose employment transfers or whose employment terminates with an immediate rehire (with no break in service) by or between the Company and a Designated Company or between Designated Companies will not be treated as having terminated employment for purposes of participating in the Plan or an Offering; however, if a Participant transfers from an Offering under the 423 Component to an Offering under the Non-423 Component, the exercise of the Participant’s Purchase Right will be qualified under the 423 Component only to the extent such exercise complies with Section 423 of the Code. If a Participant transfers from an Offering under the Non-423 Component to an Offering under the 423 Component, the exercise of the Purchase Right will remain non-qualified under the Non-423 Component. The Board may establish different and additional rules governing transfers between separate Offerings within the 423 Component and between Offerings under the 423 Component and Offerings under the Non-423 Component.
(e)
During a Participant’s lifetime, Purchase Rights will be exercisable only by such Participant. Purchase Rights are not transferable by a Participant, except by will, by the laws of descent and distribution, or, if permitted by the Company, by a beneficiary designation as described in Section 10.
(f)
Unless otherwise specified in the Offering or as required by Applicable Law, the Company will have no obligation to pay interest on Contributions.
8.
Exercise of Purchase Rights.
(a)
On each Purchase Date, each Participant’s accumulated Contributions will be applied to the purchase of shares of Common Stock, up to the maximum number of shares of Common Stock permitted by the Plan and the applicable Offering, at the purchase price specified in the Offering. No fractional shares will be issued unless specifically provided for in the Offering.
(b)
Unless otherwise provided in the Offering, if any amount of accumulated Contributions remains in a Participant’s account after the purchase of shares of Common Stock on the final Purchase Date of an Offering, then such remaining amount will not roll over to the next Offering and will instead be distributed in full to such Participant after the final Purchase Date of such Offering without interest (unless otherwise required by Applicable Law).
(c)
No Purchase Rights may be exercised to any extent unless the shares of Common Stock to be issued upon such exercise under the Plan are covered by an effective registration statement pursuant to the Securities Act and the Plan is in material compliance with all applicable U.S. federal and state, foreign and other securities, exchange control and other laws applicable to the Plan. If on a Purchase Date the shares of Common Stock are not so registered or the Plan is not in such compliance, no Purchase Rights will be exercised on such Purchase Date, and the Purchase Date will be delayed until the shares of Common Stock are subject to such an effective registration statement and the Plan is in material compliance, except that the Purchase Date will in no event be more than 27 months from the Offering Date. If, on the Purchase Date, as delayed to the maximum extent permissible, the shares of Common Stock are not registered and the Plan is not in material compliance with all Applicable Laws, as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, no Purchase Rights will be exercised and all accumulated but unused Contributions will be distributed to the Participants without interest (unless the payment of interest is otherwise required by Applicable Law).
9.
Covenants of the Company.
The Company will seek to obtain from each U.S. federal or state, foreign or other regulatory commission, agency or other Governmental Body having jurisdiction over the Plan such authority as may be required to grant Purchase Rights and issue and sell shares of Common Stock thereunder unless the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that doing so is not practical or would cause the Company to incur costs that are unreasonable. If, after commercially reasonable efforts, the Company is unable to obtain the authority that counsel for the Company deems necessary for the grant of Purchase Rights or the lawful issuance and sale of Common Stock under the Plan, and at a commercially reasonable cost, the Company will be relieved from any liability for failure to grant Purchase Rights and/or to issue and sell Common Stock upon exercise of such Purchase Rights.
10.
Designation of Beneficiary.
(a)
The Company may, but is not obligated to, permit a Participant to submit a form designating a beneficiary who will receive any shares of Common Stock and/or Contributions from the Participant’s account under the Plan if the Participant dies before such shares and/or Contributions are delivered to the Participant. The Company may, but is not obligated to, permit the Participant to change such designation of beneficiary. Any such designation and/or change must be on a form approved by the Company.
(b)
If a Participant dies, and in the absence of a valid beneficiary designation, the Company will deliver any shares of Common Stock and/or Contributions to the executor or administrator of the estate of the Participant. If no executor or administrator has been appointed (to the knowledge of the Company), the Company, in its sole discretion, may deliver such shares of Common Stock and/or Contributions, without interest (unless the payment of interest is otherwise required by Applicable Law), to the Participant’s spouse, dependents or relatives, or if no spouse, dependent or relative is known to the Company, then to such other person as the Company may designate.
11.
Adjustments Upon Changes in Common Stock; Corporate Transactions.
(a)
In the event of a Capitalization Adjustment, the Board will appropriately and proportionately adjust: (i) the class(es) and maximum number of securities subject to the Plan pursuant to Section 3(a), (ii) the class(es) and number of securities subject to, and the purchase price applicable to outstanding Offerings and Purchase Rights and (iii) the class(es) and number of securities that are the subject of the purchase limits under each ongoing Offering. The Board will make these adjustments, and its determination will be final, binding and conclusive.
(b)
In the event of a Corporate Transaction, then: (i) any surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or the surviving or acquiring corporation’s parent company) may assume or continue outstanding Purchase Rights or may substitute similar rights (including a right to acquire the same consideration paid to the stockholders in the Corporate Transaction) for outstanding Purchase Rights, or (ii) if any surviving or acquiring corporation (or its parent company) does not assume or continue such Purchase Rights or does not substitute similar rights for such Purchase Rights, then (A) the Participants’ accumulated Contributions will be used to purchase shares of Common Stock (rounded down to the nearest whole share) within ten business days (or such other period specified by the Board) prior to the Corporate Transaction under the outstanding Purchase Rights, and the Purchase Rights will terminate immediately after such purchase, or (B) the Board, in its discretion, may terminate any outstanding Offerings, cancel the outstanding Purchase Rights and refund the Participants’ accumulated Contributions.
12.
Amendment, Termination or Suspension of the Plan.
(a)
The Board may amend the Plan at any time in any respect the Board deems necessary or advisable. However, except as provided in Section 11(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, stockholder approval will be required for any amendment of the Plan for which stockholder approval is required by Applicable Law.
(b)
The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. No Purchase Rights may be granted under the Plan while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated.
Any benefits, privileges, entitlements and obligations under any outstanding Purchase Rights granted before an amendment, suspension or termination of the Plan will not be materially impaired by any such amendment, suspension or termination except (i) with the consent of the person to whom such Purchase Rights were granted, (ii) as necessary to facilitate compliance with any laws, listing requirements, or governmental regulations (including, without limitation, the provisions of Section 423 of the Code and the regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder relating to Employee Stock Purchase Plans) including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued or amended after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board, or (iii) as necessary to obtain or maintain favorable tax, listing, or regulatory treatment. To be clear, the Board may amend outstanding Purchase Rights without a Participant’s consent if such amendment is necessary to ensure that the Purchase Right and/or the Plan complies with the requirements of Section 423 of the Code with respect to the 423 Component or with respect to other Applicable Laws. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or any Offering Document to the contrary, the Board will be entitled to: (i) establish the exchange ratio applicable to amounts withheld in a currency other than U.S. dollars; (ii) permit Contributions in excess of the amount designated by a Participant in order to adjust for mistakes in the Company’s processing of properly completed Contribution elections; (iii) establish reasonable waiting and adjustment periods and/or accounting and crediting procedures to ensure that amounts applied toward the purchase of Common Stock for each Participant properly correspond with amounts withheld from the Participant’s Contributions; (iv) amend any outstanding Purchase Rights or clarify any ambiguities regarding the terms of any Offering to enable the Purchase Rights to qualify under and/or comply with Section 423 of the Code with respect to the 423 Component; and (v) establish other limitations or procedures as the Board determines in its sole discretion advisable that are consistent with the Plan. The actions of the Board pursuant to this paragraph will not be considered to alter or impair any Purchase Rights granted under an Offering as they are part of the initial terms of each Offering and the Purchase Rights granted under each Offering.
13.
Tax Qualification; Tax Withholding.
(a)
Although the Company may endeavor to (i) qualify a Purchase Right for special tax treatment under the laws of the United States or jurisdictions outside of the United States or (ii) avoid adverse tax treatment, the Company makes no representation to that effect and expressly disavows any covenant to maintain special or to avoid unfavorable tax treatment, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan. The Company will be unconstrained in its corporate activities without regard to the potential negative tax impact on Participants.
(b)
Each Participant will make arrangements, satisfactory to the Company and any applicable Related Corporation, to enable the Company or the Related Corporation to fulfill any withholding obligation for Tax-Related Items. Without limitation to the foregoing, in the Company’s sole discretion and subject to Applicable Law, such withholding obligation may be satisfied in whole or in part by (i) withholding from the Participant’s salary or any other cash payment due to the Participant from the Company or a Related Corporation; (ii) withholding from the proceeds of the sale of shares of Common Stock acquired under the Plan, either through a voluntary sale or a mandatory sale arranged by the Company; or (iii) any other method deemed acceptable by the Board.
The Company shall not be required to issue any shares of Common Stock under the Plan until such obligations are satisfied.
14.
Effective Date of Plan.
The Plan will become effective upon the Effective Date. No Purchase Rights will be exercised unless and until the Plan has been approved by the stockholders of the Company, which approval must be within 12 months before or after the date the Plan is adopted (or if required under Section 12(a) above, materially amended) by the Board.
15.
Miscellaneous Provisions.
(a)
Proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock pursuant to Purchase Rights will constitute general funds of the Company.
(b)
A Participant will not be deemed to be the holder of, or to have any of the rights of a holder with respect to, shares of Common Stock subject to Purchase Rights unless and until the Participant’s shares of Common Stock acquired upon exercise of Purchase Rights are recorded in the books of the Company (or its transfer agent).
(c)
The Plan and Offering do not constitute an employment contract. Nothing in the Plan or in the Offering will in any way alter the at will nature of a Participant’s employment or amend a Participant’s employment contract, if applicable, or be deemed to create in any way whatsoever any obligation on the part of any Participant to continue in the employ of the Company or a Related Corporation or an Affiliate, or on the part of the Company, a Related Corporation or an Affiliate to continue the employment of a Participant.
(d)
The provisions of the Plan will be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware without resort to that state’s conflicts of laws rules.
(e)
If any particular provision of the Plan is found to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable, such provision will not affect the other provisions of the Plan, but the Plan will be construed in all respects as if such invalid provision were omitted.
(f)
If any provision of the Plan does not comply with Applicable Law, such provision shall be construed in such a manner as to comply with Applicable Law.
As used in the Plan, the following definitions will apply to the capitalized terms indicated below:
(a)
“423 Component” means the part of the Plan, which excludes the Non-423 Component, pursuant to which Purchase Rights that satisfy the requirements for an Employee Stock Purchase Plan may be granted to Eligible Employees.
(b)
“Affiliate” means any entity, other than a Related Corporation, whether now or subsequently established, which is at the time of determination, a “parent” or “subsidiary” of the Company as such terms are defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act. The Board may determine the time or times at which “parent” or “subsidiary” status is determined within the foregoing definition.
(c)
“Applicable Law” means the Code and any applicable U.S. or non-U.S. securities, federal, state, foreign, material local or municipal or other law, statute, constitution, principle of common law, resolution, ordinance, code, edict, decree, rule, listing rule, regulation, judicial decision, ruling or requirement issued, enacted, adopted, promulgated, implemented or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any Governmental Body (including under the authority of any applicable self-regulating organization such as The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, New York Stock Exchange or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.).
(d)
“Board” means the board of directors of the Company.
(e)
“Capitalization Adjustment” means any change that is made in, or other events that occur with respect to, the Common Stock subject to the Plan or subject to any Purchase Right after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board without the receipt of consideration by the Company through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, reincorporation, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, large nonrecurring cash dividend, stock split, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure or other similar equity restructuring transaction, as that term is used in Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (or any successor thereto). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the conversion of any convertible securities of the Company will not be treated as a Capitalization Adjustment.
(f)
“Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including any applicable regulations and guidance thereunder.
(g)
“Committee” means a committee of one or more members of the Board to whom authority has been delegated by the Board in accordance with Section 2(c).
(h)
“Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.
(i)
“Company” means VivoSim Labs, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
(j)
“Contributions” means the payroll deductions and other additional payments specifically provided for in the Offering that a Participant contributes to fund the exercise of a Purchase Right. A Participant may make additional payments into his or her account if specifically provided for in the Offering, and then only if the Participant has not already had the maximum permitted amount withheld during the Offering through payroll deductions. In no event may payroll deductions exceed 15% of the Participant’s base wages.
(k)
“Corporate Transaction” means the consummation, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events:
(i)
a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion, of the consolidated assets of the Company and its subsidiaries;
(ii)
a sale or other disposition of more than 50% of the outstanding securities of the Company;
(iii)
a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is not the surviving corporation; or
(iv)
a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is the surviving corporation but the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger, consolidation or similar transaction are converted or exchanged by virtue of the merger, consolidation or similar transaction into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash or otherwise.
(l)
“Designated 423 Corporation” means any Related Corporation selected by the Board to participate in the 423 Component.
(m)
“Designated Company” means any Designated Non-423 Corporation or Designated 423 Corporation, provided, however, that at any given time, a Related Corporation participating in the 423 Component shall not be a Related Corporation participating in the Non-423 Component.
(n)
“Designated Non-423 Corporation” means any Related Corporation or Affiliate selected by the Board to participate in the Non-423 Component.
(o)
“Director” means a member of the Board.
(p)
“Effective Date” means the date as of which the Plan is adopted by the Board and approved by the stockholders of the Company in accordance with Section 14.
(q)
“Eligible Employee” means an Employee who meets the requirements set forth in the document(s) governing the Offering for eligibility to participate in the Offering, provided that such Employee also meets the requirements for eligibility to participate set forth in the Plan.
(r)
“Employee” means any person, including an Officer or Director, who is “employed” for purposes of Section 423(b)(4) of the Code by the Company or a Related Corporation, or solely with respect to the Non-423 Component, an Affiliate. However, service solely as a Director, or payment of a fee for such services, will not cause a Director to be considered an “Employee” for purposes of the Plan.
(s)
“Employee Stock Purchase Plan” means a plan that grants Purchase Rights intended to be options issued under an “employee stock purchase plan,” as that term is defined in Section 423(b) of the Code.
(t)
“Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(u)
“Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of the Common Stock determined as follows:
(i)
If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or traded on any established market, the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock will be the closing sales price for such stock as quoted on such exchange or market (or the exchange or market with the greatest volume of trading in the Common Stock) on the date of determination, as reported in such source as the Board deems reliable. Unless otherwise provided by the Board, if there is no closing sales price for the Common Stock on the date of determination, then the Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price on the last preceding date for which such quotation exists.
(ii)
In the absence of such markets for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value will be determined by the Board in good faith in compliance with Applicable Laws and regulations and, to the extent applicable as determined in the sole discretion of the Board, in a manner that complies with Sections 409A of the Code.
(v)
“Governmental Body” means any: (a) nation, state, commonwealth, province, territory, county, municipality, district or other jurisdiction of any nature; (b) federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other government; (c) governmental or regulatory body, or quasi-governmental body of any nature (including any governmental division, department, administrative agency or bureau, commission, authority, instrumentality, official, ministry, fund, foundation, center, organization, unit, body or entity and any court or other tribunal, and for the avoidance of doubt, any tax authority) or other body exercising similar powers or authority; or (d) self-regulatory organization (including The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, New York Stock Exchange, and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.).
(w)
“Non-423 Component” means the part of the Plan, which excludes the 423 Component, pursuant to which Purchase Rights that are not intended to satisfy the requirements for an Employee Stock Purchase Plan may be granted to Eligible Employees.
(x)
“Offering” means the grant to Eligible Employees of Purchase Rights, with the exercise of those Purchase Rights automatically occurring at the end of one or more Purchase Periods. The terms and conditions of an Offering will generally be set forth in the “Offering Document” approved by the Board for that Offering.
(y)
“Offering Date” means a date selected by the Board for an Offering to commence.
(z)
“Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company or a Related Corporation within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
(aa)
“Participant” means an Eligible Employee who holds an outstanding Purchase Right.
(bb)
“Plan” means this VivoSim Labs, Inc. Amended and Restated 2023 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended from time to time, including both the 423 Component and the Non-423 Component.
(cc)
“Purchase Date” means one or more dates during an Offering selected by the Board on which Purchase Rights will be exercised and on which purchases of shares of Common Stock will be carried out in accordance with such Offering.
(dd)
“Purchase Period” means a period of time specified within an Offering, generally beginning on the Offering Date or on the first Trading Day following a Purchase Date, and ending on a Purchase Date. An Offering may consist of one or more Purchase Periods.
(ee)
“Purchase Right” means an option to purchase shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to the Plan.
(ff)
“Related Corporation” means any “parent corporation” or “subsidiary corporation” of the Company whether now or subsequently established, as those terms are defined in Sections 424(e) and (f), respectively, of the Code.
(gg)
“Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(hh)
“Tax-Related Items” means any income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefit tax, payment on account or other tax-related items arising out of or in relation to a Participant’s participation in the Plan, including, but not limited to, the exercise of a Purchase Right and the receipt of shares of Common Stock or the sale or other disposition of shares of Common Stock acquired under the Plan.
(ii)
“Trading Day” means any day on which the exchange(s) or market(s) on which shares of Common Stock are listed, including but not limited to the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, the Nasdaq Capital Market or any successors thereto, is open for trading.
EX-14.1
13
vivs-ex14_1.htm
EX-14.1
EX-14.1
Exhibit 14.1
VivoSim Labs, Inc.Code of Business Conduct
The policy of VivoSim Labs, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”)_is to conduct its business affairs, honestly and in an ethical manner. That goal cannot be achieved unless you individually accept your responsibility to promote integrity and demonstrate the highest level of ethical conduct in all of your activities. Activities that may call into question the Company’s reputation or integrity should be avoided. The Company understands that not every situation is black and white. The key to compliance with the Code of Business Conduct (the “Code”) is exercising good judgment. This means following the spirit of this Code and the law, doing the “right” thing and acting ethically even when the law is not specific. When you are faced with a business situation where you must determine the right thing to do, you should ask the following questions:
•
Am I following the spirit, as well as the letter, of any law or Company policy?
•
Would I want my actions reported publicly or in the media?
•
What would my family, friends or neighbors think of my actions?
•
Will there be any direct or indirect negative consequences for the Company?
Managers set an example for other employees and are often responsible for directing the actions of others. Every manager and supervisor is expected to take necessary actions to ensure compliance with this Code, to provide guidance and assist employees in resolving questions concerning the Code and to permit employees to express any concerns regarding compliance with this Code. No one has the authority to order another employee to act contrary to this Code.
2.
Compliance with Laws and Regulations
The Company seeks to comply with both the letter and spirit of the laws and regulations in all countries in which it operates.
The Company is committed to full compliance with the laws and regulations of the cities, states and countries in which it operates, including regulations imposed by federal, foreign, state and municipal government agencies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. You must comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations in performing your duties for the Company. Numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations define and establish obligations with which the Company, its employees and agents must comply. Under certain circumstances, local country law may establish requirements that differ from this Code. You are expected to comply with all local country laws in conducting the Company’s business. If you violate these laws or regulations in performing your duties for the Company, you not only risk individual indictment, prosecution and penalties, and civil actions and penalties, you also subject the Company to the same risks and penalties. If you violate these laws in performing your duties for the Company, you may be subject to immediate disciplinary action, including possible termination of your employment or affiliation with the Company.
As explained below, you should always consult your manager or the General Counsel, (the “GC”), or in the absence of a GC, the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), with any questions about the legality of you or your colleagues’ conduct.
•
Full, Fair, Accurate, Timely and Understandable Disclosure
It is of paramount importance to the Company that all disclosure in reports and documents that the Company files with, or submits to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and in other public communications made by the Company is full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable. You must take all steps available to assist the Company in these responsibilities consistent with your role within the Company. In particular, you are required to provide prompt and accurate answers to all inquiries made to you in connection with the Company’s preparation of its public reports and disclosure.
The Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) 1 and CFO are responsible for designing, establishing, maintaining, reviewing and evaluating on a quarterly basis the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined by applicable SEC rules). The Company’s CEO, CFO, GC, and such other Company officers designated from time to time by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors shall be deemed the Senior Officers of the Company. Senior Officers shall take all steps necessary or advisable to ensure that all disclosure in reports and documents filed with or submitted to the SEC, and all disclosure in other public communication made by the Company is full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable.
Senior Officers are also responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Senior Officers will take all necessary steps to ensure compliance with established accounting procedures, the Company’s system of internal controls and generally accepted accounting principles. Senior Officers will ensure that the Company makes and keeps books, records, and accounts, which, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company. Senior Officers will also ensure that the Company devises and maintains a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that:
•
transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization;
•
transactions are recorded as necessary (a) to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles or any other criteria applicable to such statements, and (b) to maintain accountability for assets;
1 In the event that no individual is serving as the CEO, the Company’s Chairperson of the Board or Executive Chairperson of the Board shall be deemed the CEO for purposes of this Code.
•
access to assets is permitted, and receipts and expenditures are made, only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and
•
the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences, all to permit prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of assets that could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.
Any attempt to enter inaccurate or fraudulent information into the Company’s accounting system will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
•
Special Ethics Obligations For Employees With Financial Reporting Responsibilities
Senior Officers each bear a special responsibility for promoting integrity throughout the Company. Furthermore, the Senior Officers have a responsibility to foster a culture throughout the Company as a whole that ensures the fair and timely reporting of the Company’s results of operations and financial condition and other financial information.
Because of this special role, the Senior Officers are bound by the following Senior Officer Code of Ethics, and by accepting the Code of Business Conduct each agrees that he or she will:
•
Perform his or her duties in an honest and ethical manner.
•
Handle all actual or apparent conflicts of interest between his or her personal and professional relationships in an ethical manner.
•
Take all necessary actions to ensure full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Company files with, or submits to government agencies and in other public communications.
•
Comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations of federal, state and local governments.
•
Proactively promote and be an example of ethical behavior in the work environment.
You should never trade securities on the basis of confidential information acquired through your employment or fiduciary relationship with the Company.
You are prohibited under both federal law and Company policy from purchasing or selling Company stock, directly or indirectly, on the basis of material non-public information concerning the Company. Any person possessing material non public information about the Company must not engage in transactions involving Company securities until this information has been released to the public.
Generally, material information is that which would be expected to affect the investment decisions of a reasonable investor or the market price of the stock. You must also refrain from trading in the stock of other publicly held companies, such as existing or potential customers or suppliers, on the basis of material confidential information obtained in the course of your employment or service as a director. It is also illegal to recommend a stock to (i.e., “tip”) someone else on the basis of such information. If you have a question concerning appropriateness or legality of a particular securities transaction, consult with the Company’s GC or CFO. Officers, directors, employees and consultants of the Company are subject to additional responsibilities under the Company’s insider trading policy, a copy of which has been provided to each such person, and which can be obtained from the Company’s Legal Department.
•
Conflicts of Interest and Corporate Opportunities
You must avoid any situation in which your personal interests conflict or even appear to conflict with the Company’s interests.
You owe a duty to the Company not to compromise the Company’s legitimate interests and to advance such interests when the opportunity to do so arises in the course of your employment.
You shall perform your duties to the Company in an honest and ethical manner. You shall handle all actual or apparent conflicts of interest between your personal and professional relationships in an ethical manner.
You should avoid situations in which your personal, family or financial interests conflict or even appear to conflict with those of the Company. You may not engage in activities that compete with the Company or compromise its interests. You should not take for your own benefit opportunities discovered in the course of employment that you have reason to know would benefit the Company. The following are examples of actual or potential conflicts:
•
you, or a member of your family, receive improper personal benefits as a result of your position in the Company;
•
you use Company’s property for your personal benefit;
•
you engage in activities that interfere with your loyalty to the Company or your ability to perform Company duties or responsibilities effectively;
•
you work simultaneously (whether as an employee or a consultant) for a competitor, customer or supplier;
•
you, or a member of your family, have a financial interest in a customer, supplier, or competitor which is significant enough to cause divided loyalty with the Company or the appearance of divided loyalty (the significance of a financial interest depends on many factors, such as size of investment in relation to your income, net worth and/or financial needs, your potential to influence decisions that could impact your interests, and the nature of the business or level of competition between the Company and the supplier, customer or competitor);
•
you, or a member of your family, acquire an interest in property (such as real estate, patent or other intellectual property rights or securities) in which you have reason to know the Company has, or might have, a legitimate interest;
•
you, or a member of your family, receive a loan or a guarantee of a loan from a customer, supplier or competitor (other than a loan from a financial institution made in the ordinary course of business and on an arm’s-length basis);
•
you divulge or use the Company’s confidential information –such as financial data, customer information, or computer programs –for your own personal or business purposes;
•
you make gifts or payments, or provide special favors, to customers, suppliers, government officials, or competitors (or their immediate family members) with a value significant enough to cause the customer, supplier, government official or competitor to make a purchase, or take or forego other action, which is beneficial to the Company and which the customer, supplier or competitor would not otherwise have taken; or
•
you are given the right to buy stock in other companies or you receive cash or other payments in return for promoting the services of an advisor, such as an investment banker, to the Company.
Neither you, nor members of your immediate family, are permitted to solicit or accept valuable gifts, payments, special favors or other consideration from customers, suppliers or competitors. Any gifts should be turned over to Human Resources for appropriate distribution. Any exchange of gifts must be conducted so that there is no appearance of impropriety. Gifts may be given only in compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Anti-Bribery Act, and any other relevant anti-corruption statutes.
Conflicts are not always clear-cut. If you become aware of a conflict described above or any other conflict, potential conflict, or have a question as to a potential conflict, you should consult with your manager, GC or CFO and/or follow the procedures described in Sections 10 and 11 of the Code. If you become involved in a situation that gives rise to an actual conflict, you must inform your supervisor, GC or CFO of the conflict.
All confidential information concerning the Company obtained by you is the property of the Company and must be protected.
Confidential information includes all non-public information that might be of use to competitors, or harmful to the Company or its customers, if disclosed. You must maintain the confidentiality of such information entrusted to you by the Company, its customers and its suppliers, except when disclosure is authorized by the Company or required by law.
Examples of confidential information include, but are not limited to: the Company’s trade secrets; business trends and projections; information about financial performance; new product or service details, marketing plans; launch dates for products or services, product research and development ideas or information; manufacturing processes; information about potential acquisitions, divestitures and investments; stock splits, public or private securities offerings or changes in dividend policies or amounts; significant personnel changes; and existing or potential major contracts, orders, suppliers, customers or finance sources or the loss thereof.
Your obligation with respect to confidential information extends beyond the workplace. In that respect, it applies to communications with your family members and continues to apply even after your employment or director relationship with the Company terminates.
Our goal is to conduct our business with integrity.
You should endeavor to deal honestly with the Company’s customers, suppliers, competitors, and employees. Under federal and state laws, the Company is prohibited from engaging in unfair methods of competition, and unfair or deceptive acts and practices. You should not take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other unfair dealing.
Examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to:
•
bribery or payoffs to induce business or breaches of contracts by others;
•
acquiring a competitor’s trade secrets through bribery or theft;
•
making false, deceptive or disparaging claims or comparisons about competitors or their products or services; or
•
mislabeling products or services.
9.
Protection and Proper Use of Company Assets
You should endeavor to protect the Company’s assets and ensure their proper use.
Company assets, both tangible and intangible, are to be used only for legitimate business purposes of the Company and only by authorized employees or consultants. Intangible assets include intellectual property such as trade secrets, patents, trademarks and copyrights, business, marketing and service plans, research, engineering and manufacturing ideas, designs, databases, Company records, salary information, and any unpublished financial data and reports. Unauthorized alteration, destruction, use, disclosure or distribution of Company assets violates Company policy and this Code. Theft or waste of, or carelessness in using, these assets have a direct adverse impact on the Company’s operations and profitability and will not be tolerated.
The Company provides computers, voice mail, electronic mail (e-mail), and Internet access to certain employees for the purpose of achieving the Company’s business objectives. As a result, the Company has the right to access, reprint, publish, or retain any information created, sent or contained in any of the Company’s computers or e-mail systems of any Company machine. You may not use e-mail, the Internet or voice mail for any illegal purpose or in any manner that is contrary to the Company’s policies or the standards embodied in this Code.
You should not make copies of, or resell or transfer copyrighted publications, including software, manuals, articles, books, and databases being used in the Company, that were created by another entity and licensed to the Company, unless you are authorized to do so under the applicable license agreement. In no event should you load or use, on any Company computer, any software, third party content or database without receiving the prior written permission of the Information Technology Department to do so. You must refrain from transferring any data or information to any Company computer other than for Company use. You must refrain from transferring any Company data or information from a Company computer or network to a personal computer, email, or cloud storage account without express written authorization. You may use a handheld computing device or mobile phone in connection with your work for the Company, but must not use such device or phone to access, load or transfer content, software or data in violation of any applicable law or regulation or without the permission of the owner of such content, software or data. If you should have any question as to what is permitted in this regard, please consult with the Company’s Information Technology Department.
The Company is committed to providing a research environment that is based on honesty, objectivity, transparency, and accountability. The Company has established a Research Integrity Policy to ensure that all employees are aware of and fully understand our commitment to these values of research integrity.
Examples of research misconduct include, but are not limited to:
•
Fabrication and/or falsification in proposing, conducting, or reviewing research, or in reporting or publishing research data or results.
•
Plagiarism in proposing, conducting, or reviewing research, or in reporting or publishing research data or results.
Any employee who becomes aware of any activity that can be construed as research misconduct has a duty to promptly report the incident to the GC, CFO or any member of the Executive Team. All allegations of research misconduct will be investigated in accordance with the procedure set forth in the Research Integrity Policy.
11.
Reporting Violations of Company Policies and Receipt of Complaints Regarding Financial Reporting or Accounting Issues
You should report any violation or suspected violation of this Code to your supervisor, the GC, CFO or any Executive Officer or via the Company’s anonymous and confidential reporting procedures.
The Company’s efforts to ensure observance of, and adherence to, the goals and policies outlined in this Code mandate that you promptly bring to the attention of GC or CFO or, if appropriate, the Chair of the Audit Committee, any material transaction, relationship, act, failure to act, occurrence or practice that you believe, in good faith, is inconsistent with, in violation, or reasonably could be expected to give rise to a violation, of this Code. You should report any suspected violations of the Company’s financial reporting obligations or any complaints or concerns about questionable accounting or auditing practices in accordance with the procedures set forth below.
Here are some approaches to handling your reporting obligations:
•
In the event you believe a violation of the Code, or a violation of applicable laws and/or governmental regulations has occurred or you have observed or become aware of conduct which appears to be contrary to the Code, immediately report the situation to your supervisor, the GC, CFO or the Chair of the Audit Committee. Supervisor or managers who receive any report of a suspected violation must report the matter to the GC or the CFO.
•
If you have or receive notice of a complaint or concern regarding the Company’s financial disclosure, accounting practices, internal accounting controls, auditing, or questionable accounting or auditing matters, you must immediately advise your supervisor, the GC, CFO or the Chair of the Audit Committee.
•
If you wish to report any such matters anonymously or confidentially, then you may do so as follows:
•
Mail a description of the suspected violation or other complaint or concern to:
VivoSim Labs, Inc..
11555 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92121 Attention: Legal Department or
VivoSim Labs, Inc.
11555 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92121
Attention: Audit Committee Chair
or
Contacting the Company’s GC or CFO at (858) 224-1000
or
By submitting a concern via the third-party managed Compliance and Fraud Prevention Hotline at 1-855-366- 2142 Use common sense and good judgment; Act in good faith.
•
You are expected to become familiar with and to understand the requirements of the Code. If you become aware of a suspected violation, don’t try to investigate it or resolve it on your own. Prompt disclosure to the appropriate parties is vital to ensuring a thorough and timely investigation and resolution. The circumstances should be reviewed by appropriate personnel as promptly as possible, and delay may affect the results of any investigation. A violation of the Code, or of applicable laws and/or governmental regulations is a serious matter and could have legal implications. Allegations of such behavior are not taken lightly and should not be made to embarrass someone or put him or her in a false light. Reports of suspected violations should always be made in good faith.
•
Internal investigation. When an alleged violation of the Code, applicable laws and/or governmental regulations is reported, the Company will take appropriate action in accordance with the compliance procedures outlined in Section 11 of the Code. You are expected to cooperate in internal investigations of alleged misconduct or violations of the Code or of applicable laws or regulations.
•
No fear of retaliation. It is Company policy that there be no intentional retaliation against any person who provides truthful information to a Company or law enforcement official concerning a possible violation of any law, regulation or Company policy, including this Code. Persons who retaliate may be subject to civil, criminal and administrative penalties, as well as disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. In cases in which you report a suspected violation in good faith and are not engaged in the questionable conduct, the Company will attempt to keep its discussions with you confidential to the extent reasonably possible. In the course of its investigation, the Company may find it necessary to share information with others on a “need to know” basis. No retaliation shall be taken against you for reporting alleged violations while acting in good faith.
The Company has established this Code as part of its overall policies and procedures. To the extent that other Company policies and procedures conflict with this Code, you should follow this Code. The Code applies to all Company directors and Company employees, including all officers, in all locations.
The Code is based on the Company’s core values, good business practices and applicable law. The existence of the Code, however, does not ensure that directors, officers and employees will comply with it or act in a legal and ethical manner. To achieve optimal legal and ethical behavior, the individuals subject to the Code must know and understand the Code as it applies to them and as it applies to others. You must champion the Code and assist others in knowing and understanding it.
•
Compliance. You are expected to become familiar with and understand the requirements of the Code. Most importantly, you must comply with it.
•
CEO Responsibility. The Company’s CEO shall be responsible for ensuring that the Code is established and effectively communicated to all employees, officers and directors. Although the day-to-day compliance issues will be the responsibility of the Company’s managers, the GC and CFO, the CEO has ultimate accountability with respect to the overall implementation of and successful compliance with the Code.
•
General Counsel. The CEO has selected the Company’s General Counsel to act as the compliance officer for the Code. In the event there is no GC, then the CFO will act as the compliance officer, with the assistance and cooperation of the Company’s officers, directors and managers, foster an atmosphere where employees are comfortable in communicating and/or reporting concerns and possible Code violations.
•
Internal Reporting of Violations. The Company’s efforts to ensure observance of, and adherence to, the goals and policies outlined in this Code mandate that all employees, officers and directors of the Company report suspected violations in accordance with Section 10 or 11 of this Code.
The Company shall exercise due diligence when hiring and promoting employees and, in particular, when conducting an employment search for a position involving the exercise of substantial discretionary authority, such as a member of the executive team, a senior management position or an employee with financial management responsibilities. The Company shall make reasonable inquiries into the background of each individual who is a candidate for such a position. All such inquiries shall be made in accordance with applicable law and good business practice.
•
Access to the Code. The Company shall ensure that employees, officers and directors may access the Code on the Company’s website. In addition, each current employee will be provided with a copy of the Code. New employees will receive a copy of the Code as part of their new hire information. From time to time, the Company will sponsor employee training programs in which the Code and other Company policies and procedures will be discussed.
•
Monitoring. The officers of the Company shall be responsible to review the Code with all of the Company’s managers. In turn, the Company’s managers with supervisory responsibilities should review the Code with his/her direct reports. Managers are the “go to” persons for employee questions and concerns relating to the Code, especially in the event of a potential violation. Managers or supervisors will immediately report any violations or allegations of violations to the GC or CFO. Managers will work with the GC or CFO in assessing areas of concern, potential violations, any needs for enhancement of the Code or remedial actions to effect the Code’s policies and overall compliance with the Code and other related policies.
•
Auditing. An internal audit team selected by the Audit Committee will be responsible for auditing the Company’s compliance with the Code.
•
Internal Investigation. When an alleged violation of the Code is reported, the Company expects to take prompt and appropriate action in accordance with the law and regulations and otherwise consistent with good business practice. If the suspected violation appears to involve either a possible violation of law or an issue of significant corporate interest, or if the report involves a complaint or concern of any person, whether employee, a shareholder or other interested person regarding the Company’s financial disclosure, internal accounting controls, questionable auditing or accounting matters or practices or other issues relating to the Company’s accounting or auditing, then the manager or investigator should immediately notify the GC or CFO, who, in turn, shall notify the CEO and/or Chairman of the Audit Committee, as applicable. If a suspected violation involves any director or executive officer or if the suspected violation concerns any fraud, whether or not material, involving management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal controls, any person who received such report should immediately report the alleged violation to the GC or CFO, if appropriate, the CEO, and, in every such case, the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The GC, CFO or the Chairman of the Audit Committee, as applicable, shall assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action. At a point in the process consistent with the need not to compromise the investigation, a person who is suspected of a violation shall be apprised of the alleged violation and shall have an opportunity to provide a response to the investigator.
•
Disciplinary Actions. Subject to the following sentence, the GC or CFO, after consultation with the CEO, shall be responsible for implementing the appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures for any employee who is found to have violated the Code. If a violation has been reported to the Audit Committee or another committee of the Board, that committee shall be responsible for determining appropriate disciplinary action. Any violation of applicable law or any deviation from the standards embodied in this Code will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Any employee engaged in the exercise of substantial discretionary authority, including any Senior Officer, who is found to have engaged in a violation of law or unethical conduct in connection with the performance of his or her duties for the Company, shall be removed from his or her position and not assigned to any other position involving the exercise of substantial discretionary authority. In addition to imposing discipline upon employees involved in non-compliant conduct, the Company also will impose discipline, as appropriate, upon an employee’s supervisor, if any, who directs or approves such employees’ improper actions, or is aware of those actions but does not act appropriately to correct them, and upon other individuals who fail to report known non-compliant conduct.
In addition to imposing its own discipline, the Company will bring any violations of law to the attention of appropriate law enforcement personnel.
•
Retention of Reports and Complaints. All reports and complaints made to or received by the GC, CFO or the Chair of the Audit Committee shall be logged into a record maintained for this purpose by the GC or CFO and this record of such report shall be retained for five (5) years (or otherwise in accordance with any documentation retention policy followed by the Company).
•
Required Government Reporting. Whenever conduct occurs that requires a report to the government, the GC or CFO shall be responsible for complying with such reporting requirements.
•
Corrective Actions. Subject to the following sentence, in the event of a violation of the Code, the manager and the GC or CFO should assess the situation to determine whether the violation demonstrates a problem that requires remedial action as to Company policies and procedures. If a violation has been reported to the Audit Committee or another committee of the Board, that committee shall be responsible for determining appropriate remedial or corrective actions. Such corrective action may include providing revised public disclosure, retraining Company employees, modifying Company policies and procedures, improving monitoring of compliance under existing procedures and other action necessary to detect similar non- compliant conduct and prevent it from occurring in the future. Such corrective action shall be documented, as appropriate.
•
Publication of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics; Amendments and Waivers of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
The most current version of this Code will be posted and maintained on the Company’s website or filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Proxy Statements for its Annual Meetings of Stockholders shall disclose that the Code is maintained on the website or filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and shall disclose that substantive amendments and waivers will also be posted on the Company’s website.
Any substantive amendment or waiver of this Code (i.e., a material departure from the requirements of any provision) particularly applicable to or directed at executive officers or directors may be made only after approval by the Board of Directors and will be disclosed within four (4) business days of such action (a) on the Company’s website for a period of not less than twelve (12) months and (b) in a Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such disclosure shall include the reasons for any waiver. The Company shall retain the disclosure relating to any such amendment or waiver for less than five (5) years.
Approved: April 18, 2012
Amended: October 2014; August 2017; October 2020, March 2021, July 2023, May 2025
EX-19.1
14
vivs-ex19_1.htm
EX-19.1
EX-19.1
Exhibit 19.1
VIVOSIM LABS, INC.
INSIDER TRADING POLICY
1.
Policy Statement. This document sets forth the Insider Trading Policy (the “Policy”) of VivoSim Labs, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) regarding trading in the Company’s securities as described below and the disclosure or use of information concerning the Company. This Policy is designed to prevent insider trading or the appearance of impropriety, to satisfy the Company’s obligation to reasonably supervise the activities of Company personnel, and to help Company personnel avoid the severe consequences associated with violations of the insider trading laws. It is your obligation to understand and comply with this Policy. The Company has designated its General Counsel, or in the absence of a General Counsel, its Chief Financial Officer, as the Compliance Officer for this Policy (the “Compliance Officer”). Please contact the Compliance Officer if you have any questions regarding this Policy or the Trading Procedures described below.
2.
To Whom Does This Insider Trading Policy Apply? This Policy applies to the Company, its employees, consultants, contractors, officers, and members of the Board of Directors (collectively, “Company Personnel”). The restrictions in this Policy continue to apply following the end of any such individuals’ service to or employment with the Company until any material nonpublic information possessed by such individual has become public or is no longer material. The same restrictions that apply to Company Personnel under this Policy also apply to their immediate family members who reside with them or third parties living in the same household, and to any investment fund, trust, retirement plan, partnership, corporation or other entity over which Company Personnel have the ability to influence or direct investment decisions concerning securities. The same restrictions on insider trading that apply to Company Personnel also apply to their family members who do not live in their households but whose transactions in Company or other securities are directed by Company Personnel or are subject to their influence or control (such as parents or children who consult the person before they trade in Company or other securities). Company Personnel are responsible to ensure that trading in any securities by any such third party complies with this Policy.
3.
Companies Covered. In addition, the restrictions imposed by this Policy extend to transactions involving securities of other public companies, such as customers or suppliers of the Company and companies with which the Company may be negotiating major transactions, such as an acquisition, joint venture, investment or sale. Information that is not material to the Company may nevertheless be material to the other company. Therefore, Company Personnel who obtain material nonpublic information about another public company in the course of working for or providing services to the Company are subject to restrictions on trading in securities of that company or communicating that information to others.
4.
What Is Prohibited Under This Insider Trading Policy?
It is the Company’s policy that Company Personnel may not, except as otherwise provided for in this Policy, engage in transactions involving Company securities (either directly or indirectly through family members or other persons or entities), while aware of material nonpublic information.
When Company Personnel know or are in possession of material nonpublic information about the Company, they are generally prohibited from engaging in the following activities:
a)
Purchasing Company stock on the public market (except in connection with an employee stock purchase program or a pre-planned stock purchase under an approved Rule 10b5-1 plan), or purchasing any other type of securities in the public market that are convertible or exercisable for Company stock.
b)
Selling shares of Company stock (except in connection with a pre-planned sale under an approved Rule 10b5-1 plan or an approved “sell to cover” program adopted by the Company) in the public market. This restriction includes: (i) any sale of stock as part of a broker-assisted cashless exercise of an option, or any other market sale (with or without a broker) for the purpose of generating the cash needed to pay the exercise price and/or applicable taxes due upon exercise of an option or upon the vesting or settlement of restricted stock or restricted stock unit awards; (ii) the exercise of an option or a restricted stock award (if such award has an exercise price) via a net exercise with the Company (e.g., a type of cashless exercise transaction that involves the Company’s cancellation of shares and does not involve a sale of shares in the market place); and (iii) the payment of the exercise price and/or applicable taxes due upon exercise of an option or a restricted stock award (if such award has an exercise price) or the vesting or settlement of restricted stock or restricted stock unit awards by delivering stock in the Company held by such Company Personnel as payment for the exercise price and/or the applicable taxes, regardless of whether those shares are made available in the market place by the Company.
c)
Having others trade for such Company Personnel in the Company’s securities. Trades in Company shares held in street name in a person’s account or for his or her benefit at a brokerage firm are also prohibited if the person is otherwise prohibited from trading in Company securities. If a person invests in a “managed account” or arrangement (other than a Rule 10b5-1 plan discussed below), he or she should instruct the broker or advisor not to trade in Company securities on his or her behalf.
d)
Disclosing material nonpublic information about the Company to anyone else who might then trade on this information, unless the third party (i) owes a duty of confidence to the Company (e.g., an attorney, auditor or investment banker retained by the Company), or (ii) is subject to a confidentiality agreement in favor of the Company in which the person has agreed or is obligated to keep the information confidential. If that third party trades in Company securities, the person who communicated the information (as well as the third party) may be held personally liable under federal (or state) law for violation of securities laws. This practice, known as “tipping,” violates the securities laws and also can result in the same civil and criminal penalties that apply to insider trading, whether or not the person personally derives any benefit from the third party’s actions. This prohibition includes giving trading advice without actually disclosing material nonpublic information, such as a general statement that, “I would sell now if I were you, but I can’t tell you why.” As with each of the prohibitions on trading while aware of material nonpublic information discussed in this Policy, the prohibition on tipping also applies to material nonpublic information regarding securities of other public companies.
e)
Regardless of whether persons covered by this Policy are aware of material nonpublic information, they are prohibited from posting messages about the Company or its securities in Internet chat rooms, bulletin boards, blogs or other similar means of electronic distribution, whether under actual or fictitious names.
B.
Application to Stock Options
This Policy does not apply to the exercise of an employee stock option when payment of the exercise price and any applicable taxes is made in cash. In addition, Company Personnel may receive stock option grants and their options may vest regardless of whether they are in possession of material nonpublic information.
As noted above, the Policy does apply to (i) any sale of stock as part of a broker-assisted cashless exercise of an option, or any other market sale for the purpose of generating the cash needed to pay the exercise price and/or applicable taxes due upon exercise of an option; (ii) the exercise of an option via a net exercise with the Company (e.g., a type of cashless exercise transaction that involves the Company’s cancellation of shares and does not involve a sale of shares in the market place); and (iii) the payment of the exercise price and/or applicable taxes due upon exercise of an option by delivering stock in the Company as payment for the exercise price and/or the applicable taxes, regardless of whether those shares are made available in the market place by the Company.
C.
Application to Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
Company Personnel may receive awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units regardless of whether they are in possession of material nonpublic information about the Company. In addition, awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units may vest and settle while Company Personnel are aware of material nonpublic information. However, Company Personnel are prohibited, while aware of material nonpublic information, from selling in the open market any of the underlying shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units awarded to that person. As noted above, the Policy applies to: (i) any market sale (with or without a broker) for the purpose of generating the cash needed to pay the exercise price and/or applicable taxes due upon the vesting or settlement of restricted stock or restricted stock unit awards; (ii) the exercise of a restricted stock award (if such award has an exercise price) via a net exercise with the Company (e.g., a type of cashless exercise transaction that involves the Company’s cancellation of shares and does not involve a sale of shares in the market place); and (iii) the payment of the exercise price and/or applicable taxes due upon exercise of a restricted stock award (if such award has an exercise price) or the vesting or settlement of restricted stock or restricted stock unit awards by delivering stock in the Company as payment for the exercise price and/or the applicable taxes, regardless of whether those shares are made available in the market place by the Company.
This Policy does not apply to the exercise of a restricted stock award when payment of the exercise price and any applicable taxes is made in cash.
D.
Application to 401(k) Plan
This Policy does not apply to purchases of Company stock in the Company’s 401(k) plan resulting from periodic contributions of money to the 401(k) plan pursuant to payroll deduction elections. This Policy does apply, however, to certain elections that may be made under the 401(k) plan, including: (i) an election to increase or decrease the percentage of periodic contributions that will be allocated to the Company stock fund, if any; (ii) an election to make an intra-plan transfer of an existing account balance into or out of the Company stock fund; (iii) an election to borrow money against a 401(k) plan account if the loan will result in a liquidation of some or all of a participant’s Company stock fund balance; and (iv) an election to pre-pay a plan loan if the pre-payment will result in allocation of loan proceeds to the Company stock fund. Please also refer to the Section titled “Pre-Clearance for Directors and Section 16 Officers” below.
E.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
This Policy does not apply to purchases of Company stock in any employee stock purchase plan of the Company resulting from periodic contributions of money to the plan pursuant to the elections made at the time of enrollment in the plan. This Policy also does not apply to purchases of Company stock resulting from lump-sum contributions to the plan; provided that the participant elected to participate by lump-sum payment at the beginning of the applicable enrollment period. This Policy does apply to a participant’s election to participate, or increase his or her participation, in the plan, and to a participant’s sales of Company stock purchased pursuant to the plan.
5.
What Is Material Nonpublic Information?
Information is material if there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider it important in making a voting or investment decision about the Company (i.e., deciding whether to buy, hold or sell the Company’s stock). Therefore, any information that could reasonably be expected to affect the price of the Company’s stock is potentially material. Both positive and negative information can be material. While it may be difficult under this standard to determine whether particular information is material, there are various categories of information that are particularly sensitive and, as a general rule, should always be considered material. Examples of such information may include:
a)
Projections of future earnings or losses or other earnings guidance, and any changes to previously announced earnings guidance or any decision to suspend earnings guidance;
b)
Earnings that are inconsistent with external guidance from the Company or with market expectations;
c)
News of a pending or proposed merger, acquisition or tender offer;
d)
News of a significant sale or acquisition of assets or the expansion or curtailment of operations (including a significant new contract or loss of business);
e)
Significant changes in dividend policies or the declaration of a stock split;
f)
News of strategic partnerships, joint ventures, collaborations or other relationships;
g)
Significant changes in senior management or membership of the Board of Directors;
h)
Significant new products, services or discoveries;
i)
Significant regulatory actions, including receipt or denial of a significant regulatory application for clearance or approval of products or material correspondence from regulatory bodies;
j)
Communications with government agencies, such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”);
k)
The gain or loss of, or a significant change to the terms of the Company’s relationship with, a substantial customer or supplier;
l)
The commencement of, or significant development regarding, any significant litigation, or the resolution of such litigation;
m)
A decision by the Company to borrow a significant amount of money;
n)
Impending bankruptcy or financial liquidity problems;
o)
Defaults on borrowings;
p)
A decision by the Company to offer securities in a public or private offering or repurchase or redeem any Company securities currently owned by the public; of availability;
q)
A significant change in the Company’s capital expenditure program;
r)
Information regarding the Company’s quarterly revenues or performance or customer adoption rates;
s)
A change in auditors or notification that an auditor’s report may no longer be relied upon; Significant write-downs in assets or increases or decreases in revenues;
u)
A significant cybersecurity incident;
v)
Significant shifts in operating or financial circumstances; and
w)
The imposition of an event-specific restriction on trading in Company securities or the securities of another company or the extension or termination of such restriction.
The foregoing are merely examples and should not be treated as an all-inclusive list. There may be other developments not listed above that may be material as well.
The materiality of information is determined on a case-by-case basis in light of all the facts and circumstances. All securities transactions will be viewed after-the-fact with the benefit of hindsight. As a result, before engaging in any transaction, a person should carefully consider how regulators and others might view his or her transaction in hindsight. If you have any questions of whether or not information is material, please contact the Compliance Officer.
“Nonpublic” information is information that the Company has not released publicly, either by a press release or by a filing with the SEC, or is not otherwise available publicly. As a general rule, information is not considered to be “public” until two (2) full trading days have elapsed after the broad dissemination of the Company’s announcement. Therefore, a person who was aware of the material information prior to its public release should not engage in any open market transactions in Company securities until at least the commencement of quotations on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) on the third trading day after such information is publicly released (i.e., the next trading day after two (2) full trading days have elapsed since the release of such information), whether through a report filed with the SEC or through major news wire services, or recognized news services. For example, if an announcement is made on a Monday before trading on the Nasdaq opens (i.e., before 9:30 a.m. (EST)), a person who was aware of the information in the announcement prior to its public release would not be able to trade until the opening of trading on the Nasdaq on Wednesday. If an announcement is made after trading on the Nasdaq closes on a Monday, such person would not be able to trade until the opening of trading on the Nasdaq on Thursday.
Short sales of Company securities (i.e. the sale of a security that the seller does not own) may evidence an expectation on the part of the seller that the securities will decline in value, and therefore have the potential to signal to the market that the seller lacks confidence in the Company’s prospects. In addition, short sales may reduce a seller’s incentive to seek to improve the Company’s performance. Moreover, Section 16(c) of the Exchange Act (“Section 16”) expressly prohibits Board members and Section 16 officers from engaging in short sales. For these reasons, short sales of Company securities by Company Personnel are prohibited.
B.
Publicly-Traded Options.
A transaction in a publicly-traded option is, in effect, a bet on the short-term movement of the Company’s stock and may create the appearance that Company Personnel are trading on material nonpublic information and focus Company Personnel’s attention on short-term performance at the expense of the Company’s long-term objectives. Accordingly, transactions in put options, call options or other derivative securities, on an exchange or in any other organized market, are prohibited by this Policy.
Hedging and monetization transactions can be accomplished through a number of possible mechanisms, including through the use of financial instruments such as prepaid variable forwards, equity swaps, collars and exchange funds. Such hedging transactions may permit Company Personnel to continue to own Company securities obtained through employee benefit plans or otherwise, but without the full risks and rewards or ownership. When that occurs, the interests of Company Personnel and the interests of the Company and its shareholders may be misaligned and may signal a message to the trading market that may not be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders at the time it is convened. Accordingly, Company Personnel are prohibited from engaging in any such transaction.
D.
Margin Accounts and Pledged Securities.
Securities held in a margin account as collateral for a margin loan may be sold by the broker without the customer’s consent if the customer fails to meet a margin call. Similarly, securities pledged (or hypothecated) as collateral for a loan may be sold in foreclosure if the borrower defaults on the loan. Because a margin or foreclosure sale may occur at a time when the pledger is aware of material nonpublic information or otherwise is not permitted to trade in Company securities, Company Personnel are prohibited from holding Company securities in a margin account or otherwise pledging Company securities as collateral for a loan.
Standing orders should be used only for a very brief period of time. A standing order placed with a broker or other nominee to sell or purchase stock at a specified price leaves an employee, officer or director of the Company with no control over the timing of the transaction. A standing order transaction executed by the broker or other nominee when such employee, officer or director of the Company is aware of material nonpublic information may result in unlawful insider trading.
Because charitable and other nonprofit organizations may sell securities given to them very soon after receiving them, and because there is also the potential for manipulation (or perceived manipulation) by the donor to gain a larger tax deduction by donating securities before the release of material negative news, charitable gifts may not be made at a time when the donor is aware of material nonpublic information.
7.
Post-Employment Transactions. If a person is aware of material nonpublic information about the Company when his or her employment with the Company ends, this Policy’s restrictions on trading and communicating material nonpublic information will continue to apply. Such a person may not trade in Company securities until that information has become public or is no longer material. Please contact the Compliance Officer or his or her designee to further discuss when you will be free to trade in the Company’s securities after your employment with the Company ends.
8.
Blackout Period. From time to time, the Compliance Officer may designate as “Insiders” certain Company Personnel who, in the ordinary course of the performance of their duties for the Company, have routine access to material nonpublic information regarding the Company. All Company Personnel designated by the Compliance Officer as “Insiders Subject to Blackout Periods” may not trade in securities in the open market during a no-trade period (“Blackout Period”). An exception to this prohibition may apply for transactions effected pursuant to a pre-approved Rule 10b5-1 plan or an approved “sell to cover” program adopted by the Company as discussed below and as otherwise pre-approved by the Compliance Officer. The quarterly Blackout Period begins on the date that is two weeks prior to the end of every fiscal quarter (i.e. March 17, June 16, September 16 and December 17) and continues until the close of the first full trading day after the Company’s earnings for that quarter are publicly released. The Compliance Officer may impose additional Blackout Periods for all or some Company Personnel when the Company may be aware of material nonpublic information as the Compliance Officer deems necessary or appropriate. Any person made aware of the existence of an additional Blackout Period should not disclose the existence of such additional Blackout Period to any other person. The failure of the Company to designate a person as being subject to an additional Blackout Period will not relieve that person of the obligation not to trade while he or she is aware of material nonpublic information.
In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 prohibits all trades of Company securities by Directors and Section 16 officers of the Company during a “pension fund blackout period.” A pension fund blackout period exists whenever 50% or more of the participants in a Company benefit plan are unable to conduct transactions in their Company common stock accounts for more than three (3) consecutive business days. These blackout periods typically occur when there is a change in the benefit plan’s trustee, record keeper or investment manager. Individuals that are subject to these blackout periods will be contacted when these periods are instituted from time to time.
9.
Pre-Clearance. The Company has determined that all directors and officers and their family members must refrain from transacting in the Company’s securities without first obtaining pre-clearance from the Compliance Officer or one of his or her designees before transacting in Company securities.
A.
The individual must notify the Compliance Officer of the amount and nature of the proposed trade(s) using the Pre-Clearance form attached to this Policy.
B.
If practicable, the Pre-Clearance Form should be submitted to the Compliance Officer at least two (2) business days prior to the date of the intended trade date.
C.
The existence of this approval process does not obligate the Compliance Officer to approve any particular trade requested by an individual. From time to time, an event may occur that is material to the Company and is known by only a few Directors or Executives. So long as the event remains material and nonpublic, the Compliance Officer may determine not to approve any transactions in the Company’s securities. If an individual requests clearance to trade in the Company’s securities during the pendency of such an event, the Compliance Officer may reject the trading request without disclosing the reason.
D.
After receiving written clearance to engage in a trade by the Compliance Officer, the individual must complete the proposed trade within five (5) business days of the intended date disclosed on the Pre-Clearance Form or make a new trading request.
The Company’s Pre-Clearance form is annexed as Attachment B, to be completed and provided to the Compliance Officer.
Neither the Company nor the Compliance Officer (i) will have any liability for any delay in reviewing, or refusal of, a Pre-Clearance form or a pre-clearance request, or (ii) assumes any liability for the legality or consequences of any transaction that is the subject of a pre-clearance request to the party requesting such pre-clearance.
10.
Rule 10b5-1 Plans. Under SEC Rule 10b5-1, a person may have an affirmative defense to insider trading liability for transactions in Company securities that are effected pursuant to a written contract or plan meeting certain requirements. In short, the rule presents an opportunity for a person to pre-arrange a sale or purchase of Company securities (including the exercise of an option or a restricted stock award), provided that, at the time the person establishes such a plan, he or she is not aware of material nonpublic information.
As required by SEC Rule 10b5-1, a director, officer or other employee of the Company may implement, amend or terminate a trading plan under SEC Rule 10b5-1 only when he or she is not in possession of material nonpublic information and provided that such individual and trading plan comply with the provisions under Attachment C annexed hereto. Any director, officer or other employee of the Company who wishes to implement a trading plan under SEC Rule 10b5‑1 must first pre-clear the plan with the Compliance Officer at least four (4) days prior to the entry into the plan, and must also pre-clear any amendment to such plan and any termination of a plan in advance of its expiration date, with the Compliance Officer. Except as set forth above, no further pre-approval of transactions conducted pursuant to trading plan under SEC Rule 10b5‑1 will be required. The terms of any trading plan under SEC Rule 10b5-1 adopted by an officer or director of the Company must be publicly disclosed by the Company in accordance with Item 408 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC.
In addition, the Company requires pre-approval by the Compliance Officer or one of his or her designees and the approval of the Audit Committee of all Rule 10b5-1 plans relating to Company securities established by Directors and Section 16 officers. Rule 10b5-1 plans of all other Insiders must be pre-approved by the Compliance Officer.
For employees who are not Section 16 officers, the Company may adopt a “sell to cover” program that complies with the requirements of SEC Rule 10b5-1 to facilitate the ability of a non-Section 16 officer to sell shares in the public market for the purpose of generating the cash needed to pay the exercise price and/or applicable taxes due upon exercise of an option or upon the vesting or settlement of restricted stock or restricted stock unit awards.
11.
Section 16 Liability – Directors and Officers. Directors and certain officers of the Company must also comply with the reporting obligations and limitations on short-swing profit transactions set forth in Section 16. The practical effect of these provisions is that these officers and directors who purchase and sell the Company’s securities in non-exempt transactions (under Section 16) within a six-month period must disgorge all profits to the Company whether or not they had knowledge of any material nonpublic information. Under these provisions, and so long as certain other criteria are met, neither the receipt of stock or stock options under the Company’s stock plans, nor the exercise of options nor the receipt of stock under a Company dividend reinvestment plan or the Company’s 401(k) retirement plan is deemed a purchase that can be matched against a sale for Section 16(b) short-swing profit disgorgement purposes; however, the sale of any such shares so obtained is a sale for these purposes. The Company will provide separate memoranda and other appropriate materials to the affected officers and directors regarding compliance with Section 16 and its related rules upon request.
The rules on recovery of short-swing profits are absolute and do not depend on whether a person has material nonpublic information.
12.
Responsible Party. The Company’s Compliance Officer is responsible for administering this Policy.
13.
Waivers. A waiver of any provision of this Policy in a specific instance may be authorized in writing by the Compliance Officer in consultation with the Chair of the Audit Committee or the Chair of the Company’s Board of Directors. Any such waiver shall be reported to the Board of Directors.
14.
Suspected Violations. Any director, officer, other employee or consultant of the Company who knows of or suspects a violation of this Policy should report the violation immediately to the Compliance Officer or through the procedures for reporting outlined in the Company’s Code of Conduct and Ethics. The Company will comply with all requests from the SEC, The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., Nasdaq and any other quotation system or national securities exchange on which the Company’s common stock is then traded or listed, and other agencies for information related to insider trading investigations.
15.
Amendments. This Policy will be subject to the periodic review of our Board of Directors. The Company anticipates that modifications to this Policy will be necessary from time to time as the Company’s needs and circumstances evolve, and as applicable legal or listing standards change. The Company reserves the right to amend, supplement or discontinue this Policy and the matters addressed herein, without prior notice, at any time. However, employees are expected to adhere to this Policy, and the procedures established under it, until they receive any contrary instruction from the Compliance Officer.
16.
Acknowledgement. This Policy will be delivered to all Company Personnel at the start of their employment or relationship with the Company. Upon first receiving a copy of this Policy, each recipient must acknowledge that he or she has received a copy and agrees to comply with the terms of the Policy. All Company Personnel shall return the acknowledgement attached hereto within ten (10) days of receipt to the Company’s Compliance Officer c/o VivoSim Labs, Inc., 11555 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92121. Company Personnel will be required upon the Company’s request to re-acknowledge and agree to comply with this Policy (including any amendments or modifications thereto).
Failure to observe this Insider Trading Policy could lead to significant adverse legal problems, and could have other serious consequences up to and including termination of employment. Questions regarding this Policy are encouraged and may be directed to the Compliance Officer.
ATTACHMENT A
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I, ___________________________, certify that:
1.
I have read, understand, and agree to comply with, the Company’s Restrictions on Buying and Selling Stock and Securities (Insider Trading Policy), revised in May 2025.
2.
I acknowledge and agree that I am responsible for ensuring compliance by all of my “Affiliated Persons.”
3.
I will comply with the Company’s Insider Trading Policy for as long as I am subject to the Policy.
Signature: _____________________________
Print Name: _____________________________
Date: ___________________________________
ATTACHMENT B
PRE-CLEARANCE FORM
|
|
Name:_______________________________ |
Date:________________________________ |
This is to advise you that I intend to execute a transaction in VivoSim Labs, Inc. (the “Company”) securities on or about ____________________and hereby request that the Company pre-clear the transaction as required by the Company’s Insider Trading Policy.
The general nature of the transaction is as follows:
☐ Purchase shares of Company stock on the open market
☐ Sell shares of Company stock on the open market
☐ Option exercise involving the sale of shares to cover the exercise price of some or all of the options
☐ Transfer shares of Company stock to another person (includes family members)
☐ Other (explain) _______
I have read and understand the Insider Trading Policy and certify that the above proposed transaction will not violate the Policy.
I certify that I am not in possession of any material nonpublic information about the Company and will not enter into the transaction if I come into possession of material nonpublic information about the Company between the date hereof and the proposed execution date.
I agree to advise the Company promptly if, as a result of future developments, any of the foregoing information becomes inaccurate or incomplete in any respect. I understand that the Company may require additional information about the transaction, and agree to provide such information upon request.
|
|
Print Name: ________________________ |
Signed: __________________________ |
|
|
Approved By:
___________________________________ Chief Financial Officer or General Counsel
Transaction order must be placed prior to: |
Signed: __________________________
______________________________
|
ATTACHMENT C
RULE 10B5-1 PLAN GUIDELINES
Any officer, director or other employee of the Company (a “participant”) adopting a trading plan (the “Plan”) under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and each such Plan, must meet the following the requirements.
1.
The Plan must be a written plan or binding agreement entered into with a national brokerage firm or other financial professional reasonably acceptable to the Company.
2.
The Plan must clearly state that both the Plan participant and the brokerage firm intend that all transactions will comply with Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act (“Rule 10b5-1”).
3.
The Plan must include a representation by the participant to the Company at the time of adoption or modification of the Plan that (i) the participant is not aware of any material nonpublic information about the Company or Company securities, and (ii) the participant is adopting the Plan in good faith and not as part of a plan or scheme to evade the prohibitions of Rule 10b-5 under the Exchange Act.
4.
The participant is solely responsible for determining Plan compliance with Rule 10b5-1 and other applicable laws and regulations. Preclearance of the Plan by the Company should not be characterized or understood to signify consent, approval or a legal opinion as to the Plan’s effectiveness or the participant’s compliance with Rule 10b5-1.
5.
The Plan must be adopted while the Company is not in a Blackout Period.
6.
For Plan participants that are officers and directors, no transaction may take place under the Plan until the later of (a) ninety (90) days after adoption or modification (as specified in Rule 10b5-1) of the Plan, or (b) two (2) business days following the disclosure of the Company’s financial results in a Form 10-Q or Form 10-K for the fiscal quarter (the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of a Form 10-K) in which the Plan was adopted or modified (as specified in Rule 10b5-1), in all cases not to exceed one hundred twenty (120) days after adoption or modification of the Plan.
7.
For Plan participants other than officers and directors, no transaction may take place under the Plan until thirty (30) days following the adoption or modification (as specified in Rule 10b5‑1) of the Plan.
8.
Subject to certain limited exceptions specified in Rule 10b5-1, Plan participants may not have more than one Plan outstanding at the same time.
9.
The Plan participant may not be at the time of entering into the Plan, and may not during the term of the Plan become, a party to a corresponding or hedging transaction involving Company securities.
10.
The Plan participant must cooperate with the Company’s decisions regarding public disclosure of the Plan. If the Plan participant is a director or officer, the Plan participant (i) acknowledges that the Company and such director or officer must make certain disclosures in SEC filings concerning the Plan, and (ii) must promptly provide any information requested by the Company regarding the Plan (including any amendment or termination thereof) for the purpose of providing the required disclosures or any other disclosures that the Company deems to be required or appropriate under the circumstances.
11.
Although modifications to the Plan are not prohibited, the Plan should be adopted with the intention that it will not be amended, modified or terminated prior to its expiration.
12.
The Plan must provide for multiple transactions (as opposed to a single transaction); provided that Plan participants may, subject to certain limited exceptions specified in Rule 10b5-1, adopt one Plan that provides for a single transaction in any consecutive twelve-month period.
13.
The Plan must provide for same-day confirmation (by e-mail) by the financial institution to one or more individuals specified by the Company of each transaction made under the Plan, and of any proposed modification, amendment or termination of the Plan.
14.
If required with respect to a transaction under the Plan, an SEC Form 144 will be filled out and filed by the participant or the participant’s brokerage firm in accordance with the existing rules regarding Form 144 filings. For directors and officers, Form 4s should be filed timely with respect to transactions under the Plan. A similar footnote should be included in the Form 4 as outlined above.
EX-21.1
15
vivs-ex21_1.htm
EX-21.1
EX-21.1
Exhibit 21.1
Subsidiaries of VivoSim Labs, Inc.
I.
Organovo, Inc., a Delaware corporation
II.
VivoSim, Inc., a Delaware corporation We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements on Form S-8 (No.
EX-23.1
16
vivs-ex23_1.htm
EX-23.1
EX-23.1
Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
333-275845), (No. 333-268001), (No. 333-260910), (No. 333-254714), (No. 333-226839), (No. 333-213345), (No. 333-209395), (No. 333-192248), and (No. 333-181324), and Form S-3 (No. 333-276722) of our report dated June 5, 2025, relating to the consolidated financial statements of VivoSim Labs, Inc. as of March 31, 2025 and for the year then ended, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2025. Our report contains an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
/s/ Rosenberg Rich Baker Berman, P.A.
Somerset, New Jersey
June 5, 2025
EX-31.1
17
vivs-ex31_1.htm
EX-31.1
EX-31.1
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Keith Murphy, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of VivoSim Labs, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
|
|
|
Dated: June 5, 2025 |
|
/s/ Keith Murphy |
|
|
Keith Murphy |
|
|
Executive Chairman
(Principal Executive Officer)
|
EX-31.2
18
vivs-ex31_2.htm
EX-31.2
EX-31.2
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Norman Staskey, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of VivoSim Labs, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
|
|
|
Dated: June 5, 2025 |
|
/s/ Norman Staskey |
|
|
Norman Staskey |
|
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
(Principal Financial Officer) |
EX-32.1
19
vivs-ex32_1.htm
EX-32.1
EX-32.1
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of VivoSim Labs, Inc. (the “Company”) for the year ended March 31, 2025, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), Keith Murphy and Norman Staskey, do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to their knowledge that:
•
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
•
The information in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: June 5, 2025
|
/s/ Keith Murphy |
Keith Murphy |
Executive Chairman (Principal Executive Officer) |
|
/s/ Norman Staskey |
Norman Staskey |
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) |
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
This certification accompanies the Report, is not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (whether made before or after the date of the Report), irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.