8-K
--12-31 false 0001422142 0001422142 2021-08-26 2021-08-26 0001422142 dei:FormerAddressMember 2021-08-26 2021-08-26

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 26, 2021

 

 

AADI BIOSCIENCE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-38560   61-1547850

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

17383 Sunset Boulevard, Suite A250

Pacific Palisades, California

  90272
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (424) 473-8055

Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

c/o 10663 Loveland-Madeira Road #168

Loveland, OH 45140

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

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share   AADI   The Nasdaq Capital Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

 

 


Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

Contingent Value Rights Agreement

On August 26, 2021, the Company (as defined in Item 2.01 below) entered into a contingent value rights agreement (the “CVR Agreement”) with Cheryl Cohen, as Holder Representative (as defined in the CVR Agreement), and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent (as defined in the CVR Agreement), in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement (as defined in Item 2.01 below). Pursuant to the CVR Agreement, each holder of Aerpio (as defined in Item 2.01 below) common stock as of immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (as defined in Item 2.01 below) is entitled to one contingent value right (“CVR”) for each outstanding share of Aerpio common stock held by such stockholder as of immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (less applicable withholding taxes), each representing the right to receive contingent payments upon the occurrence of certain events set forth in, and subject to and in accordance with, the terms and conditions of the CVR Agreement. Each CVR entitles the holder thereof to receive 90% of the net proceeds (calculated as gross consideration minus certain permitted deductions), if any, under the CVR covered agreements. The CVRs are not transferable, except in certain limited circumstances as provided in the CVR Agreement, are not certificated or evidenced by any instrument and are not registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or listed for trading on any exchange.

A more complete summary of the terms of the CVR Agreement is set forth in the Proxy Statement in the section titled “Agreement Related to the Merger—CVR Agreement” beginning on page 167 of the Proxy Statement. That summary and the foregoing description are not complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the CVR Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 2.01. Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

On August 26, 2021, Aadi Bioscience, Inc. (the “Company”) (formerly known as Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., or “Aerpio”) completed its business combination with Aadi Subsidiary, Inc. (formerly known as Aadi Bioscience, Inc., or “Aadi”), in accordance with the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated May 16, 2021, by and among the Company, Aspen Merger Subsidiary, Inc. (“Merger Sub”) and Aadi (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which Merger Sub merged with and into Aadi, with Aadi surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Merger”). In addition, the PIPE Investors (as defined below) purchased an aggregate of 11,852,863 shares of Common Stock concurrently with the closing of the Merger for an aggregate purchase price of $155,000,0000 (collectively, the “PIPE Financing”) pursuant to the Subscription Agreement dated May 16, 2021 (the “Subscription Agreement”) with the purchasers named therein (the “PIPE Investors”). In connection with the PIPE Financing, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) with the PIPE Investors which provides the PIPE Investors with certain registration rights that require the Company to file a Registration Statement on Form S-3 with the SEC within 30 days after the closing of the PIPE Financing for the purposes of registering the resale of the shares issued to the PIPE Investors.

Also, on August 26, 2021, in connection with and immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”), the Company effected a reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”), at a ratio of 15:1 (the “Reverse Stock Split”), and changed its name from “Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.” to “Aadi Bioscience, Inc.” (the “Name Change”). Following the completion of the Merger, the business conducted by the Company became primarily the business conducted by Aadi, a clinical-stage, biopharmaceutical company focused on precision therapies for genetically-defined cancers with alteration in mTOR pathway genes.


Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Company issued shares of its Common Stock to Aadi’s stockholders, at an exchange ratio of 0.3172 shares of Common Stock (taking into account the Reverse Stock Split), in exchange for each share of Aadi common stock outstanding as of the Effective Time (including the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of all shares of preferred stock and convertible notes prior to the Effective Time). The Company also assumed all of the stock options issued and outstanding under the Aadi Amended and Restated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, (the “Aadi Plan”) and issued and outstanding stock options of Aadi, with such stock options henceforth representing the right to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock equal to 0.3172 multiplied by the number of shares of Aadi’s common stock previously represented by such stock options immediately prior to the closing of the Merger.

Immediately following the Effective Time and after giving effect to the PIPE Financing, there were approximately 20.8 million shares of Common Stock outstanding (post Reverse Stock Split). Immediately following the Effective Time and after giving effect to the PIPE Financing, the former Aadi stockholders owned approximately 29.2% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, on a fully-diluted basis, the Company’s stockholders immediately prior to the Merger, whose shares of Common Stock remain outstanding after the Merger, owned approximately 15.2% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, on a fully-diluted basis, and the PIPE Investors owned approximately 55.6% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, on a fully-diluted basis.

The issuance of the shares of Common Stock to the former stockholders of Aadi and the PIPE Investors were exempt from registration with the SEC pursuant to Rule 506 of Regulation D. The issuance of the shares of Common Stock (i) to the former holders of Aadi common stock and to the PIPE Investors will be registered with the SEC on a Registration Statement on Form S-3 and (ii) to holders of stock options issued, or to be issued, under the Aadi Plan will be registered with the SEC on a Registration Statement on Form S-8.

The Common Stock, which was previously listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) and traded through the close of business on August 26, 2021, under the ticker symbol “ARPO,” will commence trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on a post-Reverse Stock Split adjusted basis, under the ticker symbol “AADI” on August 27, 2021. The Common Stock has a new CUSIP number, 00032Q 104.

The foregoing description of the Merger Agreement, the Subscription Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Reverse Stock Split and the Name Change do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Merger Agreement that was filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 17, 2021, the full text of the Subscription Agreement that was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 17, 2021, the full text of the Registration Rights Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.3 hereto, and is incorporated herein by reference, and the amended and restated certificate of incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split and the Name Change, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 3.1 hereto, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 3.02. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement and the Subscription Agreement, the Company issued shares of Common Stock, options to purchase shares of Common Stock. The nature of the transaction and the nature and amount of consideration received by the Company are described in Item 2.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K, which is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.02. Such issuances were exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated thereunder.

Item 3.03. Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.

To the extent required by Item 3.03 of Form 8-K, the information contained in Item 2.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K regarding the Reverse Stock Split is incorporated by reference herein.

As previously disclosed, at a special meeting of the Company’s stockholders held on August 17, 2021 (the “Special Meeting”), the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the certificate of incorporation of the Company to effect the Reverse Stock Split.

On August 26, 2021, in connection with the Merger and effective upon filing, immediately prior to the Effective Time, the Company filed its amended and restated certificate of incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split and the Name Change. As of the opening of trading on Nasdaq on August 27, 2021, the Common Stock will begin to trade on a Reverse Stock Split-adjusted basis.


As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, the number of issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split was reduced into a smaller number of shares, such that every 15 shares of Common Stock held by a stockholder immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split were combined and reclassified into one share of Common Stock after the Reverse Stock Split. Immediately following the Reverse Stock Split, the Merger and the PIPE Financing, there were approximately 20.8 million shares of Common Stock outstanding.

No fractional shares were issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. In accordance with the amended and restated certificate of incorporation of the Company, each stockholder who would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a share of Common Stock upon the consummation of the Reverse Stock Split (after aggregating all fractions of a share to which such stockholder would otherwise be entitled) shall, in lieu thereof, be entitled to receive a cash payment in an amount equal to the fractional shares to which the stockholder would otherwise be entitled multiplied by $32.71, the average last reported sales price of Common Stock at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, end of regular trading hours on Nasdaq during the ten consecutive trading days ending on August 25, 2021, the trading day prior to the date the amended and restated certificate of incorporation was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (calculated after giving effect to the Reverse Stock Split).

In accordance with the amended and restated certificate of incorporation of the Company, no corresponding adjustment was made with respect to the Company’s authorized Common Stock or preferred stock. The Reverse Stock Split has no effect on the par value of the Common Stock or preferred stock of the Company. Immediately after the Reverse Stock Split, prior to giving effect to the Merger, each stockholder’s percentage ownership interest in the Company and proportional voting power remained unchanged, other than as a result of the rounding to eliminate fractional shares, as described in the preceding paragraph. The rights and privileges of the holders of shares of Common Stock will be unaffected by the Reverse Stock Split.

The foregoing description of the amended and restated certificate of incorporation of the Company to effect the Reverse Stock Split is not complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the amended and restated certificate of incorporation, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 3.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 5.01. Changes in Control of Registrant.

The information set forth in Item 2.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.01.

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each of the directors of the Company who would not be continuing as directors after the completion of the Merger resigned from the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) and any respective committees of the Board to which they belonged as of the closing of the Merger. In connection with the Merger, the size of the Board post-Merger was set at a total of seven directors. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, three of such directors were designated by the Company pre-Merger, three of such directors were designated by Aadi and one director was to be mutually agreed upon by the Company and Aadi.

In accordance with the Merger Agreement, on August 26, 2021, immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger, Joseph Gardner, Ph.D., Steven Prelack, Pravin Dugel, M.D. and Cheryl Cohen resigned from the Board and any respective committees of the Board to which they belonged.

Following such resignations and effective as of the Effective Time, the following individuals were appointed to the following classes of the Board, to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders at which the members of such director’s class are to stand for election (subject to the Company’s amended and restated bylaws) or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal or until such director’s successor is duly elected and qualified:

 

Director    Class
Caley Castelein, M.D. (Chair)    Class I
Neil Desai, Ph.D.    Class I
Anupam Dalal, M.D.    Class II
Karin Hehenberger, M.D., Ph.D.    Class II
Behzad Aghazadeh, Ph.D.    Class III
Richard Maroun    Class III


The seventh board seat for a Class III director will remain vacant until such time as the Board elects a new member or chooses to eliminate the seat.

Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, on August 26, 2021, effective as of the Effective Time, Joseph Gardner, Ph.D., Steven Prelack, Pravin Dugel, M.D. and Cheryl Cohen resigned from the Board and any respective committees of the Board on which they served, which resignations were not the result of any disagreements with the Company relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.

Termination of Executive Officers

Also, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, on August 26, 2021, effective as of the Effective Time, the Company terminated the employment of Joseph Gardner, Ph.D., the Company’s Principal Executive Officer, and Regina Marek, the Company’s Vice President, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer. In connection with the termination of their employment, such officers resigned from all of the positions they held with the Company and its subsidiaries. Ms. Marek will continue to serve as a consultant to the Company.

Appointment of Officers

Effective as of the Effective Time, the Board appointed Neil Desai, Ph.D., as the Company’s President, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary and Lance Thibault as the Company’s interim Chief Financial Officer. There are no family relationships among any of the Company’s directors and executive officers.

Neil Desai, Ph.D.

Dr. Desai, aged 56, is the founder of Aadi and has served as Aadi’s President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Aadi’s board of directors since Aadi’s founding in October 2011. From October 2010 to October 2016, Dr. Desai served as Vice President, Strategic Platforms at Celgene Corporation (now Bristol Myers Squibb), a global biopharmaceutical company. Prior to Celgene, Dr. Desai served as Senior Vice President, Global Research and Development at Abraxis BioScience, Inc., a biotechnology company, from November 2008 until Abraxis BioScience was acquired by Celgene Corporation in October 2010 and as Vice President, Research & Development at Abraxis BioScience from March 1999 to October 2008. Dr. Desai has also previously served in positions of increasing seniority at American BioScience, Inc. and its predecessor companies. Dr. Desai holds a M.S and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University Institute of Chemical Technology in Mumbai, India. We believe Dr. Desai is qualified to serve as a director based on his leadership track record, broad experience in the life sciences industry, and his service as Aadi’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

Lance Thibault

Mr. Thibault, aged 55, has served as Interim Chief Financial Officer of Aadi since July 2021. Since January 2014, Mr. Thibault has served as managing director of Danforth Advisors, LLC providing operational, financial and strategic services at a number of private and public pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, including from February 2017 to April 2018, Mr. Thibault served as Acting Chief Financial Officer of Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc (NASDAQ: PIRS), a clinical-stage biotechnology company, and from April 2015 to August 2016, Mr. Thibault’s served as Interim Chief Financial Officer of Proteostasis Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: PTI). Prior to 2010, Mr. Thibault was Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of deCODE genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: DCGN), and a director at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Mr. Thibault is a C.P.A. and received his B.S. in Accountancy from Bentley University.

Agreements with Dr. Desai and Mr. Thibault

Aadi and Dr. Desai are currently party to an amended and restated executive employment agreement, dated as of August 26, 2021 (referred to as the “Desai Employment Agreement”). Dr. Desai’s employment under the Desai Employment Agreement is at will and may be terminated at any time by Aadi or him. The Desai Employment Agreement provides for Dr. Desai’s position as chief executive officer of Aadi, an initial annual base salary equal to $600,000, eligibility for a discretionary annual bonus of up to 60% of annual base salary, eligibility to receive equity awards under the Company’s incentive plans or other arrangements, subject to the discretion of the Board or its authorized committee, and entitlement to participate in benefit plans that are generally available to Aadi’s executive employees. Pursuant to the Desai Employment Agreement, in the event that Dr. Desai’s employment is terminated by Aadi without “cause” or by Dr. Desai for “good reason” in the period commencing 3 months prior to and ending 12 months after a “change in control,” then subject to Dr. Desai’s execution and non-revocation of a general release and separation agreement in favor of Aadi and its affiliates, (i) Aadi will provide Dr. Desai with a lump sum payment equal to 150% of the sum of his annual base salary and his target bonus for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs, (ii) Dr. Desai will be eligible for Company-paid COBRA coverage for a period of 18 months from the date of termination, and (iii) 100% of his unvested equity awards outstanding as of such termination will become vested. Pursuant to the Desai Employment Agreement, in the event that Dr. Desai’s employment is terminated by Aadi without “cause” or by Dr. Desai for “good reason” other than within the period described above, (i) Aadi will provide Dr. Desai with salary continuation payments equal to his then applicable base salary for 12 months following his termination of employment, (ii) an amount equal to the sum of all performance bonuses paid to Dr. Desai for Aadi’s fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year in which his termination of employment occurred, paid in equal installments over 12 months, (iii) Company-paid COBRA coverage for a period of up to 18 months, and (iv) in the event such termination occurs on or prior to August 26, 2022, 100% of his unvested equity awards outstanding as of such termination will become vested. In addition, Dr. Desai is subject to confidentiality and intellectual property assignment obligations.


On July 20, 2021, Aadi entered into a consulting agreement with Danforth Advisors, LLC, where Mr. Thibault is a consultant, providing for the engagement of Mr. Thibault as interim chief financial officer (the “Danforth Agreement”). Pursuant to the Danforth Agreement, Mr. Thibault will be responsible for the Company’s accounting and finance functions and will serve as its principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. Mr. Thibault is providing services to the Company under the Danforth Agreement as an independent contractor. The Danforth Agreement may be terminated by the Company or Danforth (a) with “cause”, immediately upon written notice to the other party or (b) without “cause” upon 60 days prior written notice to the other party.

Pursuant to the Danforth Agreement, Danforth will receive cash compensation at a rate of $400.00 per hour for Mr. Thibault’s services as interim chief financial officer, which rate may be increased by up to 4%, beginning effective July 20, 2022. In addition, the Danforth Agreement provides that Danforth will be reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses, including but not limited to travel and parking, incurred by Danforth in performing the services under the Danforth Agreement, upon submission by Danforth of supporting documentation reasonably acceptable to the Company.

The foregoing descriptions of the Desai Employment Agreement and Danforth Agreement do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Desai Employment Agreement and Danforth Agreement, respectively, filed as Exhibits 10.4 and 10.5 hereto, and incorporated herein by reference.

The information set forth in Item 5.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K with respect to the appointment of directors to the Company’s board of directors pursuant to and in accordance with the Merger Agreement is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02. The newly appointed non-employee directors are expected to receive compensation and equity awards pursuant to the Company’s non-employee director compensation policy approved by the Board. This includes an annual cash retainer for serving on the Board ($40,000), as a member ($8,000) or chair ($20,000) of the audit committee of the Board (the “Audit Committee”), as a member ($6,000) or chair ($12,000) of the compensation committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”), or as a member ($4,500) or chair ($9,000) of the nominating and corporate governance committee of the Board (the “Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee”). In addition, each of the newly appointed non-employee directors will receive an initial grant of a stock option to purchase shares of Common Stock with a grant date fair value (as determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles) equal to $325,000. The stock option will vest as to 1/36th of the total number of shares on each monthly anniversary of the grant date, subject to each newly appointed director’s continued service through the applicable vesting date. In the event of a change in control (as defined in the 2021 Plan (as defined below)), the stock option will vest in full.

Dr. Desai, a newly appointed member of the Board and President, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary, is a founder of Aadi and as a result of the Merger received rights to approximately 2,558,791 shares of Common Stock of the Company in exchange for common stock of Aadi that Dr. Desai held immediately prior to the Merger and options to purchase approximately 39,650 shares of Common Stock of the Company in exchange for options to purchase Aadi common stock under the Aadi Plan.

Dr. Aghazadeh, a newly appointed member of the Board, also serves as Managing Partner and Portfolio Manager of Avoro Capital Advisors (“Avoro”). Avoro currently holds more than 10% of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock. As a result of the PIPE Financing, Avoro received, in the aggregate, rights to approximately 1,911,752 shares of Common Stock of the Company in exchange for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $25,000,000.

Audit Committee

Effective as of the Effective Time, Caley Castelein, M.D., Karin Hehenberger, M.D., Ph.D. and Rick Maroun were appointed to the Audit Committee, and Dr. Castelein was appointed as the chair of the Audit Committee.

Compensation Committee

Effective as of the Effective Time, Caley Castelein, M.D., Anupam Dalal, M.D. and Rick Maroun were appointed to the Compensation Committee, and Mr. Maroun was appointed as the chair of the Compensation Committee.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

Effective as of the Effective Time, Anupam Dalal, M.D., Behzad Aghazadeh, Ph.D., and Karin Hehenberger, M.D., Ph.D. were appointed to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and Dr. Dalal was appointed as the chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.


Caley Castelein, M.D., Director and Chair

Dr. Castelein has served on Aerpio’s board of directors since March 2017. Dr. Castelein is the Founder and has been a Managing Director for Kearny Venture Partners since 2006. Dr. Castelein is also the Founder and has been the Managing Director for KVP Capital since 2013. He is a director for ViewRay, Boreal and Newbridge Pharmaceuticals. Previously, Dr. Castelein served on the board of directors of Alivecor from April 2015 to March 2020. Dr. Castelein received his M.D. from the University of California, San Francisco and his A.B. in Biology from Harvard University. We believe that Dr. Castelein is qualified to serve as a director based on his industry experience and service on multiple company boards.

Anupam Dalal, M.D., Director

Dr. Dalal has served on Aerpio’s board of directors since November 2011. Since August 2016, Dr. Dalal has been working at Acuta Capital. From 2006 to 2016, Dr. Dalal was the Managing Director of Kearny Venture Partners. He was a Founder and Managing Member of KVP Capital. He served as a director of Akebia Therapeutics from 2008 to 2016. Dr. Dalal received an M.D. from the University of California in San Francisco with honors; an M.B.A., with distinction, from Harvard Business School; and a B.A. in Economics, Phi Beta Kappa and highest honors, from the University of California at Berkeley. We believe that Dr. Dalal is qualified to serve as a director based on his industry experience.

Behzad Aghazadeh, Ph.D., Director

Dr. Aghazadeh currently is the Managing Partner and Portfolio Manager of Avoro, a global life sciences investment firm with a focus on supporting emerging biotechnology companies, which he joined in July 2011. From March 2017 to October 2020, Dr. Aghazadeh served as Executive Chairman of the board of directors of Immunomedics, Inc., a public biopharmaceutical company (now a subsidiary of Gilead Sciences, Inc.). Dr. Aghazadeh additionally serves on the board of directors of Scribe Therapeutics Inc., a private molecular engineering company developing advanced technologies for CRISPR-based genetic medicine. We believe that Dr. Aghazadeh is qualified to serve as a director based on his more than 20 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, including more than 15 years as an institutional investor and previously six years at Booz Allen as a general management consultant to senior executive teams in the healthcare sector.

Richard Maroun, Director

Mr. Maroun has served on Aadi’s board of directors since February 2017. Since June 2014, Mr. Maroun has served as Partner, General Counsel at Frazier Healthcare Partners, a private equity and venture capital firm. Prior to joining Frazier, Mr. Maroun was Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Aptalis Pharma US, Inc. from 2012 through February 2014. Previously, Mr. Maroun has served in numerous senior executive roles for APP Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a fully-integrated pharmaceutical company, including as Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel, and Business Development Officer. Mr. Maroun has also previously held senior positions with Abraxis Bioscience, Inc., a biotechnology company, and American BioScience, Inc., a company involved in the research and development of novel drug compounds. Prior to joining American BioScience, Mr. Maroun was a Director of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, and before that he was a Senior Tax Manager of Deloitte & Touche LLP. In May 2021, Mr. Maroun has been nominated to serve as a member of the board of directors of Lazard Healthcare Acquisition Corp. I, a newly organized blank check company for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Mr. Maroun also currently serves as a board member or advisor of several privately-held companies funded by Frazier Healthcare Partners, including Community Care Health Network, LLC, Parata Systems, Inc., Orthotic Holdings, Inc., and AppianRx, and was previously a member of the board of directors of Organovo Holdings, Inc., a publicly traded biotechnology company, from August 2016 to July 2020. Mr. Maroun holds a LL.M. in Taxation from Boston University School of Law, a J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law, and a B.S. degree in economics from John Carroll University. We believe Mr. Maroun is qualified to serve as a director based on his extensive leadership experience in the life sciences industry, his experience in mergers, acquisitions, and finance, and his legal and accounting expertise.

Karin Hehenberger, M.D., Ph.D., Director

Dr. Hehenberger has served as Chief Executive Officer of Lyfebulb, Inc., a patient engagement platform, since January 2014. From 2011 to 2013, Dr. Hehenberger served in various roles at Coronado Biosciences, Inc. (now Fortress Biotech, Inc.), including Senior Vice President of Scientific Affairs and, most recently, Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Hehenberger has previously served in several management positions including as Vice President, Metabolics Strategy and Business Development at Johnson & Johnson, and Senior Vice President Strategic Alliances at Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (referred to as “JDRF”), a nonprofit funder of type 1 diabetes research. Dr. Hehenberger previously served as Senior Director of Scientific Communications at Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, and Senior Investment Director and Partner


at Scandinavian Life Science Venture. Dr. Hehenberger serves on the board of directors of the American Diabetes Association, the Rolf Luft Foundation for Diabetes Research, and Diamyd Medical. Dr. Hehenberger holds a M.D. and Ph.D. from Karolinksa Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. Dr. Hehenberger did her JDRF post-doctoral fellowship at the Joslin Diabetes Center at Harvard Medical School. We believe Dr. Hehenberger is qualified to serve as a director based on her extensive industry knowledge and her medical and life sciences expertise.

Each of the directors and executive officers will enter into the Company’s standard form of indemnification agreement with the Company, the form of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.11 and incorporated by reference herein.

2021 Equity Incentive Plan

At the Special Meeting, the Company’s stockholders considered and approved the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”). The 2021 Plan allows the Company to make equity and equity-based incentive awards to officers, employees, non-employee directors and consultants. The Board anticipates that providing such persons with a direct stake in the Company will assure closer alignment of the interests of such individuals with those of the Company and its stockholders, thereby stimulating their efforts on the Company’s behalf and strengthening their desire to remain with the Company.

Subject to the adjustment provisions contained in the 2021 Plan and the evergreen provision described below, a total of 31,061,767 shares of Common Stock (pre-split shares of Common Stock before the Reverse Stock Split) are initially reserved for issuance pursuant to the 2021 Plan. In addition, the shares reserved for issuance under the 2021 Plan include any shares of Common Stock (i) subject to awards of stock options or other awards granted under the Company’s 2017 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”) and the Company’s 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan,” and collectively with the 2017 Plan, the “Prior Plans”) that expire or otherwise terminate without having been exercised in full and shares of Common Stock granted under the Prior Plans that are forfeited or repurchased by the Company and (ii) any shares of Common Stock subject to stock options or similar awards granted under the Aadi Plan that were assumed in the Merger (provided that the maximum number of shares that may be added to the 2021 Plan pursuant to this sentence is 11,462,311 shares (pre-split shares of Common Stock before the Reverse Stock Split)). The number of shares available for issuance under the 2021 Plan also will include an annual increase, or the evergreen feature, on the first day of each of the Company’s fiscal years, beginning with the Company’s fiscal year 2022, equal to the least of:

 

   

31,061,767 shares of Common Stock (pre-split shares of Common Stock before the Reverse Stock Split);

 

   

a number of shares equal to 4% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock as of the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year; or

 

   

such number of shares as the Board or its designated committee may determine.

Shares issuable under the 2021 Plan will be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired shares of Common Stock. 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 combined company due to failure to vest, the unpurchased shares (or for awards other than stock options or stock appreciation rights, the forfeited or repurchased shares) will become available for future grant or sale under the 2021 Plan (unless the 2021 Plan has terminated). With respect to stock appreciation rights, only the net shares actually issued will cease to be available under the 2021 Plan and all remaining shares under stock appreciation rights will remain available for future grant or sale under the 2021 Plan (unless the 2021 Plan has terminated). Shares that have actually been issued under the 2021 Plan will not be returned to the 2021 Plan except if shares issued pursuant to awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, or performance units are repurchased by or forfeited to the Company, such shares will become available for future grant under the 2021 Plan. Shares used to pay the exercise price of an award or satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to an award will become available for future grant or sale under the 2021 Plan. To the extent an award is paid out in cash rather than shares, such cash payment will not result in a reduction in the number of shares available for issuance under the 2021 Plan.

In the event of certain changes in the Company’s capitalization, to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits available under the 2021 Plan, the administrator will adjust the number and class of shares that may be delivered under the 2021 Plan and/or the number, class and price of shares covered by each outstanding award and the numerical share limits set forth in the 2021 Plan.

The 2021 Plan provides that in the event of a merger or change in control, as defined under the 2021 Plan, each outstanding award will be treated as the administrator determines, without a participant’s consent. The administrator is not required to treat all awards, all awards held by a participant or all awards of the same type similarly. If a successor corporation does not assume or substitute for any outstanding award, then the participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise all of his


or her outstanding options and stock appreciation rights, all restrictions on restricted stock and restricted stock units will lapse, and for awards with performance-based vesting, unless specifically provided for otherwise under the applicable award agreement or other agreement or policy applicable to the participant, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at 100% of target levels and all other terms and conditions met. 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 such 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 awards granted to an outside director, in the event of a change in control, the outside director will fully vest in and have the right to exercise all of his or her outstanding options and stock appreciation rights, all restrictions on restricted stock and restricted stock units will lapse and, for awards with performance-based vesting, unless specifically provided for otherwise under the applicable award agreement or other agreement or policy applicable to the participant, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at 100% of target levels and all other terms and conditions met.

A more complete summary of the terms of the 2021 Plan is set forth in the Proxy Statement in the section titled “Proposal 3: Approval of the Equity Incentive Award Plan” beginning on page 184 of the Proxy Statement. That summary and the foregoing description of the 2021 Plan does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the 2021 Plan and form of stock option grant notice, which is attached hereto as Exhibits 10.6 and 10.7 respectively, hereto and are incorporated herein by reference.

2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

At the Special Meeting, the Company’s stockholders considered and approved the Company’s 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2021 ESPP”). An aggregate of 4,659,265 shares of Common Stock (pre-split shares of Common Stock before the Reverse Stock Split) will be reserved and available for issuance under the 2021 ESPP. The number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the 2021 ESPP will be increased on the first day of each fiscal year beginning with the 2022 fiscal year in an amount equal to the least of (i) 4,659,265 shares of Common Stock (pre-split shares of Common Stock before the Reverse Stock Split), (ii) one percent (1%) of the outstanding shares of all classes of Common Stock on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year, or (iii) an amount to be determined by the administrator. Shares of Common Stock issuable under the 2021 ESPP will be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired shares of Common Stock. If our capital structure changes because of a stock dividend, stock split or similar event, the number of shares that can be issued under the 2021 ESPP will be appropriately adjusted.

A more complete summary of the terms of the 2021 ESPP is set forth in the Proxy Statement in the section titled “Proposal 4: Approval of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan” beginning on page 192 of the Proxy Statement. That summary and the foregoing description of the 2021 ESPP does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the 2021 ESPP, which is attached as Exhibit 10.8 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

Amended and Restated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan

Pursuant to the Merger, the Company assumed the Aadi Plan and all of the stock options issued and outstanding under the Aadi Plan. From and after the Effective Time, each Aadi option assumed by the Company may be exercised solely for such number of shares of Common Stock of the Company as is determined by multiplying the number of shares of Aadi common stock that were subject to such Aadi option, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time by the Exchange Ratio, and rounding that number down to the nearest whole number of shares of Common Stock of the Company. The per share exercise price of the converted option will be determined by dividing the per share exercise price of Aadi common stock subject to such Aadi option, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time by the Exchange Ratio, and rounding that number up to the nearest whole cent.

The Aadi Plan was initially adopted in December 2014 and was amended and restated upon approval by the board of directors of Aadi in February 2017 and approved by the Aadi stockholders in February 2017. No new awards will be granted under the Aadi Plan as a result of the approval and adoption of the 2021 Plan.

The Company is obligated pursuant to the Merger Agreement to file a registration statement on Form S-8 to register the shares of Common Stock of the Company issuable upon exercise of such stock options as soon as reasonably practicable and promptly after the Effective Time.


The description of the Aadi Plan included herein is not complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the Aadi Plan and form of stock option grant notice, which are attached as Exhibits 10.9 and 10.10 hereto, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 5.03. Amendments to Articles of Incorporation of Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.

To the extent required by Item 5.03 of Form 8-K, the information contained in Item 2.01 and Item 3.03 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference herein.

In connection with the Merger, the Board adopted amended and restated bylaws (the “A&R Bylaws”), effective August 26, 2021. The A&R Bylaws superseded the Company’s existing amended and restated bylaws previously adopted by the Board (the “Pre-Merger Bylaws”). The foregoing description of the A&R Bylaws is not complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the A&R Bylaws, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 3.2 and incorporated herein by reference.

Commencing on August 27, 2021, the Company expects the trading symbol for its Common Stock, which is currently listed on Nasdaq, to change from “ARPO” to “AADI.” The change in trading symbol is related solely to the Name Change.

Item 5.05. Amendments to the Registrant’s Code of Ethics, or Waiver of a Provision of the Code of Ethics.

In connection with the Merger, the Board adopted a new code of business conduct and ethics (the “Code of Conduct”). The Code of Conduct superseded the Company’s existing code of business conduct and ethics previously adopted by the Board (the “Pre-Merger Code”). The Code of Conduct applies to all directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company.

The provisions of the Code of Conduct are intended to reflect current best practices and enhance the Company’s personnel’s understanding of the Company’s standards of ethical business practices, promote awareness of ethical issues that may be encountered in carrying out an employee’s or director’s responsibilities, and improve clarity as to how to address ethical issues that may arise. As compared to the Pre-Merger Code, the Code of Conduct includes additional provisions relating to the Company’s status as an equal opportunity employer, environmental, health and safety and personal and professional conflicts of interest. The newly adopted Code of Conduct did not result in any explicit or implicit waiver of any provision of the Pre-Merger Code. The foregoing description of the Code of Conduct does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Code of Conduct, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 14.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 7.01. Regulation FD.

A copy of a slide presentation that the Company intends to present to investors is attached to as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and incorporated herein solely for purposes of this Item 7.01 disclosure.

The information referenced under Item 7.01 (including Exhibit 99.1 referenced in Item 9.01 below) of this Current Report shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing to this Current Report. This Current Report shall not be deemed an admission as to the materiality of any information in the Current Report that is required to be disclosed solely by Regulation FD.

Item 8.01. Other Events.

On August 26, 2021, the Company issued a press release announcing the completion of the Merger and the PIPE Financing. A copy of the press release is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.2.


Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(a) Financial Statements of Business Acquired

The Company intends to file the financial statements of Aadi required by Item 9.01(a) as part of an amendment to this Current Report on Form 8-K not later than 71 calendar days after the date this Current Report on Form 8-K is required to be filed.

(b) Pro Forma Financial Information

The Company intends to file the pro forma financial information required by Item 9.01(b) as part of an amendment to this Current Report on Form 8-K not later than 71 calendar days after the date this Current Report on Form 8-K is required to be filed.

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number
  

Description

2.1    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated May 16, 2021, by and between Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Aadi Bioscience, Inc. and Aspen Merger Subsidiary, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38560) filed May 17, 2021
3.1    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, filed August 26, 2021 (filed herewith)
3.2    Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, as currently in effect (filed herewith)
10.1    Contingent Value Rights Agreement dated August 26, 2021, by and between Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cheryl Cohen, as Holder Representative, and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent (filed herewith)
10.2    Subscription Agreement, dated May 16, 2021, by and between Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and each purchaser identified on Exhibit A thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38560) filed May 17, 2021
10.3    Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 26, 2021, by and between Aadi Bioscience, Inc. (formerly known as Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) and certain purchasers listed therein
10.4    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated August 26, 2021, by and between Aadi Bioscience, Inc. and Neil Desai, Ph.D. (filed herewith)
10.5    Consulting Agreement, dated July 20, 2021, by and between Aadi Bioscience, Inc. and Danforth Advisors, LLC (filed herewith)(1)
10.6    Aadi Bioscience, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (filed herewith)
10.7   

Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Aadi Bioscience, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (filed herewith)

10.8    2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (filed herewith)
10.9    Aadi Bioscience, Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (filed herewith)
10.10    Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Aadi Bioscience, Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (filed herewith)
10.11    Form of Indemnification Agreement between Aadi Bioscience, Inc. and each of its directors and executive officers (filed herewith).
14.1    Code of Conduct (filed herewith)
99.1    Aadi Biosciences, Inc. Corporate Presentation (filed herewith)
99.2    Press Release, dated August 26, 2021 (filed herewith)
104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

(1)

The Company has redacted provisions or terms of this Exhibit pursuant to Regulation S-K Item 601(b)(10)(iv). The Company agrees to furnish an unredacted copy of the Exhibit to the SEC upon its request.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Dated: August 26, 2021

 

/s/ Neil Desai, Ph.D.

Neil Desai, Ph.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
EX-3.1

Exhibit 3.1

AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF

AERPIO PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

a Delaware corporation

Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Company”), does hereby certify as follows:

A. The original Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, under the original name “ZETA ACQUISITION CORP. II”, was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on November 16, 2007.

B. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was duly adopted in accordance with Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors”) and the affirmative vote of the stockholders of the Company.

C. The text of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

ARTICLE I

The name of the Company is Aadi Bioscience, Inc.

ARTICLE II

The address of the Company’s registered office in the State of Delaware is Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, Delaware 19801. The name of the registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

ARTICLE III

The nature of the business or purposes to be conducted or promoted by the Company is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the DGCL.

ARTICLE IV

Section 1. This Company is authorized to issue two classes of stock, to be designated, respectively, Common Stock and Preferred Stock. The total number of shares of stock that the Company shall have authority to issue is 310,000,000 shares, of which 300,000,000 shares are Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), and 10,000,000 shares are Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the “Preferred Stock”).

That, as of the effectiveness of the filing of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Effective Time”), each fifteen (the “Conversion Number”) shares of the Common Stock issued and outstanding or held in treasury as of the Effective Time shall be combined into one validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable share of Common Stock, automatically and without any action by the holder thereof (the “Reverse Stock Split”). The par value of the Common Stock following the Reverse Stock Split shall remain at $0.0001 per share. No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. In lieu of any fractional


shares to which a stockholder would otherwise be entitled (after taking into account all fractional shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable to such holder), the Company shall, upon surrender of such holder’s certificate(s) representing such fractional shares of Common Stock (if any), pay cash in an amount equal to such fractional shares of Common Stock multiplied by the then fair value of the Common Stock as determined by the Board of Directors.

Each stock certificate or book entry share that, immediately prior to the Effective Time, represented shares of Common Stock that were issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, from and after the Effective Time, automatically and without the necessity of presenting the same for exchange, represent that number of whole shares of Common Stock after the Effective Time into which the shares formerly represented by such certificate or book entry share have been combined (as well as the right to receive cash in lieu of fractional shares of Common Stock after the Effective Time); provided, however, that each person of record holding a certificate that represented shares of Common Stock that were issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall receive, upon surrender of such certificate, a new certificate evidencing and representing the number of whole shares of Common Stock after the Effective Time into which the shares of Common Stock formerly represented by such certificate shall have been combined.

Section 2. Except as otherwise provided herein, each share of Common Stock outstanding as of the applicable record date shall entitle the holder thereof to one (1) vote on any matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of stockholders.

Section 3. The Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series pursuant to a resolution or resolutions providing for such issue duly adopted by the Board of Directors (authority to do so being hereby expressly vested in the Board of Directors). The Board of Directors is further authorized, subject to limitations prescribed by law, to fix by resolution or resolutions the designations, powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of any series of Preferred Stock, including, without limitation, authority to fix by resolution or resolutions the dividend rights, dividend rate, conversion rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption (including sinking fund provisions), redemption price or prices, and liquidation preferences of any such series, and the number of shares constituting any such series and the designation thereof, or any of the foregoing. The Board of Directors is further authorized to increase (but not above the total number of authorized shares of the class) or decrease (but not below the number of shares of any such series then outstanding) the number of shares of any series, subject to the powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof stated in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the resolution of the Board of Directors originally fixing the number of shares of such series. Except as may be otherwise specified by the terms of any series of Preferred Stock, if the number of shares of any series of Preferred Stock is so decreased, then the Company shall take all such steps as are necessary to cause the shares constituting such decrease to resume the status which they had prior to the adoption of the resolution originally fixing the number of shares of such series.

Section 4. Except as otherwise required by law or provided in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, holders of Common Stock shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation filed with respect to any series of Preferred Stock) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together as a class with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon by law or pursuant to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designation filed with respect to any series of Preferred Stock).

 

- 2 -


Section 5. The number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock or Common Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company entitled to vote thereon, without a separate vote of the holders of the class or classes the number of authorized shares of which are being increased or decreased, unless a vote of any holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock is required pursuant to the terms of any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL.

ARTICLE V

Section 1. Subject to the rights of holders of Preferred Stock, the number of directors that constitutes the entire Board of Directors shall be fixed only by resolution of the Board of Directors acting pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board. For the purposes of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the term “Whole Board” shall mean the total number of authorized directorships whether or not there exist any vacancies or other unfilled seats in previously authorized directorships. At each annual meeting of stockholders, directors of the Company shall be elected to hold office until the expiration of the term for which they are elected and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation, death or removal; except that if any such meeting shall not be so held, such election shall take place at a stockholders’ meeting called and held in accordance with the DGCL.

Section 2. The directors of the Company (other than any who may be elected by holders of Preferred Stock under specified circumstances) are divided into three classes as nearly equal in size as is practicable, designated Class I, Class II and Class III. At each succeeding annual meeting of stockholders, directors shall be elected for a full term of three years to succeed the directors of the class whose terms expire at such annual meeting. If the number of directors is changed, any newly created directorships or decrease in directorships shall be so apportioned hereafter among the classes as to make all classes as nearly equal in number as is practicable, provided that no decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

ARTICLE VI

Section 1. From and after the effectiveness of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, only for so long as the Board of Directors is classified and subject to the rights of holders of Preferred Stock, any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause, and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company entitled to vote in the election of directors.

Section 2. Except as otherwise provided for or fixed by or pursuant to the provisions of ARTICLE IV hereof in relation to the rights of the holders of Preferred Stock to elect directors under specified circumstances or except as otherwise provided by resolution of a majority of the Whole Board, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors, created in accordance with the Bylaws of the Company, and any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, removal or other cause shall be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, even though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors, or by a sole remaining director, and not by the stockholders. A person so elected by the Board of Directors to fill a vacancy or newly created directorship shall hold office until the next election of the class for which such director shall have been chosen and until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

 

- 3 -


ARTICLE VII

Section 1. The Company is to have perpetual existence.

Section 2. The business and affairs of the Company shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. In addition to the powers and authority expressly conferred upon them by statute or by this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Company, the directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Company.

Section 3. In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to adopt, alter, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Company. The affirmative vote of at least a majority of the Whole Board shall be required in order for the Board of Directors to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Company’s Bylaws. The Company’s Bylaws may also be adopted, amended, altered or repealed by the stockholders of the Company. Notwithstanding the above or any other provision of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws of the Company may not be amended, altered or repealed by the stockholders of the Company except in accordance with the provisions of the Bylaws relating to amendments to the Bylaws. No Bylaw hereafter legally adopted, amended, altered or repealed shall invalidate any prior act of the directors or officers of the Company that would have been valid if such Bylaw had not been adopted, amended, altered or repealed.

Section 4. The election of directors need not be by written ballot unless the Bylaws of the Company shall so provide.

Section 5. No stockholder will be permitted to cumulate votes at any election of directors.

ARTICLE VIII

Section 1. Subject to the rights of holders of Preferred Stock, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Company must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Company and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such stockholders.

Section 2. Subject to the terms of any series of Preferred Stock, special meetings of stockholders of the Company may be called only by the chairperson of the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer, the president or the Board of Directors acting pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board, but a special meeting may not be called by any other person or persons and any power of stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders is specifically denied. Only such business shall be considered at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been stated in the notice for such meeting.

Section 3. Advance notice of stockholder nominations for the election of directors and of business to be brought by stockholders before any meeting of the stockholders of the Company shall be given in the manner and to the extent provided in the Bylaws of the Company.

ARTICLE IX

Section 1. To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as the same exists or as may hereafter be amended from time to time, a director of the Company shall not be personally liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. If the DGCL is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the Company shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as so amended.

 

- 4 -


Section 2. Subject to any provisions in the Bylaws of the Company related to indemnification of directors of the Company, the Company shall indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any director of the Company who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a “Proceeding”) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director of the Company or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with any such Proceeding. The Company shall be required to indemnify a person in connection with a Proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if the Proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors.

Section 3. The Company shall have the power to indemnify, to the extent permitted by applicable law, any officer, employee or agent of the Company who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with any such Proceeding.

Section 4. Neither any amendment, repeal, nor elimination of any Section of this ARTICLE IX, nor the adoption of any provision of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Company inconsistent with this ARTICLE IX, shall eliminate or reduce the effect of this ARTICLE IX in respect of any matter occurring, or any Proceeding accruing or arising or that, but for this ARTICLE IX, would accrue or arise, prior to such amendment, repeal, elimination or adoption of an inconsistent provision.

ARTICLE X

Meetings of stockholders may be held within or outside of the State of Delaware, as the Bylaws may provide. The books of the Company may be kept (subject to any provision of applicable law) outside of the State of Delaware at such place or places or in such manner or manners as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors or in the Bylaws of the Company.

The Company reserves the right to amend or repeal any provision contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation in the manner prescribed by the laws of the State of Delaware and all rights conferred upon stockholders are granted subject to this reservation.

 

- 5 -


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be signed by its President on this 26th day of August 2021.

 

By:  

/s/ Joseph Gardner

  Joseph Gardner
  President

 

- 6 -

EX-3.2

Exhibit 3.2

AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS OF

AERPIO PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

(initially adopted on February 1, 2008)

(as amended and restated on August 26, 2021)

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

ARTICLE I - CORPORATE OFFICES

     1  

1.1

  REGISTERED OFFICE      1  

1.2

  OTHER OFFICES      1  

ARTICLE II - MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

     1  

2.1

  PLACE OF MEETINGS      1  

2.2

  ANNUAL MEETING      1  

2.3

  SPECIAL MEETING      1  

2.4

  ADVANCE NOTICE PROCEDURES      2  

2.5

  NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETINGS      7  

2.6

  QUORUM      8  

2.7

  ADJOURNED MEETING; NOTICE      8  

2.8

  CONDUCT OF BUSINESS      8  

2.9

  VOTING      8  

2.10

  STOCKHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT WITHOUT A MEETING      9  

2.11

  RECORD DATES      9  

2.12

  PROXIES      10  

2.13

  LIST OF STOCKHOLDERS ENTITLED TO VOTE      10  

2.14

  INSPECTORS OF ELECTION      10  

ARTICLE III - DIRECTORS

     11  

3.1

  POWERS      11  

3.2

  NUMBER OF DIRECTORS      11  

3.3

  ELECTION, QUALIFICATION AND TERM OF OFFICE OF DIRECTORS      11  

3.4

  RESIGNATION AND VACANCIES      11  

3.5

  PLACE OF MEETINGS; MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE      12  

3.6

  REGULAR MEETINGS      12  

3.7

  SPECIAL MEETINGS; NOTICE      12  

3.8

  QUORUM; VOTING      13  

3.9

  BOARD ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT WITHOUT A MEETING      13  

3.10

  FEES AND COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS      13  

3.11

  REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS      13  

ARTICLE IV - COMMITTEES

     14  

4.1

  COMMITTEES OF DIRECTORS      14  

4.2

  COMMITTEE MINUTES      14  

4.3

  MEETINGS AND ACTION OF COMMITTEES      14  

4.4

  SUBCOMMITTEES      15  

ARTICLE V - OFFICERS

     15  

5.1

  OFFICERS      15  

5.2

  APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS      15  

5.3

  SUBORDINATE OFFICERS      15  

 

- i -


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

         Page  

5.4

  REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION OF OFFICERS      15  

5.5

  VACANCIES IN OFFICES      15  

5.6

  REPRESENTATION OF SECURITIES OF OTHER ENTITIES      16  

5.7

  AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS      16  

ARTICLE VI - STOCK

     16  

6.1

  STOCK CERTIFICATES; PARTLY PAID SHARES      16  

6.2

  SPECIAL DESIGNATION ON CERTIFICATES      16  

6.3

  LOST CERTIFICATES      17  

6.4

  DIVIDENDS      17  

6.5

  TRANSFER OF STOCK      17  

6.6

  STOCK TRANSFER AGREEMENTS      17  

6.7

  REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS      18  

ARTICLE VII - MANNER OF GIVING NOTICE AND WAIVER

     18  

7.1

  NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETINGS      18  

7.2

  NOTICE TO STOCKHOLDERS SHARING AN ADDRESS      18  

7.3

  NOTICE TO PERSON WITH WHOM COMMUNICATION IS UNLAWFUL      18  

7.4

  WAIVER OF NOTICE      18  

ARTICLE VIII - INDEMNIFICATION

     19  

8.1

  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS IN THIRD PARTY PROCEEDINGS      19  

8.2

  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS IN ACTIONS BY OR IN THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY      19  

8.3

  SUCCESSFUL DEFENSE      19  

8.4

  INDEMNIFICATION OF OTHERS      20  

8.5

  ADVANCED PAYMENT OF EXPENSES      20  

8.6

  LIMITATION ON INDEMNIFICATION      20  

8.7

  DETERMINATION; CLAIM      21  

8.8

  NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS      21  

8.9

  INSURANCE      21  

8.10

  SURVIVAL      22  

8.11

  EFFECT OF REPEAL OR MODIFICATION      22  

8.12

  CERTAIN DEFINITIONS      22  

ARTICLE IX - GENERAL MATTERS

     22  

9.1

  EXECUTION OF CORPORATE CONTRACTS AND INSTRUMENTS      22  

9.2

  FISCAL YEAR      23  

9.3

  SEAL      23  

9.4

  CONSTRUCTION; DEFINITIONS      23  

9.5

  FORUM SELECTION      23  

ARTICLE X - AMENDMENTS

     24  

 

 

- ii -


AMENDED AND RESTATED

BYLAWS

OF

AERPIO PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

 

 

 

ARTICLE I - CORPORATE OFFICES

1.1 REGISTERED OFFICE

The registered office of Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company”) shall be fixed in the Company’s certificate of incorporation, as the same may be amended from time to time.

1.2 OTHER OFFICES

The Company may at any time establish other offices.

ARTICLE II - MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

2.1 PLACE OF MEETINGS

Meetings of stockholders shall be held at a place, if any, within or outside the State of Delaware, determined by the board of directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors”). The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, determine that a meeting of stockholders shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication as authorized by Section 211(a)(2) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”). In the absence of any such designation or determination, stockholders’ meetings shall be held at the Company’s principal executive office.

2.2 ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of stockholders shall be held each year. The Board of Directors shall designate the date and time of the annual meeting. At the annual meeting, directors shall be elected and any other proper business, brought in accordance with Section 2.4 of these bylaws, may be transacted. The Board of Directors acting pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board may cancel, postpone or reschedule any previously scheduled annual meeting at any time, before or after the notice for such meeting has been sent to the stockholders. For the purposes of these bylaws, the term “Whole Board” shall mean the total number of authorized directorships whether or not there exist any vacancies or other unfilled seats in previously authorized directorships.

2.3 SPECIAL MEETING

(a) A special meeting of the stockholders, other than as required by statute and subject to the terms of any series of Preferred Stock, may be called at any time only by (i) the Board of Directors acting pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board, (ii) the chairperson of the Board of Directors, (iii) the chief executive officer or (iv) the president, but a special meeting may not be called by any other person or persons and any power of stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders is specifically denied. The Board of Directors acting pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board may cancel, postpone or reschedule any previously scheduled special meeting at any time, before or after the notice for such meeting has been sent to the stockholders.

 

- 1 -


(b) The notice of a special meeting shall include the purpose for which the meeting is called. Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting by or at the direction of a majority of the Whole Board, the chairperson of the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer or the president. Nothing contained in this Section 2.3(b) shall be construed as limiting, fixing or affecting the time when a meeting of stockholders called by action of the Board of Directors may be held.

2.4 ADVANCE NOTICE PROCEDURES

(a) Annual Meetings of Stockholders.

(i) Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors or the proposal of other business to be transacted by the stockholders at an annual meeting of stockholders may be made only (1) pursuant to the Company’s notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto); (2) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors; (3) as may be provided in the certificate of designations for any class or series of preferred stock; or (4) by any stockholder of the Company who (A) is a stockholder of record at the time of giving of the notice contemplated by Section 2.4(a)(ii); (B) is a stockholder of record on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of the annual meeting; (C) is a stockholder of record on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting; (D) is a stockholder of record at the time of the annual meeting; and (E) complies with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.4(a).

(ii) For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting of stockholders by a stockholder pursuant to clause (4) of Section 2.4(a)(i), the stockholder must have given timely notice in writing to the secretary and any such nomination or proposed business must constitute a proper matter for stockholder action. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be received by the secretary at the principal executive offices of the Company no earlier than 8:00 a.m., local time, on the 120th day and no later than 5:00 p.m., local time, on the 90th day prior to the day of the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting of stockholders. However, if no annual meeting of stockholders was held in the preceding year, or if the date of the applicable annual meeting has been changed by more than 25 days from the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, then to be timely such notice must be received by the secretary at the principal executive offices of the Company no earlier than 8:00 a.m., local time, on the 120th day prior to the day of the annual meeting and no later than 5:00 p.m., local time, on the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the annual meeting was first made by the Company. In no event will the adjournment, rescheduling or postponement of any annual meeting, or any announcement thereof, commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. If the number of directors to be elected to the Board of Directors is increased and there is no public announcement naming all of the nominees for director or specifying the size of the increased Board of Directors at least 10 days before the last day that a stockholder may deliver a notice of nomination pursuant to the foregoing provisions, then a stockholder’s notice required by this Section 2.4(a)(ii) will also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it is received by the secretary at the principal executive offices of the Company no later than 5:00 p.m., local time, on the 10th day following the day on which such public announcement is first made. “Public announcement” means disclosure in a press release reported by a national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended and inclusive of rules and regulations thereunder, the “1934 Act”).

 

- 2 -


(iii) A stockholder’s notice to the secretary must set forth:

(1) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election as a director:

(A) such person’s name, age, business address, residence address and principal occupation or employment; the class and number of shares of the Company that are held of record or are beneficially owned by such person and a description of any Derivative Instruments (defined below) held or beneficially owned thereby or of any other agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any short position or any borrowing or lending of shares), the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to, or to manage the risk or benefit of share price changes for, or to increase or decrease the voting power of such person; and all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the contested election of directors, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to the Section 14 of the 1934 Act;

(B) such person’s written consent to being named in such stockholder’s proxy statement as a nominee of such stockholder and to serving as a director of the Company if elected;

(C) a reasonably detailed description of any direct or indirect compensatory, payment, indemnification or other financial agreement, arrangement or understanding that such person has, or has had within the past three years, with any person or entity other than the Company (including the amount of any payment or payments received or receivable thereunder), in each case in connection with candidacy or service as a director of the Company (a “Third-Party Compensation Arrangement”); and

(D) a description of any other material relationships between such person and such person’s respective affiliates and associates, or others acting in concert with them, on the one hand, and such stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made, and their respective affiliates and associates, or others acting in concert with them, on the other hand;

(2) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting:

(A) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting;

(B) the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and, if applicable, the text of any proposed amendment to these bylaws);

(C) the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting;

(D) any material interest in such business of such stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made, and their respective affiliates and associates, or others acting in concert with them; and

(E) a description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings between such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made, and their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them, and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by such stockholder; and

 

- 3 -


(3) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made:

(A) the name and address of such stockholder (as they appear on the Company’s books), of such beneficial owner and of their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them;

(B) for each class or series, the number of shares of stock of the Company that are, directly or indirectly, held of record or are beneficially owned by such stockholder, such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them;

(C) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding between such stockholder, such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them, and any other person or persons (including, in each case, their names) in connection with the proposal of such nomination or other business;

(D) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding (including, regardless of the form of settlement, any derivative, long or short positions, profit interests, forwards, futures, swaps, options, warrants, convertible securities, stock appreciation or similar rights, hedging transactions and borrowed or loaned shares) that has been entered into by or on behalf of such stockholder, such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them, with respect to the Company’s securities (any of the foregoing, a “Derivative Instrument”), or any other agreement, arrangement or understanding that has been made the effect or intent of which is to create or mitigate loss to, manage risk or benefit of share price changes for or increase or decrease the voting power of such stockholder, such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them, with respect to the Company’s securities;

(E) any rights to dividends on the Company’s securities owned beneficially by such stockholder, such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them, that are separated or separable from the underlying security;

(F) any proportionate interest in the Company’s securities or Derivative Instruments held, directly or indirectly, by a general or limited partnership in which such stockholder, such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them, is a general partner or, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns an interest in a general partner of such general or limited partnership;

(G) any performance-related fees (other than an asset-based fee) that such stockholder, such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with, them is entitled to based on any increase or decrease in the value of the Company’s securities or Derivative Instruments, including, without limitation, any such interests held by members of the immediate family of such persons sharing the same household;

(H) any significant equity interests or any Derivative Instruments in any principal competitor of the Company that are held by such stockholder, such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them;

 

- 4 -


(I) any direct or indirect interest of such stockholder, such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them, in any contract with the Company, any affiliate of the Company or any principal competitor of the Company (in each case, including any employment agreement, collective bargaining agreement or consulting agreement);

(J) a representation and undertaking that the stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Company as of the date of submission of the stockholder’s notice and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to bring such nomination or other business before the meeting;

(K) a representation and undertaking that such stockholder or any such beneficial owner intends, or is part of a group that intends, to (x) deliver a proxy statement or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the voting power of the Company’s then-outstanding stock required to approve or adopt the proposal or to elect each such nominee; or (y) otherwise solicit proxies from stockholders in support of such proposal or nomination;

(L) any other information relating to such stockholder, such beneficial owner, or their respective affiliates or associates or others acting in concert with them, or director nominee or proposed business that, in each case, would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with the solicitation of proxies in support of such nominee (in a contested election of directors) or proposal pursuant to Section 14 of the 1934 Act; and

(M) such other information relating to any proposed item of business as the Company may reasonably require to determine whether such proposed item of business is a proper matter for stockholder action.

(iv) In addition to the requirements of this Section 2.4, to be timely, a stockholder’s notice (and any additional information submitted to the Company in connection therewith) must further be updated and supplemented (1) if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice is true and correct as of the record date(s) for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting and as of the date that is 10 business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment, rescheduling or postponement thereof and (2) to provide any additional information that the Company may reasonably request. Such update and supplement or additional information, if applicable, must be received by the secretary at the principal executive offices of the Company, in the case of a request for additional information, promptly following a request therefor, which response must be delivered not later than such reasonable time as is specified in any such request from the Company or, in the case of any other update or supplement of any information, not later than five business days after the record date(s) for the meeting (in the case of any update and supplement required to be made as of the record date(s)), and not later than eight business days prior to the date for the meeting or any adjournment, rescheduling or postponement thereof (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of 10 business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment, rescheduling or postponement thereof). The failure to timely provide such update, supplement or additional information shall result in the nomination or proposal no longer being eligible for consideration at the meeting.

 

 

- 5 -


(b) Special Meetings of Stockholders. Except to the extent required by the DGCL, and subject to Section 2.3(a), special meetings of stockholders may be called only in accordance with the Company’s certificate of incorporation and these bylaws. Only such business will be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as has been brought before the special meeting pursuant to the Company’s notice of meeting. If the election of directors is included as business to be brought before a special meeting in the Company’s notice of meeting, then nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors at such special meeting may be made by any stockholder who (i) is a stockholder of record at the time of giving of the notice contemplated by this Section 2.4(b); (ii) is a stockholder of record on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of the special meeting; (iii) is a stockholder of record on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the special meeting; (iv) is a stockholder of record at the time of the special meeting; and (v) complies with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.4(b). For nominations to be properly brought by a stockholder before a special meeting pursuant to this Section 2.4(b), the stockholder’s notice must be received by the secretary at the principal executive offices of the Company no earlier than 8:00 a.m., local time, on the 120th day prior to the day of the special meeting and no later than 5:00 p.m., local time, on the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the special meeting was first made. In no event will any adjournment, rescheduling or postponement of a special meeting or the announcement thereof commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice. A stockholder’s notice to the Secretary must comply with the applicable notice requirements of Section 2.4(a)(iii).

(c) Other Requirements.

(i) To be eligible to be a nominee by any stockholder for election as a director of the Company, the proposed nominee must provide to the secretary, in accordance with the applicable time periods prescribed for delivery of notice under Section 2.4(a)(ii) or Section 2.4(b):

(1) a signed and completed written questionnaire (in the form provided by the secretary at the written request of the nominating stockholder, which form will be provided by the secretary within 10 days of receiving such request) containing information regarding such nominee’s background and qualifications and such other information as may reasonably be required by the Company to determine the eligibility of such nominee to serve as a director of the Company or to serve as an independent director of the Company;

(2) a written representation and undertaking that, unless previously disclosed to the Company, such nominee is not, and will not become, a party to any voting agreement, arrangement, commitment, assurance or understanding with any person or entity as to how such nominee, if elected as a director, will vote on any issue;

(3) a written representation and undertaking that, unless previously disclosed to the Company, such nominee is not, and will not become, a party to any Third-Party Compensation Arrangement;

(4) a written representation and undertaking that, if elected as a director, such nominee would be in compliance, and will continue to comply, with the Company’s corporate governance guidelines as disclosed on the Company’s website, as amended from time to time; and

(5) a written representation and undertaking that such nominee, if elected, intends to serve a full term on the Board of Directors.

(ii) At the request of the Board of Directors, any person nominated by the Board of Directors for election as a director must furnish to the secretary the information that is required to be set forth in a stockholder’s notice of nomination that pertains to such nominee.

(iii) No person will be eligible to be nominated by a stockholder for election as a director of the Company unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.4. No business proposed by a stockholder will be conducted at a stockholder meeting except in accordance with this Section 2.4.

 

 

- 6 -


(iv) The chairperson of the applicable meeting of stockholders will, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a nomination was not made in accordance with the procedures prescribed by these bylaws or that business was not properly brought before the meeting. If the chairperson of the meeting should so determine, then the chairperson of the meeting will so declare to the meeting and the defective nomination will be disregarded or such business will not be transacted, as the case may be.

(v) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.4, unless otherwise required by law, if the stockholder (or a qualified representative of the stockholder) does not appear in person at the meeting to present a nomination or other proposed business, such nomination will be disregarded or such proposed business will not be transacted, as the case may be, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such nomination or business may have been received by the Company and counted for purposes of determining a quorum. For purposes of this Section 2.4, to be considered a qualified representative of the stockholder, a person must be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such stockholder or must be authorized by a writing executed by such stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered by such stockholder to act for such stockholder as proxy at the meeting, and such person must produce such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the writing or electronic transmission, at the meeting.

(vi) Without limiting this Section 2.4, a stockholder must also comply with all applicable requirements of the 1934 Act with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 2.4, it being understood that (1) any references in these bylaws to the 1934 Act are not intended to, and will not, limit any requirements applicable to nominations or proposals as to any other business to be considered pursuant to this Section 2.4; and (2) compliance with clause (4) of Section 2.4(a)(i) and with Section 2.4(b) are the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations or submit other business (other than as provided in Section 2.4(c)(vii)).

(vii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.4, the notice requirements set forth in these bylaws with respect to the proposal of any business pursuant to this Section 2.4 will be deemed to be satisfied by a stockholder if (1) such stockholder has submitted a proposal to the Company in compliance with Rule 14a-8 under the 1934 Act; and (2) such stockholder’s proposal has been included in a proxy statement that has been prepared by the Company to solicit proxies for the meeting of stockholders. Subject to Rule 14a-8 and other applicable rules and regulations under the 1934 Act, nothing in these bylaws will be construed to permit any stockholder, or give any stockholder the right, to include or have disseminated or described in the Company’s proxy statement any nomination of a director or any other business proposal.

2.5 NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETINGS

Whenever stockholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, a notice of the meeting shall be given which shall state the place, if any, date and hour of the meeting, the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, if such date is different from the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called. Except as otherwise provided in the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, the notice of any meeting of stockholders shall be given not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting as of the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting.

 

- 7 -


2.6 QUORUM

The holders of a majority of the voting power of the capital stock of the Company issued and outstanding and entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of the stockholders. Where a separate vote by a class or series or classes or series is required, a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of such class or series or classes or series, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter, except as otherwise provided by law, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws.

If, however, such quorum is not present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, then either (a) the chairperson of the meeting, or (b) the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present or represented. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present or represented, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the original meeting.

2.7 ADJOURNED MEETING; NOTICE

When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, unless these bylaws otherwise require, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time, place, if any, thereof, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such adjourned meeting are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken. At the adjourned meeting, the Company may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than 30 days, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. If after the adjournment a new record date for stockholders entitled to vote is fixed for the adjourned meeting, the Board of Directors shall fix a new record date for notice of such adjourned meeting in accordance with Section 213(a) of the DGCL and Section 2.11 of these bylaws, and shall give notice of the adjourned meeting to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such adjourned meeting as of the record date fixed for notice of such adjourned meeting.

2.8 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

The chairperson of any meeting of stockholders shall determine the order of business and the procedure at the meeting, including such regulation of the manner of voting and the conduct of business and discussion as seem to the chairperson in order. The chairperson of any meeting of stockholders shall be designated by the Board of Directors; in the absence of such designation, the chairperson of the Board of Directors, if any, or the chief executive officer (in the absence of the chairperson of the Board of Directors) or the president (in the absence of the chairperson of the Board of Directors and the chief executive officer), or in their absence any other executive officer of the Company, shall serve as chairperson of the stockholder meeting. The chairperson of any meeting of stockholders shall have the power to adjourn the meeting to another place, if any, date or time, whether or not a quorum is present.

2.9 VOTING

The stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.11 of these bylaws, subject to Section 217 (relating to voting rights of fiduciaries, pledgors and joint owners of stock) and Section 218 (relating to voting trusts and other voting agreements) of the DGCL.

Except as may be otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, each stockholder shall be entitled to one vote for each share of capital stock held by such stockholder.

 

 

- 8 -


Except as otherwise provided by law, the certificate of incorporation, these bylaws or the rules of the stock exchange on which the Company’s securities are listed, in all matters other than the election of directors, the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter shall be the act of the stockholders. Except as otherwise required by law, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the voting power of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors. Where a separate vote by a class or series or classes or series is required, in all matters other than the election of directors, the affirmative vote of the majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of such class or series or classes or series present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter shall be the act of such class or series or classes or series, except as otherwise provided by law, the certificate of incorporation, these bylaws or the rules of the stock exchange on which the securities of the Company are listed.

2.10 STOCKHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT WITHOUT A MEETING

Subject to the rights of holders of preferred stock of the Company, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Company must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Company and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such stockholders.

2.11 RECORD DATES

In order that the Company may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors and which record date shall not be more than 60 nor less than 10 days before the date of such meeting. If the Board of Directors so fixes a date, such date shall also be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting unless the Board of Directors determines, at the time it fixes such record date, that a later date on or before the date of the meeting shall be the date for making such determination.

If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held.

A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and in such case shall also fix as the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote in accordance with the provisions of Section 213 of the DGCL and this Section 2.11 at the adjourned meeting.

In order that the Company may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than 60 days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

 

- 9 -


2.12 PROXIES

Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders, or such stockholder’s authorized officer, director, employee or agent, may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy authorized by a document or by a transmission permitted by law filed in accordance with the procedure established for the meeting, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. The authorization of a person to act as a proxy may be documented, signed and delivered in accordance with Section 116 of the DGCL; provided that such authorization shall set forth, or be delivered with information enabling the Company to determine, the identity of the stockholder granting such authorization. The revocability of a proxy that states on its face that it is irrevocable shall be governed by the provisions of Section 212 of the DGCL.

2.13 LIST OF STOCKHOLDERS ENTITLED TO VOTE

The Company shall prepare, at least 10 days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting; provided, however, if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote is less than 10 days before the meeting date, the list shall reflect the stockholders entitled to vote as of the tenth day before the meeting date, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. The Company shall not be required to include electronic mail addresses or other electronic contact information on such list. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder for any purpose germane to the meeting for a period of at least 10 days prior to the meeting: (a) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting, or (b) during ordinary business hours, at the Company’s principal place of business. In the event that the Company determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the Company may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the Company. If the meeting is to be held at a place, then a list of stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting shall be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be examined by any stockholder who is present. If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, then such list shall also be open to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time of the meeting on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to access such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting.

2.14 INSPECTORS OF ELECTION

Before any meeting of stockholders, the Company shall appoint an inspector or inspectors of election to act at the meeting or its adjournment. The Company may designate one or more persons as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act.

Such inspectors shall:

(a) ascertain the number of shares outstanding and the voting power of each;

(b) determine the shares represented at the meeting and the validity of proxies and ballots;

(c) count all votes and ballots;

(d) determine and retain for a reasonable period a record of the disposition of any challenges made to any determination by the inspectors; and

 

 

- 10 -


(e) certify their determination of the number of shares represented at the meeting, and their count of all votes and ballots.

The inspectors of election shall perform their duties impartially, in good faith, to the best of their ability and as expeditiously as is practical. If there are multiple inspectors of election, the decision, act or certificate of a majority is effective in all respects as the decision, act or certificate of all. Any report or certificate made by the inspectors of election is prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.

ARTICLE III - DIRECTORS

3.1 POWERS

The business and affairs of the Company shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors, except as may be otherwise provided in the DGCL or the certificate of incorporation.

3.2 NUMBER OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors shall consist of one or more members, each of whom shall be a natural person. Unless the certificate of incorporation fixes the number of directors, the number of directors shall be determined from time to time by resolution of a majority of the Whole Board. No reduction of the authorized number of directors shall have the effect of removing any director before that director’s term of office expires.

3.3 ELECTION, QUALIFICATION AND TERM OF OFFICE OF DIRECTORS

Except as provided in Section 3.4 of these bylaws, each director, including a director elected to fill a vacancy or newly created directorship, shall hold office until the expiration of the term for which elected and until such director’s successor is elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal. Directors need not be stockholders unless so required by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws. The certificate of incorporation or these bylaws may prescribe other qualifications for directors.

If so provided in the certificate of incorporation, the directors of the Company shall be divided into three classes.

3.4 RESIGNATION AND VACANCIES

Any director may resign at any time upon notice given in writing or by electronic transmission to the Company. A resignation is effective when the resignation is delivered unless the resignation specifies a later effective date or an effective date determined upon the happening of an event or events. A resignation which is conditioned upon the director failing to receive a specified vote for reelection as a director may provide that it is irrevocable. Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, when one or more directors resign from the Board of Directors, effective at a future date, a majority of the directors then in office, including those who have so resigned, shall have power to fill such vacancy or vacancies, the vote thereon to take effect when such resignation or resignations shall become effective.

Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws or permitted in the specific case by resolution of the Board of Directors, and subject to the rights of holders of Preferred Stock, vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors elected by all of the stockholders having the right to vote as a single class may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and not by stockholders. If the directors are divided into classes, a person so chosen to fill a vacancy or newly created directorship shall hold office until the next election of the class for which such director shall have been chosen and until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified.

 

- 11 -


3.5 PLACE OF MEETINGS; MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE

The Board of Directors may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or outside the State of Delaware.

Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, members of the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and such participation in a meeting shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

3.6 REGULAR MEETINGS

Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice at such time and at such place as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors.

3.7 SPECIAL MEETINGS; NOTICE

Special meetings of the Board of Directors for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time by the chairperson of the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer, the president, the secretary or a majority of the Whole Board; provided that the person(s) authorized to call special meetings of the Board of Directors may authorize another person or persons to send notice of such meeting.

Notice of the time and place of special meetings shall be:

(a) delivered personally by hand, by courier or by telephone;

(b) sent by United States first-class mail, postage prepaid;

(c) sent by facsimile;

(d) sent by electronic mail; or

(e) otherwise given by electronic transmission (as defined in Section 232 of the DGCL),

directed to each director at that director’s address, telephone number, facsimile number, electronic mail address or other contact for notice by electronic transmission, as the case may be, as shown on the Company’s records.

If the notice is (i) delivered personally by hand, by courier or by telephone, (ii) sent by facsimile, (iii) sent by electronic mail or (iv) otherwise given by electronic transmission, it shall be delivered, sent or otherwise directed to each director, as applicable, at least 24 hours before the time of the holding of the meeting. If the notice is sent by United States mail, it shall be deposited in the United States mail at least four days before the time of the holding of the meeting. Any oral notice of the time and place of the meeting may be communicated to the director in lieu of written notice if such notice is communicated at least 24 hours before the time of the holding of the meeting. The notice need not specify the place of the meeting (if the meeting is to be held at the Company’s principal executive office) nor the purpose of the meeting, unless required by statute.

 

 

- 12 -


3.8 QUORUM; VOTING

At all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the Whole Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If a quorum is not present at any meeting of the Board of Directors, then the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present.

The affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors, except as may be otherwise specifically provided by statute, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws.

If the certificate of incorporation provides that one or more directors shall have more or less than one vote per director on any matter, except as may otherwise be expressly provided herein or therein and denoted with the phrase “notwithstanding the final paragraph of Section 3.8 of the bylaws” or language to similar effect, every reference in these bylaws to a majority or other proportion of the directors shall refer to a majority or other proportion of the votes of the directors.

3.9 BOARD ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT WITHOUT A MEETING

Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors, or of any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission. Any person (whether or not then a director) may provide, whether through instruction to an agent or otherwise, that a consent to action will be effective at a future time (including a time determined upon the happening of an event), no later than 60 days after such instruction is given or such provision is made and such consent shall be deemed to have been given for purposes of this Section 3.9 at such effective time so long as such person is then a director and did not revoke the consent prior to such time. Any such consent shall be revocable prior to its becoming effective. After an action is taken, the consent or consents relating thereto shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board of Directors, or the committee thereof, in the same paper or electronic form as the minutes are maintained.

3.10 FEES AND COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, the Board of Directors shall have the authority to fix the compensation of directors.

3.11 REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS

Any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed from office by stockholders of the Company in the manner specified in the certificate of incorporation and applicable law. No reduction of the authorized number of directors shall have the effect of removing any director prior to the expiration of such director’s term of office.

 

- 13 -


ARTICLE IV - COMMITTEES

4.1 COMMITTEES OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors may, by resolution passed by a majority of the Whole Board, designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Company. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board of Directors or in these bylaws, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Company, and may authorize the seal of the Company to be affixed to all papers that may require it; but no such committee shall have the power or authority to (a) approve or adopt, or recommend to the stockholders, any action or matter (other than the election or removal of directors) expressly required by the DGCL to be submitted to stockholders for approval, or (b) adopt, amend or repeal any bylaw of the Company.

4.2 COMMITTEE MINUTES

Each committee and subcommittee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings.

4.3 MEETINGS AND ACTION OF COMMITTEES

Meetings and actions of committees and subcommittees shall be governed by, and held and taken in accordance with, the provisions of:

(a) Section 3.5 (place of meetings and meetings by telephone);

(b) Section 3.6 (regular meetings);

(c) Section 3.7 (special meetings and notice);

(d) Section 3.8 (quorum; voting);

(e) Section 3.9 (action without a meeting); and

(f) Section 7.4 (waiver of notice)

with such changes in the context of those bylaws as are necessary to substitute the committee or subcommittee and its members for the Board of Directors and its members. However, (i) the time and place of regular meetings of committees or subcommittees may be determined either by resolution of the Board of Directors or by resolution of the committee or subcommittee; (ii) special meetings of committees or subcommittees may also be called by resolution of the Board of Directors or the committee or the subcommittee; and (iii) notice of special meetings of committees and subcommittees shall also be given to all alternate members who shall have the right to attend all meetings of the committee or subcommittee. The Board of Directors may adopt rules for the government of any committee not inconsistent with the provisions of these bylaws.

Any provision in the certificate of incorporation providing that one or more directors shall have more or less than one vote per director on any matter shall apply to voting in any committee or subcommittee, unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws.

 

- 14 -


4.4 SUBCOMMITTEES

Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation, these bylaws or the resolutions of the Board of Directors designating the committee, a committee may create one or more subcommittees, each subcommittee to consist of one or more members of the committee, and delegate to a subcommittee any or all of the powers and authority of the committee.

ARTICLE V - OFFICERS

5.1 OFFICERS

The officers of the Company shall be a president and a secretary. The Company may also have, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, a chairperson of the Board of Directors, a vice chairperson of the Board of Directors, a chief executive officer, a chief financial officer or treasurer, one or more vice presidents, one or more assistant vice presidents, one or more assistant treasurers, one or more assistant secretaries and any such other officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws. Any number of offices may be held by the same person.

5.2 APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS

The Board of Directors shall appoint the officers of the Company, except such officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.3 of these bylaws, subject to the rights, if any, of an officer under any contract of employment.

5.3 SUBORDINATE OFFICERS

The Board of Directors may appoint, or empower the chief executive officer or the president, to appoint, such other officers as the business of the Company may require. Each of such officers shall hold office for such period, have such authority, and perform such duties as are provided in these bylaws or as determined from time to time by the Board of Directors, by any duly authorized committee or subcommittee thereof or by any officer who has been conferred such power of determination.

5.4 REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION OF OFFICERS

Subject to the rights, if any, of an officer under any contract of employment, any officer may be removed, either with or without cause, by the Board of Directors or, for the avoidance of doubt, any duly authorized committee or subcommittee thereof or by any officer who has been conferred such power of removal.

Any officer may resign at any time by giving notice, in writing or by electronic transmission, to the Company. Any resignation shall take effect at the date of the receipt of that notice or at any later time specified in that notice. Unless otherwise specified in the notice of resignation, the acceptance of the resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Any resignation is without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the Company under any contract to which the officer is a party.

5.5 VACANCIES IN OFFICES

Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Company shall be filled by the Board of Directors or as provided in Section 5.3.

 

- 15 -


5.6 REPRESENTATION OF SECURITIES OF OTHER ENTITIES

The chairperson of the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer, the president, any vice president, the treasurer, the secretary or assistant secretary of this Company or any other person authorized by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer, the president or a vice president, is authorized to vote, represent and exercise on behalf of this Company all rights incident to any and all shares or other securities of any other entity or entities, and all rights incident to any management authority conferred on the Company in accordance with the governing documents of any entity or entities, standing in the name of this Company, including the right to act by written consent. The authority granted herein may be exercised either by such person directly or by any other person authorized to do so by proxy or power of attorney duly executed by such person having the authority.

5.7 AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Each officer of the Company shall have such authority and perform such duties in the management of the business of the Company as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors, by any duly authorized committee or subcommittee thereof or by any officer who has been conferred such power of designation, and, to the extent not so provided, as generally pertain to such office, subject to the control of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VI - STOCK

6.1 STOCK CERTIFICATES; PARTLY PAID SHARES

The shares of the Company shall be represented by certificates, provided that the Board of Directors may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of its stock shall be uncertificated shares. Any such resolution shall not apply to shares represented by a certificate until such certificate is surrendered to the Company. Unless otherwise provided by resolution of the Board of Directors, every holder of stock represented by certificates shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by, or in the name of, the Company by any two officers of the Company representing the number of shares registered in certificate form. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate has ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Company with the same effect as if such person were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue. The Company shall not have power to issue a certificate in bearer form.

The Company may issue the whole or any part of its shares as partly paid and subject to call for the remainder of the consideration to be paid therefor. Upon the face or back of each stock certificate issued to represent any such partly-paid shares, or upon the books and records of the Company in the case of uncertificated partly-paid shares, the total amount of the consideration to be paid therefor and the amount paid thereon shall be stated. Upon the declaration of any dividend on fully-paid shares, the Company shall declare a dividend upon partly-paid shares of the same class, but only upon the basis of the percentage of the consideration actually paid thereon.

6.2 SPECIAL DESIGNATION ON CERTIFICATES

If the Company is authorized to issue more than one class of stock or more than one series of any class, then the powers, the designations, the preferences and the relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights shall be set forth in full or summarized on the face or back of the certificate that the Company shall issue to represent such class or series of stock; provided, however, that, except as otherwise provided in Section 202 of the DGCL, in lieu of the foregoing requirements, there may be set

 

- 16 -


forth on the face or back of the certificate that the Company shall issue to represent such class or series of stock, a statement that the Company will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights. Within a reasonable time after the issuance or transfer of uncertificated stock, the registered owner thereof shall be given a notice, in writing or by electronic transmission, containing the information required to be set forth or stated on certificates pursuant to this Section 6.2 or Sections 156, 202(a), 218(a) or 364 of the DGCL or with respect to this Section 6.2 a statement that the Company will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights. Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, the rights and obligations of the holders of uncertificated stock and the rights and obligations of the holders of certificates representing stock of the same class and series shall be identical.

6.3 LOST CERTIFICATES

Except as provided in this Section 6.3, no new certificates for shares shall be issued to replace a previously issued certificate unless the latter is surrendered to the Company and cancelled at the same time. The Company may issue a new certificate of stock or uncertificated shares in the place of any certificate theretofore issued by it, alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, and the Company may require the owner of the lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or such owner’s legal representative, to give the Company a bond sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate or uncertificated shares.

6.4 DIVIDENDS

The Board of Directors, subject to any restrictions contained in the certificate of incorporation or applicable law, may declare and pay dividends upon the shares of the Company’s capital stock. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the Company’s capital stock, subject to the provisions of the certificate of incorporation. The Board of Directors may set apart out of any of the funds of the Company available for dividends a reserve or reserves for any proper purpose and may abolish any such reserve.

6.5 TRANSFER OF STOCK

Transfers of record of shares of stock of the Company shall be made only upon its books by the holders thereof, in person or by an attorney duly authorized, and, if such stock is certificated, upon the surrender of a certificate or certificates for a like number of shares, properly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignation or authority to transfer.

6.6 STOCK TRANSFER AGREEMENTS

The Company shall have power to enter into and perform any agreement with any number of stockholders of any one or more classes of stock of the Company to restrict the transfer of shares of stock of the Company of any one or more classes owned by such stockholders in any manner not prohibited by the DGCL.

 

- 17 -


6.7 REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS

The Company:

(a) shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends and notices and to vote as such owner; and

(b) shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of another person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of Delaware.

ARTICLE VII - MANNER OF GIVING NOTICE AND WAIVER

7.1 NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETINGS

Notice of any meeting of stockholders shall be given in the manner set forth in the DGCL.

7.2 NOTICE TO STOCKHOLDERS SHARING AN ADDRESS

Except as otherwise prohibited under the DGCL, without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders, any notice to stockholders given by the Company under the provisions of the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws shall be effective if given by a single written notice to stockholders who share an address if consented to by the stockholders at that address to whom such notice is given. Any such consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice to the Company. Any stockholder who fails to object in writing to the Company, within 60 days of having been given written notice by the Company of its intention to send the single notice, shall be deemed to have consented to receiving such single written notice. This Section 7.2 shall not apply to Sections 164, 296, 311, 312 or 324 of the DGCL.

7.3 NOTICE TO PERSON WITH WHOM COMMUNICATION IS UNLAWFUL

Whenever notice is required to be given, under the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, to any person with whom communication is unlawful, the giving of such notice to such person shall not be required and there shall be no duty to apply to any governmental authority or agency for a license or permit to give such notice to such person. Any action or meeting which shall be taken or held without notice to any such person with whom communication is unlawful shall have the same force and effect as if such notice had been duly given. In the event that the action taken by the Company is such as to require the filing of a certificate under the DGCL, the certificate shall state, if such is the fact and if notice is required, that notice was given to all persons entitled to receive notice except such persons with whom communication is unlawful.

7.4 WAIVER OF NOTICE

Whenever notice is required to be given under any provision of the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, a written waiver, signed by the person entitled to notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the person entitled to notice, whether before or after the time of the event for which notice is to be given, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the stockholders need be specified in any written waiver of notice or any waiver by electronic transmission unless so required by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws.

 

 

- 18 -


ARTICLE VIII - INDEMNIFICATION

8.1 INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS IN THIRD PARTY PROCEEDINGS

Subject to the other provisions of this Article VIII, the Company shall indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as now or hereinafter in effect, any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a “Proceeding”) (other than an action by or in the right of the Company) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Company, or is or was a director or officer of the Company serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such Proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful. The termination of any Proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such person’s conduct was unlawful.

8.2 INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS IN ACTIONS BY OR IN THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY

Subject to the other provisions of this Article VIII, the Company shall indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as now or hereinafter in effect, any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Company, or is or was a director or officer of the Company serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such Proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company; except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Company unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

8.3 SUCCESSFUL DEFENSE

To the extent that a present or former director or officer (for purposes of this Section 8.3 only, as such term is defined in Section 145(c)(1) of the DGCL) of the Company has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding described in Section 8.1 or Section 8.2, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith. The Company may indemnify any other person who is not a present or former director or officer of the Company against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person to the extent he or she has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any suit or proceeding described in Section 8.1 or Section 8.2, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein.

 

- 19 -


8.4 INDEMNIFICATION OF OTHERS

Subject to the other provisions of this Article VIII, the Company shall have power to indemnify its employees and agents, or any other persons, to the extent not prohibited by the DGCL or other applicable law. The Board of Directors shall have the power to delegate to any person or persons identified in subsections (1) through (4) of Section 145(d) of the DGCL the determination of whether employees or agents shall be indemnified.

8.5 ADVANCED PAYMENT OF EXPENSES

Expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by an officer or director of the Company in defending any Proceeding shall be paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition of such Proceeding upon receipt of a written request therefor (together with documentation reasonably evidencing such expenses) and an undertaking by or on behalf of the person to repay such amounts if it shall ultimately be determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article VIII or the DGCL. Such expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by former directors and officers or other employees and agents of the Company or by persons serving at the request of the Company as directors, officers, employees or agents of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the Company deems appropriate. The right to advancement of expenses shall not apply to any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) for which indemnity is excluded pursuant to these bylaws, but shall apply to any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) referenced in Section 8.6(b) or 8.6(c) prior to a determination that the person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless otherwise determined pursuant to Section 8.8, no advance shall be made by the Company to an officer of the Company (except by reason of the fact that such officer is or was a director of the Company, in which event this paragraph shall not apply) in any Proceeding if a determination is reasonably and promptly made (a) by a vote of the directors who are not parties to such Proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (b) by a committee of such directors designated by the vote of the majority of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (c) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, that facts known to the decision-making party at the time such determination is made demonstrate clearly and convincingly that such person acted in bad faith or in a manner that such person did not believe to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company.

8.6 LIMITATION ON INDEMNIFICATION

Subject to the requirements in Section 8.3 and the DGCL, the Company shall not be obligated to indemnify any person pursuant to this Article VIII in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding):

(a) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of such person under any statute, insurance policy, indemnity provision, vote or otherwise, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid;

(b) for an accounting or disgorgement of profits pursuant to Section 16(b) of the 1934 Act, or similar provisions of federal, state or local statutory law or common law, if such person is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements);

 

 

- 20 -


(c) for any reimbursement of the Company by such person of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by such person from the sale of securities of the Company, as required in each case under the 1934 Act (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Company pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), or the payment to the Company of profits arising from the purchase and sale by such person of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), if such person is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements);

(d) initiated by such person, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by such person against the Company or its directors, officers, employees, agents or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board of Directors authorized the Proceeding (or the relevant part of the Proceeding) prior to its initiation, (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law, (iii) otherwise required to be made under Section 8.7 or (iv) otherwise required by applicable law; or

(e) if prohibited by applicable law.

8.7 DETERMINATION; CLAIM

If a claim for indemnification or advancement of expenses under this Article VIII is not paid in full within 90 days after receipt by the Company of the written request therefor, the claimant shall be entitled to an adjudication by a court of competent jurisdiction of his or her entitlement to such indemnification or advancement of expenses. The Company shall indemnify such person against any and all expenses that are actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with any action for indemnification or advancement of expenses from the Company under this Article VIII, to the extent such person is successful in such action, and to the extent not prohibited by law. In any such suit, the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, have the burden of proving that the claimant is not entitled to the requested indemnification or advancement of expenses.

8.8 NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS

The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Article VIII shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under the certificate of incorporation or any statute, bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office. The Company is specifically authorized to enter into individual contracts with any or all of its directors, officers, employees or agents respecting indemnification and advancement of expenses, to the fullest extent not prohibited by the DGCL or other applicable law.

8.9 INSURANCE

The Company may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of the DGCL.

 

- 21 -


8.10 SURVIVAL

The rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses conferred by this Article VIII shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

8.11 EFFECT OF REPEAL OR MODIFICATION

A right to indemnification or to advancement of expenses arising under a provision of the certificate of incorporation or a bylaw shall not be eliminated or impaired by an amendment to or repeal or elimination of the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws after the occurrence of the act or omission that is the subject of the civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding for which indemnification or advancement of expenses is sought, unless the provision in effect at the time of such act or omission explicitly authorizes such elimination or impairment after such action or omission has occurred.

8.12 CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Article VIII, references to the “Company” shall include, in addition to the resulting company, any constituent company (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent company, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Article VIII with respect to the resulting or surviving company as such person would have with respect to such constituent company if its separate existence had continued. For purposes of this Article VIII, references to “other enterprises” shall include employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to “serving at the request of the Company” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Company” as referred to in this Article VIII.

ARTICLE IX - GENERAL MATTERS

9.1 EXECUTION OF CORPORATE CONTRACTS AND INSTRUMENTS

Except as otherwise provided by law, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, the Board of Directors may authorize any officer or officers, or agent or agents, or employee or employees, to enter into any contract or execute any document or instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Company; such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless so authorized or ratified by the Board of Directors or within the agency power of an officer, agent or employee, no officer, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the Company by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable for any purpose or for any amount.

 

- 22 -


9.2 FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the Company shall be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors and may be changed by the Board of Directors.

9.3 SEAL

The Company may adopt a corporate seal, which shall be adopted and which may be altered by the Board of Directors. The Company may use the corporate seal by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or in any other manner reproduced.

9.4 CONSTRUCTION; DEFINITIONS

Unless the context requires otherwise, the general provisions, rules of construction, and definitions in the DGCL shall govern the construction of these bylaws. Without limiting the generality of this provision, the singular number includes the plural, the plural number includes the singular, and the term “person” includes a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, and a natural person. Any reference in these bylaws to a section of the DGCL shall be deemed to refer to such section as amended from time to time and any successor provisions thereto.

9.5 FORUM SELECTION

Unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction, another State court in Delaware or the federal district court for the District of Delaware) shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, stockholder, officer or other employee of the Company to the Company or the Company’s stockholders, (c) any action arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws (as either may be amended from time to time) or (d) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine, except for, as to each of (a) through (d) above, any claim as to which such court determines that there is an indispensable party not subject to the jurisdiction of such court (and the indispensable party does not consent to the personal jurisdiction of such court within 10 days following such determination), which is vested in the exclusive jurisdiction of a court or forum other than such court or for which such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction.

Unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, against any person in connection with any offering of the Company’s securities, including, without limitation and for the avoidance of doubt, any auditor, underwriter, expert, control person or other defendant.

Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any security of the Company shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Section 9.5. This provision shall be enforceable by any party to a complaint covered by the provisions of this Section 9.5. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing contained in this Section 9.5 shall apply to any action brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the 1934 Act or any successor thereto.

 

- 23 -


ARTICLE X - AMENDMENTS

These bylaws may be adopted, amended or repealed by the stockholders entitled to vote; provided, however, that the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the total voting power of outstanding voting securities, voting together as a single class, shall be required for the stockholders of the Company to alter, amend or repeal, or adopt any bylaw inconsistent with, the following provisions of these bylaws: Article II, Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.4 and 3.11 of Article III, Article VIII, Section 9.5 of Article IX or this Article X (including, without limitation, any such Article or Section as renumbered as a result of any amendment, alteration, change, repeal, or adoption of any other bylaw). The Board of Directors shall also have the power to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws; provided, however, that a bylaw amendment adopted by stockholders which specifies the votes that shall be necessary for the election of directors shall not be further amended or repealed by the Board of Directors.

 

- 24 -

EX-10.1

Exhibit 10.1

CONTINGENT VALUE RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This CONTINGENT VALUE RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of August 26, 2021, is entered into by and between Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), Cheryl Cohen, as representative of the Holders (the “Holder Representative”) and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent (as defined herein).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Company, Aspen Merger Subsidiary, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”) and Aadi Bioscience, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Aadi”), have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 16, 2021 (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which Merger Sub will merge with and into Aadi (the “Merger”), with Aadi surviving the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company;

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, and in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, the Company has agreed to provide to the Holders (as defined herein) contingent value rights as hereinafter described;

WHEREAS, the parties have done all things reasonably necessary to make the contingent value rights, when issued pursuant to the Merger Agreement and hereunder, the valid obligations of the Company and to make this Agreement a valid and binding agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms; and

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the consummation of the transactions referred to above, the Company and Rights Agent agree, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders, as follows:

1. Definitions; Certain Rules of Construction. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Merger Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings ascribed to them as follows:

Acquiror” and “Acquisition” have the respective meanings set forth in Section 6.3(a).

Acting Holders” means, at the time of determination, Holders of at least 50% of the outstanding CVRs.

Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person. The term “control” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the voting securities entitled to vote for directors (or similar officials) of a Person or the possession, by contract or otherwise, of the authority to direct the management and policies of a Person.

Assignee” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(a).

 

1


Business Day” means any day other than a day on which banks in the State of New York are authorized or obligated to be closed.

Common Stock” means the common stock, $0.001 par value, of the Company.

Covered Agreements” means, the license agreement, dated June 24, 2018, entered into by between the Company and Gossamer Bio, Inc., as amended by the Amendment No. 1 thereto (the “License Agreement”).

CVRs” means the contractual rights of Holders to receive contingent cash payments pursuant to the Merger Agreement and this Agreement.

CVR Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(d).

CVR Payment Period” means successive six-month periods, prior to the expiration of the CVR Term; provided, however that (a) the first CVR Payment Period shall commence on the date of this Agreement and shall end on the last day of the calendar quarter containing the date that is the 6 month anniversary of the date of this Agreement, and (b) the last CVR Payment Period shall commence on the first day after the full CVR Payment Period immediately preceding the effective date of the termination or expiration of this Agreement and shall end on the effective date of the termination or expiration of this Agreement.

CVR Payment Statement” means, for a given CVR Payment Period, a written statement of the Company setting forth in reasonable detail: (a) Net Proceeds for such CVR Payment Period; (b) a description of the Gross Consideration received during such CVR Payment Period: (c) a delineation and calculation of the Permitted Deductions applicable to such CVR Payment Period; and (d) to the extent that any Gross Consideration or Permitted Deduction is recorded in any currency other than United States dollars during such CVR Payment Period, the exchange rates used for conversion of such currency into United States dollars.

CVR Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(b).

CVR Term” means the period beginning on the date of this Agreement and ending upon the expiration or termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 7.7.

DTC” means The Depository Trust Company or any successor thereto.

Governmental Entity” means any foreign or domestic arbitrator, court, nation, government, any state or other political subdivision thereof and an entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial regulatory or administrative functions of, or pertaining to, government.

Gross Consideration” means the sum of: (a) all cash consideration actually paid by a Third Party to, and received by, the Company or its subsidiaries during the CVR Term pursuant to any Covered Agreement (including royalty payments), plus (b) with respect to any non-cash consideration received by the Company or its subsidiaries from a Third Party during the CVR Term as consideration pursuant to any Covered Agreement, all amounts received by the Company and its subsidiaries for such non-cash consideration at the time such non-cash consideration is monetized by the Company or its subsidiaries (which amounts will be deemed to be Gross Consideration only if and when such non-cash consideration is monetized and such amounts are received by the Company or any of its Affiliates).

 

2


Holder” means a Person in whose name a CVR is registered in the CVR Register at the applicable time.

Holder Representative” means the Holder Representative named in the first paragraph of this Agreement or any direct or indirect successor Holder Representative designated in accordance with Section 5.3.

Independent Accountant” means an independent certified public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing designated either (a) jointly by the Holder Representative and the Company, or (b) if the Holder Representative and the Company fail to make a designation, jointly by an independent public accounting firm selected by the Company and an independent public accounting firm selected by the Holder Representative.

Liability” means any liability, indebtedness, obligation, expense, claim, deficiency, guaranty or endorsement of any kind, whether accrued, absolute, contingent, matured, unmatured or otherwise.

Loss” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(g).

Net Proceeds” means, for any CVR Payment Period, Gross Consideration minus Permitted Deductions. For clarity, to the extent Permitted Deductions exceed Gross Consideration for any CVR Payment Period, any excess Permitted Deductions shall be applied against Gross Consideration in subsequent CVR Payment Periods.

Officer’s Certificate” means a certificate signed by the chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, any vice president, the controller, the treasurer or the secretary, in each case of the Company, in his or her capacity as such an officer, and delivered to the Rights Agent.

Party” means each of the Company, the Holder Representative or the Rights Agent.

Payment Amount” means, with respect to each CVR Payment and each Holder, an amount equal to such CVR Payment divided by the total number of CVRs and then multiplied by the total number of CVRs held by such Holder as reflected on the CVR Register (rounded down to the nearest whole cent).

Permitted Deductions” means the sum of:

(a) any applicable Tax (including any unreimbursed applicable value added or sales taxes) imposed on Gross Consideration payable by the Company or any of its Affiliates to any Tax authority and, without duplication, any income or other similar Taxes payable by the Company or any of its Affiliates that would not have been incurred by the Company or any of its Affiliates but for the receipt of Gross Consideration; provided that, for purposes of calculating income Taxes incurred by the Company or its subsidiaries in respect of the Gross Consideration, any such income Taxes shall be computed after reduction for any net operating loss

 

3


carryforwards or other Tax attributes (including Tax credits) of the Company or its subsidiaries (owned prior to the Merger) as of the Closing Date that are available to the maximum extent permitted by law to offset such gain after taking into account any limits of the usability of such attributes, including under Section 382 of the Code, in each case, as reasonably determined by a nationally recognized tax advisor in a manner (and for the sake of clarity such income taxes shall be calculated without taking into account any net operating losses or other Tax attributes generated by the Company or its subsidiaries after the Closing Date or any Tax attributes of Aadi, whether generated before or after the Closing Date), assuming for this purpose that (i) the only items of gross income of the Company and its subsidiaries are the applicable items of Gross Consideration (for the avoidance of doubt, assuming that such items of Gross Consideration are taxable in the hands of Company and its subsidiaries no later than the taxable year that includes the corresponding CVR Payment), and (ii) the net operating loss carryforwards or other Tax attributes (including Tax credits) of the Company or its subsidiaries shall only include any net operating loss carryforwards or other Tax attributes (including Tax credits) of the Company or its subsidiaries (owned prior to the Merger) existing as of immediately prior to the Merger for U.S. federal income tax purposes and applicable state and local income tax purposes;

(b) any Liabilities incurred by the Company or any of its Affiliates in respect of its performance of this Agreement following the Closing Date or in respect of its performance of any Covered Agreement, including any costs related to the prosecution, maintenance or enforcement by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of intellectual property rights (but excluding any costs related to a breach of this Agreement, including costs incurred in litigation in respect of the same);

(c) any Liabilities incurred or accrued by the Company or any of its Affiliates in connection with any brokerage fee, finder’s fee, opinion fee, success fee, transaction fee, service fee or other fee, commission or expense owed to any broker, finder, investment bank, auditor, accountant, counsel, advisor or other third party in relation to this Agreement or any Covered Agreement;

(d) any Losses incurred or reasonably expected to be incurred by the Company or any of its Affiliates arising out of any third-party claims, demands, actions, or other proceedings relating to or in connection with this Agreement or any Covered Agreement, including indemnification obligations of the Company or any of its Affiliates set forth in any Covered Agreement;

(e) any proceeds in consideration of a Covered Agreement included in the final determination of Net Cash in accordance with the Merger Agreement;

(f) any Liabilities borne by the Company or any of its Affiliates in connection with any Covered Agreement, including costs arising from the termination thereof;

(g) any Liabilities of the Company resulting from the distribution or issuance of the CVRs, including any Taxes imposed on the Company in connection thereto; provided that, any amounts deducted or withheld pursuant to Section 2.4(e) will be deemed to borne by the person in respect of whom such deduction and withholding was made and such amounts will not be treated as Permitted Deductions;

 

4


(h) any reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Holder Representative pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement, including any accountant or legal fees;

(i) any Liabilities of the Company resulting from indemnification obligations to the Holder Representative pursuant to Section 5.2 of this Agreement;

(j) any Liabilities of the Company resulting from the Non-Exclusive License between the Company and the Regents of University of Colorado, effective November 1, 2016;

(k) any costs, expenses, fees or other Liabilities incurred in connection with the monetization of any non-cash assets described in the definition of Gross Consideration; and

(l) any Liabilities existing or incurred during or prior to the CVR Term that would have been required to be included in the calculation of Net Cash to the extent not taken account in the calculation of Net Cash under the Merger Agreement.

For the avoidance of doubt, amounts placed in escrow or earnout, contingent or other post-closing payments, including milestone or royalty payments, in connection with the Covered Agreements will not be considered Net Proceeds unless (and only to the extent that) such amounts are actually received, and no longer subject to any contingency, by the Company prior to the CVR Term.

Permitted Transfer” means a transfer of CVRs (a) upon death of a Holder by will or intestacy; (b) pursuant to a court order; (c) by operation of law (including by consolidation or merger) or without consideration in connection with the dissolution, liquidation or termination of any corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other entity; (d) in the case of CVRs held in book-entry or other similar nominee form, from a nominee to a beneficial owner and, if applicable, through an intermediary, to the extent allowable by DTC; or (e) as provided in Section 2.6.

Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated association, partnership, joint venture or other entity.

Record Time” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(e).

Rights Agent” means the Rights Agent named in the first paragraph of this Agreement or any direct or indirect successor Rights Agent designated in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Agreement.

Third Party” means any Person other than the Company, Rights Agent or their respective Affiliates.

Valuation Expert” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(d).

 

 

5


2. Contingent Value Rights.

2.1 CVRs. The CVRs represent the rights of Holders to receive contingent cash payments pursuant to the Merger Agreement and this Agreement. The initial Holders will be the holders of the Common Stock as of immediately prior to the Effective Time. One CVR will be issued with respect to each share of Common Stock that is outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time.

2.2 Nontransferable. The CVRs may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, encumbered or in any other manner transferred or disposed of, in whole or in part, other than through a Permitted Transfer. Any purported transfer of a CVR other than in a Permitted Transfer shall be null and void ab initio.

2.3 No Certificate; Registration; Registration of Transfer; Change of Address; CVR Distribution.

(a) The CVRs will be issued in book-entry form only and will not be evidenced by a certificate or other instrument. The CVRs will not be listed on any quotation system or traded on any securities exchange.

(b) The Rights Agent shall create and maintain a register (the “CVR Register”) for the registration of CVRs and Permitted Transfers. The CVR Register will be created, and CVRs will be distributed, pursuant to written instructions to the Rights Agent from the Company. The CVR Register will initially show one position for Cede & Co. representing all the shares of Common Stock held by DTC on behalf of the street holders of the shares of Common Stock held by such holders as of immediately prior to the Effective Time. The Rights Agent will have no responsibility whatsoever directly to the street name holders with respect to transfers of CVRs. With respect to any payments to be made under Section 2.4(d) below, the Rights Agent will accomplish the payment to any former street name holders of shares of Common Stock by sending one lump-sum payment to DTC. The Rights Agent will have no responsibilities whatsoever with regard to the distribution of payments by DTC to such street name holders.

(c) Subject to the restrictions on transferability set forth in Section 2.2, every request made to transfer a CVR must be in writing and accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer any other requested documentation in form reasonably satisfactory to the Rights Agent pursuant to its guidelines, including a guaranty of signature by an “eligible guarantor institution” that is a member or participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program, duly executed by the Holder thereof, the Holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing, the Holder’s personal representative or the Holder’s survivor, and setting forth in reasonable detail the circumstances relating to the transfer. Upon receipt of such written notice, the Rights Agent shall, subject to its reasonable determination that the transfer instrument is in proper form and the transfer otherwise complies with the other terms and conditions of this Agreement and applicable law (including the provisions of Section 2.2), register the transfer of the CVRs in the CVR Register. The Company and Rights Agent may require evidence of payment of a sum sufficient to cover any stamp, documentary, registration, or other Tax or governmental charge that is imposed in connection with any such registration of transfer (or evidence that such Taxes and charges are not applicable). The Rights Agent shall have no duty or obligation to take any action under any section of this Agreement that requires the payment by

 

6


a Holder of a CVR of applicable taxes or charges unless and until the Rights Agent is satisfied that all such taxes or charges have been paid. All duly transferred CVRs registered in the CVR Register will be the valid obligations of the Company and will entitle the transferee to the same benefits and rights under this Agreement as those held immediately prior to the transfer by the transferor. No transfer of a CVR will be valid until registered in the CVR Register, and any transfer not duly registered in the CVR Register will be void and invalid. All costs and expenses related to any transfer or assignment of the CVRs (including the cost of any transfer tax) will be the responsibility of the transferor.

(d) A Holder may make a written request to the Rights Agent to change such Holder’s address of record in the CVR Register. The written request must be duly executed by the Holder. Upon receipt of such written notice, the Rights Agent shall, subject to its reasonable determination that the transfer instrument is in proper form, promptly record the change of address in the CVR Register. The Holder Representative may make a written request to the Rights Agent for a list containing the names, addresses and number of CVRs of the Holders that are registered in the CVR Register. Upon receipt of such written request from the Holder Representative, the Rights Agent shall promptly deliver a copy of such list to the Holder Representative.

(e) The Company will provide written instructions to the Rights Agent for the distribution of CVRs to holders of Common Stock as of immediately prior to the Effective Time (the “Record Time”). Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Company’s prompt confirmation of the Effective Time, the Rights Agent shall effect the distribution of the CVRs, less any tax withholding required by applicable law, to each holder of Common Stock as of the Record Time by the mailing of a statement of holding reflecting such CVRs.

2.4 CVR Payment and Related Procedures.

(a) No later than 45 days after the end of each CVR Payment Period during the CVR Term, commencing with the first CVR Payment Period in which the Company or its subsidiaries receives Gross Consideration, the Company shall deliver to the Holder Representative a draft CVR Payment Statement for such CVR Payment Period for review by the Holder Representative. Following the time the amount of Gross Consideration is agreed or finally determined by the Parties pursuant to Section 2.4(d) of this Agreement and in any event within 10 Business Days, the Company and the Holder Representative shall jointly deliver to the Rights Agent a CVR Payment Statement for such CVR Payment Period. Concurrent with the delivery of each CVR Payment Statement, on the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company shall pay the Rights Agent in U.S. dollars an amount equal to 90% of Net Proceeds (if any) received with respect to the applicable CVR Payment Period. Such amount of Net Proceeds will be transferred by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated in writing by the Rights Agent not less than 20 Business Days prior to the date of the applicable payment. The Company shall be entitled to retain for its own benefit the remaining 10% of any such Net Proceeds (if any) received with respect to the applicable CVR Payment Period. For clarity, to the extent that any non-cash consideration in Gross Consideration is monetized after the end of the CVR Term, the Company will include a description of such non-cash consideration in the CVR Payment Statement for the CVR Payment Period in which it is received, and will make the applicable payment to the Rights Agent upon monetization of such non-cash consideration.

 

7


(b) All payments by the Company to the Rights Agent under this Agreement shall be made in U.S. dollars. The rate of exchange to be used in computing the amount of currency equivalent in U.S. dollars shall be made at the average of the closing exchange rates reported in The Wall Street Journal (U.S., Eastern Edition) for the ten Business Days preceding the date of the CVR Payment Statement.

(c) The Rights Agent will promptly, and in any event within ten Business Days after receipt of a CVR Payment Statement under Section 2.4(a), send each Holder at its address set forth on the CVR Register a copy of such statement (which statement may be modified or redacted, at the reasonable request of the Company, so as to provide only the total amount of Gross Consideration, the total amount of Permitted Deductions and the ultimate Net Proceeds payable thereunder in respect of each CVR). If the Rights Agent also receives any payment under Section 2.4(a) (each, a “CVR Payment”), then within ten Business Days after the receipt of each CVR Payment, the Rights Agent will also pay to each Holder, by check mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to the address of each Holder as reflected in the CVR Register as of the close of business on the date of the receipt of the CVR Payment Statement, such Holder’s Payment Amount.

(d) Upon the Holder Representative’s reasonable request after receipt of any statement under Section 2.4(a), the Company shall promptly provide the Holder Representative with reasonable documentation to support its calculation of Net Proceeds (including any allocation applied when calculating the Gross Consideration component thereof and including its determination of the applicable fair market values), and shall make its financial personnel reasonably available to the Holder Representative to discuss and answer the Holder Representative’s questions regarding such calculations. If the Holder Representative does not agree with the Company’s calculation, and the Holder Representative and the Company fail to agree on an alternative calculation within ten Business Days after the Holder Representative requests documentation supporting the Company’s calculation, then the Company and the Holder Representative shall engage a mutually agreeable independent third party valuation expert (a “Valuation Expert”) to determine the applicable calculation. The determination of the Valuation Expert will be final and binding on the Company, the Rights Agent, the Holder Representative, the Acting Holders and each Holder, unless the Company and Holder Representative agree otherwise in writing. The Valuation Expert shall be an investment banker or other Person experienced in the valuation of pharmaceutical businesses and products, who shall not have had any material business relationship with the Company or the Holder Representative in the 36 months prior to appointment, unless the Company and the Holder Representative agree in writing to waive this requirement. If the Holder Representative and the Company fail to agree on a Valuation Expert within 30 days after determining to seek a Valuation Expert, the Holder Representative and the Company shall each designate a valuation expert, and the two such experts shall select a Valuation Expert. The Valuation Expert selected shall be entitled to apply discounted cash flow models and such other valuation models as she or he determines are appropriate under the circumstances, together with any other valuation models as may be agreed by the Holder Representative and the Company. Within ten Business Days after the selection of the Valuation Expert, each of the Company and the Holder Representative

 

8


will deliver to the Valuation Expert a detailed written proposal setting forth its proposed calculation of the Net Proceeds and the Company will deliver to the Valuation Expert a copy of the applicable Third Party agreements. The Company and the Holder Representative will use reasonable efforts to cause the Valuation Expert to make a determination within 30 days after receipt of the proposals. Following its determination, the Valuation Expert shall deliver to the Company and the Holder Representative a report of her or his determination, and within 30 days after receipt of such report, the Company shall make the applicable payment to the Rights Agent. The fees charged by the Valuation Expert shall be borne 50% by the Holders (through deduction from the next one or more CVR Payments, including the CVR Payment evaluated by the Valuation Expert) and 50% by the Company.

(e) The Company shall be entitled to deduct and withhold, or cause the Rights Agent to deduct and withhold, any tax or similar governmental charge or levy, that is required to be deducted or withheld under applicable law from any amounts payable pursuant to this Agreement (“Withholding Taxes”). To the extent the amounts are so withheld by the Company or the Rights Agent, as the case may be, and paid over to the appropriate Governmental Authority, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the person in respect of whom such deduction and withholding was made. The Rights Agent shall request from each Holder an IRS Form W-9 or applicable IRS Form W-8 at such time or times as is necessary to permit any payment under this Agreement to be made without U.S. federal backup withholding. In the event the Company becomes aware that a payment under this Agreement is subject to Withholding Taxes (other than U.S. federal backup withholding), the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide written notice to the Rights Agent.

(f) Any portion of any CVR Payment that remains undistributed to the Holders six months after the CVR Payment is received by the Rights Agent from the Company, provided that the Rights Agent has fully complied with Section 2.4(c), will be delivered by the Rights Agent to the Company, upon demand, and any Holder will thereafter look only to the Company for payment of its share of such returned CVR Payment, without interest, but such Holder will have no greater rights against the Company than those accorded to general unsecured creditors of the Company under applicable law.

(g) If any CVR Payment (or portion thereof) remains unclaimed by a Holder two years after the applicable CVR Payment Period end (or immediately prior to such earlier date on which such CVR Payment would otherwise escheat to or become the property of any Governmental Authority), such CVR Payment (or portion thereof) will, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, become the property of the Company and will be transferred to the Company or a person nominated in writing by the Company (with written notice thereof from the Company to the Rights Agent), free and clear of all claims or interest of any Person previously entitled thereto, and no consideration or compensation shall be payable therefor. Neither the Company nor the Rights Agent will be liable to any Person in respect of a CVR Payment delivered to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar legal requirement under applicable Law. In addition to and not in limitation of any other indemnity obligation herein, the Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Rights Agent with respect to any liability, penalty, cost or expense the Rights Agent may incur or be subject to in connection with transferring such property to the Company, a public office or a person nominated in writing by the Company.

 

9


(h) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company will not be obligated to make any CVR Payments unless the aggregate amount of the CVR Payments exceeds $1,000,000 in any given CVR Payment Period. If the amount of the CVR Payment is less than $1,000,000, such amount will be rolled over to the next CVR Payment Period until the amount of the CVR Payment exceeds $1,000,000. It is hereby agreed that if the amount of the CVR Payment does not exceed $1,000,000 in any given CVR Payment Period, the Company shall pay the total amount of the then unpaid CVR Payment immediately prior to the termination or expiry of this Agreement.

2.5 No Voting, Dividends or Interest; No Equity or Ownership Interest in the Company.

(a) The CVRs will not have any voting or dividend rights, and interest will not accrue on any amounts payable in respect of CVRs to any Holder.

(b) The CVRs will not represent any equity or ownership interest in the Company or in any constituent company to the Merger. The rights of the Holders and the obligations of the Company are contract rights limited to those expressly set forth in this Agreement, and such Holders’ sole right to receive property hereunder is the right to receive cash from the Company, if any, through the Rights Agent in accordance with the terms hereof. It is hereby acknowledged and agreed that a CVR shall not constitute a security of the Company.

(c) Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as conferring upon any Holder, by virtue of the CVRs, any rights or obligations of any kind or nature whatsoever as a stockholder or member of the Company or any of its subsidiaries either at law or in equity. The rights of any Holder and the obligations of the Company and its Affiliates and their respective officers, directors and controlling Persons are contract rights limited to those expressly set forth in this Agreement.

(d) It is hereby acknowledged and agreed that the CVRs and the possibility of any payment hereunder with respect thereto are highly speculative and subject to numerous factors outside of the Company’s control, and there is no assurance that Holders will receive any payments under this Agreement or in connection with the CVRs. Each Holder acknowledges that it is highly possible that there will not be any Gross Consideration that may be the subject of a CVR Payment. It is further acknowledged and agreed that neither the Company nor its Affiliates owe, by virtue of their obligations under this Agreement, a fiduciary duty or any implied duties to the Holders and the parties hereto intend solely the express provisions of this Agreement to govern their contractual relationship with respect to the CVRs. It is acknowledged and agreed that this Section 2.5(d) is an essential and material term of this Agreement.

 

10


2.6 Ability to Abandon CVR. A Holder may at any time, at such Holder’s option, abandon all of such Holder’s remaining rights represented by CVRs by transferring such CVR to the Company or a Person nominated in writing by the Company (with written notice thereof from the Company to the Rights Agent) without consideration in compensation therefor, and such rights will be cancelled, with the Rights Agent being promptly notified in writing by the Company of such transfer and cancellation. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to prohibit the Company or its subsidiaries from offering to acquire or acquiring CVRs, in private transactions or otherwise, for consideration in its sole discretion.

2.7 Intended Tax Treatment. For U.S. federal income tax (and applicable state and local income tax purposes), the parties agree that (i) the distribution of the CVRs pursuant to Section 2.1 of this Agreement is intended to be treated as a distribution of property (and not debt or equity of the Company) by the Company to its stockholders governed by Section 301 of the Code and (ii) any CVR Payment (if any) is intended to be treated as a contractual payment pursuant to the rights afforded by this Agreement to the Holder and not as a distribution by the Company in respect of Company stock (collectively, the “Intended Tax Treatment”). The parties agree to file all tax returns and other tax reports in a manner consistent with the Intended Tax Treatment, unless a nationally recognized tax advisor approved by both the Company and the Rights Agent determines in written advice provided to the Company and Rights Agent that it is “more-likely-than-not” that such reporting is incorrect under U.S. federal income tax law.

3. The Rights Agent.

3.1 Appointment of Rights Agents; Certain Duties and Responsibilities. The Company hereby appoints the Rights Agent to act as agent for the Company in accordance with the express terms and conditions of this Agreement, and the Rights Agent hereby accepts such appointment. The Rights Agent will not have any liability for any actions taken or not taken in connection with this Agreement, except to the extent of its fraud, willful misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence (in each case as determined by a final, non- appealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction). Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, in no event will the Rights Agent be liable for special, punitive, indirect, incidental or consequential loss or damages of any kind whatsoever (including, without limitation, lost profits), even if the Rights Agent has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damages, and regardless of the form of action.

(a) The Rights Agent will not have any liability for any actions taken or not taken in connection with this Agreement, except to the extent such liability arises as a result of the fraud, willful misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence of the Rights Agent (in each case as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of court of competent jurisdiction). Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, any liability of the Rights Agent under this Agreement will be limited to the amount of annual fees paid by the Company to the Rights Agent (but not including reimbursable expenses and other charges) during the 18 months immediately preceding the event for which recovery from the Rights Agent is being sought. Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, in no event will the Rights Agent be liable for special, punitive, indirect, incidental or consequential loss or damages of any kind whatsoever (including, without limitation, lost profits), even if the Rights Agent has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damages, and regardless of the form of action.

 

 

11


3.2 Certain Rights of Rights Agent

(a) The Rights Agent may rely and will be protected by the Company in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order or other paper or document believed by it in the absence of bad faith to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by or on behalf of the Company.

(b) Whenever the Rights Agent deems it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking or omitting any action hereunder, the Rights Agent may rely upon an Officer’s Certificate, which certificate shall be full authorization and protection to the Rights Agent, and the Rights Agent shall, in the absence of fraud, bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct on its part (in each case as determined by a final, non-appealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction), incur no liability and be held harmless by the Company for or in respect of any action taken or omitted to be taken by it under the provisions of this Agreement in reliance upon such Officer’s Certificate.

(c) The Rights Agent may engage and consult with counsel of its selection and the advice of such counsel or any opinion of counsel will be full and complete authorization and protection and shall be held harmless by the Company in respect of any action taken or omitted by it hereunder in the absence of fraud, bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct and in reliance thereon.

(d) The permissive rights of the Rights Agent to do things enumerated in this Agreement will not be construed as a duty.

(e) The Rights Agent will not be required to give any note or surety in respect of the execution of its powers or otherwise under this Agreement.

(f) The Rights Agent will have no liability and shall be held harmless by the Company in respect of the validity of this Agreement or the execution and delivery herof (except the due execution and deliver hereof by the Rights Agent and the enforceability of this Agreement against the Rights Agent assuming the due execution and deliver hereof by the Company); nor shall it be responsible for any breach by the Company or any other Person of any covenant or condition contained in this Agreement.

(g) The Company agrees to indemnify the Rights Agent for, and to hold the Rights Agent harmless from and against, any loss, liability, damage, judgment, fine, penalty, cost or expense (each, a “Loss”) suffered or incurred by the Rights Agent and arising out of or in connection with the Rights Agent’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement, including the reasonable and documented costs and expenses of defending the Rights Agent against any claims, charges, demands, actions or suits arising out of or in connection in connection with the execution, acceptance, administration, exercise and performance of its duties under this Agreement, including the costs and expenses of defending against any claim of liability arising therefrom, directly or indirectly, or enforcing its rights hereunder, except to the extent such Loss has been determined by a final non-appealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from the Rights Agent’s fraud, gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct; provided that this Section 3.2(g) shall not apply with respect to income, receipt, franchise or similar Taxes. For avoidance of any doubt, any payments made by the Company under this Section 3.2(f) will be deducted from the CVR Payments.

 

12


(h) The Company agrees (i) to pay the fees of the Rights Agent in connection with the Rights Agent’s performance of its obligations hereunder, as agreed upon in writing by the Rights Agent and the Company on or prior to the date of this Agreement, and (ii) to reimburse the Rights Agent for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses and other documented disbursements incurred in the exercise and performance of its duties hereunder, including all stamp and transfer Taxes (and excluding for the avoidance of doubt, any income, receipt, franchise or similar Taxes) and governmental charges, incurred by the Rights Agent in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement, except that the Company will have no obligation to pay the fees of the Rights Agent or reimburse the Rights Agent for the fees of counsel in connection with any lawsuit initiated by the Rights Agent on behalf of itself or the Holders, except in the case of any suit enforcing the provisions of Section 2.4(a), Section 2.4(b) or Section 3.2(g), if the Company is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be liable to the Rights Agent or the Holders, as applicable in such suit.

(i) No provision of this Agreement shall require the Rights Agent to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers if it believes that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnification against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

(j) The Rights Agent shall not be subject to, nor be required to comply with, or determine if any Person has complied with, the Merger Agreement or any other agreement between or among any of the Company, Aadi or Holders, even though reference thereto may be made in this Agreement, or to comply with any notice, instruction, direction, request or other communication, paper or document other than as expressly set forth in this Agreement.

(k) In the event the Rights Agent reasonably believes any ambiguity or uncertainty exists hereunder or in any notice, instruction, direction, request or other communication, paper or document received by the Rights Agent hereunder, the Rights Agent shall, as soon as practicable, provide notice to the Company, and the Rights Agent, may, in its sole discretion, refrain from taking any action, and shall be fully protected and shall not be liable in any way to the Company or any Holder or any other Person for refraining from taking such action, unless the Rights Agent receives written instructions from the Company or such Holder or other Person which eliminate such ambiguity or uncertainty to the reasonable satisfaction of the Rights Agent;

(l) The Rights Agent may execute and exercise any of the rights or powers hereby vested in it or perform any duty hereunder either itself or by or through its attorney or agents and the Rights Agent shall not be answerable or accountable for any act, default, neglect or misconduct of any such attorney or agents or for any loss to the Company or Aadi resulting from any such act, default, neglect or misconduct, absent gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct (each as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction) in the selection and continued employment thereof.

 

13


(m) The Rights Agent shall not be liable for or by reason of any of the statements of fact or recitals contained in this Agreement (except its countersignature thereof) or be required to verify the same, and all such statements and recitals are and shall be deemed to have been made by the Company only.

(n) The Rights Agent shall act hereunder solely as agent for the Company and shall not assume any obligations or relationship of agency or trust with any of the owners or holders of the CVRs. The Rights Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility in the case of the receipt of any written demand from any Holders with respect to any action or default by the Company, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any duty or responsibility to initiate or attempt to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise or to make any demand upon the Company.

(o) The Rights Agent shall not be liable or responsible for any failure of the Company to comply with any of its obligations relating to this Agreement, including without limitation obligations under applicable regulation or law.

(p) The obligations of the Company and rights of the Rights Agent under this Section 3.2 and Section 2.4 shall survive the expiration of the CVRs and the termination of this Agreement and the resignation, replacement or removal of the Rights Agent.

(q) The Rights Agent may rely on and be fully authorized and protected in acting or failing to act upon (a) any guaranty of signature by an “eligible guarantor institution” that is a member or participant in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program or other comparable “signature guarantee program” or insurance program in addition to, or in substitution for, the foregoing; or (b) any law, act, regulation or any interpretation of the same even though such law, act, or regulation may thereafter have been altered, changed, amended or repealed.

3.3 Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.

(a) The Rights Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Company. Any such resignation notice shall specify the date on which such resignation will take effect (which shall be at least 45 days following the date that such resignation notice is delivered), and such resignation will be effective on the earlier of (x) the date so specified and (y) the appointment of a successor Rights Agent.

(b) The Company will have the right to remove the Rights Agent at any time by written notice to the Rights Agent, specifying the date on which such removal will take effect. Such notice will be given at least 30 days prior to the date so specified (or, if earlier, the appointment of the successor Rights Agent).

(c) If the Rights Agent resigns, is removed or becomes incapable of acting, the Company will promptly appoint a qualified successor Rights Agent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company fails to make such appointment within a period of 30 days after giving notice of such removal or after it has been notified in writing of such resignation or incapacity by the resigning or incapacitated Rights Agent, then the incumbent Rights Agent may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a new Rights Agent. The successor Rights Agent so appointed will, upon its acceptance of such appointment in accordance with this Section 3.3(c) and Section 3.4, become the Rights Agent for all purposes hereunder.

 

14


(d) The Company will give notice to the Holders of each resignation or removal of the Rights Agent and each appointment of a successor Rights Agent in accordance with Section 6.2. Each notice will include the name and address of the successor Rights Agent. If the Company fails to send such notice within ten Business Days after acceptance of appointment by a successor Rights Agent, the successor Rights Agent will cause the notice to be mailed at the expense of the Company.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 3.3, unless consented to in writing by the Holder Representative, the Company will not appoint as a successor Rights Agent any Person that is not a stock transfer agent of national reputation or the corporate trust department of a commercial bank.

(f) The Rights Agent will reasonably cooperate with the Company and any successor Rights Agent in connection with the transition of the duties and responsibilities of the Rights Agent to the successor Rights Agent, including the transfer of all relevant data, including the CVR Register, to the successor Rights Agent, but such predecessor Rights Agent shall not be required to make any additional expenditure or assume any additional liability in connection with the foregoing.

3.4 Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.

Every successor Rights Agent appointed hereunder will, at or prior to such appointment, execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the resigning or removed Rights Agent an instrument accepting such appointment and a counterpart of this Agreement, and such successor Rights Agent, without any further act, deed or conveyance, will become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the Rights Agent; provided that upon the request of the Company or the successor Rights Agent, such resigning or removed Rights Agent will execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Rights Agent all the rights, powers and trusts of such resigning or removed Rights Agent.

4. Covenants

4.1 List of Holders. The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Rights Agent in such form as the Company receives from the Company’s transfer agent (or other agent performing similar services for the Company), the names and addresses of the Holders within ten Business Days of the Effective Time.

4.2 Payment. If any CVR Payment is due under Section 2.4(a), the Company will deposit the CVR Payment with the Rights Agent for payment to the Holders in accordance with Section 2.4(c).

 

 

15


4.3 Prohibited Actions.

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Company will not, and will cause its Subsidiaries to not, willfully and materially breach any of the material terms and conditions under any of the Covered Agreements in a manner that would reasonably be expected to be adverse to the interests of the Holders.

(b) The Company shall take no action for the principal purpose of (i) reducing the amount of any CVR Payment payable under this Agreement or (ii) restricting the Company’s ability to pay any of the CVR Payment hereunder.

4.4 Books and Records. The Company shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, keep true, complete and accurate records in sufficient detail to enable the Holders and their consultants or professional advisors to confirm the applicable Payment Amount payable to each Holder hereunder in accordance with the terms specified in this Agreement.

5. The Holder Representative

5.1 Appointment of Holder Representative. The Holder Representative is hereby appointed, authorized and empowered to be the exclusive representative, agent and attorney-in-fact of each Holder, with full power of substitution, to make all decisions and determinations and to act (or not act) and execute, deliver and receive all agreements, documents, instruments and consents on behalf of and as agent for each Holder at any time in connection with, and that may be necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intent and implement the provisions of this Agreement and to facilitate the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including without limitation for purposes of (i) negotiating and settling, on behalf of the Holders, any dispute that arises under this Agreement, (ii) confirming the satisfaction of the Company’s obligations under this Agreement and (iii) negotiating and settling matters with respect to the amounts to be paid to the Holders pursuant to this Agreement.

5.2 Authority. The appointment of the Holder Representative in accordance with this Agreement is coupled with an interest and may not be revoked in whole or in part (including, without limitation, upon the death or incapacity of any stockholder). Subject to the prior qualifications, such appointment shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators, estates, personal representatives, officers, directors, security holders, successors and assigns of each Holder. All decisions of the Holder Representative shall be final and binding on all Holders. The Company and the Rights Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, without independent investigation, any act, notice, instruction or communication from the Holder Representative and any document executed by the Holder Representative on behalf of any Holder and shall be fully protected in connection with any action or inaction taken or omitted to be taken in reliance thereon, absent willful misconduct by the Company or the Rights Agent (as such willful misconduct is determined by a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction). The Holder Representative shall not be responsible, and shall be indemnified by the Holders and the Company, for any loss suffered by, or liability to the Holders, arising out of this Agreement, including as a result of legal action, arising out of any act done or omitted by the Holder Representative in connection with the acceptance or administration of the Holder Representative’s duties hereunder, unless such act or omission involves fraud, bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

16


5.3 Successor Holder Representative. The Holder Representative may be removed for any reason or no reason by written consent of the Acting Holders. In the event that the Holder Representative dies, becomes unable to perform his or her responsibilities hereunder or resigns or is removed from such position, the Acting Holders shall be authorized to and shall select another representative to fill such vacancy and such substituted representative shall be deemed to be the Holder Representative for all purposes of this Agreement. The newly-appointed Holder Representative shall notify the Company, the Rights Agent and any other appropriate Person in writing of his or her appointment, provide evidence that the Acting Holders approved such appointment and provide appropriate contact information for purposes of this Agreement. The Company and the Rights Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, without independent investigation, the identity and validity of such newly-appointed Holder Representative as set forth in such written notice. In the event that within 30 days after the Holder Representative dies, becomes unable to perform his or her responsibilities hereunder or resigns or is removed from such position, no successor Holder Representative has been so selected, the Company shall cause the Rights Agent to notify the Person holding the largest quantity of the outstanding CVRs (and who is not the Company or, to the Rights Agent’s actual knowledge, any Affiliate of the Company) that such Person is the successor Holder Representative, and such Person shall be the successor Holder Representative hereunder. If such Person notifies the Rights Agent in writing that such Person declines to serve, the Rights Agent shall forthwith notify the Person holding the next-largest quantity of the outstanding CVRs (and who is not the Company or, to the Rights Agent’s actual knowledge, any Affiliate of the Company) that such next-largest-quantity Person is the successor Holder Representative, and such next-largest-quantity Person shall be the successor Holder Representative hereunder. (And so on, to the extent as may be necessary.) The Holders are intended third party beneficiaries of this Section 8.3, provided that no enforcement may be brought hereunder unless and until such enforcement is approved by the Acting Holders. If a successor Holder Representative is not appointed pursuant to the preceding procedure within 60 days after the Holder Representative dies, becomes unable to perform his or her responsibilities hereunder or resigns or is removed from such position, the Company shall appoint a successor Holder Representative.

5.4 Termination of Duties and Obligations. The Holder Representative’s duties and obligations under this Agreement shall survive until no CVRs remain outstanding or until this Agreement expires or is terminated pursuant to Section 9.8, whichever is earlier.

6. Amendments

6.1 Amendments Without Consent of Holders or Rights Agent.

(a) The Company, at any time and from time to time, may (without the consent of any Person, other than the Rights Agent with such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) enter into one or more amendments to this Agreement for any of the following purposes:

(i) to evidence the appointment of another Person as a successor Rights Agent and the assumption by any successor Rights Agent of the covenants and obligations of the Rights Agent herein in accordance with the provisions hereof;

 

17


(ii) subject to Section 6.3, to evidence the succession of another person to the Company and the assumption of any such successor of the covenants of the Company outlined herein in a transaction contemplated by Section 6.3;

(iii) to add to the covenants of the Company such further covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions as the Company and the Rights Agent will consider to be for the protection and benefit of the Holders; provided that in each case, such provisions do not adversely affect the interests of the Holders;

(iv) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision in this Agreement that may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision in this Agreement, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Agreement; provided that, in each case, such provisions do not adversely affect the interests of the Holders;

(v) as may be necessary or appropriate to ensure that the CVRs are not subject to registration under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, or any applicable state securities or “blue sky” laws;

(vi) as may be necessary or appropriate to ensure that the Company is not required to produce a prospectus or an admission document in order to comply with applicable Law;

(vii) to cancel the CVRs (i) in the event that any Holder has abandoned its rights in accordance with Section 2.6 or (ii) following a transfer of such CVRs to the Company or its subsidiaries in accordance with Section 2.2 or Section 2.3;

(viii) as may be necessary or appropriate to ensure that the Company complies with applicable Law; or

(ix) to effect any other amendment to this Agreement for the purpose of adding, eliminating or changing any provisions of this Agreements, provided that, in each case, such additions, eliminations or changes do not materially adversely affect the interests of the Holders.

(b) Promptly after the execution by the Company of any amendment pursuant to this Section 5.1, the Company will (or will cause the Rights Agent to) notify the Holders in general terms of the substance of such amendment in accordance with Section 6.2.

6.2 Amendments with Consent of Holders.

(a) In addition to any amendments to this Agreement that may be made by the Company without the consent of any Holder pursuant to Section 5.1, with the consent of the Holder Representative, the Company and the Rights Agent may enter into one or more amendments to this Agreement for the purpose of adding, eliminating or amending any provisions of this Agreement, even if such addition, elimination or amendment is adverse to the interests of the Holders.

 

18


(b) Promptly after the execution by the Company and the Rights Agent of any amendment pursuant to the provisions of this Section 5.2, the Company will (or will cause the Rights Agent to) notify the Holders in general terms of the substance of such amendment in accordance with Section 6.2.

6.3 Effect of Amendments.

Upon the execution of any amendment under this Section 5, this Agreement will be modified in accordance therewith, such amendment will form a part of this Agreement for all purposes and every Holder will be bound thereby. Upon the delivery of a certificate from an appropriate officer of the Company which states that the proposed supplement or amendment is in compliance with the terms of this Section 5, the Rights Agent shall execute such supplement or amendment. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Rights Agent shall not be required to execute any supplement or amendment to this Agreement that it has determined would adversely affect its own rights, duties, obligations or immunities under this Agreement. No supplement or amendment to this Agreement shall be effective unless duly executed by the Rights Agent.

7. Other Provisions of General Application

7.1 Notices to Rights Agent and the Company. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly delivered and received hereunder (a) one Business Day after being sent for next Business Day delivery, fees prepaid, via a reputable international overnight courier service, (b) upon delivery in the case of delivery by hand, or (c) on the date delivered if sent by email (with a written or electronic confirmation of delivery) prior to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, otherwise on the next succeeding Business Day, in each case to the intended recipient as set forth below:

If to the Rights Agent, to it at:

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC

6201 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11219

Attn: Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. CVR

Email: reorg_rm@astfinancial.com

With a copy to:

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC

48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor

New York, NY 10005

Attention: Legal Department

Email: legalteamAST@astfinancial.com

 

19


If to the Company, to it at:

Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

c/o 10663 Loveland-Madeira Road #168

Loveland, Ohio 45140

Attn: Joseph Gardner, Ph.D.

Email: [***]

With a copy to:

Goodwin Procter LLP

100 Northern Avenue

Boston, Massachusetts 02210

Attention: Danielle M. Lauzon, Andrew H. Goodman

Email: dlauzon@goodwinlaw.com, agoodman@goodwinlaw.com

If to the Holder Representative, to her at:

Cheryl Cohen

[***]

[***]

Email: [***]

A Party may specify a different address or electronic mail address by giving notice in accordance with this Section 6.1.

7.2 Notice to Holders. Where this Agreement provides for notice to Holders, such notice will be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder affected by such event, at the Holder’s address as it appears in the CVR Register, not later than the latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date, if any, prescribed for the giving of such notice. In any case where notice to Holders is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Holder will affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders.

7.3 The Company Successors and Assigns; Merger of Rights Agent.

(a) the Company may not assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Holder Representative, provided that (a) the Company may assign, in its sole discretion and without the consent of any other party, any or all of its rights, interests and obligations hereunder to one or more direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company (each, an “Assignee”) provided that the Assignee agrees to assume and be bound by all of the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that in connection with any assignment to an Assignee, the Company shall, and shall agree to, remain liable for the performance by such Assignee of all obligations of the Company hereunder, with such Assignee substituted for the Company under this Agreement, and (b) the Company may assign this Agreement in its entirety without the consent of any other party to its successor in interest in connection with the sale of all or substantially all of its assets or of its stock, or in connection with a merger, acquisition or similar transaction (such successor in interest, the “Acquiror”, and such transaction, the

 

20


Acquisition”). This Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Company’s successors, acquirers and each Assignee. Each reference to “the Company” in this Agreement shall be deemed to include the Company’s successors, acquirers and all Assignees. Each of the Company’s successors, acquirers and assigns shall expressly assume by an instrument supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Rights Agent, the due and punctual payment of the CVR Payments and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and obligations of this Agreement to be performed or observed by the Company.

(b) Any Person into which the Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent may be merged or with which it may be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger or consolidation to which the Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent shall be a party, or any Person succeeding to the stock transfer or other shareholder services business of the Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent, shall be the successor to the Rights Agent under this Agreement without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the Parties hereto, provided that such Person would be eligible for appointment as a successor Rights Agent under the provisions of the Agreement. The purchase of all or substantially all of the Rights Agent’s assets employed in the performance of transfer agent activities shall be deemed a merger or consolidation for purposes of this Section 6.3(b).

7.4 Benefits of Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, will give to any Person (other than the Rights Agent, the Company, the Company’s successors and assignees, and the Holders) any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Agreement or under any covenant or provision herein contained, all such covenants and provisions being for the sole benefit of the Rights Agent, the Company, the Company’s successors and assignees, and the Holders. The rights of Holders are limited to those expressly provided in this Agreement and the Merger Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Holder may agree to renounce, in whole or in part, such Holder’s rights under this Agreement by written notice to the Rights Agent and the Company, which notice, if given, shall be irrevocable. In such event, such Holder’s CVRs will not be included for determining the Payment Amounts to all other Holders.

7.5 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. Any provision of this Agreement held invalid or unenforceable only in part or degree shall remain in full force and effect to the extent not held invalid or unenforceable. The Parties further agree to replace such invalid or unenforceable provision of this Agreement with a valid and enforceable provision that will achieve, to the extent possible, the economic, business and other purposes of such invalid or unenforceable provision; provided, however, that if such excluded provision shall affect the rights, immunities, liabilities, duties or obligations of the Rights Agent, the Rights Agent shall be entitled to resign immediately upon written notice to the Company.

7.6 Counterparts and Signature. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts (including by electronic scan delivered by electronic mail), each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties hereto and delivered to the other Party, it being understood that the Parties need not sign the same counterpart.

 

21


7.7 Termination.

(a) This Agreement will expire and be of no force or effect, and will terminate automatically upon the earlier of (a) the twenty (20) year anniversary of Closing, and (b) the time at which the License Agreement has expired or been terminated and no other amounts are reasonably expected to be owed under any other Covered Agreement (which the Company shall notify the Holder Representative of in writing).

(b) The Parties hereto will have no liability hereunder (other than with respect to monies due and owing by the Company to Rights Agent or any other rights of the Rights Agent which expressly survive the termination of this Agreement), and no additional payments will be required to be made upon the payment of the full amount of all CVR Payments to the Rights Agent and the payment of the full amount of all Payment Amounts to the Holders by the mailing by the Rights Agent of each applicable Payment Amount to each Holder at the address reflected in the CVR Register.

(c) The Company shall be permitted, prior to a change of control event, to terminate this Agreement so long as immediately prior to such termination, the Company agrees to pay out Net Proceeds under this Agreement for the remaining CVR Term, at the then existing fair market value of the amounts that remain payable or may be payable under this Agreement. The fair market value shall be mutually determined by the Company and the Holder Representative; provided that, if the Company and the Holder Representative are unable to agree, either Party may, upon request, cause the Company to engage a Valuation Expert to determine such value, using the same methods as described in Section 2.4(d) of this Agreement. It is hereby agreed and understood by the Parties that, so long as the Company pays no less than the amount determined by the Valuation Expert pursuant to Section 2.4(d) of this Agreement or as agreed with the Holder Representative, the Company will be considered to have fully satisfied all of its obligations under the Agreement, and the Company will be entitled to terminate this Agreement following the distribution of such amounts.

(d) Upon termination or expiry of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.7, all CVRs issued hereunder shall be automatically cancelled and forfeited by the Holders without any consideration or payment therefor.

7.8 Funds. All funds received by the Rights Agent under this Agreement that are to be distributed or applied by the Rights Agent in the performance of services hereunder (the “Funds”) shall be held by the Rights Agent as agent for the Company and deposited in one or more bank accounts to be maintained by the Rights Agent in its name as agent for the Company. Until paid pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Rights Agent will hold the Funds through such accounts in: deposit accounts of commercial banks with Tier 1 capital exceeding $1 billion or with an average rating above investment grade by S&P (LT Local Issuer Credit Rating), Moody’s (Long Term Rating) and Fitch Ratings, Inc. (LT Issuer Default Rating) (each as reported by Bloomberg Finance L.P.). The Rights Agent shall have no responsibility or liability for any diminution of the Funds that may result from any deposit made by the Rights Agent in

 

22


accordance with this paragraph, including any losses resulting from a default by any bank, financial institution or other Third Party. The Rights Agent may from time to time receive interest, dividends or other earnings in connection with such deposits. The Rights Agent shall not be obligated to pay such interest, dividends or earnings to the Company, any Holder or any other party.

7.9 Entire Agreement. Notwithstanding the reference to any other agreement hereunder, this Agreement contains the entire understanding of the Parties hereto and thereto with reference to the transactions and matters contemplated hereby and thereby and supersedes all prior agreements, written or oral, among the Parties with respect hereto and thereto. If and to the extent that any provision of this Agreement is inconsistent or conflicts with the Merger Agreement, this Agreement will govern and control.

7.10 Applicable Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws. In any action or proceeding between the Parties arising out of or relating to this Agreement, each Party: (a) irrevocably and unconditionally consents and submits to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or, to the extent such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware or, to the extent that neither of the foregoing courts has jurisdiction, the Superior Court of the State of Delaware; (b) agrees that all claims in respect of such action or proceeding shall be heard and determined exclusively in accordance with clause (a) of this Section 7.10; (c) waives any objection to laying venue in any such action or proceeding in such courts; (d) waives any objection that such courts are an inconvenient forum or do not have jurisdiction over any party; (e) agrees that service of process upon such party in any such action or proceeding shall be effective if notice is given in accordance with Section 7.1 of this Agreement; and (f) irrevocably and unconditionally waives the right to trial by jury.

7.11 Construction.

(a) For purposes of this Agreement, whenever the context requires: singular terms will include the plural, and vice versa; the masculine gender will include the feminine and neuter genders; the feminine gender will include the masculine and neuter genders; and the neuter gender will include the masculine and feminine genders.

(b) As used in this Agreement, the words “include” and “including,” and variations thereof, will not be deemed to be terms of limitation, but rather will be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.”

(c) The headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only, will not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement and will not be referred to in connection with the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

23


(d) Unless stated otherwise, “Article” and “Section” followed by a number or letter mean and refer to the specified Article or Section of this Agreement. The term “Agreement” and any reference in this Agreement to this Agreement or any other agreement or document includes, and is a reference to, this Agreement or such other agreement or document as it may have been, or may from time to time be, amended, restated, replaced, supplemented or novated and includes all schedules to it.

(e) A period of time is to be computed as beginning on the day following the event that began the period and ending at 4:30 p.m. on the last day of the period, if the last day of the period is a Business Day, or at 4:30 p.m. on the next Business Day if the last day of the period is not a Business Day.

(f) Any reference in this Agreement to a date or time shall be deemed to be such date or time in New York City, United States, unless otherwise specified.

(g) The parties hereto and the Company have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties and the Company and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any Person by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement.

(h) All references herein to “$” are to United States Dollars.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

24


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has caused this Contingent Value Rights Agreement to be executed on its behalf by its duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

AERPIO PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Joseph Gardner

Name:   Joseph Gardner, Ph.D.
Title:   President

 

HOLDER REPRESENTATIVE

By:  

/s/ Cheryl Cohen

Name:   Cheryl Cohen
AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY, LLC
By:  

/s/ Michael Legrigin

Name:   Michael Legrigin
Title:   Senior Vice President
EX-10.3

Exhibit 10.3

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made as of August 26, 2021 by and among Aadi Bioscience, Inc. (f/k/a Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Company”), and the several purchasers signatory hereto (each, a “Purchaser” and collectively, the “Purchasers”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Company is party to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 16, 2021 (as may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Merger Agreement”), by and among the Company, Aspen Subsidiary, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”), and AADi Bioscience, Inc., Inc. (“Surviving Corporation”), a Delaware corporation, (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which Merger Sub will merge with and into the Surviving Corporation, with the Surviving Corporation surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Merger”);

WHEREAS, following the Merger, the Company will change its name to AADi Bioscience, Inc.;

WHEREAS, the Company and the Purchasers are parties to a Subscription Agreement, dated as of May 16, 2021 (the “Subscription Agreement”), pursuant to which the Purchasers are purchasing shares of capital stock and/or pre-funded warrants of the Company; and

WHEREAS, in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Subscription Agreement, and pursuant to the terms of the Subscription Agreement, the parties desire to enter into this Agreement in order to grant certain rights to the Purchasers as set forth below.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and promises set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:

AGREEMENT

1. Certain Definitions. Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms, for all purposes of this Agreement, shall have the meanings specified in this Section 1. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein that are defined in the Subscription Agreement shall have the meanings given such terms in the Subscription Agreement.

Affiliate” has the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2 of the rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that for purposes of this Agreement, the Purchasers and their Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Company and its Affiliates, on the other, shall not be deemed to be “Affiliates” of one another.

Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Allowed Delay” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b)(ii).

Board” means the board of directors of the Company.


Business Day” means any day except any Saturday, any Sunday, any day which is a federal legal holiday in the United States or any day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or required by law or other governmental action to close; provided, however, for clarification, commercial banks shall not be deemed to be authorized or required by law to remain closed due to “stay at home”, “shelter-in-place”, “non-essential employee” or any other similar orders or restrictions or the closure of any physical branch locations at the direction of any governmental authority so long as the electronic funds transfer systems (including for wire transfers) of commercial banks in the State of New York are generally are open for use by customers on such day.

Common Stock” means shares of the common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company.

Company” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Effective Date” means the date that a Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2.1(a) is first declared effective by the SEC.

Effectiveness Deadline” means, with respect to the Shelf Registration Statement or New Registration Statement, the sixtieth (60th) calendar day following the Closing Date (or, in the event the SEC reviews and has written comments to the Shelf Registration Statement or the New Registration Statement, the ninetieth (90th) calendar day following the Closing Date); provided, however, that if the Company is notified by the SEC (either orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) that the Shelf Registration Statement or the New Registration Statement will not be reviewed or is no longer subject to further review and comments, the Effectiveness Deadline as to such Shelf Registration Statement shall be the fifth (5th) Business Day following the date on which the Company is so notified if such date precedes the dates otherwise required above; provided, further, that if the Effectiveness Deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday or other day that the SEC is closed for business, the Effectiveness Deadline shall be extended to the next Business Day on which the SEC is open for business; provided, further, that if the SEC is closed for operations due to a government shutdown or lapse in appropriations, the Effectiveness Deadline shall be extended by the same amount of days that the SEC remains closed for operations.

Effectiveness Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b)(i).

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

Filing Deadline” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

FINRA” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Form S-3” means such form under the Securities Act as in effect on the date hereof or any successor or similar registration form under the Securities Act subsequently adopted by the SEC that permits inclusion or incorporation of substantial information by reference to other documents filed by the Company with the SEC.

Free Writing Prospectus” means an issuer free writing prospectus, as defined in Rule 433 under the Securities Act, relating to an offer of Registrable Securities.

Holder” means any Purchaser or its permitted assignee owning or having the right to acquire Registrable Securities.


Losses” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(a).

Merger Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

National Exchange” means each of the following, together with any successor thereto: the NYSE American, The New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ Global Market, the NASDAQ Global Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market.

New Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

Participating Holder” means with respect to any registration, any Holder of Registrable Securities covered by the applicable Registration Statement.

Pre-Funded Warrants” means the Pre-Funded Warrants issued pursuant to the Subscription Agreement.

Prospectus” means the prospectus included in any Registration Statement (including a prospectus that discloses information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective Shelf Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A or Rule 430B promulgated under the Securities Act), all amendments and supplements to such prospectus, including pre- and post-effective amendments to such Registration Statement, and all other material incorporated by reference in such prospectus.

Register,” “registered” and “registration” refer to a registration effected by preparing and filing a registration statement in compliance with the Securities Act, and the declaration or ordering of effectiveness of such registration statement or document.

Registrable Securities” means (i) the Shares, (ii) the Warrant Shares and (iii) any Common Stock issued as a dividend or other distribution with respect to, or in exchange for or in replacement of, Shares or Warrant Shares, provided, that the Holder has completed and delivered to the Company a selling stockholder questionnaire and any other information regarding the Holder and the distribution of the Registrable Securities as the Company may, from time to time, reasonably request for inclusion in a Registration Statement pursuant to applicable law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Securities or any such Common Stock, as applicable, shall cease to be Registrable Securities for all purposes hereunder upon the earliest to occur of the following: (a) the sale by any Person of such Securities or any such Common Stock, as applicable, either pursuant to a registration statement under the Securities Act or under Rule 144 or 145 (or any similar provision then in effect) (in which case, only such Securities or any such Common Stock, as applicable, sold shall cease to be Registrable Securities), (b) such Securities shall have been otherwise transferred, new certificates for such Securities not bearing a legend restricting further transfer shall have been delivered by Company and subsequent public distribution of such Securities shall not require registration under the Securities Act, or (c) such Securities cease to be outstanding.

Registration Statement” means any registration statement of the Company that covers the resale of any of the Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement filed with, or to be filed with, the SEC under the rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Act, including the related Prospectus, amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including pre- and post-effective amendments, and all exhibits and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such registration statement.

Remainder Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).


Required Holders” means the Holders holding a majority of the Registrable Securities outstanding from time to time.

Rule 144” means Rule 144 as promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act, as such rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar successor rule that may be promulgated by the SEC having substantially the same effect as such Rule.

Rule 145” means Rule 145 promulgated by the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC having substantially the same effect as such Rule.

SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal agency at the time administering the Securities Act.

SEC Guidance” means any publicly-available written or oral guidance, comments, requirements or requests of the SEC staff under the Securities Act; provided, that any such oral guidance, comments, requirements or requests are reduced to writing by the SEC.

Securities” means the Shares and Warrant Shares issued pursuant to the Subscription Agreement.

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any similar successor federal statute and the rules and regulations thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect from time to time.

Shares” means the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable to the Purchasers pursuant to the Subscription Agreement.

Shelf Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

Transaction Agreements” means this Agreement and the Subscription Agreement, all exhibits and schedules thereto and hereto and any other documents or agreement executed in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder or thereunder.

Warrant Shares” means the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon exercise of the Pre-Funded Warrants.

2. Registration Rights.

2.1 Shelf Registration.

(a) Registration Statements. On or prior to thirty (30) days following the Closing Date (the “Filing Deadline”), the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to prepare and file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (or, if Form S-3 is not then available to the Company, on such form of registration statement as is then available to effect a registration for resale of the Registrable Securities), subject to the provisions of Section 2.1(c), for the resale of the Registrable Securities pursuant to an offering to be made on a continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act (the “Shelf Registration Statement”). Such Shelf Registration Statement shall, subject to the limitations of Form S-3, include the aggregate amount of Registrable Securities to be registered therein and shall contain (except if otherwise required pursuant to written comments received from the SEC upon a review of such Shelf Registration Statement) the “Plan of Distribution” substantially in the form of Annex A (which may be modified to respond to comments, if any, provided by the SEC). To the extent the staff of the SEC does not permit all of


the Registrable Securities to be registered on the Shelf Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Section 2.1(a) or for any other reason any Registrable Securities are not then included in a Registration Statement filed under this Agreement, the Company shall (i) inform each of the Participating Holders thereof and use its commercially reasonable efforts to file amendments to the Shelf Registration Statement as required by the SEC and/or (ii) withdraw the Shelf Registration Statement and file a new registration statement (a “New Registration Statement”), in either case covering the maximum number of Registrable Securities permitted to be registered by the SEC, on Form S-3 or such other form available to register for resale the Registrable Securities as a secondary offering. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if any SEC Guidance sets forth a limitation of the number of Registrable Securities permitted to be registered on a particular Registration Statement as a secondary offering, unless otherwise directed in writing by a Holder as to its Registrable Securities, the number of Registrable Securities to be registered on such Registration Statement will first be reduced by Registrable Securities not acquired pursuant to the Subscription Agreement (whether pursuant to registration rights or otherwise), and second by Registrable Securities represented by Securities (applied, in the case that some Securities may be registered, to the Holders on a pro rata basis based on the total number of unregistered Securities held by such Holders, subject to a determination by the SEC that certain Holders must be reduced first based on the number of Securities held by such Holders). In the event the Company amends the Shelf Registration Statement or files a New Registration Statement, as the case may be, under clauses (i) or (ii) above, the Company will use its commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC, as promptly as allowed by the SEC or SEC Guidance provided to the Company or to registrants of securities in general, one or more Registration Statements on Form S-3 or such other form available to register for resale those Registrable Securities that were not registered for resale on the Shelf Registration Statement, as amended, or the New Registration Statement (the “Remainder Registration Statement”). In no event shall any Participating Holder be identified as a statutory underwriter in the Registration Statement unless in response to a comment or request from the staff of the SEC or another regulatory agency; provided, however, that if the SEC requests that a Participating Holder be identified as a statutory underwriter in the Registration Statement, such Holder will have an opportunity to withdraw from the Registration Statement.

(b) Effectiveness.

(i) The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to have the Shelf Registration Statement or New Registration Statement declared effective as soon as practicable but in no event later than the Effectiveness Deadline (including filing with the SEC a request for acceleration of effectiveness in accordance with Rule 461 promulgated under the Securities Act), and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement or New Registration Statement continuously effective under the Securities Act until the earlier of (A) such time as all of the Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement have been publicly sold by the Holders, or (B) the date that all the Shares and the Warrant Shares cease to be Registrable Securities (the “Effectiveness Period”), provided that, the Company will not be obligated to update the Registration Statement and no sales may made under the applicable Registration Statement during any Allowed Delay of which the Holders have received notice. The Company shall notify the Participating Holders of the effectiveness of a Registration Statement by e-mail as promptly as practicable, and shall, if requested provide the Participating Holders with copies of the final Prospectus to be used in connection with the sale or other disposition of the securities covered thereby.

(ii) For not more than forty-five (45) consecutive days or for a total of not more than ninety (90) days, in each case in any twelve (12) month period, the Company may suspend the use of any Prospectus included in any Registration Statement contemplated by this Section 2 if (A) the negotiation or consummation of a transaction by the Company is pending or an event has occurred, which negotiation, consummation or event, the Board reasonably believes, upon the advice of legal counsel, would require additional disclosure by the Company in the Registration Statement of material information that the Company has a bona fide business purpose for keeping confidential and the non-disclosure of which in the Registration


Statement would be expected, in the reasonable determination of the Board, upon the advice of legal counsel, to cause the Registration Statement to fail to comply with applicable disclosure requirements, or (B) the Company determines in good faith, upon advice of legal counsel, that such suspension is necessary to amend or supplement the Registration Statement or the related Prospectus so that such Registration Statement or Prospectus shall not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the case of the Prospectus in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (an “Allowed Delay”); provided, that the Company shall promptly (1) notify each Participating Holder in writing of the commencement of an Allowed Delay, but shall not (without the prior written consent of a Participating Holder) disclose to such Participating Holder any material non-public information giving rise to an Allowed Delay, (2) advise the Participating Holders in writing to cease all sales under such Registration Statement until the end of the Allowed Delay and (3) use commercially reasonable efforts to terminate an Allowed Delay as promptly as practicable.

(c) In the event that Form S-3 is not available for the registration of the resale of Registrable Securities hereunder, the Company shall (i) register the resale of the Registrable Securities on another appropriate form reasonably acceptable to the Holders and (ii) undertake to register the Registrable Securities on Form S-3 promptly after such form is available, provided that the Company shall maintain the effectiveness of the Registration Statement then in effect until such time as a Registration Statement on Form S-3 covering the Registrable Securities has been declared effective by the SEC.

2.2 Expenses. The Company will pay all expenses associated with each Registration Statement, including filing and printing fees, the Company’s counsel and accounting fees and expenses, costs associated with clearing the Registrable Securities for sale under applicable state securities laws and listing fees, but excluding discounts, commissions, fees of underwriters, selling brokers, dealer managers or similar securities industry professionals with respect to the Registrable Securities being sold.

2.3 Company Obligations. The Company will use reasonable efforts to effect the registration of the Registrable Securities in accordance with the terms hereof, and pursuant thereto the Company will:

(a) prepare the required Registration Statement including all exhibits and financial statements required under the Securities Act to be filed therewith, and provide copies to and permit each Participating Holder to review each Registration Statement and all amendments and supplements thereto prior to their filing with the SEC and a reasonable opportunity to furnish comments thereon (it being acknowledged and agreed that if a Participating Holder does not object to or comment on the aforementioned documents, then the Participating Holder shall be deemed to have consented to and approved the use of such documents);

(b) file with the SEC a Registration Statement relating to the Registrable Securities including all exhibits and financial statements required by the SEC to be filed therewith, and use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective under the Securities Act;

(c) prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and post-effective amendments to such Registration Statement and the related Prospectus as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective for the Effectiveness Period and to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act with respect to the distribution of all of the Registrable Securities covered thereby;

(d) (i) notify the Participating Holders by facsimile or e-mail as promptly as practicable after any Registration Statement is declared effective and shall simultaneously provide the Participating Holders with copies of any related Prospectus to be used in connection with the sale or other disposition of the securities covered thereby (provided, that the Company will not have any obligation to provide any document pursuant to this clause that is available on the EDGAR system), (ii) promptly notify the Participating Holders no later


than one (1) trading day following the date (A) of the issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of such Registration Statement covering any or all of the Registrable Securities or any order by the SEC preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary or final Prospectus or the initiation of any proceedings for such purposes, (B) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Registrable Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction and (C) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for the suspension of the qualification of the Registrable Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction;

(e) promptly notify the Participating Holders, at any time prior to the end of the Effectiveness Period, upon discovery that, or upon the happening of any event as a result of which, the Prospectus includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing (provided that such notice shall not, without the prior written consent of a Participating Holder, disclose to such Participating Holder any material nonpublic information regarding the Company), and promptly prepare, file with the SEC and furnish to such holder a supplement to or an amendment of such Prospectus as may be necessary so that such Prospectus shall not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing;

(f) promptly incorporate in a Prospectus supplement, Free Writing Prospectus or post-effective amendment to the applicable Registration Statement such information as the Participating Holders reasonably request to be included therein relating to the plan of distribution with respect to such Registrable Securities, and make all required filings of such Prospectus supplement, Free Writing Prospectus or post-effective amendment as soon as reasonably practicable after being notified of the matters to be incorporated in such Prospectus supplement, Free Writing Prospectus or post-effective amendment;

(g) furnish to each Participating Holder whose Registrable Securities are included in any Registration Statement (i) promptly after the same is prepared and filed with the SEC, if requested by the Participating Holder, one (1) copy of any Registration Statement and any amendment thereto, each preliminary prospectus and Prospectus and each amendment or supplement thereto, and each letter written by or on behalf of the Company to the SEC or the staff of the SEC, and each item of correspondence from the SEC or the staff of the SEC, in each case relating to such Registration Statement (other than any portion thereof which contains information for which the Company has sought confidential treatment), and (ii) such number of copies of a Prospectus, including a preliminary prospectus, and all amendments and supplements thereto and such other documents as each Participating Holder may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Participating Holder that are covered by such Registration Statement;

(h) on or prior to the date on which the Registration Statement is declared effective, use its commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify, or cooperate with the Participating Holders and their respective counsel, in connection with the registration or qualification (or exemption from the registration or qualification) of such Registrable Securities for offer and sale under the applicable state securities or “Blue Sky” laws of those jurisdictions within the United States as any Participating Holder or their respective counsel reasonably request in writing and do any and all other acts or things reasonably necessary or advisable to keep such registration or qualification (or exemption therefrom) in effect during the Effectiveness Period, provided that the Company shall not be required to qualify generally to do business or as a dealer in securities in any jurisdiction where it is not then so qualified or to take any action which would subject it to taxation or general service of process in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so subject;


(i) within two (2) Business Days after a Registration Statement which covers Registrable Securities is ordered effective by the SEC, the Company shall deliver to the transfer agent for such Registrable Securities (with copies to the Participating Holder whose Registrable Securities are included in such Registration Statement) confirmation that such Registration Statement has been declared effective by the SEC;

(j) cooperate with each Participating Holder participating in the disposition of such Registrable Securities and their respective counsel in connection with any filings required to be made with FINRA or any other securities regulatory authority;

(k) otherwise use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, including, without limitation, Rule 172 under the Securities Act, file any final Prospectus, including any supplement or amendment thereof, with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act, promptly inform the Participating Holders in writing if, at any time during the Effectiveness Period, the Company does not satisfy the conditions specified in Rule 172 and, as a result thereof, the Participating Holders are required to deliver a Prospectus in connection with any disposition of Registrable Securities and take such other actions as may be reasonably necessary to facilitate the registration of the Registrable Securities hereunder; and make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement covering satisfying the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act;

(l) use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the listing of all Registrable Securities on each securities exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed or quoted and on each inter-dealer quotation system on which any of the Common Stock is then quoted; and

(m) with a view to making available to the Purchasers the benefits of Rule 144 (or its successor rule) and any other rule or regulation of the SEC that may at any time permit the Purchasers to sell shares of Common Stock to the public without registration, the Company covenants and agrees to: (i) make and keep public information available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144, until the earlier of (A) the date as all of the Registrable Securities shall have been otherwise transferred, new certificates for such Securities not bearing a legend restricting further transfer shall have been delivered by Company and subsequent public distribution of such Securities shall not require registration under the Securities Actor (B) such date as all of the Registrable Securities shall have been resold; (ii) file with the SEC in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Exchange Act; and (iii) furnish to each Purchaser upon request, as long as such Purchaser owns any Registrable Securities, (A) a written statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, (B) a copy of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and (C) such other information as may be reasonably requested in order to avail such Purchaser of any rule or regulation of the SEC that permits the selling of any such Registrable Securities without registration.

2.4 Obligations of the Purchasers.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Agreement, no Holder of Registrable Securities may include any of its Registrable Securities in the Registration Statement pursuant to this Agreement unless the Holder furnishes to the Company a completed and signed selling stockholder questionnaire in customary form that contains such information regarding Purchaser, the securities of the Company held by Purchaser and the intended method of disposition of the Registrable Securities as shall be reasonably requested by the Company to effect the registration of the Registrable Securities, at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the first anticipated filing date of any Registration Statement if such Purchaser elects to have any of its Registrable Securities included in the Registration Statement. Each Holder who intends to include any of its


Registrable Securities in the Registration Statement shall promptly furnish the Company in writing such other information as the Company may reasonably request in writing. Each Holder acknowledges and agrees that the information in the selling shareholder questionnaire or request for further information as described in this Section 2.4(a) will be used by the Company in the preparation of the Registration Statement and hereby consents to the inclusion of such information in the Registration Statement. The Company shall not be obligated to file more than one post-effective amendment or supplement in any sixty (60) day period following the date such Registration Statement is declared effective for the purposes of naming Holders as selling security holders who are not named in such Registration Statement at the time of effectiveness.

(b) Each Purchaser, by its acceptance of the Registrable Securities agrees to cooperate with the Company as reasonably requested by the Company in connection with the preparation and filing of a Registration Statement hereunder, unless such Purchaser has notified the Company in writing of its election to exclude all of its Registrable Securities from such Registration Statement. The Company may require each selling Holder to furnish to the Company a certified statement as to (i) the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by such Holder and any Affiliate thereof, (ii) any FINRA affiliations, (iii) any natural persons who have the power to vote or dispose of the Common Stock and (iv) any other information as may be requested by the SEC, FINRA or any state securities commission. Each Holder agrees by its acquisition of such Registrable Securities that, it will not commence a disposition of Registrable Securities under the Registration Statement until such Holder has received (i) written confirmation from the Company of the availability of the Registration Statement, or (ii) copies of the supplemented Prospectus and/or amended Registration Statement as described, and, in each case, has also received copies of any additional or supplemental filings that are incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such Prospectus or Registration Statement.

(c) Each Purchaser agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of either (i) the commencement of an Allowed Delay pursuant to Section 2.1(b) or (ii) the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 2.3(d) and Section 2.3(e) hereof, such Purchaser will immediately discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement covering such Registrable Securities, until the Purchaser is advised by the Company that such dispositions may again be made and/or the use of the applicable Prospectus (as it may have been supplemented or amended) may be resumed and, if so directed by the Company, each Holder will deliver to the Company or destroy (at the Company’s expense) all copies, other than permanent file copies then in its possession, of the Prospectus covering such Registrable Securities current at the time of receipt of such notice.

2.5 Indemnification.

(a) Indemnification by the Company. The Company will indemnify and hold harmless each Participating Holder who sells Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement and its officers, directors, members, employees, and agents, successors and assigns, and each other person, if any, who controls such Participating Holder within the meaning of the Securities Act, against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expense (including reasonable attorney fees) (collectively, “Losses”), actually incurred, joint or several, to which they may become subject under the Securities Act or otherwise, insofar as such Losses (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon: (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in any Registration Statement, any preliminary Prospectus or final Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereof or arising out of or relating to any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of any Prospectus or form of prospectus or supplement thereto, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading; or (ii) any violation by the Company or its agents of any rule or regulation promulgated under the Securities Act applicable to the Company or its agents and relating to action or inaction required of the Company in connection with such registration; and will


reimburse such Participating Holder who sells Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement, and each such officer, director, employee, agent or member and each such controlling person for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such Loss or action; provided, however, that the Company will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such Losses arise out of or are based upon (x) an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission so made in reliance upon or in conformity with information furnished by such Purchaser or any such controlling person in writing specifically for use in such Registration Statement or Prospectus (preliminary, final or summary) or any amendment or supplement thereto or to the extent that such information relates to such Holder or such Holder’s proposed method of distribution of Registrable Securities and was reviewed and approved in writing by such Holder expressly for use in the Registration Statement, such Prospectus or such form of Prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto (it being understood that each Holder has approved Annex A hereto for this purpose and (y) the use by a Holder of an outdated or defective Prospectus after the Company has notified such Holder in writing that such Prospectus is outdated or defective or (z) a Purchaser’s (or any other indemnified Person’s) failure to send or give a copy of the Prospectus or supplement (as then amended or supplemented), if required, pursuant to Rule 172 under the Securities Act (or any successor rule) to the Persons asserting an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission at or prior to the written confirmation of the sale of Registrable Securities to such Person if such statement or omission was corrected in such Prospectus or supplement.

(b) Indemnification by the Participating Holders. Each Purchaser agrees, severally but not jointly with any other Purchaser, to indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company, its directors, officers, employees, stockholders, agents, and each person who controls the Company (within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act) against any Losses (i) arising out of, based on, or resulting from any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated in any Registration Statement or Prospectus (preliminary, final or summary) or any amendment or supplement thereto or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of any Prospectus or form of prospectus or supplement thereto, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, to the extent, but only to the extent that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission is contained in any information furnished in writing by such Purchaser to the Company specifically for inclusion in such Registration Statement or Prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto, or a document incorporated by reference into any of the foregoing; or to the extent that such information relates to such Holder or such Holder’s proposed method of distribution of Registrable Securities and was reviewed and approved in writing by such Holder expressly for use in a Registration Statement (it being understood that the Holder has approved Annex A hereto for this purpose), such Prospectus or such form of Prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto or (ii) related to the use by such Holder of an outdated or defective Prospectus after the Company has notified such Holder in writing that the Prospectus is outdated or. In no event shall the liability of any selling Holder hereunder be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the proceeds received by such Holder upon the sale of the Registrable Securities included in the Registration Statement giving rise to such indemnification obligation.

(c) Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings. Any Person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall (i) give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification and (ii) permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party (provided, however, that such indemnified party shall, at the expense of the indemnified party, be entitled to counsel of its own choosing to monitor such defense); provided that, subject to the preceding sentence, any Person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall have the right to employ separate counsel and to participate in the defense of such claim, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Person unless (A) the indemnifying party has agreed to pay such fees or expenses, or (B) the indemnifying party shall have failed to assume the defense of such


claim and employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such person or (C) in the reasonable judgment of any such Person, based upon written advice of its counsel, a conflict of interest exists between such person and the indemnifying party with respect to such claims (in which case, if the Person notifies the indemnifying party in writing that such Person elects to employ separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party, the indemnifying party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such claim on behalf of such Person); and providedfurther, that the failure of any indemnified party to give notice as provided herein shall not relieve the indemnifying party of its obligations hereunder, except to the extent that such failure to give notice shall materially adversely affect the indemnifying party in the defense of any such claim or litigation. It is understood that the indemnifying party shall not, in connection with any proceeding in the same jurisdiction, be liable for fees or expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys at any time for all such indemnified parties. No indemnifying party will, except with the consent of the indemnified party, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement that does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect of such claim or litigation. The indemnification provided for under this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the indemnified party, or any officer, director, employee, agent, affiliate, or controlling person of such indemnified party and shall survive the transfer of the Securities.

(d) Contribution. If for any reason the indemnification provided for in the preceding paragraphs (a) and (b) is unavailable to an indemnified party or insufficient to hold it harmless, other than as expressly specified therein, then the indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnified party and the indemnifying party, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. No Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act shall be entitled to contribution from any Person not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. In no event shall the contribution obligation of a Holder be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the proceeds received by it upon the sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise to such contribution obligation.

3. Miscellaneous.

3.1 Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York without regard to the choice of law principles thereof. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in the State of New York for the purpose of any suit, action, proceeding or judgment relating to or arising out of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Service of process in connection with any such suit, action or proceeding may be served on each party hereto anywhere in the world by the same methods as are specified for the giving of notices under this Agreement. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of any such court in any such suit, action or proceeding and to the laying of venue in such court. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably waives any objection to the laying of venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such courts and irrevocably waives any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

3.2 Assignments and Transfers by Purchasers. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Purchasers and their respective successors and assigns. A Holder may transfer or assign, in whole or from time to time in part, to one or more persons its rights hereunder in connection with the transfer of Registrable Securities by such Holder to such person, provided that such Holder complies with all laws applicable thereto, and the provisions of the Subscription Agreement, and provides written notice of assignment to the Company promptly after such assignment is effected, and such person agrees in writing to be bound by all of the provisions contained herein.


3.3 Assignments and Transfers by the Company. This Agreement may not be assigned by the Company (whether by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the Required Holders, provided, however, that in the event that the Company is a party to a merger, consolidation, share exchange or similar business combination transaction in which the Common Stock is converted into the equity securities of another Person, from and after the effective time of such transaction, such Person shall, by virtue of such transaction, be deemed to have assumed the obligations of the Company hereunder, the term “Company” shall be deemed to refer to such Person and the term “Registrable Securities” shall be deemed to include the securities received by the Holders in connection with such transaction unless such securities are otherwise freely tradable by the Holders after giving effect to such transaction.

3.4 Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements constitute the full and entire understanding and agreement between the parties with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof. Any previous agreements among the parties relative to the specific subject matter hereof are superseded by this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended only by a writing signed by the Company and the Required Holders. The Company may take any action herein prohibited, or omit to perform any act herein required to be performed by it, only if the Company shall have obtained the written consent to such amendment, action or omission to act of the Required Holders.

3.5 Notices. All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made as set forth in Section 8.3 of the Subscription Agreement.

3.6 Third Parties. This Agreement does not create any rights, claims or benefits inuring to any person that is not a party hereto nor create or establish any third party beneficiary hereto; provided, that the indemnified parties are intended third party beneficiaries of Section 2.5.

3.7 Severability. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions set forth herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated, and the parties hereto shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to find and employ an alternative means to achieve the same or substantially the same result as that contemplated by such term, provision, covenant or restriction. It is hereby stipulated and declared to be the intention of the parties that they would have executed the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions without including any of such that may be hereafter declared invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable.

3.8 Headings. The headings herein are for convenience only, do not constitute a part of this Agreement and shall not be deemed to limit or affect any of the provisions hereof.

3.9 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which when taken together shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to each other party, it being understood that the parties need not sign the same counterpart. In the event that any signature is delivered by facsimile transmission or by e-mail delivery of a “.pdf” format data file, such signature shall create a valid and binding obligation of the party executing (or on whose behalf such signature is executed) with the same force and effect as if such facsimile or “.pdf” signature page were an original thereof.

3.10 Delays or Omissions. It is agreed that no delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any party upon any breach or default of any other party under this Agreement shall impair any such right, power or remedy, nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or any acquiescence therein, or of any similar breach or default thereafter occurring; nor shall any waiver of any


single breach or default be deemed a waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring. It is further agreed that any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character of any breach or default under this Agreement, or any waiver of any provisions or conditions of this Agreement must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in writing, and that all remedies, either under this Agreement, by law or otherwise, shall be cumulative and not alternative.

3.11 Consents. Any permission, consent, or approval of any kind or character under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing.

3.12 SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE THAT IRREPARABLE DAMAGE WOULD OCCUR IN THE EVENT THAT ANY OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT WERE NOT PERFORMED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS SPECIFIC INTENT OR WERE OTHERWISE BREACHED. IT IS ACCORDINGLY AGREED THAT THE PARTIES SHALL BE ENTITLED TO AN INJUNCTION OR INJUNCTIONS, WITHOUT BOND, TO PREVENT OR CURE BREACHES OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND TO ENFORCE SPECIFICALLY THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS HEREOF, THIS BEING IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER REMEDY TO WHICH THEY MAY BE ENTITLED BY LAW OR EQUITY, AND ANY PARTY SUED FOR BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY DEFENSE THAT A REMEDY IN DAMAGES WOULD BE ADEQUATE.

3.13 Construction of Agreement. No provision of this Agreement shall be construed against either party as the drafter thereof.

3.14 Section References. Unless otherwise stated, any reference contained herein to a Section or subsection refers to the provisions of this Agreement.

3.15 Variations of Pronouns. All pronouns and all variations thereof shall be deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine, or neuter, singular or plural, as the context in which they are used may require.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank; Signature Pages Follow]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement or caused their duly authorized officers to execute this Agreement as of the day and year first written above.

 

COMPANY:

By:

Name:

Title:

 

         

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement or caused their duly authorized officers to execute this Agreement as of the day and year first written above.

 

PURCHASER:
By:  

             

Name:  
Title:  

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]


Annex A

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

The selling stockholders, which as used herein includes donees, pledgees, transferees or other successors-in-interest selling shares of common stock or interests in shares of common stock received after the date of this prospectus from a selling stockholder as a gift, pledge, partnership distribution or other transfer, may, from time to time, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any or all of their shares of common stock or interests in shares of common stock on any stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the shares are traded or in private transactions. These dispositions may be at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at prices related to the prevailing market price, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices.

The selling stockholders may use any one or more of the following methods when disposing of shares or interests therein:

 

   

ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers;

 

   

block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent, but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;

 

   

purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account;

 

   

an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange;

 

   

privately negotiated transactions;

 

   

short sales effected after the date the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part is declared effective by the SEC;

 

   

through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise;

 

   

broker-dealers may agree with the selling stockholders to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share;

 

   

a combination of any such methods of sale; and

 

   

any other method permitted by applicable law.

The selling stockholders may, from time to time, pledge or grant a security interest in some or all of the shares of common stock owned by them and, if they default in the performance of their secured obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer and sell the shares of common stock, from time to time, under this prospectus, or under an amendment to this prospectus under Rule 424(b)(3) or other applicable provision of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), amending the list of selling stockholders to include the pledgee, transferee or other successors in interest as selling stockholders under this prospectus. The selling stockholders also may transfer the shares of common stock in other circumstances, in which case the transferees, pledgees or other successors in interest will be the selling stockholders for purposes of this prospectus.


In connection with the sale of our common stock or interests therein, the selling stockholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short sales of the common stock in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The selling stockholders may also sell shares of our common stock short and deliver these securities to close out their short positions, or loan or pledge the common stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these securities. The selling stockholders may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of shares offered by this prospectus, which shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).

The aggregate proceeds to the selling stockholders from the sale of the common stock offered by them will be the purchase price of the common stock less discounts or commissions, if any. Each of the selling stockholders reserves the right to accept and, together with their agents from time to time, to reject, in whole or in part, any proposed purchase of common stock to be made directly or through agents. We will not receive any of the proceeds from this offering. Upon any exercise of the warrants by payment of cash, however, we will receive the exercise price of the warrants.

The selling stockholders also may resell all or a portion of the shares in open market transactions in reliance upon Rule 144 under the Securities Act, provided that they meet the criteria and conform to the requirements of that rule, or another available exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

The selling stockholders and any underwriters, broker-dealers or agents that participate in the sale of the common stock or interests therein may be “underwriters” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act. Any discounts, commissions, concessions or profit they earn on any resale of the shares may be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Selling stockholders who are “underwriters” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.

To the extent required, the shares of our common stock to be sold, the names of the selling stockholders, the respective purchase prices and public offering prices, the names of any agents, dealer or underwriter, and any applicable commissions or discounts with respect to a particular offer will be set forth in an accompanying prospectus supplement or, if appropriate, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement that includes this prospectus.

In order to comply with the securities laws of some states, if applicable, the common stock may be sold in these jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in some states the common stock may not be sold unless it has been registered or qualified for sale or an exemption from registration or qualification requirements is available and is complied with.

We have advised the selling stockholders that the anti-manipulation rules of Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, may apply to sales of shares in the market and to the activities of the selling stockholders and their affiliates. In addition, to the extent applicable, we will make copies of this prospectus (as it may be supplemented or amended from time to time) available to the selling stockholders for the purpose of satisfying the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act. The selling stockholders may indemnify any broker-dealer that participates in transactions involving the sale of the shares against certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act.

We have agreed to indemnify the selling stockholders against liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and state securities laws, relating to the registration of the shares offered by this prospectus.


We have agreed with the selling stockholders to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part effective and to remain continuously effective until the earlier of (1) such time as all of the shares covered by this prospectus have been disposed of pursuant to and in accordance with such registration statement or (2) (B) the date that all the shares covered by this prospectus cease to be Registrable Securities.

EX-10.4

Exhibit 10.4

AADI BIOSCIENCE, INC.

AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of August 26, 2021, by and between Aadi Bioscience, Inc. ( “Aadi”), and Neil Desai (“Executive”). This Agreement will be effective as of the effective time of the Merger (as defined below) (such date, the “Effective Date”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, on May 16 2021, Aadi entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Aerpio”) and certain other parties (such agreement, the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aerpio will merge with and into Aadi with Aadi surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aerpio, with Aerpio changing its name shortly following the completion of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (the “Merger”) to Aadi Bioscience, Inc. (“Parent”) as the publicly traded company; references to the “Company” in this Agreement shall mean Parent or Aadi or its successor, as applicable;

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to retain the services of Executive following the Effective Date and Executive wishes to be employed by the Company following the Effective Date on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recital and the respective undertakings of the Company and Executive set forth below, the Company and Executive agree as follows:

1. Duties and Scope of Employment.

(a) Positions and Duties. Executive will continue to serve as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Executive will render such business and professional services in the performance of Executive’s duties, consistent with Executive’s position within the Company, as will reasonably be assigned to Executive by Parent’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). The period of Executive’s employment under this Agreement is referred to herein as the “Employment Term.”

(b) Board Membership. During the Employment Term, Executive will serve on Parent’s Board, subject to any required Board and/or stockholder approval.

(c) Obligations. During the Employment Term, Executive will perform Executive’s duties faithfully and to the best of Executive’s ability and will devote Executive’s reasonable business efforts and time to the Company, subject to the terms hereof. For the duration of the Employment Term, Executive agrees not to engage in any other employment, occupation or consulting activity for any direct or indirect remuneration without the prior approval of the Board, except for such time and effort, not to exceed 15% of Executive’s working time based on a normal 40 hour work week, whether or not compensated, associated with Aadigen, LLC (in which Executive is currently the 100% owner) or work on the Desai Products, and provided that following the Effective Date, such engagement, employment, occupation or consulting activity for other

 


entities shall not require Executive to hold the title of Chief Executive Officer. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Desai Products” means any or all of the products at any stage of development, in Executive’s personal enterprises, including without limitation Aadigen, LLC, including products and technologies comprising amino acid constructs or peptides and their uses, and their combinations with small molecules, oligonucleotides, polynucleotides, or proteins for pharmaceutical or non-pharmaceutical applications. Additionally, Executive will be allowed to maintain his existing board positions in Mercator Medsystems, Divincell SAS, and Aadigen, LLC and shall be allowed to hold a board position in one additional company that is not affiliated with the Company, subject to Executive’s compliance with the Confidential Information Agreement.

2. At-Will Employment. The parties agree that Executive’s employment with the Company will be “at-will” employment and may be terminated at any time with or without Cause or notice. Executive understands and agrees that neither Executive’s job performance nor promotions, commendations, bonuses or the like from the Company give rise to or in any way serve as the basis for modification, amendment, or extension, by implication or otherwise, of Executive’s employment with the Company. However, as described in this Agreement, Executive may be entitled to severance benefits depending on the circumstances of Executive’s termination of employment with the Company.

3. Compensation.

(a) Base Salary. Effective as of the Effective Date, the Company will pay Executive an annual salary of $600,000 as compensation for Executive’s employment services to the Company (the “Base Salary”). The Base Salary will be paid periodically in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices and be subject to the usual, required withholdings. Executive’s salary will be subject to review and adjustments will be made based upon the Company’s normal performance review practices.

(b) Target Bonus. Effective as of the Effective Date, Executive will be eligible to receive an annual bonus of up to 60% of Executive’s Base Salary upon achievement of performance objectives to be determined by the Board or its authorized committee (the “Committee”) in its sole discretion (the “Target Bonus”). The achieved portion of Executive’s Target Bonus, if any, will be paid, less applicable withholdings, as soon as practicable after the Committee determines that the Target Bonus has been earned, but in no event shall the Target Bonus be paid after the later of (i) the fifteenth (15th) day of the third (3rd) month following the close of the Company’s fiscal year in which the Target Bonus is earned or (ii) March 15 following the calendar year in which the Target Bonus is earned.

(c) Equity. During the Employment Term, Executive will be eligible to receive equity awards pursuant to any plans or arrangements Parent may have in effect from time to time. The Committee will determine in its discretion whether Executive will be granted any equity awards and the terms of any equity award in accordance with the terms of any applicable plan or arrangement that may be in effect from time to time.

 

2


4. Employee Benefits. During the Employment Term, Executive will be entitled to participate in the employee benefit plans currently and hereafter maintained by the Company of general applicability to other senior executives of the Company. The Company reserves the right to cancel or change the benefit plans and programs it offers to its employees at any time. Executive shall also be entitled to five weeks of vacation, accruing annually, and participation in any 401(k) or employee benefit plan established by the Company, each as subject to the terms and conditions of such plans or programs adopted by the Company.

5. Expenses. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable travel, entertainment or other expenses incurred by Executive in the furtherance of or in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy as in effect from time to time.

6. Severance.

(a) Termination for other than Cause, Death or Disability Apart from a Change of Control. If, outside of the Change of Control Period, (i) the Company (or any parent or subsidiary or successor of the Company) terminates Executive’s employment with the Company other than for Cause, death or Disability, or (ii) the Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, then, subject to Section 7, Executive will be entitled to receive:

(i) continuing payments of severance pay for a period of twelve (12) months at a rate equal to the sum of (A)(x) one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s Base Salary rate, as then in effect, plus (y) the sum of all performance bonuses paid to Executive for the Company’s fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year in which Executive’s termination of employment occurs divided by (B) 12. The severance will be paid, less applicable withholdings, in installments over the severance period described herein with the first payment to commence on the sixty-first (61st) day following Executive’s termination of employment (and include any severance payments that otherwise would have been paid to Executive within the sixty (60) days following Executive’s termination date), with any remaining payments paid in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices for the remainder of the severance period following Executive’s termination of employment (subject to any delay as may be required by Section 7(c)).

(ii) if Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”) within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, then the Company will reimburse Executive for the COBRA premiums for such coverage (at the coverage levels in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination) until the earlier of (A) a period of eighteen (18) months from the date of termination or (B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents are no longer eligible for COBRA continuation coverage. The reimbursements will be made by the Company to Executive consistent with the Company’s normal expense reimbursement policy. Notwithstanding the first sentence of this Section 6(a)(ii), if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the foregoing benefit without potentially violating, or being subject to an excise tax under, applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will in lieu thereof provide to Executive a taxable monthly payment, payable on the last day of a given month (except as provided by the following sentence), in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that Executive would be required to pay to continue the group health coverage for Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents in effect on the termination of employment date (which amount will be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments will be made

 

3


regardless of whether Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents elect COBRA continuation coverage and will commence on the month following Executive’s termination of employment and will end on the earlier of (x) the date upon which Executive obtains other employment or (y) the date the Company has paid an amount equal to eighteen (18) payments. Any such taxable monthly payments that otherwise would have been paid to Executive within the sixty (60) days following Executive’s termination date instead will be paid on the sixty-first (61st) day following Executive’s termination of employment, with any remaining payments paid as provided in the prior sentence (subject to any delay as may be required by Section 7(c)). For the avoidance of doubt, the taxable payments in lieu of COBRA reimbursements may be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to continuation coverage under COBRA, and will be subject to all applicable tax withholdings.

(iii) if termination occurs within twelve (12) months of the Effective Date of this Agreement, accelerated vesting as to one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s then-outstanding unvested equity awards to acquire Parent common stock.

(b) Termination for other than Cause, Death or Disability or Resignation by Executive for Good Reason Related to a Change of Control. If, within the Change of Control Period (i) the Company (or any parent or subsidiary or successor of the Company) terminates Executive’s employment with the Company other than for Cause, death or Disability, or (ii) the Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, then, subject to Section 8, Executive will be entitled to receive:

(i) a lump sum payment equal to one hundred and fifty percent (150%) of the sum of: (A) Executive’s Base Salary, as then in effect, or if greater, at the level in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control, plus (B) Executive’s Target Bonus in effect for the fiscal year in which Executive’s termination of employment occurs. The severance will be paid, less applicable withholdings, on the sixty-first (61st) day following Executive’s termination of employment in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices (subject to any delay as may be required by Section 7(c)). For the avoidance of doubt, if (x) Executive incurred a termination of employment prior to a Change of Control that qualifies Executive for severance payments under Section 6(a)(i); and (y) a Change of Control occurs within the three (3)-month period following Executive’s termination of employment that qualifies Executive for the superior benefits under this Section 6(b)(i), then Executive shall be entitled to a lump-sum payment of the amount calculated under this Section 6(b)(i), less amounts already paid under Section 6(a)(i).

(ii) if Executive elects continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents, then the Company will reimburse Executive for the COBRA premiums for such coverage (at the coverage levels in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination) until the earlier of (A) a period of eighteen (18) months from the date of termination or (B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents are no longer eligible for COBRA continuation coverage. The reimbursements will be subject to the same conditions, limitations, and restrictions as the COBRA benefits described in Section 6(a)(ii); provided, however, that if the Company provides Executive a taxable monthly payment in lieu of COBRA reimbursement, such payment will be subject to the same conditions, limitations, and restrictions as COBRA benefits described in Section 6(a)(ii). For the avoidance of doubt, if (x) Executive incurred a termination of employment prior to a Change of Control that qualifies Executive for COBRA benefits under Section 6(a)(ii); and (y) a Change of Control occurs within the three (3)-month period following Executive’s termination of employment that qualifies Executive for the benefits under this Section 6(b)(ii), then Executive’s benefits under this Section 6(b)(ii) shall be offset by the benefits already provided to Executive under Section 6(b)(i).

 

4


(iii) accelerated vesting as to one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s then-outstanding and unvested equity awards to acquire Parent common stock.

(c) Termination for Cause, Death or Disability; Resignation without Good Reason. If Executive’s employment with the Company (or any parent or subsidiary or successor of the Company) terminates voluntarily by Executive (except upon resignation for Good Reason), for Cause by the Company or due to Executive’s death or Disability, then (i) all vesting will terminate immediately with respect to Executive’s outstanding equity awards, (ii) all payments of compensation by the Company to Executive hereunder will terminate immediately (except as to amounts already earned), and (iii) Executive will only be eligible for severance benefits in accordance with the Company’s established policies, if any, as then in effect.

(d) Exclusive Remedy. In the event of a termination of Executive’s employment with the Company (or any parent or subsidiary or successor of the Company), the provisions of this Section 7 are intended to be and are exclusive and in lieu of any other rights or remedies to which Executive or the Company may otherwise be entitled, whether at law, tort or contract, in equity, or under this Agreement, including any prior employment agreements entered into between the Company and Executive. Executive will be entitled to no severance or other benefits upon termination of employment with respect to acceleration of award vesting or severance pay other than those benefits expressly set forth in this Section 7.

7. Conditions to Receipt of Severance; No Duty to Mitigate.

(a) Separation Agreement and Release of Claims. The receipt of any severance pursuant to Section 6(a) or (b) will be subject to Executive signing and not revoking a separation agreement and release of claims in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company (the “Release”) and provided that such Release becomes effective and irrevocable no later than sixty (60) days following the termination date (such deadline, the “Release Deadline”). If the Release does not become effective and irrevocable by the Release Deadline, Executive will forfeit any rights to severance or benefits under this Agreement. In no event will severance payments or benefits be paid or provided until the Release becomes effective and irrevocable.

(b) Reserved.

(c) Section 409A.

(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no severance pay or benefits to be paid or provided to Executive, if any, pursuant to this Agreement that, when considered together with any other severance payments or separation benefits, are considered deferred compensation under Code Section 409A, and the final regulations and any guidance promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”) (together, the “Deferred Payments”) will be paid or otherwise provided until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. Similarly, no severance payable to Executive, if any, pursuant to this Agreement that otherwise would be exempt from Section 409A pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) will be payable until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.

 

5


(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of Executive’s termination (other than due to death), then the Deferred Payments that are payable within the first six (6) months following Executive’s separation from service, will become payable on the first payroll date that occurs on or after the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Executive’s separation from service. All subsequent Deferred Payments, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive dies following Executive’s separation from service, but prior to the six (6) month anniversary of the separation from service, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of Executive’s death and all other Deferred Payments will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Each payment and benefit payable under this Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.

(iii) Any amount paid under this Agreement that satisfies the requirements of the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations will not constitute Deferred Payments for purposes of clause (i) above.

(iv) Any amount paid under this Agreement that qualifies as a payment made as a result of an involuntary separation from service pursuant to Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations that does not exceed the Section 409A Limit (as defined below) will not constitute Deferred Payments for purposes of clause (i) above.

(v) The foregoing provisions are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the severance payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to so comply. The Company and Executive agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to actual payment to Executive under Section 409A. Executive agrees and acknowledges that the Company makes no representations or warranties with respect to the application of Section 409A and other tax consequences to any payments hereunder and, by the acceptance of any such payments, Executive agrees to accept the potential application of Section 409A and the other tax consequences of any payments made hereunder.

(d) Confidential Information Agreement. Executive’s receipt of any payments or benefits under Section 6 will be subject to Executive continuing to comply with the terms of Confidential Information Agreement (as defined in Section 10). In the event Executive breaches the provisions of the Confidential Information Agreement, all continuing payments and benefits to which Executive may otherwise be entitled pursuant to Section 6(a) or (b) will immediately cease.

 

6


(e) No Duty to Mitigate. Executive will not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment contemplated by this Agreement, nor will any earnings that Executive may receive from any other source reduce any such payment.

8. Definitions.

(a) Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” is defined as (i) the willful failure, disregard, or refusal by Executive to perform the services hereunder or follow the reasonable instructions of the Board; provided, however, that any willful failure, disregard, or refusal by Executive to perform the services hereunder that can reasonably be cured shall not constitute Cause unless cure is not effected, as determined in good faith by the Board, within thirty (30) days after notice thereof is received by the Executive from the Company; (ii) any willful or grossly negligent act by the Executive having the effect of injuring, in a material way (whether financial or otherwise) as determined in good faith by the Board, the business or reputation of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates; (iii) Executive’s conviction of, guilty plea, or plea of nolo contendere to any felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; (iv) the determination by the Company, after a reasonable and good faith investigation by the Company following a written allegation by an employee of the Company, that the Executive engaged in some form of harassment prohibited by law (including, without limitation, age, sex, disability, or race discrimination) unless Executive’s actions were specifically directed by the Board; or (v) material breach by the Executive of any provision of this Agreement or any Confidential Information Agreement.

(b) Change of Control. For purposes of this Agreement, “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

(i) a change in the ownership of Parent which occurs on the date that any one person (as defined in Section 13(d) and Section 14(d) of the Exchange Act), or more than one person acting as a group (“Person”), acquires ownership of the stock of Parent that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the stock of Parent; 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 Parent will not be considered a Change in Control; provided, further, that any change in the ownership of the stock of Parent as a result of a private financing of Parent that is approved by the Board also will not be considered a Change of Control. Further, if the stockholders of Parent immediately before such change in ownership continue to retain immediately after the change in ownership, in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Company’s voting stock immediately prior to the change in ownership, direct or indirect beneficial ownership of fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power of the stock of Parent or of the ultimate parent entity of Parent, such event shall not be considered a Change of Control under this subsection (i). For this purpose, indirect beneficial ownership shall include, without limitation, an interest resulting from ownership of the voting securities of one or more corporations or other business entities which own Parent, as the case may be, either directly or through one or more subsidiary corporations or other business entities; or

 

7


(ii) a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of Parent’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 Parent 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 Parent immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (ii), the following will not constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of Parent’s assets: (A) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by Parent’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (B) a transfer of assets by Parent to: (1) a stockholder of Parent (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to Parent’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 Parent, (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 Parent, 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 (8)(b)(ii). For purposes of this subsection (ii), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of Parent, 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 Parent.

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 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 Parent’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 Parent’s securities immediately before such transaction.

(c) Change of Control Period. For purposes of this Agreement, “Change of Control Period” means the period that begins three (3) months prior to a Change of Control and ends twelve (12) months following a Change of Control.

(d) Code. For purposes of this Agreement, “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

(e) Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” means that Executive has been unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days or more, or more than one hundred and eighty (180) days within any twelve (12)-month period, in each case, determined by the Board.

(f) Good Reason. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” means Executive’s resignation within thirty (30) days following the expiration of any Company cure period (discussed below) following the occurrence of one or more of the following, without Executive’s express written consent: (i) a material breach of any provision of this Agreement by the Company; (ii) any material reduction by the Company of Executive’s duties, responsibilities, or authority which

 

8


causes Executive’s position to become materially of less responsibility or authority than Executive’s position as of immediately following the Effective Date; it being understood that a change to Executive’s title resulting in him no longer serving as Chief Executive Officer would constitute “Good Reason” under this Agreement; (iii) a material relocation of the Company’s principal place of business of Executive outside of the Los Angeles Metropolitan area; or (iv) a material (more than 7%) diminution in Executive’s base salary (other than in the context of salary or consideration reductions applied in identical percentages to all executive officers of the Company). Executive will not resign for Good Reason without first providing the Company with written notice of the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for “Good Reason” within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of the grounds for “Good Reason” and a reasonable cure period of not less than thirty (30) days following the date the Company receives such notice during which such condition must not have been cured.

(g) Section 409A Limit. For purposes of this Agreement, “Section 409A Limit” will mean two (2) times the lesser of: (i) Executive’s annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay paid to Executive during the Executive’s taxable year preceding the Executive’s taxable year of Executive’s separation from service as determined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A)(1) and any Internal Revenue Service guidance issued with respect thereto; or (ii) the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Internal Revenue Code for the year in which Executive’s separation from service occurred.

9. Limitation on Payments. In the event that the severance and other benefits provided for in this Agreement or otherwise payable to Executive (i) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and (ii) but for this Section 9, would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, then Executive’s severance benefits will be either:

(a) delivered in full, or

(b) delivered as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such severance benefits being subject to the excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code,

whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the excise tax imposed by Section 4999, results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of severance benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such severance benefits may be taxable under Section 4999 of the Code. If a reduction in the severance and other benefits constituting “parachute payments” is necessary so that no portion of such severance benefits is subject to the excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code, the reduction shall occur in the following order: (1) reduction of the cash severance payments; (2) cancellation of accelerated vesting of equity awards; and (3) reduction of continued employee benefits. In the event that acceleration of vesting of equity award compensation is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting shall be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of Executive’s equity awards.

 

9


A nationally recognized certified professional services firm selected by the Company, the Company’s legal counsel or such other person or entity to which the parties mutually agree (the “Firm”) shall perform the foregoing calculations related to the Excise Tax. The Company shall bear all expenses with respect to the determinations by the Firm required to be made hereunder. For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section, the Firm may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Code Sections 280G and 4999. The Company and Executive will furnish to the Firm such information and documents as the Firm may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Firm engaged to make the determinations hereunder shall provide its calculations, together with detailed supporting documentation, to the Company and Executive within fifteen (15) calendar days after the date on which Executive’s right to the severance benefits or other payments is triggered (if requested at that time by the Company or Executive) or such other time as requested by the Company or Executive. Any good faith determinations of the Firm made hereunder shall be final, binding, and conclusive upon the Company and Executive.

10. Confidential Information. Executive agrees to execute the Company’s Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement (the “Confidential Information Agreement”) concurrently with the execution of this Agreement.

11. Reserved.

12. Assignment. This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of (a) the heirs, executors and legal representatives of Executive upon Executive’s death and (b) any successor of Parent or AADi, as applicable. Any such successor of Parent or AADi, as applicable will be deemed substituted for the Company under the terms of this Agreement for all purposes. For this purpose, “successor” means any person, firm, corporation or other business entity which at any time, whether by purchase, merger or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquires all or substantially all of the assets or business of Parent or AADi, as applicable. None of the rights of Executive to receive any form of compensation payable pursuant to this Agreement may be assigned or transferred except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any other attempted assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits will be null and void.

13. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications called for hereunder will be in writing and will be deemed given (i) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, (ii) one (1) day after being sent by a well-established commercial overnight service, or (iii) four (4) days after being mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, prepaid and addressed to the parties or their successors at the following addresses, or at such other addresses as the parties may later designate in writing:

If to the Company:

AADi Bioscience, Inc.

17383 Sunset Boulevard, Suite A250

Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Attn: Board of Directors

If to Executive:

at the last residential address known by the Company.

 

10


14. Severability. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement will continue in full force and effect without said provision.

15. Arbitration. Executive agrees that any and all controversies, claims, or disputes with anyone (including the Company and any employee, officer, director, stockholder or benefit plan of the Company in their capacity as such or otherwise) arising out of, relating to, or resulting from Executive’s service to the Company, shall be subject to arbitration in accordance with the provisions of the Confidential Information Agreement.

16. Integration. This Agreement, along with the Confidential Information Agreement and the plan and agreements governing your outstanding equity awards, represents the entire agreement and understanding between the parties as to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements whether written or oral, including the Employment Agreement by and between the Executive and AADi dated January 1, 2017. With respect to equity awards granted on or after the date of this Agreement, the acceleration of vesting provisions provided herein will apply to such equity awards except to the extent the applicable equity award agreement expressly supersedes this Agreement. This Agreement may be modified only by agreement of the parties by a written instrument executed by the parties that is designated as an amendment to this Agreement.

17. Waiver of Breach. The waiver of a breach of any term or provision of this Agreement, which must be in writing, will not operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any other previous or subsequent breach of this Agreement.

18. Headings. All captions and section headings used in this Agreement are for convenient reference only and do not form a part of this Agreement.

19. Tax Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable taxes.

20. Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of California (with the exception of its conflict of laws provisions).

21. Acknowledgment. Executive acknowledges that Executive has had the opportunity to discuss this matter with and obtain advice from Executive’s private attorney, has had sufficient time to, and has carefully read and fully understands all the provisions of this Agreement, and is knowingly and voluntarily entering into this Agreement.

22. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart will have the same force and effect as an original and will constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned.

 

11


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case of the Company by their duly authorized officers, as of the day and year first above written.

 

COMPANY:     
AADI BIOSCIENCE, INC.     
By:  

/s/ Caley Castelein

                     Date: August 26, 2021
Title:   Chair of the Board of Directors     
EXECUTIVE:     

/s/ Neil Desai

     Date: August 26, 2021                        
NEIL DESAI, PH.D.     

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT]

 

12

EX-10.5

Exhibit 10.5

Certain portions of this document have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K and, where applicable, have been marked with “[***]” to indicate where omissions have been made. The marked information has been omitted because it is (i) not material and (ii) would likely cause competitive harm to the registrant if publicly disclosed. The registrant hereby undertakes to provide further information regarding such marked information to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

CONSULTING AGREEMENT

This Consulting Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made effective as of July 20, 2021 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Aadi Bioscience, Inc., a Delaware corporation, with its principal place of business being 17383 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 (the “Company”) and Danforth Advisors, LLC, a Massachusetts limited liability company, with its principal place of business being 91 Middle Road, Southborough, MA 01772 (“Danforth”). The Company and Danforth are herein sometimes referred to individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”

WHEREAS, the Company is focusing on precision therapies for genetically-defined cancers with alterations in mTOR pathway genes; and

WHEREAS, Danforth has expertise in financial and corporate operations and strategy; and

WHEREAS, Danforth desires to serve as an independent consultant for the purpose of providing the Company with certain strategic and financial advice and support services, using personnel described in Exhibit A attached hereto, (the “Services”); and

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to engage Danforth on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree and covenant as follows.

 

1.

Services of Consultant. Danforth will assist the Company with matters relating to the Services. The Services are more fully described in Exhibit A attached hereto. Danforth and the Company will review the Services on a monthly basis to determine appropriate staffing requirements. Company shall have the right to request changes to the Danforth personnel at any time in writing. If Company makes a written request, Danforth shall replace such personnel subject to the Company’s right of pre-approval.

 

2.

Compensation for Services. In full consideration of Danforth’s full, prompt and faithful performance of the Services, the Company shall compensate Danforth a consulting fee more fully described in Exhibit A (the “Consulting Fee”). Danforth shall invoice the Company for Services rendered on a monthly basis, and such invoice will be paid upon 30 days of receipt. Each month the Parties shall evaluate jointly the current fee structure and scope of Services. Danforth reserves the right to an annual increase in consultant rates of up to 4%, effective twelve (12) months following the “Effective Date”. Upon termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 3, no compensation or benefits of any kind as described in this Section 2 shall be payable or issuable to Danforth after the effective date of such termination. In addition, the Company will reimburse Danforth for reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses, including but not limited to travel and parking, incurred by Danforth in performing the Services hereunder, upon submission by Danforth of supporting documentation reasonably acceptable to the Company. Any such accrued expenses in any given three (3) month period that exceed $1,000 shall be submitted to the Company for its prior written approval.

 

1


All Danforth invoices and billing matters should be addressed to:

Company Accounts Payable Contact:

 

Name:    Zac Rhodes
Title:    Vice President, Finance AADi Bioscience, Inc.
Address:    17383 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Phone:    [***]
E-mail:    [***]

All Company payments and billing inquiries should be addressed to:

Danforth Accounting:    Betsy Sherr
   [***]
   [***]
  

Danforth Advisors

PO Box 335

Southborough, MA 01772

 

3.

Term and Termination. The term of this Agreement will commence on the Effective Date and will continue until such time as either Party has given notice of termination pursuant to this paragraph 3 (the “Term”). This Agreement may be terminated by either Party hereto: (a) with Cause (as defined below), immediately withwritten notice to the other Party; or (b) without cause upon 60 days prior written notice to the other Party. For purposes of this Section 3, “Cause” shall include: (i) a breach of the terms of this Agreement which is not cured within 14 days of written notice of such default or (ii) the commission of any act of fraud, embezzlement or deliberate disregard of a rule or policy of the Company.

 

4.

Time Commitment. Danforth will devote such time to perform the Services under this Agreement as may reasonably be required. Danforth does not guarantee time and materials estimates in any way and such estimates are not fixed prices. Danforth will notify the Company as soon as practicable if an estimate will be exceeded.

 

5.

Place of Performance. Danforth will perform the Services at such locations upon which the Company and Danforth may mutually agree. Danforth will not, without the prior written consent of the Company, perform any of the Services at any facility or in any manner that might give anyone other than the Company any rights to or allow for disclosure of any Confidential Information (as defined below).

 

6.

Compliance with Policies and Guidelines. Danforth will perform the Services in accordance with all rules or policies adopted by the Company that the Company discloses in writing to Danforth.

 

2


7.

Confidential Information. Danforth acknowledges and agrees that during the course of performing the Services, the Company may furnish, disclose or make available to Danforth information, including, but not limited to, material, compilations, data, formulae, models, patent disclosures, procedures, processes, business plans, projections, protocols, results of experimentation and testing, specifications, strategies and techniques, and all tangible and intangible embodiments thereof of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, any apparatus, biological or chemical materials, animals, cells, compositions, documents, drawings, machinery, patent applications, records and reports), which is owned or controlled by the Company and is marked or designated as confidential at the time of disclosure or is of a type that is customarily considered to be confidential information (collectively the “Confidential Information”). Danforth acknowledges that the Confidential Information or any part thereof is the exclusive property of the Company and shall not be disclosed to any third party without first obtaining the written consent of the Company. Danforth further agrees to take all practical steps to ensure that the Confidential Information, and any part thereof, shall not be disclosed or issued to its affiliates, agents or employees, except on like terms of confidentiality. The above provisions of confidentiality shall apply for a period of five years. Pursuant to the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Danforth acknowledges that Danforth will not have criminal or civil liability under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (i) is made (A) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. In addition, if Danforth files a lawsuit for retaliation by Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, Danforth may disclose the trade secret to its attorney and may use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if Danforth (i) files any document containing the trade secret under seal and (ii) does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.

 

8.

Use of Name and Logo. The Company agrees to permit the use of its name and logo in a roster of Danforth clients, which may appear on the Danforth website and in its marketing materials.

 

9.

Intellectual Property. Danforth agrees that all ideas, inventions, discoveries, creations, manuscripts, properties, innovations, improvements, know-how, designs, developments, apparatus, techniques, methods, and formulae that Danforth conceives, makes, develops or improves as a result of performing the Services, whether or not reduced to practice and whether or not patentable, alone or in conjunction with any other party and whether or not at the request or upon the suggestion of the Company (all of the foregoing being hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Inventions”), shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Company.

 

10.

Non Solicitation. All personnel representing Danforth are employees or contracted agents of Danforth. Accordingly, they are not retainable as employees or contractors by the Company and the Company hereby agrees not to solicit, hire or retain their services for so long as they are employees or contracted agents of Danforth and for two years thereafter. Should the Company violate this restriction, it agrees to pay Danforth liquidated damages equal to fifty percent (50%) of the employee’s starting annual base salary and target annual

 

3


  bonus for each Danforth contracted agent hired by the Company in violation of this Agreement plus Danforth’s reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in enforcing this agreement should the Company fail or refuse to pay the liquidated damages amount in full within 30 days following its violation. For purposes herein, “solicit” does not include broad-based recruiting efforts, including, without limitation, help wanted advertising and posting of open positions on a party’s internet site.

 

11.

Placement Services. In the event that Danforth refers a potential employee to the Company and that individual is hired, Danforth shall receive a fee equal to 20% of the employee’s starting annual base salary and target annual bonus. This fee is due and owing whether an individual is hired, directly or indirectly on a permanent basis or on a contract or consulting basis by the Company, as a result of Danforth’s efforts within one year of the date applicant(s) are submitted to the Company. Such payment is due within 30 days of the employee’s start date.

 

12.

No Implied Warranty. Except for any express warranties stated herein, the Services are provided on an “as is” basis, and the Company disclaims any and all other warranties, conditions, or representations (express, implied, oral or written), relating to the Services or any part thereof. Further, in performing the Services Danforth is not engaged to disclose illegal acts, including fraud or defalcations, which may have taken place. The foregoing notwithstanding, Danforth will promptly notify the Company if Danforth becomes aware of any such illegal acts during the performance of the Services. Because the Services do not constitute an examination in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (the “AICPA”), Danforth is precluded from expressing an opinion as to whether financial statements provided by the Company are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles or any other standards or guidelines promulgated by the AICPA, or whether the underlying financial and other data provide a reasonable basis for the statements.

 

13.

Indemnification. Each Party hereto agrees to indemnify and hold the other Party hereto, its directors, officers, agents and employees harmless against any claim based upon circumstances alleged to be inconsistent with such representations and/or warranties contained in this Agreement. Further, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Danforth and any of its subcontractors against any claims, losses, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) that arise out of or are based on the Services performed hereunder, except for any such claims, losses, damages or liabilities arising out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Danforth or any of its subcontractors. The Company will endeavor to add Consultant and any applicable subcontractor to its insurance policies as additional insureds. Furthermore, during the Term of this Agreement, if the Company desires that Danforth provide treasury services, the Company shall obtain and maintain a Crime and Cyber Insurance Policy that includes coverage for “Social Engineering” claims and extends coverage to Danforth.

 

4


14.

D&O Insurance. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to specifically include and cover, as a benefit for their protection, Danforth staff serving as directors or officers of the Company or affiliates from time to time with direct coverage as named insureds under the Company’s policy for directors’ and officers’ (“D&O”) insurance. The Company will maintain such D&O insurance coverage for the period through which claims can be made against such persons. The Company disclaims a right to distribution from the D&O insurance coverage with respect to such persons. In the event that the Company is unable to include Danforth under the Company’s policy or does not have first dollar coverage acceptable to Danforth for up to $5 million (e.g., such policy is not reserved based on actions that have been or are expected to be filed against officers and directors alleging prior acts that may give rise to a claim), Danforth may, at its option, attempt to purchase a separate D&O policy that will cover the Danforth staff only, with coverage capped at $5 million. The reasonable cost of same shall be invoiced to the Company as an out—of pocket cash expense. If Danforth is unable to purchase such D&O insurance, then Danforth reserves the right to terminate the Agreement upon delivery of written notice.

 

15.

Independent Contractor. Danforth is not, nor shall Danforth be deemed to be at any time during the term of this Agreement, an employee of the Company, and therefore Danforth shall not be entitled to any benefits provided by the Company to its employees, if applicable. Danforth’s status and relationship with the Company shall be that of an independent contractor and consultant. Danforth shall not state or imply, directly or indirectly, that Danforth is empowered to bind the Company without the Company’s prior written consent. Nothing herein shall create, expressly or by implication, a partnership, joint venture or other association between the parties. Danforth will be solely responsible for payment of all charges and taxes arising from his or her relationship to the Company as a consultant. Except as expressly provided herein, nothing in this Agreement shall preclude Danforth from consulting for or being employed by any other person or entity.

 

16.

Records. Upon termination of Danforth’s relationship with the Company, Danforth shall deliver to the Company any property or Confidential Information of the Company relating to the Services which may be in its possession including products, project plans, materials, memoranda, notes, records, reports, laboratory notebooks, or other documents or photocopies and any such information stored using electronic medium.

 

17.

Notices. Any notice under this Agreement shall be in writing (except in the case of verbal communications, emails and teleconferences updating either Party as to the status of work hereunder) and shall be deemed delivered upon personal delivery, one day after being sent via a reputable nationwide overnight courier service or two days after deposit in the mail or on the next business day following transmittal via facsimile. Notices under this Agreement shall be sent to the following representatives of the Parties:

 

If to the Company:   
Name:    Neil Desai, PhD
Title:    Founder, CEO and President
Address:    17383 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Phone:    [***]
E-mail:    [***]

 

5


If to Danforth:   
Name:    Gregg Beloff
Title:    Managing Director
Address:    91 Middle Road
   Southborough, MA 01772
Phone:    [***]
E-mail:    [***]

 

18.

Assignment and Successors. This Agreement may not be assigned by a Party without the consent of the other which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, except that each Party may assign this Agreement and the rights, obligations and interests of such Party, in whole or in part, to any of its Affiliates, to any purchaser of all or substantially all of its assets or to any successor corporation resulting from any merger or consolidation of such Party with or into such corporation.

 

19.

Force Majeure. Neither Party shall be liable for failure of or delay in performing obligations set forth in this Agreement, and neither shall be deemed in breach of its obligations, if such failure or delay is due to natural disasters or any causes beyond the reasonable control of either Party. In the event of such force majeure, the Party affected thereby shall use reasonable efforts to cure or overcome the same and resume performance of its obligations hereunder.

 

20.

Headings. The Section headings are intended for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

21.

Integration; Severability. This Agreement is the sole agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all other agreements and understandings between the Parties with respect to the same. If any provision of this Agreement is or becomes invalid or is ruled invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction or is deemed unenforceable, it is the intention of the Parties that the remainder of the Agreement shall not be affected.

 

22.

Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, excluding choice of law principles. The Parties agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or related in any way to this Agreement shall be brought solely in a Federal or State court of competent jurisdiction sitting in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

 

23.

Amendments and Waivers. This Agreement may be amended or supplemented only by a written instrument duly executed by each of the Parties. No provision of this Agreement may be waived except by a written instrument signed by the Party hereto sought to be bound. No failure or delay by any Party in exercising any right or remedy hereunder or under applicable law will operate as a waiver thereof, and a waiver of a particular right or remedy on one occasion will not be deemed a waiver of any other light or remedy, or a waiver on any subsequent occasion.

 

6


24.

Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one agreement. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.

If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign where indicated below, whereupon this Agreement shall become effective as of the Effective Date.

 

DANFORTH ADVISORS. LLC                    AADI B1OSCIENCE, INC.
By:   

/s/ Chris Connors

      By:   

/s/ Neil Desai

Print Name: Chris Connors       Print Name: Neil Desai
Title: Chief Executive Officer       Title: Chief Executive Officer
Date: 7/20/2021       Date: 7/21/2021

 

7


EXHIBIT A

Schedule of Fees

Initial Staffing:

 

Role

  

Hourly Rate

  

Function

Sr. Advisor   

[***]

   Senior Advisory
CFO    $400/hour    CFO
Sr. Director   

[***]

   PAO
HR Consultant   

[***]

   Human Resources
Director   

[***]

   VP Finance
Sr Manager   

[***]

   Sr Controller/FP&A
Manager   

[***]

   Controller
Sr. Consultant   

[***]

   Asst. Controller
Consultant    [***]    Staff Accountant

Initial Staffing will be Lance Thibault, a CFO, who will act as Interim CFO, serving as Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer. Mr. Thibault has been interviewed and approved by the Company. Additional personnel will be added in accordance with Section 1 of this Agreement.

EX-10.6

Exhibit 10.6

AADI BIOSCIENCE, INC.

2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

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 additional incentive to Employees, Directors and Consultants, and

 

   

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. As used herein, the following definitions will apply:

(a) “Aadi” means Aadi Bioscience, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

(b) “Aadi Merger” means the merger of Merger Sub with and into Aadi, with Aadi as the surviving corporation, as contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

(c) “Administrator” means the Board or any of its Committees as will be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.

(d) “Applicable Laws” means the legal and regulatory requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards, including but not limited to the related issuance of shares of Common Stock, including but not limited to, 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.

(e) “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.

(f) “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.

(g) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

(h) “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events following the Effective Date:


(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, (A) 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, and (B) if the stockholders of the Company immediately before such change in ownership continue to retain immediately after the change in ownership, in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Company’s voting stock immediately prior to the change in ownership, the direct or indirect beneficial ownership of fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company or of the ultimate parent entity of the Company, such event will not be considered a Change in Control under this subsection (i). For this purpose, indirect beneficial ownership will include, without limitation, an interest resulting from ownership of the voting securities of one or more corporations or other business entities which own the Company, as the case may be, either directly or through one or more subsidiary corporations or other business entities; 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 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) 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 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.

 

- 2 -


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 jurisdiction 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.

(i) “Code” means the U.S. 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.

(j) “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.

(k) “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.

(l) “Company” means Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto.

(m) “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, in each case, within the meaning of 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.

(n) “Director” means a member of the Board.

(o) “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.

(p) “Effective Date” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 18.

(q) “Employee” means any person, including Officers and 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.

 

- 3 -


(r) “Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(s) “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.

(t) “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, 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 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;

(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.

The determination of fair market value for purposes of tax withholding may be made in the Administrator’s discretion subject to Applicable Laws and is not required to be consistent with the determination of Fair Market Value for other purposes.

(u) “Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company.

(v) “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

(w) “Merger Agreement” means that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 16, 2021, by and among the Company, Merger Sub, and Aadi.

 

- 4 -


(x) “Merger Sub” means Aspen Merger Subsidiary, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.

(y) “Nonstatutory Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

(z) “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.

(aa) “Option” means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.

(bb) “Outside Director” means a Director who is not an Employee.

(cc) “Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

(dd) “Participant” means the holder of an outstanding Award.

(ee) “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.

(ff) “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.

(gg) “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.

(hh) “Plan” means this 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.

(ii) “Restricted Stock” means Shares issued pursuant to an Award of Restricted Stock under Section 7 of the Plan, or issued pursuant to the early exercise of an Option.

(jj) “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.

(kk) “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.

(ll) “Section 16(b)” means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.

(mm) “Section 409A” means Code Section 409A, as it has been and may be amended from time to time, and any proposed or final Treasury Regulations and U.S. Internal Revenue Service guidance that has been promulgated or may be promulgated thereunder from time to time.

 

- 5 -


(nn) “Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(oo) “Service Provider” means an Employee, Director or Consultant.

(pp) “Share” means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 14 of the Plan.

(qq) “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.

(rr) “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 14 of the Plan and the automatic increase set forth in Section 3(b) of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan is 31,061,767 Shares, plus (i) any Shares subject to stock options or similar awards granted under the Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2017 Stock Option and Incentive Plan or the Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Prior Plans”) that expire or otherwise terminate without having been exercised in full and Shares issued pursuant to awards granted under the Prior Plans that are forfeited to or repurchased by the Company and (ii) any Shares subject to stock options or similar awards granted under the Aadi Bioscience, Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan that are assumed by the Company pursuant to the Merger Agreement, with the maximum number of Shares to be added to the Plan pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) equal to 11,462,311 Shares. The Shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

(b) Automatic Share Reserve Increase. Subject to the provisions of Section 14 of the Plan, the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan will be increased on the first day of each Fiscal Year beginning on January 1, 2022, in an amount equal to the least of (i) 31,061,767 Shares, (ii) four percent (4%) the outstanding Shares on the last day of the immediately preceding Fiscal Year, or (iii) such number of Shares determined by the Administrator no later than the last day of the immediately preceding Fiscal Year. The automatic Share increase under this Section 3(b) shall terminate following the increase on the first day of the 2031 Fiscal Year.

(c) 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, 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;

 

- 6 -


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. 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 Sections 3(b) and 3(c).

(d) 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.

(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;

 

- 7 -


(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 and adopt sub-plans relating to the Plan, including rules, regulations and sub-plans for the purposes of facilitating compliance with foreign 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., in each case as the Administrator may deem necessary or advisable;

(ix) to modify or amend each Award (subject to Section 19 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 (subject to Section 6(b) of the Plan regarding Incentive Stock Options and Section 409A of the Code);

(x) to allow Participants to satisfy tax withholding obligations in such manner as prescribed in Section 15 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 would otherwise 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 and will be given the maximum deference permitted by Applicable Laws.

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.

 

- 8 -


6. Stock Options.

(a) 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 one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), 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.

(b) Term of Option. The term of each Option will be stated in the Award Agreement. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the term will be ten (10) years from the date of grant 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 ten percent (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, 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 ten percent (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 one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

(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 one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.

(2) In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option, 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.

(3) 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 (i) on the date of grant pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Section 424(a) of the Code, (ii) to individuals who are not subject to U.S. income tax on the date of grant or (iii) if the Option is otherwise compliant with or exempt from Section 409A of the Code.

 

- 9 -


(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; (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 tax withholdings). 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 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.

 

- 10 -


(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. 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 the Administrator has permitted the designation of a beneficiary and provided such beneficiary has been designated prior to 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 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) Tolling Expiration. A Participant’s Award Agreement may also provide that:

 

- 11 -


(1) if the exercise of the Option following the termination of 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 tenth (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 termination 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 thirty (30)-day period after the termination 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.

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 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 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.

 

- 12 -


(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. 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) 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 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 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.

 

- 13 -


(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 upon the date determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules of Section 6(b) relating to the maximum term and 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 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 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.

 

- 14 -


(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. Outside Director Limitations. No Outside Director may be paid, issued, or granted, in any Fiscal Year, cash and equity awards (including any Awards issued under this Plan) with a value (the value of which will be based on their grant date fair value determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles) that, in the aggregate, exceed $750,000, increased to $1,000,000 in connection with his or her initial service. 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.

12. Leaves of Absence/Transfer Between Locations. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise and subject to Applicable Laws, 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. 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 following the first (1st) 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. 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.

 

- 15 -


14. 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 after the Effective Date, 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 Sections 3 and 11 of the Plan.

(b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company after the Effective Date, 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 after the Effective Date, 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 (i) Awards will 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 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 14(c), the Administrator will not be required to treat all Awards or Participants, all Awards held by a Participant, or all Awards of the same type, similarly in the transaction.

 

- 16 -


In the event that the successor corporation does not assume or substitute for the Award (or portion thereof), the Participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise such outstanding Option and Stock Appreciation Right not so assumed or substituted for, including Shares as to which such Award would not otherwise be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on such Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units not so assumed or substituted for will lapse, and, with respect to such 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 all cases, unless specifically provided otherwise under the applicable Award Agreement or other written agreement between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable. In addition, if an Option or Stock Appreciation Right is not assumed or substituted 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 not so assumed or substituted for 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 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, 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 Code Section 409A and if the change in control definition contained in the Award Agreement does not comply with the definition of “change of control” for purposes of a distribution under Code Section 409A, then any payment of an amount that is otherwise accelerated under this Section will be delayed until the earliest time that such payment would be permissible under Code Section 409A without triggering any penalties applicable under Code Section 409A.

 

- 17 -


(d) Outside Director Awards. In the event of a Change in Control after the Effective Date, with respect to Awards granted to an Outside Director, the Outside Director will fully vest in and have the right to exercise Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights as to all of the Shares underlying such Award, including those Shares which 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, unless specifically provided otherwise under the applicable Award Agreement or other written agreement between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Parents, as applicable.

15. 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 U.S. federal, state, or local taxes, non-U.S. taxes, or other taxes (including the Participant’s FICA or other social insurance contribution 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, check or other cash equivalents, (ii) 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 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, (c) delivering to the Company already-owned Shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum statutory amount required to be withheld or such greater amount as the Administrator may determine, 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, (d) 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, or (e) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment. 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 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 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 Parent or Subsidiaries have any obligation under the terms of this Plan to reimburse, indemnify, or hold harmless a Participant for any taxes, interest or penalties imposed, or other costs incurred, as a result of Section 409A.

 

- 18 -


16. 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 will they interfere in any way with the Participant’s right or the right of the Company (or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company) to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without cause, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.

17. 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.

18. Term of Plan. Subject to Section 23 of the Plan, the Plan will become effective upon the date (the “Effective Date”) of the later of its approval by the Company’s stockholders and the consummation of the Aadi Merger. It will continue in effect until terminated earlier under Section 19 of the Plan, but no Incentive Stock Options may be granted after 10 years from the date the Plan is adopted by the Board.

19. 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.

20. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.

(a) Legal Compliance. Shares will not be issued pursuant to 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.

(b) 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.

 

- 19 -


21. Inability to Obtain Authority. If the Company determines it to be impossible or impractical 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. federal or state law, any non-U.S. law, or 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.

22. Forfeiture Events.

(a) All Awards under the Plan will be subject to recoupment under any clawback policy that the Company is required to adopt pursuant to the listing standards of any national securities exchange or association on which the Company’s securities are listed or as is otherwise required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or other Applicable Laws. In addition, the Administrator may impose such other clawback, recovery or recoupment provisions in an Award Agreement as the Administrator determines necessary or appropriate, including but not limited to a reacquisition right regarding previously acquired Shares or other cash or property. Unless this Section 22 is specifically mentioned and waived in an Award Agreement or other document, no recovery of compensation under a clawback policy or otherwise will be 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 a Subsidiary or Parent of the Company.

(b) 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, or recoupment upon the occurrence of specified events, in addition to any otherwise applicable vesting or performance conditions of an Award. Such events may include, but will not be limited to, termination of such Participant’s status as Service Provider for cause or any specified action or inaction by a Participant, whether before or after such termination of service, that would constitute cause for termination of such Participant’s status as a Service Provider.

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.

*                *                 *

 

- 20 -

EX-10.7

Exhibit 10.7

AADI BIOSCIENCE, INC.

2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Aadi Bioscience, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) will have the same defined meanings in this Stock Option Agreement which includes the Notice of Stock Option Grant, the Terms and Conditions of Stock Option Grant, attached hereto as Exhibit A, and all appendices and exhibits attached thereto (all together, the “Option Agreement”).

NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT

 

Participant:
Address:

The undersigned Participant has been granted an Option to purchase Common Stock of Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, as follows:

 

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 accelerated vesting as set forth below or in the Plan, this Option will be scheduled to vest in accordance with the following schedule:

[Twenty-five percent (25%) of the Shares subject to the Option will be scheduled to vest on the one (1) year anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date, and one forty-eighth (1/48th) of the Shares subject to the Option will be scheduled to vest each month thereafter on the same day of the month as the Vesting Commencement Date (and if there is no corresponding day, on the last day of the month), subject to Participant continuing to be a Service Provider through each such date.]

 


Notwithstanding the foregoing, the vesting of the Option shall be subject to any vesting acceleration provisions applicable to the Option contained in any employment or service agreement, offer letter, change in control severance agreement, change of control severance policy, or any other agreement that, prior to and effective as of the date of this Option Agreement, has been entered into between Participant and the Company or any parent or subsidiary corporation of the Company (such agreement, a “Separate Agreement”) to the extent not otherwise duplicative of the vesting terms described above.

Termination Period:

In the event of cessation of Participant’s status as a Service Provider, this Option will be exercisable, to the extent vested, for a period of [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, to the extent vested, for a period of [twelve (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 of the Plan.

By Participant’s signature and the signature of the representative of the Company below, Participant and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, including the Terms and Conditions of Stock Option Grant, attached hereto as Exhibit A, all of which are made a part of this document. Participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan. Participant has reviewed the Plan and this Option Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option Agreement, and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and this Option 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 the Option Agreement. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address indicated below.

 

PARTICIPANT       AADI BIOSCIENCE, INC.

 

Signature

     

 

Signature

 

Print Name

     

 

Print Name

     

 

Title

Address:      

 

     

 

     

 

- 2 -


EXHIBIT A

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF STOCK OPTION GRANT

1. Grant of Option.

(a) The Company hereby grants to the individual (“Participant”) named in the Notice of Stock Option Grant of this Option Agreement (the “Notice of Grant”) an option (the “Option”) to purchase the number of Shares 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 Option Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by this reference. Subject to Section 19(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 Option Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan will prevail.

(b) For U.S. taxpayers, the Option will be designated as either an Incentive Stock Option (“ISO”) or a Nonstatutory Stock Option (“NSO”). If designated in the Notice of Grant as an ISO, this Option is intended to qualify as an ISO under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). However, if this Option is intended to be an ISO, to the extent that it exceeds the $100,000 rule of Code Section 422(d) it will be treated as an 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) shall be regarded as a 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 to Participant (or any other person) due to the failure of the Option to qualify for any reason as an ISO.

(c) For non-U.S. taxpayers, the Option will be designated as an NSO.

2. Vesting Schedule. Except as provided in Section 3, the Option awarded by this Option 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 Option Agreement, unless 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 Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Option Grant and with the applicable provisions of the Plan and the terms of this Option Agreement.


(b) Method of Exercise. This Option is exercisable by delivery of an exercise notice (the “Exercise Notice”) in the form attached as Exhibit B to the Notice of Grant 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 Participant and delivered to the Company. The Exercise Notice will be accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised Shares and of any Tax Obligations (as defined in Section 6(a)). 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, together with any applicable Tax Obligations.

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:

(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) if Participant is a U.S. employee, 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 and that are owned free and clear of any liens, claims, encumbrances, or security interests, provided that accepting such Shares, in the sole discretion of the Administrator, will not result in any adverse accounting consequences to the Company.

A non-U.S. resident’s methods of exercise may be restricted by the terms and conditions of any appendix to this Agreement for Participant’s country (including the Country Addendum, as defined below).

6. 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.

7. Term of Option. 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 Option Agreement.

8. Tax Obligations.

(a) Responsibility for Taxes. Participant acknowledges that, regardless of any action taken by the Company or, if different, Participant’s employer (the “Employer”) or any Parent or Subsidiary to which Participant is providing services (together, the Company, Employer and/or Parent or Subsidiary to which Participant is providing services, the “Service Recipient”), the ultimate liability for any tax and/or social insurance liability obligations and requirements in connection with the Option, including, without limitation, (i) all federal, state, and local taxes (including the Participant’s Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) obligation) that are required to be withheld by the Company or the Service Recipient or other payment of tax-related items related to Participant’s participation in the Plan and legally applicable to

 

- 2 -


Participant, (ii) the Participant’s and, to the extent required by the Company (or Service Recipient), the Company’s (or Service Recipient’s) fringe benefit tax liability, if any, associated with the grant, vesting, or exercise of the Option or sale of Shares, and (iii) any other Company (or Service Recipient) taxes the responsibility for which the Participant has, or has agreed to bear, with respect to the Option (or exercise thereof or issuance of Shares thereunder) (collectively, the “Tax Obligations”), is and remains Participant’s responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company or the Service Recipient. Participant further acknowledges that the Company and/or the Service Recipient (A) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax Obligations 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 such exercise and the receipt of any dividends or other distributions, and (B) do 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 Obligations or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if Participant is subject to Tax Obligations in more than one jurisdiction between the Date of Grant and the date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, Participant acknowledges that the Company and/or the Service Recipient (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax Obligations in more than one jurisdiction. If Participant fails to make satisfactory arrangements for the payment of any required Tax Obligations hereunder at the time of the applicable taxable event, Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company may refuse to issue or deliver the Shares.

(b) Tax Withholding. When the Option is exercised, Participant generally will recognize immediate U.S. taxable income if Participant is a U.S. taxpayer. If Participant is a non-U.S. taxpayer, Participant will be subject to applicable taxes in his or her jurisdiction. Pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may specify from time to time, the Company and/or Service Recipient shall withhold the amount required to be withheld for the payment of Tax Obligations. The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit Participant to satisfy such Tax Obligations, in whole or in part (without limitation), if permissible by applicable local law, by (i) paying cash, (ii) electing to have the Company withhold otherwise deliverable Shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum amount that is necessary to meet the withholding requirement for such Tax Obligations (or such greater amount as Participant may elect if permitted by the Administrator, if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting consequences), (iii) withholding the amount of such Tax Obligations from Participant’s wages or other cash compensation paid to Participant by the Company and/or the Service Recipient, (iv) delivering to the Company already vested and owned Shares having a fair market value equal to such Tax Obligations, or (v) 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) equal to the minimum amount that is necessary to meet the withholding requirement for such Tax Obligations (or such greater amount as Participant may elect if permitted by the Administrator, if such greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting consequences). To the extent determined appropriate by the Administrator in its discretion, it will have the right (but not the obligation) to satisfy any Tax Obligations by reducing the number of Shares otherwise deliverable to Participant. Further, if Participant is subject to tax in more than one jurisdiction between the Date of Grant and a date of any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company and/or the Service Recipient (and/or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for tax in more than one jurisdiction. If Participant fails to make satisfactory arrangements for the payment of any required Tax Obligations hereunder at the time of the Option exercise, Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to deliver the Shares if such amounts are not delivered at the time of exercise.

 

- 3 -


(c) 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 (2) years after the Date of Grant, or (ii) the date one (1) year after the date of exercise, Participant immediately will 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.

(d) Section 409A. Under Section 409A, a stock right (such as the 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 an underlying share on the date of grant (a “discount option”) may be considered “deferred compensation.” A stock right that is a “discount option” may result in (i) income recognition by the recipient of the stock right prior to the exercise of the stock right, (ii) an additional twenty percent (20%) federal income tax, and (iii) potential penalty and interest charges. The “discount option” also may result in additional state income, penalty and interest tax to the recipient of the stock right. Participant acknowledges that the Company cannot and has not guaranteed that the IRS will agree that the per Share exercise price of this Option equals or exceeds the fair market value of a Share on the date of grant in a later examination. Participant agrees that if the IRS determines that the Option was granted with a per Share exercise price that was less than the fair market value of a Share on the date of grant, Participant shall be solely responsible for Participant’s costs related to such a determination. In no event will the Company or any of its Parent or Subsidiaries have any liability or obligation to reimburse, indemnify, or hold harmless Participant for any taxes, penalties and interest that may be imposed, or other costs that may be incurred, as a result of Section 409A.

9. 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 certificates representing such Shares (which may be in book entry form) will have been issued, recorded on the records of the Company or its transfer agents or registrars, and delivered to Participant (including through electronic delivery to a brokerage account). 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.

10. Entire Agreement; Governing Law. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. The Plan and this Option 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 Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to Participant’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Participant. This Option Agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws but not the choice of law rules of the State of California.

11. 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, WHICH UNLESS PROVIDED OTHERWISE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW IS AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (OR THE

 

- 4 -


SERVICE RECIPIENT) AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THIS OPTION OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER. PARTICIPANT FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS OPTION 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 SERVICE RECIPIENT) TO TERMINATE PARTICIPANT’S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER, SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE LAW, WHICH TERMINATION, UNLESS PROVIDED OTHERWISE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, MAY BE AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE.

12. 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 is hereby advised to consult with his or her own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding his or her participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.

13. Address for Notices. Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of this Option Agreement will be addressed to the Company at Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc341 Oyster Point Boulevard, South San Francisco, California 94080, or at such other address as the Company may hereafter designate in writing.

14. Electronic Delivery and Acceptance. The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to the Option awarded under the Plan or future options that may be awarded under the Plan by electronic means or require Participant 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.

15. Captions. Captions provided herein are for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Option Agreement.

16. Option Agreement Severable. In the event that any provision in this Option 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 Option Agreement.

17. No Waiver. Either party’s failure to enforce any provision or provisions of this Option Agreement shall not in any way be construed as a waiver of any such provision or provisions, nor prevent that party from thereafter enforcing each and every other provision of this Option Agreement. The rights granted both parties herein are cumulative and shall not constitute a waiver of either party’s right to assert all other legal remedies available to it under the circumstances.

 

 

- 5 -


18. Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights under this Option Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Option Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer herein set forth, this Option Agreement shall be binding upon Participant and his or her heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns. The rights and obligations of Participant under this Option Agreement may be assigned only with the prior written consent of the Company.

19. 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 non-U.S. law, the tax 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 exercise of the Options or the purchase by, or issuance of Shares, to Participant (or his or her estate) hereunder, such exercise, 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. Subject to the terms of the Option Agreement and the Plan, the Company shall not be required to issue any certificate or certificates for (or make any entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company of) the Shares hereunder prior to the lapse of such reasonable period of time following the date of exercise of the Option as the Administrator may establish from time to time for reasons of administrative convenience.

20. Language. If Participant has received this Option 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.

21. Interpretation. The Administrator will have the power to interpret the Plan and this Option 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 Option Agreement.

22. Amendment, Suspension or Termination of the Plan. By accepting this Option, 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 discretionary in nature and may be amended, suspended or terminated by the Administrator at any time.

23. Modifications to the Option Agreement. This Option Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties on the subjects covered. Participant expressly warrants that he or she is not accepting this Option Agreement in reliance on any promises, representations, or inducements other than those contained herein. Modifications to this Option 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 Option Agreement, the Company reserves the right to revise this Option Agreement as it deems necessary or advisable, in its sole discretion and without the consent of 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 with the Option.

 

- 6 -


24. Entire Agreement. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. The Plan and this Option Agreement (including the appendices and exhibits referenced herein) 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 Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Participant’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Participant.

25. Country Addendum. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Option Agreement, this Option shall be subject to any special terms and conditions set forth in an appendix (if any) to this Option Agreement for any country whose laws are applicable to Participant and this Option (as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion) (the “Country Addendum”). Moreover, if Participant relocates to one of the countries included in the Country Addendum (if any), the special 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 Country Addendum (if any) constitutes a part of this Option Agreement.

26. Tax Consequences. Participant has reviewed with his or her own tax advisors the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of this investment and the transactions contemplated by this Option 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 tax liability that may arise as a result of this investment or the transactions contemplated by this Option Agreement.

*                *                 *

 

- 7 -


EXHIBIT B

AADI BIOSCIENCE, INC.

2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

EXERCISE NOTICE

Aadi Bioscience, Inc.

1343 Luna Vista Dr

Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

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 Aadi Bioscience, Inc. (the “Company”) under and pursuant to the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and the Stock Option Agreement, dated ________ and including the Notice of Grant, the Terms and Conditions of Stock Option Grant, and exhibits attached thereto (the “Option Agreement”). The purchase price for the Shares will be $_____________, as required by the Option Agreement. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Exercise Notice shall be ascribed the same defined meanings as set forth in the Option Agreement (or, as applicable, the Plan or other written agreement or arrangement as specified in the Option Agreement).

2. Delivery of Payment. Purchaser herewith delivers to the Company the full purchase price of the Shares and any Tax Obligations (as defined in Section 6(a) of the Option Agreement) 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 Option 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 14 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 Option Agreement are incorporated herein by reference. This Exercise Notice, the Plan and the Option 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 Option Agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of NEW JERSEY.

 

Submitted by:       Accepted by:
PURCHASER       AADI BIOSCIENCE, INC.

 

Signature

     

 

Signature

 

Print Name

     

 

Print Name

Address:      

 

Title

 

     

 

     

 

Date Received

 

- 2 -

EX-10.8

Exhibit 10.8

AADI BIOSCIENCE, INC.

2021 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

1. Purpose. The purpose of the Plan is to provide employees of the Company and its Designated Companies with an opportunity to purchase Common Stock through accumulated Contributions. The Company intends for the Plan to have two components: a component that is intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Code (the “423 Component”) and a component that is not intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Code (the “Non-423 Component”). The provisions of the 423 Component, accordingly, will be construed so as to extend and limit Plan participation in a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis consistent with the requirements of Section 423 of the Code. An option to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Non-423 Component will be granted pursuant to rules, procedures, or sub-plans adopted by the Administrator designed to achieve tax, securities laws, or other objectives for Eligible Employees and the Company. Except as otherwise provided herein or by the Administrator, the Non-423 Component will operate and be administered in the same manner as the 423 Component.

2. Definitions.

(a) “Aadi” means Aadi Bioscience, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

(b) “Aadi Merger” means the merger of Merger Sub with and into Aadi, with Aadi as the surviving corporation, as contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

(a) “Administrator” means the Board or any Committee designated by the Board to administer the Plan pursuant to Section 14.

(b) “Affiliate” means any entity, other than a Subsidiary, in which the Company has an equity or other ownership interest.

(c) “Applicable Laws” means the legal and regulatory requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards, including but not limited to the related issuance of shares of Common Stock, including but not limited to, 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 non-U.S. country or jurisdiction where options are, or will be, granted under the Plan.

(d) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

(e) “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. Further, if the stockholders of the Company immediately before such change in ownership continue to retain immediately after the change in ownership, in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Company’s voting stock immediately prior to the change in ownership, direct or indirect beneficial ownership of fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company or of the ultimate parent entity of the Company, such event shall not be considered a Change in Control under this subsection (i). For this purpose, indirect beneficial ownership shall include, without limitation, an interest resulting from ownership of the voting securities of one or more corporations or other business entities which own the Company, as the case may be, either directly or through one or more subsidiary corporations or other business entities; 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 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) 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 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 Section 409A.

 

-2-


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 jurisdiction 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.

(f) “Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference to a specific section of the Code or U.S. Treasury Regulation thereunder will include such section or regulation, any valid regulation or other official applicable guidance promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such section or regulation.

(g) “Committee” means a committee of the Board appointed in accordance with Section 14 hereof.

(h) “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.

(i) “Company” means Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto.

(j) “Compensation” means a measure to be determined by the Administrator. The Administrator, in its discretion, may, on a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis, establish a different definition of Compensation for a subsequent Offering Period. Further, the Administrator shall have discretion to determine the application of this definition to Participants outside the United States.

(k) “Contributions” means the payroll deductions and other additional payments that the Company may permit to be made by a Participant to fund the exercise of options granted pursuant to the Plan.

(l) “Designated Company” means any Subsidiary or Affiliate that has been designated by the Administrator from time to time in its sole discretion as eligible to participate in the Plan. For purposes of the 423 Component, only the Company and its Subsidiaries may be Designated Companies, provided, however that at any given time, a Subsidiary that is a Designated Company under the 423 Component will not be a Designated Company under the Non-423 Component.

(m) “Director” means a member of the Board.

(n) “Effective Date” means the later of its approval by the Company’s stockholders and the consummation of the Aadi Merger.

(o) “Eligible Employee” means any individual who is a common law employee providing services to the Company or a Designated Company and is customarily employed for at least twenty (20) hours per week and more than five (5) months in any calendar year by the Employer, or any lesser number of hours per week and/or number of months in any calendar year established by the Administrator (if required under Applicable Laws) for purposes of any separate Offering or for Participants in the Non-423 Component. For purposes of the Plan, the employment relationship will be treated as continuing intact while the individual is on sick leave or other leave of absence that the Employer approves or is legally protected under Applicable Laws with respect to the Participant’s

 

-3-


participation in the Plan. Where the period of leave exceeds three (3) months and the individual’s right to reemployment is not guaranteed either by statute or by contract, the employment relationship will be deemed to have terminated three (3) months and one (1) day following the commencement of such leave. The Administrator, in its discretion, from time to time may, prior to an Enrollment Date for all options to be granted on such Enrollment Date in an Offering, determine (for each Offering under the 423 Component, on a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis or as otherwise permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.423-2) that the definition of Eligible Employee will or will not include an individual if he or she: (i) has not completed at least two (2) years of service since his or her last hire date (or such lesser period of time as may be determined by the Administrator in its discretion), (ii) customarily works not more than twenty (20) hours per week (or such lesser period of time as may be determined by the Administrator in its discretion), (iii) customarily works not more than five (5) months per calendar year (or such lesser period of time as may be determined by the Administrator in its discretion), (iv) is a highly compensated employee within the meaning of Section 414(q) of the Code, or (v) is a highly compensated employee within the meaning of Section 414(q) of the Code with compensation above a certain level or is an officer or subject to the disclosure requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, provided the exclusion is applied with respect to each Offering under the 423 Component in an identical manner to all highly compensated individuals of the Employer whose employees are participating in that Offering. Each exclusion will be applied with respect to an Offering under the 423 Component in a manner complying with U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.423-2(e)(2)(ii). Such exclusions may be applied with respect to an Offering under the Non- 423 Component without regard to the limitations of U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.423-2.

(p) “Employer” means the employer of the applicable Eligible Employee(s).

(q) “Enrollment Date” means the first Trading Day of each Offering Period.

(r) “Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

(s) “Exercise Date” means such dates on which each outstanding option granted under the Plan will be exercised (except if the Plan has been terminated), as may be determined by the Administrator, in its discretion and on a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis from time to time prior to an Enrollment Date for all options to be granted on such Enrollment Date. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, each Exercise Date will be the last day of the applicable Offering Period.

(t) “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date and unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the value of a share of Common Stock determined as follows:

(i) The Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for Common Stock as quoted on any established stock exchange or national market system (including without limitation the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market or the Nasdaq Capital Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market) on which the Common Stock is listed on the date of determination (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported), as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable. If the determination date for the Fair Market Value occurs on a non-trading day (i.e., a weekend or holiday), the Fair Market Value will be such price on the immediately preceding trading day, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator. In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value thereof will be determined in good faith by the Administrator; or

 

-4-


(ii) In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value thereof will be determined in good faith by the Administrator.

The determination of fair market value for purposes of tax withholding may be made in the Administrator’s discretion subject to Applicable Laws and is not required to be consistent with the determination of Fair Market Value for other purposes.

(u) “Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company.

(v) “Merger Agreement” means that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 16, 2021, by and among the Company, Merger Sub, and Aadi.

(w) “Merger Sub” means Aspen Merger Subsidiary, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.

(x) “New Exercise Date” means a new Exercise Date if the Administrator shortens any Offering Period then in progress.

(y) “Offering” means an offer under the Plan of an option that may be exercised during an Offering Period as further described in Section 4. For purposes of the Plan, the Administrator may designate separate Offerings under the Plan (the terms of which need not be identical) in which Eligible Employees of one or more Employers will participate, even if the dates of the applicable Offering Periods of each such Offering are identical and the provisions of the Plan will separately apply to each Offering. To the extent permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.423-2(a)(1), the terms of each Offering need not be identical provided that the terms of the Plan and an Offering together satisfy U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.423-2(a)(2) and (a)(3).

(z) “Offering Periods” means certain periods during with Shares may be purchased under the Plan that will be determined by the Administrator. The duration and timing of Offering Periods may be changed pursuant to Sections 4, 19 and 29.

(aa) “Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

(bb) “Participant” means an Eligible Employee who participates in the Plan.

(cc) “Plan” means this Aadi Bioscience, Inc. 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

(dd) “Purchase Period” means the period, as determined by the Administrator in its discretion on a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis, commencing on the Enrollment Date and ending with the next Exercise Date, except that if the Administrator determines that more than one Purchase Period should occur within an Offering Period, subsequent Purchase Periods within such Offering Period commence after one Exercise Date and end with the next Exercise Date at such time or times as the Administrator determines prior to the commencement of the applicable Offering Period. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, a Purchase Period shall have the same duration as the Offering Period.

 

-5-


(ee) “Purchase Price” means the price per Share of the Shares purchased under any option granted under the Plan as determined by the Administrator from time to time, in its discretion and on a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis for all options to be granted on an Enrollment Date. However, in no event will the Purchase Price be less than eighty-five percent (85%) of the lower of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Enrollment Date or the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Exercise Date and at all times in compliance with Section 423 of the Code (or any successor rule or provision or any other Applicable Law, regulation or stock exchange rule).

(ff) “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and guidance thereunder, and formal, effective guidance of either general applicability or direct applicability thereunder, and any applicable state law equivalent, as each may be promulgated, amended or modified from time to time.

(gg) “Share” means a share of Common Stock.

(hh) “Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.

(ii) “Trading Day” means a day that the primary stock exchange (or national market system, or other trading platform, as applicable) upon which the Common Stock is listed is open for trading.

(jj) “U.S. Treasury Regulations” means the Treasury Regulations of the Code. Reference to a specific Treasury Regulation or Section of the Code shall include such Treasury Regulation or Section, 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.

3. Eligibility.

(a) Generally. Any individual who is an Eligible Employee on a given Enrollment Date will be eligible to participate in the Plan, subject to the requirements of Section 5.

(b) Non-U.S. Employees. Eligible Employees who are citizens or residents of a non-U.S. jurisdiction (without regard to whether they also are citizens or residents of the United States or resident aliens (within the meaning of Section 7701(b)(1)(A) of the Code)) may be excluded from participation in the Plan or an Offering if the participation of such Eligible Employees is prohibited under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction or if complying with the laws of the applicable jurisdiction would cause the Plan or an Offering to violate Section 423 of the Code. In the case of the Non-423 Component, an Eligible Employee may be excluded from participation in the Plan or an Offering if the Administrator has determined that participation of such Eligible Employee is not advisable or practicable.

 

-6-


(c) Limitations. Any provisions of the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, no Eligible Employee will be granted an option under the Plan (i) to the extent that, immediately after the grant, such Eligible Employee (or any other person whose stock would be attributed to such Eligible Employee pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) would own capital stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company and/or hold outstanding options to purchase such stock possessing five percent (5%) or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of the capital stock of the Company or of any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, or (ii) to the extent that his or her rights to purchase stock under all employee stock purchase plans (as defined in Section 423 of the Code) of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company accrues at a rate, which exceeds twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) worth of stock (determined at the Fair Market Value of the stock at the time such option is granted) for each calendar year in which such option is outstanding at any time, as determined in accordance with Section 423 of the Code and the regulations thereunder.

4. Offering Periods. Offering Periods will be periods, as will be determined by the Administrator from time to time, in its discretion and on a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis, prior to an Enrollment Date for all options to be granted on such Enrollment Date. The Administrator will have the power to change the duration of Offering Periods (including the commencement dates thereof) with respect to future Offerings without stockholder approval if such change is announced prior to the scheduled beginning of the Offering Period to be affected thereafter; provided, however, that no Offering Period may last more than twenty-seven (27) months.

5. Participation. An Eligible Employee may participate in the Plan pursuant to Section 3 by (i) submitting to the Company’s stock administration office (or its designee) a properly completed subscription agreement authorizing Contributions in the form provided by the Administrator for such purpose, or (ii) following an electronic or other enrollment procedure determined by the Administrator, in either case, on or before a date determined by the Administrator prior to an applicable Enrollment Date.

6. Contributions.

(a) At the time a Participant enrolls in the Plan pursuant to Section 5, he or she will elect to have Contributions (in the form of payroll deductions or otherwise, to the extent permitted by the Administrator) made on each pay day during the Offering Period in an amount not exceeding fifteen percent (15%) of the Compensation, or such other limit established by the Administrator from time to time in its discretion and on a uniform and nondiscretionary basis for all options to be granted on an Enrollment Date in an Offering, which he or she receives on each pay day during the Offering Period; provided, however, that should a pay day occur on an Exercise Date, a Participant will have any Contributions made on such day applied to his or her account under the then-current Purchase Period or Offering Period with respect to which that Exercise Date relates. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may permit all Participants in a specified Offering to contribute amounts to the Plan through payment by cash, check or other means set forth in the subscription agreement prior to each Exercise Date of each Purchase Period. A Participant’s subscription agreement will remain in effect for successive Offering Periods unless terminated as provided in Section 10 hereof.

 

-7-


(b) In the event Contributions are made in the form of payroll deductions, such payroll deductions for a Participant will commence on the first pay day following the Enrollment Date and will end on the last pay day on or prior to the last Exercise Date of such Offering Period to which such authorization is applicable, unless sooner terminated by the Participant as provided in Section 10 hereof.

(c) All Contributions made for a Participant will be credited to his or her account under the Plan and Contributions will be made in whole percentages of his or her Compensation only. A Participant may not make any additional payments into such account.

(d) A Participant may discontinue his or her participation in the Plan as provided under Section 10. Until and unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, during any Offering Period, a Participant may not increase the rate of his or her Contributions and may only decrease the rate of his or her Contributions (including to zero percent (0%)) one (1) time. A Participant may make a Contribution rate adjustment pursuant to this subsection (d) by (i) properly completing and submitting to the Company’s stock administration office (or its designee), a new subscription agreement authorizing the change in Contribution rate in the form provided by the Administrator for such purpose, or (ii) following an electronic or other procedure prescribed by the Administrator, in either case, on or before a date determined by the Administrator prior to (x) the scheduled beginning of the Offering Period to be affected or (y) an applicable Exercise Date, as applicable. If a Participant has not followed such procedures to change the rate of Contributions, the rate of his or her Contributions will continue at the originally elected rate throughout the Offering Period and future Offering Periods and Purchase Periods (unless the Participant’s participation is terminated as provided in Sections 10 or 11). The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, limit or amend the nature and/or number of Contribution rate changes (including to permit, prohibit and/or limit increases and/or decreases to rate changes) that may be made by Participants during any Offering Period, and may establish such other conditions or limitations as it deems appropriate for Plan administration. Any change in the rate of Contributions made pursuant to this Section 6(d) will be effective as of the first full payroll period following five (5) business days after the date on which the change is made by the Participant (unless the Administrator, in its sole discretion, elects to process a given change in payroll deduction rate more quickly).

(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent necessary to comply with Section 423(b)(8) of the Code and Section 3(c), a Participant’s Contributions may be decreased to zero percent (0%) by the Administrator at any time during a Purchase Period. Subject to Section 423(b)(8) of the Code and Section 3(c) hereof, Contributions will recommence at the rate originally elected by the Participant effective as of the beginning of the first Purchase Period scheduled to end in the following calendar year, unless terminated by the Participant as provided in Section 10.

(f) Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in the Plan, the Administrator may allow Participants to participate in the Plan via cash contributions instead of payroll deductions if (i) payroll deductions are not permitted or advisable under Applicable Laws, (ii) the Administrator determines that cash contributions are permissible under Section 423 of the Code; or (iii) the Participants are participating in the Non-423 Component.

 

-8-


(g) At the time the option is exercised, in whole or in part, or at the time some or all of the Common Stock issued under the Plan is disposed of (or any other time that a taxable event related to the Plan occurs), the Participant must make adequate provision for the Company’s or Employer’s federal, state, local or any other tax liability payable to any authority including taxes imposed by jurisdictions outside of the U.S., national insurance, social security or other tax withholding or payment on account obligations, if any, which arise upon the exercise of the option or the disposition of the Common Stock (or any other time that a taxable event related to the Plan occurs). At any time, the Company or the Employer may, but will not be obligated to, withhold from the Participant’s compensation the amount necessary for the Company or the Employer to meet applicable withholding obligations, including any withholding required to make available to the Company or the Employer any tax deductions or benefits attributable to sale or early disposition of Common Stock by the Eligible Employee. In addition, the Company or the Employer may, but will not be obligated to, withhold from the proceeds of the sale of Common Stock or any other method of withholding the Company or the Employer deems appropriate to the extent permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.423-2(f).

7. Grant of Option. On the Enrollment Date of each Offering Period, each Eligible Employee participating in such Offering Period will be granted an option to purchase on each Exercise Date during such Offering Period (at the applicable Purchase Price) up to a number of shares of Common Stock determined by dividing such Eligible Employee’s Contributions accumulated prior to such Exercise Date and retained in the Eligible Employee’s account as of the Exercise Date by the applicable Purchase Price; provided that in no event will an Eligible Employee be permitted to purchase during each Purchase Period more than a maximum number shares of Common Stock to be determined by the Administrator (subject to any adjustment pursuant to Section 18) and provided further that such purchase will be subject to the limitations set forth in Sections 3(c) and 13 and in the subscription agreement. The Eligible Employee may accept the grant of such option (i) with respect to the Offering Period by submitting a properly completed subscription agreement in accordance with the requirements of Section 5 on or before the Enrollment Date, and (ii) with respect to any subsequent Offering Period under the Plan, by electing to participate in the Plan in accordance with the requirements of Section 5. The Administrator may, for future Offering Periods, increase or decrease, in its absolute discretion, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that an Eligible Employee may purchase during each Purchase Period and/or Offering Period, as applicable. Exercise of the option will occur as provided in Section 8, unless the Participant has withdrawn pursuant to Section 10 (or Participant’s participation is terminated as provided in Section 11). The option will expire on the last day of the Offering Period.

8. Exercise of Option.

(a) Unless a Participant withdraws from the Plan as provided in Section 10 (or Participant’s participation is terminated as provided in Section 11), his or her option for the purchase of shares of Common Stock will be exercised automatically on each Exercise Date, and the maximum number of full shares of Common Stock subject to the option will be purchased for such Participant at the applicable Purchase Price with the accumulated Contributions from his or her account. No fractional shares of Common Stock will be purchased; any Contributions accumulated in a Participant’s account, which are not sufficient to purchase a full share will be retained in the Participant’s account for the subsequent Purchase Period or Offering Period, as applicable, subject to earlier withdrawal by the Participant as provided in Section 10 (or the earlier termination of Participant’s participation as provided in Section 11). Any other funds left over in a Participant’s account after the Exercise Date will be returned to the Participant. During a Participant’s lifetime, a Participant’s option to purchase shares of Common Stock hereunder is exercisable only by him or her.

 

-9-


(b) If the Administrator determines that, on a given Exercise Date, the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which options are to be exercised may exceed (i) the number of shares of Common Stock that were available for sale under the Plan on the Enrollment Date of the applicable Offering Period, or (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock available for sale under the Plan on such Exercise Date, the Administrator may in its sole discretion (x) provide that the Company will make a pro rata allocation of the shares of Common Stock available for purchase on such Enrollment Date or Exercise Date, as applicable, in as uniform a manner as will be practicable and as it will determine in its sole discretion to be equitable among all Participants exercising options to purchase Common Stock on such Exercise Date, and continue all Offering Periods then in effect or (y) provide that the Company will make a pro rata allocation of the shares of Common Stock available for purchase on such Enrollment Date or Exercise Date, as applicable, in as uniform a manner as will be practicable and as it will determine in its sole discretion to be equitable among all participants exercising options to purchase Common Stock on such Exercise Date, and terminate any or all Offering Periods then in effect pursuant to Section 19. The Company may make a pro rata allocation of the shares of Common Stock available on the Enrollment Date of any applicable Offering Period pursuant to the preceding sentence, notwithstanding any authorization of additional shares of Common Stock for issuance under the Plan by the Company’s stockholders subsequent to such Enrollment Date.

9. Delivery. As soon as reasonably practicable after each Exercise Date on which a purchase of shares of Common Stock occurs, the Company will arrange the delivery to each Participant of the shares purchased upon exercise of his or her option in a form determined by the Administrator (in its sole discretion) and pursuant to rules established by the Administrator. The Company may permit or require that shares be deposited directly with a broker designated by the Company or with a trustee or designated agent of the Company, and the Company may utilize electronic or automated methods of share transfer. The Company may require that shares be retained with such broker, trustee or agent for a designated period of time and/or may establish other procedures to permit tracking of disqualifying dispositions or other dispositions of such shares. No Participant will have any voting, dividend, or other stockholder rights with respect to shares of Common Stock subject to any option granted under the Plan until such shares have been purchased and delivered to the Participant as provided in this Section 9.

10. Withdrawal.

(a) A Participant may withdraw all but not less than all the Contributions credited to his or her account and not yet used to exercise his or her option under the Plan at any time by (i) submitting to the Company’s stock administration office (or its designee) a written notice of withdrawal in the form determined by the Administrator for such purpose (which may be similar to the form attached hereto as Exhibit B), or (ii) following an electronic or other withdrawal procedure determined by the Administrator. The Administrator may set forth a deadline of when a withdrawal must occur to be effective prior to a given Exercise Date in accordance with policies it may approve from time to time. All of the Participant’s Contributions credited to his or her account will be paid to

 

-10-


such Participant as soon as administratively practicable after receipt of notice of withdrawal and such Participant’s option for the Offering Period will be automatically terminated, and no further Contributions for the purchase of shares will be made for such Offering Period. If a Participant withdraws from an Offering Period, Contributions will not resume at the beginning of the succeeding Offering Period, unless the Participant re-enrolls in the Plan in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.

(b) A Participant’s withdrawal from an Offering Period will not have any effect upon his or her eligibility to participate in any similar plan that may hereafter be adopted by the Company or in succeeding Offering Periods that commence after the termination of the Offering Period from which the Participant withdraws.

11. Termination of Employment. Upon a Participant’s ceasing to be an Eligible Employee, for any reason, he or she will be deemed to have elected to withdraw from the Plan and the Contributions credited to such Participant’s account during the Offering Period but not yet used to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Plan will be returned to such Participant, or, in the case of his or her death, to the person or persons entitled thereto, and such Participant’s option will be automatically terminated. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, a Participant whose employment transfers between entities through a termination with an immediate rehire (with no break in service) by the Company or a Designated Company will not be treated as terminated under the Plan. The Administrator may establish rules to govern transfers of employment among the Company and any Designated Company, consistent with any applicable requirements of Section 423 of the Code and the terms of the Plan. In addition, the Administrator may establish rules to govern transfers of employment among the Company and any Designated Company where such companies are participating in separate Offerings under the Plan. However, if a Participant transfers from an Offering under the 423 Component to the Non-423 Component, the exercise of the option will be qualified under the 423 Component only to the extent it complies with Section 423 of the Code, unless otherwise provided by the Administrator.

12. Interest. No interest will accrue on the Contributions of a participant in the Plan, except as may be required by Applicable Law, as determined by the Company, and if so required by the laws of a particular jurisdiction, will apply to all Participants in the relevant Offering under the 423 Component, except to the extent otherwise permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.423-2(f).

13. Stock.

(a) Subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the Company as provided in Section 18 hereof, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that will be made available for sale under the Plan will be 4,659,265 shares of Common Stock. The number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan will be increased on the first day of each Fiscal Year beginning with the 2022 Fiscal Year equal to the least of (i) 4,659,265 shares of Common Stock, (ii) one percent (1%) of the outstanding shares of all classes Company common stock on the last day of the immediately preceding Fiscal Year, or (iii) an amount determined by the Administrator no later than the last day of the immediately preceding Fiscal Year. The shares of Common Stock may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.

 

-11-


(b) Until the shares of Common Stock are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), a Participant will have only the rights of an unsecured creditor with respect to such shares, and no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to such shares.

(c) Shares of Common Stock to be delivered to a Participant under the Plan will be registered in the name of the Participant or, if so required under Applicable Laws, in the name of the Participant and his or her spouse.

14. Administration. The Plan will be administered by the Board or a Committee appointed by the Board, which Committee will be constituted to comply with Applicable Laws. The Administrator will have full and exclusive discretionary authority to construe, interpret and apply the terms of the Plan, to delegate ministerial duties to any of the Company’s employees, to designate separate Offerings under the Plan, to designate Subsidiaries and Affiliates as participating in the 423 Component or Non-423 Component, to determine eligibility, to adjudicate all disputed claims filed under the Plan and to establish such procedures that it deems necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan (including, without limitation, to adopt such procedures, sub-plans, and appendices to the enrollment agreement as are necessary or appropriate to permit the participation in the Plan by employees who are foreign nationals or employed outside the U.S., the terms of which rules, procedures, sub-plans and appendices may take precedence over other provisions of this Plan, with the exception of Section 13(a) hereof, but unless otherwise superseded by the terms of such rules, procedures, sub-plan or appendix, the provisions of this Plan will govern the operation of such rules, procedure, sub-plan or appendix). Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, the Eligible Employees eligible to participate in each sub-plan will participate in a separate Offering under the 423 Component, or if the terms would not qualify under the 423 Component, in the Non-423 Component, in either case unless such designation would cause the 423 Component to violate the requirements of Section 423 of the Code. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrator is specifically authorized to adopt rules and procedures regarding eligibility to participate, the definition of Compensation, handling of Contributions, making of Contributions to the Plan (including, without limitation, in forms other than payroll deductions), 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 stock certificates that vary with applicable local requirements. The Administrator also is authorized to determine that, to the extent permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.423-2(f), the terms of an option granted under the Plan or an Offering to citizens or residents of a non-U.S. jurisdiction will be less favorable than the terms of options granted under the Plan or the same Offering to employees resident solely in the U.S. Every finding, decision, and determination made by the Administrator will, to the full extent permitted by law, be final and binding upon all parties.

15. Transferability. Neither Contributions credited to a Participant’s account nor any rights with regard to the exercise of an option or to receive shares of Common Stock under the Plan may be assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of in any way (other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution) by the Participant. Any such attempt at assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition will be without effect, except that the Company may treat such act as an election to withdraw funds from an Offering Period in accordance with Section 10 hereof.

 

-12-


16. Use of Funds. The Company may use all Contributions received or held by it under the Plan for any corporate purpose, and the Company will not be obligated to segregate such Contributions except under Offerings or for Participants in the Non-423 Component for which Applicable Laws require that Contributions to the Plan by Participants be segregated from the Company’s general corporate funds and/or deposited with an independent third party, provided that, if such segregation or deposit with an independent third party is required by Applicable Laws, it will apply to all Participants in the relevant Offering under the 423 Component, except to the extent otherwise permitted by U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.423-2(f). Until shares of Common Stock are issued, Participants will only have the rights of an unsecured creditor with respect to such shares.

17. Reports. Individual accounts will be maintained for each Participant in the Plan. Statements of account will be given to participating Eligible Employees at least annually, which statements will set forth the amounts of Contributions, the Purchase Price, the number of shares of Common Stock purchased and the remaining cash balance, if any.

18. Adjustments, Dissolution, Liquidation, Merger or Change in Control.

(a) Adjustments. In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Common Stock, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, reclassification, repurchase, or exchange of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Common Stock 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, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust the number and class of Common Stock that may be delivered under the Plan, the Purchase Price per share, the class and the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each option under the Plan that has not yet been exercised, and the numerical limits of Sections 7 and 13.

(b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, any Offering Period then in progress will be shortened by setting a New Exercise Date, and will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed dissolution or liquidation, unless provided otherwise by the Administrator. The New Exercise Date will be before the date of the Company’s proposed dissolution or liquidation. The Administrator will notify each Participant in writing or electronically, prior to the New Exercise Date, that the Exercise Date for the Participant’s option has been changed to the New Exercise Date and that the Participant’s option will be exercised automatically on the New Exercise Date, unless prior to such date the Participant has withdrawn from the Offering Period as provided in Section 10 hereof.

 

-13-


(c) Merger or Change in Control. In the event of a merger or Change in Control, each outstanding option will be assumed or an equivalent option substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. In the event that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the option, the Offering Period with respect to which such option relates will be shortened by setting a New Exercise Date on which such Offering Period shall end. The New Exercise Date will occur before the date of the Company’s proposed merger or Change in Control. The Administrator will notify each Participant in writing or electronically prior to the New Exercise Date, that the Exercise Date for the Participant’s option has been changed to the New Exercise Date and that the Participant’s option will be exercised automatically on the New Exercise Date, unless prior to such date the Participant has withdrawn from the Offering Period as provided in Section 10 hereof.

19. Amendment or Termination.

(a) The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may amend, suspend, or terminate the Plan, or any part thereof, at any time and for any reason. If the Plan is terminated, the Administrator, in its discretion, may elect to terminate all outstanding Offering Periods either immediately or upon completion of the purchase of shares of Common Stock on the next Exercise Date (which may be sooner than originally scheduled, if determined by the Administrator in its discretion), or may elect to permit Offering Periods to expire in accordance with their terms (and subject to any adjustment pursuant to Section 18). If the Offering Periods are terminated prior to expiration, all amounts then credited to Participants’ accounts that have not been used to purchase shares of Common Stock will be returned to the Participants (without interest thereon, except as otherwise required under Applicable Laws, as further set forth in Section 12 hereof) as soon as administratively practicable.

(b) Without stockholder consent and without limiting Section 19(a), the Administrator will be entitled to change the Offering Periods or Purchase Periods, designate separate Offerings, limit the frequency and/or number of changes in the amount withheld during an Offering Period, establish the exchange rate applicable to amounts withheld in a currency other than U.S. dollars, permit Contributions in excess of the amount designated by a Participant in order to adjust for delays or mistakes in the Company’s processing of properly completed Contribution elections, 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 Contribution amounts, and establish such other limitations or procedures as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion advisable that are consistent with the Plan.

(c) In the event the Administrator determines that the ongoing operation of the Plan may result in unfavorable financial accounting consequences, the Administrator may, in its discretion and, to the extent necessary or desirable, modify, amend or terminate the Plan to reduce or eliminate such accounting consequence including, but not limited to:

(i) amending the Plan to conform with the safe harbor definition under the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (or any successor thereto), including with respect to an Offering Period underway at the time;

(ii) altering the Purchase Price for any Offering Period or Purchase Period including an Offering Period or Purchase Period underway at the time of the change in Purchase Price;

 

-14-


(iii) shortening any Offering Period or Purchase Period by setting a New Exercise Date, including an Offering Period or Purchase Period underway at the time of the Administrator action;

(iv) reducing the maximum percentage of Compensation a Participant may elect to set aside as Contributions; and

(v) reducing the maximum number of shares of Common Stock a Participant may purchase during any Offering Period or Purchase Period.

Such modifications or amendments will not require stockholder approval or the consent of any Participants.

20. Notices. All notices or other communications by a Participant to the Company under or in connection with the Plan will be deemed to have been duly given when received in the form and manner specified by the Company at the location, or by the person, designated by the Company for the receipt thereof.

21. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. Shares of Common Stock will not be issued with respect to an option unless the exercise of such option and the issuance and delivery of such shares pursuant thereto will comply with all applicable provisions of law, domestic or foreign, including, without limitation, the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the shares may then be listed, and will be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.

As a condition to the exercise of an option, the Company may require the person exercising such option 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 by any of the aforementioned applicable provisions of law.

22. Section 409A. The 423 Component of the Plan is intended to be exempt from the application of Section 409A, and, to the extent not exempt, is intended to comply with Section 409A and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to so be exempt from, or comply with, Section 409A. In furtherance of the foregoing and notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, if the Administrator determines that an option granted under the Plan may be subject to Section 409A or that any provision in the Plan would cause an option under the Plan to be subject to Section 409A, the Administrator may amend the terms of the Plan and/or of an outstanding option granted under the Plan, or take such other action the Administrator determines is necessary or appropriate, in each case, without the Participant’s consent, to exempt any outstanding option or future option that may be granted under the Plan from or to allow any such options to comply with Section 409A, but only to the extent any such amendments or action by the Administrator would not violate Section 409A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and any of its Parent or Subsidiaries shall have no obligation to reimburse, indemnify, or hold harmless a Participant or any other party if the option to purchase Common Stock under the Plan that is intended to be exempt from or compliant with Section 409A is not so exempt or compliant or for any action taken by the Administrator with respect thereto. The Company makes no representation that the option to purchase Common Stock under the Plan is compliant with Section 409A.

 

-15-


23. Term of Plan. The Plan will become effective upon the later to occur of (a) its adoption by the Board, (b) approval by the Company’s stockholders or (c) the Effective Date. It will continue in effect for a term of twenty (20) years, unless sooner terminated under Section 19.

24. 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.

25. Governing Law. The Plan will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of California (except its choice-of-law provisions).

26. No Right to Employment. Participation in the Plan by a Participant will not be construed as giving a Participant the right to be retained as an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate, as applicable. Furthermore, the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate may dismiss a Participant from employment at any time, free from any liability or any claim under the Plan.

27. Severability. If any provision of the Plan is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable for any reason in any jurisdiction or as to any Participant, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect the remaining parts of the Plan, and the Plan will be construed and enforced as to such jurisdiction or Participant as if the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had not been included.

28. Compliance with Applicable Laws. The terms of this Plan are intended to comply with all Applicable Laws and will be construed accordingly.

29. Automatic Transfer to Low Price Offering Period. To the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, if the Fair Market Value on any Exercise Date in an Offering Period is lower than the Fair Market Value on the Enrollment Date of such Offering Period, then all Participants in such Offering Period automatically will be withdrawn from such Offering Period immediately after the exercise of their option on such Exercise Date and automatically re-enrolled in the immediately following Offering Period as of the first day thereof.

 

-16-


EXHIBIT A

AADI BIOSCIENCE, INC.

2021 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

Original Application Offering Date:

Change in Payroll Deduction Rate

1. hereby elects to participate in the Aadi Bioscience, Inc. 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”) and subscribes to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock in accordance with this Subscription Agreement and the Plan. Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”) shall have the same defined meanings in this Subscription Agreement.

2. I hereby authorize and consent to payroll deductions from each paycheck in the amount of % (from 0 to fifteen percent (15%)) of my Compensation on each payday during the Offering Period in accordance with the Plan. (Please note that no fractional percentages are permitted.) I understand that only my first election to decrease the rate of my payroll deductions may be applied with respect to an ongoing Offering Period in accordance with the terms of the Plan, and any subsequent election to decrease the rate of my payroll deductions during the same Offering Period, and any election to increase the rate of my payroll deductions during any Offering Period, will not be applied to the ongoing Offering Period.

3. I understand that said payroll deductions will be accumulated for the purchase of shares of Common Stock at the applicable Purchase Price determined in accordance with the Plan. I understand that if I do not withdraw from an Offering Period, any accumulated payroll deductions will be used to automatically exercise my option and purchase Common Stock under the Plan. I further understand that if I am outside of the U.S., my payroll deductions will be converted to U.S. dollars at an exchange rate selected by the Company on the purchase date.

4. I have received a copy of the complete Plan and its accompanying prospectus. I understand that my participation in the Plan is in all respects subject to the terms of the Plan.

5. Shares of Common Stock purchased for me under the Plan should be issued in the name(s) of (Eligible Employee or Eligible Employee and spouse only).

6. If I am a U.S. taxpayer, I understand that if I dispose of any shares received by me pursuant to the Plan within two (2) years after the Enrollment Date (the first day of the Offering Period during which I purchased such shares) or one (1) year after the applicable Exercise Date, I will be treated for federal income tax purposes as having received ordinary income at the time of such disposition in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time such shares were purchased by me over the price that I paid for the shares. I hereby agree to notify the Company in writing within thirty (30) days after the date of any disposition of my shares and I will


make adequate provision for federal, state or other tax withholding obligations, if any, which arise upon the disposition of such shares. The Company may, but will not be obligated to, withhold from my compensation the amount necessary to meet any applicable withholding obligation including any withholding necessary to make available to the Company any tax deductions or benefits attributable to sale or early disposition of Common Stock by me. If I dispose of such shares at any time after the expiration of the two (2)-year and one (1)-year holding periods, I understand that I will be treated for federal income tax purposes as having received income only at the time of such disposition, and that such income will be taxed as ordinary income only to the extent of an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time of such disposition over the purchase price which I paid for the shares, or (b) 15% of the fair market value of the shares on the first day of the Offering Period. The remainder of the gain, if any, recognized on such disposition will be taxed as capital gain.

7. I hereby agree to be bound by the terms of the Plan. The effectiveness of this Subscription Agreement is dependent upon my eligibility to participate in the Plan.

 

Employee’s ID Number:                                                                                      
Employee’s Address:                                                                                      

I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT THROUGHOUT SUCCESSIVE OFFERING PERIODS UNLESS TERMINATED BY ME.

 

Dated:                                                                                                                                                                                                  
   Signature of Employee

 

- 2 -


EXHIBIT B

AADI BIOSCIENCE, INC.

2021 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL

Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”) shall have the same defined meanings in this Notice of Withdrawal.

The undersigned Participant in the Offering Period of the Aadi Bioscience, Inc. 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan that began on                          ,                 (the “Enrollment Date”) hereby notifies the Company that he or she hereby withdraws from the Offering Period. He or she hereby directs the Company to pay to the undersigned as promptly as practicable all the payroll deductions credited to his or her account with respect to such Offering Period. The undersigned understands and agrees that his or her option for such Offering Period will be terminated automatically. The undersigned understands further that no further payroll deductions will be made for the purchase of shares in the current Offering Period and the undersigned will be eligible to participate in succeeding Offering Periods only by delivering to the Company a new Subscription Agreement.

 

Name and Address of Participant:
                                                                                      
                                                                                      
                                                                                      
Signature:
                                                                                      
Date:                                                                             
EX-10.9

Exhibit 10.9

AADi BIOSCIENCE, INC.

AMENDED AND RESTATED 2014 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

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 additional incentive to Employees, Directors and Consultants, 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 and Restricted Stock Units.

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 legal and regulatory requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards, including but not limited to, 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, or Restricted Stock Units.

(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) “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 (as defined in Section 13(d) and Section 14(d) of the Exchange Act), 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; provided, further, that any change in the


ownership of the stock of the Company as a result of a private financing of the Company that is approved by the Board also will not be considered a Change in Control. Further, if the stockholders of the Company immediately before such change in ownership continue to retain immediately after the change in ownership, in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Company’s voting stock immediately prior to the change in ownership, direct or indirect beneficial ownership of fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company or of the ultimate parent entity of the Company, such event shall not be considered a Change in Control under this subsection (i). For this purpose, indirect beneficial ownership shall include, without limitation, an interest resulting from ownership of the voting securities of one or more corporations or other business entities which own the Company, as the case may be, either directly or through one or more subsidiary corporations or other business entities; or

(ii) Change in Effective Control of the Company. If the Company has a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, 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 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 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 Section 2(f), 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.

 

2


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 jurisdiction 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.

(g) “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.

(h) “Committee” means a committee of Directors or of other individuals satisfying Applicable Laws appointed by the Board, or by the compensation committee of the Board, in accordance with Section 4 hereof.

(i) “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.

(j) “Company” means AADi Bioscience, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto.

(k) “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, in each case, within the meaning of 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 Code Section 22(e)(3), 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 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.

(o) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

3


(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 or increased. The Administrator will determine the terms and conditions of any Exchange Program in its sole discretion.

(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, 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, the Fair Market Value will be determined in good faith by the Administrator.

(r) “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 Code Section 422 and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

(s) “Nonstatutory Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

(t) “Option” means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.

(u) “Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Code Section 424(e).

(v) “Participant” means the holder of an outstanding Award.

(w) “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.

(x) “Plan” means this Amended and Restated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

4


(y) “Restricted Stock” means Shares issued pursuant to an Award of Restricted Stock under Section 8 of the Plan, or issued pursuant to the early exercise of an Option.

(z) “Restricted Stock Unit” means a bookkeeping entry representing an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of one Share, granted pursuant to Section 9. Each Restricted Stock Unit represents an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company.

(aa) “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(bb) “Service Provider” means an Employee, Director or Consultant.

(cc) “Share” means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 13 of the Plan.

(dd) “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.

(ee) “Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Code Section 424(f).

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 subject to Awards and sold under the Plan is 1,485,000 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, is surrendered pursuant to an Exchange Program, or, with respect to Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, is forfeited to or repurchased by the Company due to the failure to vest, 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 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 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 Shares issued pursuant to Awards of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units are repurchased by the Company or are forfeited to the Company due to the failure to vest, 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. Notwithstanding the foregoing and, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 13, 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 Code Section 422 and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, any Shares that become available for issuance under the Plan pursuant to Section 3(b).

 

5


(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) 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. 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;

 

6


(ix) to modify or amend each Award (subject to Section 18(c) 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 (subject to Section 6(d));

(x) to allow Participants to satisfy withholding tax obligations in a manner prescribed in Section 14;

(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 and will be given the maximum deference permitted by Applicable Laws.

5. Eligibility. Nonstatutory Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, and Restricted Stock Units may be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees.

6. Stock Options.

(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 in such amounts as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.

(b) Option Agreement. Each Award of an Option will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the exercise price, the term of the Option, 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, in its sole discretion, will determine.

(c) Limitations. Each Option will be designated in the Award Agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. Notwithstanding such designation, however, 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 one hundred thousand dollars ($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, and calculation will be performed in accordance with Code Section 422 and Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

7


(d) 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 thereof. 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 ten percent (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.

(e) Option Exercise Price and Consideration.

(i) Exercise Price. The per Share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option will be determined by the Administrator, but will be no less than one hundred percent (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 owns stock representing more than ten percent (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 one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 6(e)(i), 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, Code Section 424(a).

(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; (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 a 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.

(f) 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.

 

8


An Option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (i) 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 tax withholding). 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 or Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within thirty (30) days of termination, or such longer 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) to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of 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 six (6) months of termination, or such longer 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) to the extent the Option is vested on the date of 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 within six (6) months following the Participant’s death, or within such longer 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) to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of death, by the Participant’s designated beneficiary, provided such beneficiary has been designated prior to the Participant’s death in a form acceptable to the Administrator. If no such beneficiary has been designated by the Participant, then such Option may

 

9


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. 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.

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 Shares subject to any Award of Stock Appreciation Rights.

(c) Exercise Price and Other Terms. The per Share exercise price for the Shares that will determine the amount of the payment to be received upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right as set forth in Section 7(f) 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 upon the date determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules of Section 6(d) relating to the maximum term and Section 6(f) 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


8. 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 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 or as the Administrator determines, 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 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.

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. After the Administrator determines that it will grant Restricted Stock Units, 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.

 

11


(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, business unit, or individual goals (including, but not limited to, continued employment or service), 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 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.

10. 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.

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. 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 following the first (1st) 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.

 

12


12. Limited Transferability of Awards.

(a) Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, Awards may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, or otherwise transferred in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent and 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, or (iii) as permitted by Rule 701 of the Securities Act.

(b) Further, until the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or after the Administrator determines that it is, will, or may no longer be relying upon the exemption from registration under the Exchange Act as set forth in Rule 12h-1(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act (the “Rule 12h-1(f) Exemption”), an Option, or prior to exercise, the Shares subject to the Option, may not be pledged, hypothecated or otherwise transferred or disposed of, in any manner, including by entering into any short position, any “put equivalent position” or any “call equivalent position” (as defined in Rule 16a-1(h) and Rule 16a-1(b) of the Exchange Act, respectively), other than to (i) persons who are “family members” (as defined in Rule 701(c)(3) of the Securities Act) through gifts or domestic relations orders, or (ii) to an executor or guardian of the Participant upon the death or disability of the Participant, in each case, to the extent required for continued reliance on the Rule 12h-1(f) Exemption. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may determine to permit transfers to the Company or in connection with a Change in Control or other acquisition transactions involving the Company to the extent permitted by Rule 12h-1(f) or, if the Company is not relying on the Rule 12h-1(f) Exemption, to the extent permitted by the Plan.

13. 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 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; provided, however, that the Administrator will make such adjustments to an Award required by Section 25102(o) of the California Corporations Code to the extent the Company is relying upon the exemption afforded thereby with respect to the Award.

(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) 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 (i) Awards will 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

 

13


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 13(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 (or portion thereof), 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 merger or 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 13(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, 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 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


Notwithstanding anything in this Section 13(c) to the contrary, if a payment under an Award Agreement is subject to Code Section 409A and if the change in control definition contained in the Award Agreement does not comply with the definition of “change of control” for purposes of a distribution under Code Section 409A, then any payment of an amount that is otherwise accelerated under this Section will be delayed until the earliest time that such payment would be permissible under Code Section 409A without triggering any penalties applicable under Code Section 409A.

14. Tax Withholding.

(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 such methods as the Administrator shall determine, including, without limitation, (i) paying cash, (ii) electing to have the Company withhold otherwise deliverable Shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum statutory amount required to be withheld or such greater 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 statutory amount required to be withheld or such greater 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) equal to the amount required to be withheld, or (v) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment. 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.

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.

 

 

15


17. Term of Plan. Subject to Section 21 of the Plan, the Plan will become effective upon its adoption by the Board. Unless sooner terminated under Section 18, it will continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years from the later of (a) the effective date of the Plan, or (b) the earlier of the most recent Board or stockholder approval of an increase in the number of Shares reserved for issuance under the Plan.

18. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.

(a) Amendment and Termination. The Board 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.

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, 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.

21. 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.

 

16


22. Information to Participants. If and as required (i) pursuant to Rule 701 of the Securities Act, if the Company is relying on the exemption from registration provided pursuant to Rule 701 of the Securities Act with respect to the applicable Award, and/or (ii) pursuant to Rule 12h-1(f) of the Exchange Act, to the extent the Company is relying on the Rule 12h-1(f) Exemption, then during the period of reliance on the applicable exemption and in each case of (i) and (ii) until such time as the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company shall provide to each Participant the information described in paragraphs (e)(3), (4), and (5) of Rule 701 under the Securities Act not less frequently than every six (6) months with the financial statements being not more than 180 days old and with such information provided either by physical or electronic delivery to the Participants or by written notice to the Participants of the availability of the information on an Internet site that may be password-protected and of any password needed to access the information. The Company may request that Participants agree to keep the information to be provided pursuant to this section confidential. If a Participant does not agree to keep the information to be provided pursuant to this section confidential, then the Company will not be required to provide the information unless otherwise required pursuant to Rule 12h-1(f)(1) under the Exchange Act (if the Company is relying on the Rule 12h-1(f) Exemption) or Rule 701 of the Securities Act (if the Company is relying on the exemption pursuant to Rule 701 of the Securities Act).

23. Miscellaneous. This Plan (together with the applicable Award Agreement(s) entered into with any Participant) constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the Company and such Participant in connection with the grant of Awards to the Participant. Any representation and/or promise and/or undertaking made and/or given by the Company or by whosoever on its behalf, which has not been explicitly expressed herein or in an Award Agreement, shall have no force and effect.

 

17

EX-10.10

Exhibit 10.10

AADi BIOSCIENCE, INC.

AMENDED AND RESTATED 2014 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Amended and Restated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) shall have the same defined meanings in this Stock Option Agreement (the “Option Agreement”).

 

I.

NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT

 

Name:
Address:

The undersigned Participant has been granted an Option to purchase Common Stock of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, as follows:

 

Date of Grant:                                                                                    
Vesting Commencement Date:                                                                                    
Exercise Price per Share:       $                                                                           
Total Number of Shares Granted:                                                                                    
Total Exercise Price :       $                                                                           
Type of Option:      

         Incentive Stock Option

     

         Nonstatutory Stock Option

Term/Expiration Date:                                                                                    
Vesting Schedule:      

This Option shall be exercisable, in whole or in part, according to the following vesting schedule:

[Twenty-five percent (25%) of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest on the one (1) year anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date, and one forty-eighth (1/48th) of the Shares subject to the Option shall vest each month thereafter on the same day of the month as the Vesting Commencement Date (and if there is no corresponding day, on the last day of the month), subject to Participant continuing to be a Service Provider through each such date.]

 


Termination Period:

This Option shall 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 shall be exercisable for [twelve (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 this Option may be subject to earlier termination as provided in Section 13 of the Plan.

II. AGREEMENT

1. Grant of Option. The Administrator of the Company hereby grants to the Participant named in the Notice of Stock Option Grant in Part I of this Option Agreement (“Participant”), an option (the “Option”) to purchase the number of Shares set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant, at the exercise price per Share set forth in the Notice of Stock Option Grant (the “Exercise Price”), and subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section 18 of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.

If designated in the Notice of Stock Option Grant as an Incentive Stock Option (“ISO”), this Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option as defined in Section 422 of the Code. Nevertheless, to the extent that it exceeds the $100,000 rule of Code Section 422(d), this Option shall be treated as a Nonstatutory Stock Option (“NSO”). Further, if for any reason this Option (or portion thereof) shall not qualify as an ISO, then, to the extent of such nonqualification, such Option (or portion thereof) shall be regarded as a NSO granted under the Plan. In no event shall the Administrator, the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary or any of their respective employees or directors have any liability to Participant (or any other person) due to the failure of the Option to qualify for any reason as an ISO.

2. Exercise of Option.

(a) Right to Exercise. This Option shall be exercisable during its term in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Stock Option Grant and with the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement.

(b) Method of Exercise. This Option shall be exercisable by delivery of an exercise notice in the form attached as Exhibit A (the “Exercise Notice”) or in a manner and pursuant to such procedures as the Administrator may determine, which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares with respect to 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 shall be accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised Shares, together with any applicable tax withholding. This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by the aggregate Exercise Price, together with any applicable tax withholding.

No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless such issuance and such exercise comply with Applicable Laws. Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the Shares shall be considered transferred to Participant on the date on which the Option is exercised with respect to such Shares.

 

-2-


3. Participant’s Representations. In the event the Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), at the time this Option is exercised, Participant shall, if required by the Company, concurrently with the exercise of all or any portion of this Option, deliver to the Company his or her Investment Representation Statement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.

4. Lock-Up Period. Participant hereby agrees that Participant shall not offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company or enter into any swap, hedging or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company held by Participant (other than those included in the registration) for a period specified by the representative of the underwriters of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company not to exceed one hundred and eighty (180) days following the effective date of any registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act (or such other period as may be requested by the Company or the underwriters to accommodate regulatory restrictions on (i) the publication or other distribution of research reports and (ii) analyst recommendations and opinions, including, but not limited to, the restrictions contained in NASD Rule 2711(f)(4) or NYSE Rule 472(f)(4), or any successor provisions or amendments thereto).

Participant agrees to execute and deliver such other agreements as may be reasonably requested by the Company or the underwriter which are consistent with the foregoing or which are necessary to give further effect thereto. In addition, if requested by the Company or the representative of the underwriters of Common Stock (or other securities) of the Company, Participant shall provide, within ten (10) days of such request, such information as may be required by the Company or such representative in connection with the completion of any public offering of the Company’s securities pursuant to a registration statement filed under the Securities Act. The obligations described in this Section 4 shall not apply to a registration relating solely to employee benefit plans on Form S-1 or Form S-8 or similar forms that may be promulgated in the future, or a registration relating solely to a Commission Rule 145 transaction on Form S-4 or similar forms that may be promulgated in the future. The Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the shares of Common Stock (or other securities) subject to the foregoing restriction until the end of said one hundred and eighty (180) day (or other) period. Participant agrees that any transferee of the Option or shares acquired pursuant to the Option shall be bound by this Section 4.

5. Method of Payment. Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price shall be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Participant:

(a) cash;

(b) check;

 

-3-


(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 (i) shall be valued at its 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, shall not result in any adverse accounting consequences to the Company.

6. Restrictions on Exercise. This Option may not be exercised until such time as the Plan has been approved by the stockholders of the Company, or if the issuance of such Shares upon such exercise or the method of payment of consideration for such shares would constitute a violation of any Applicable Law.

7. Non-Transferability of Option.

(a) 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 Option Agreement shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of Participant.

(b) Further, until the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or after the Administrator determines that it is, will, or may no longer be relying upon the exemption from registration of Options under the Exchange Act as set forth in Rule 12h-1(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act (the “Rule 12h-1(f) Exemption”) (such date, the “Reliance End Date”), Participant shall not transfer this Option or, prior to exercise, the Shares subject to this Option, in any manner other than (i) to persons who are “family members” (as defined in Rule 701(c)(3) of the Securities Act) through gifts or domestic relations orders, or (ii) to an executor or guardian of Participant upon the death or disability of Participant in each case, to the extent required for continued reliance on the Rule 12h-1(f) Exemption. Until the Reliance End Date, the Options and, prior to exercise, the Shares subject to this Option, may not be pledged, hypothecated or otherwise transferred or disposed of, including by entering into any short position, any “put equivalent position” or any “call equivalent position” (as defined in Rule 16a-1(h) and Rule 16a-1(b) of the Exchange Act, respectively), other than as permitted in clauses (i) and (ii) of this paragraph. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may determine to permit transfers to the Company or in connection with a Change in Control or other acquisition transactions involving the Company to the extent permitted by Rule 12h-1(f) or, if the Company is not relying on the Rule 12h-1(f) Exemption, to the extent permitted by the Plan.

8. Term of Option. This Option may be exercised only within the term set out in the Notice of Stock Option Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option Agreement.

9. Tax Obligations.

(a) Tax Withholding. Participant agrees to make appropriate arrangements with the Company (or the Parent or Subsidiary employing or retaining Participant) for the satisfaction of all Federal, state, local and foreign income and employment tax withholding requirements applicable to the Option exercise. 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.

 

-4-


(b) 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 (2) years after the Date of Grant, or (ii) the date one (1) year after the date of exercise, Participant shall 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.

(c) Code Section 409A. Under Code Section 409A, a stock right (such as the 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 an underlying share on the date of grant (a “discount option”) may be considered “deferred compensation.” A stock right that is a “discount option” may result in (i) income recognition by the recipient of the stock right prior to the exercise of the stock right, (ii) an additional twenty percent (20%) federal income tax, and (iii) potential penalty and interest charges. The “discount option” may also result in additional state income, penalty and interest tax to the recipient of the stock right. Participant acknowledges that the Company cannot and has not guaranteed that the IRS will agree that the per Share exercise price of this Option equals or exceeds the fair market value of a Share on the date of grant in a later examination. Participant agrees that if the IRS determines that the Option was granted with a per Share exercise price that was less than the fair market value of a Share on the date of grant, Participant shall be solely responsible for Participant’s costs related to such a determination.

10. Entire Agreement. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. The Plan and this Option 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 Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Participant’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Participant.

11. 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 OPTION 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 SHALL 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.

 

-5-


12. Address for Notices. Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of this Option Agreement will be addressed to the Company at 1343 Luna Vista Dr, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, or at such other address as the Company may hereafter designate in writing.

13. Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights under this Option Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Option Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer herein set forth, this Option Agreement shall be binding upon Participant and his or her heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns. The rights and obligations of Participant under this Option Agreement may only be assigned with the prior written consent of the Company.

14. 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 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. Subject to the terms of the Option Agreement and the Plan, the Company shall not be required to issue any certificate or certificates for Shares hereunder prior to the lapse of such reasonable period of time following the date of exercise of the Option as the Administrator may establish from time to time for reasons of administrative convenience.

15. Interpretation. The Administrator will have the power to interpret the Plan and this Option 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 Option Agreement.

16. Electronic Delivery and Acceptance. The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to the Option awarded under the Plan or future options that may be awarded 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.

17. Captions. Captions provided herein are for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Option Agreement.

 

-6-


18. Agreement Severable. In the event that any provision in this Option 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 Option Agreement.

19. Governing Law and Venue. This Option Agreement will be governed by the laws of California, without giving effect to the conflict of law principles thereof. For purposes of litigating any dispute that arises under this Option or this Option Agreement, the parties hereby submit to and consent to the jurisdiction of the State of California, and agree that such litigation will be conducted in the courts of San Diego County, California, or the federal courts for the United States for the Southern District of California, and no other courts, where this Option is made and/or to be performed.

20. Modifications to the Agreement. This Option Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties on the subjects covered. Participant expressly warrants that he or she is not accepting this Option Agreement in reliance on any promises, representations, or inducements other than those contained herein. Modifications to this Option 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 Option Agreement, the Company reserves the right to revise this Option Agreement as it deems necessary or advisable, in its sole discretion and without the consent of 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 with the Option.

21. No Waiver. Either party’s failure to enforce any provision or provisions of this Option Agreement shall not in any way be construed as a waiver of any such provision or provisions, nor prevent that party from thereafter enforcing each and every other provision of this Option Agreement. The rights granted both parties herein are cumulative and shall not constitute a waiver of either party’s right to assert all other legal remedies available to it under the circumstances.

22. Tax Consequences. Participant has reviewed with its own tax advisors the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of this investment and the transactions contemplated by this Option 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 tax liability that may arise as a result of this investment or the transactions contemplated by this Option Agreement.

 

-7-


Participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and represents that he or she is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts this Option subject to all of the terms and provisions thereof. Participant has reviewed the Plan and this Option in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option and fully understands all provisions of the Option. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan or this Option. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address indicated below.

 

PARTICIPANT       AADI BIOSCIENCE, INC.

 

   

 

Signature       By

 

   

 

Print Name       Print Name

 

   

 

    Title  

 

     
Residence Address      

 

-8-


EXHIBIT A

AMENDED AND RESTATED 2014 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

EXERCISE NOTICE

AADi Bioscience, Inc.

1343 Luna Vista Dr

Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Attention: President

1. Exercise of Option. Effective as of today, ________________, ____, the undersigned (“Participant”) hereby elects to exercise Participant’s option (the “Option”) to purchase ________________ shares of the Common Stock (the “Shares”) of AADi Bioscience, Inc. (the “Company”) under and pursuant to the Amended and Restated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and the Stock Option Agreement dated ______________, _____ (the “Option Agreement”).

2. Delivery of Payment. Participant herewith delivers to the Company the full purchase price of the Shares, as set forth in the Option Agreement, and any and all withholding taxes due in connection with the exercise of the Option.

3. Representations of Participant. Participant acknowledges that Participant has received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement and agrees to abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions.

4. Rights as Stockholder. Until the issuance of the Shares (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 shall exist with respect to the Common Stock subject to the Option, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Shares shall be issued to Participant as soon as practicable after the Option is exercised in accordance with the Option Agreement. No adjustment shall 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. Participant understands that Participant may suffer adverse tax consequences as a result of Participant’s purchase or disposition of the Shares. Participant represents that Participant has consulted with any tax consultants Participant deems advisable in connection with the purchase or disposition of the Shares and that Participant is not relying on the Company for any tax advice.

6. Restrictive Legends and Stop-Transfer Orders.

(a) Legends. Participant understands and agrees that the Company shall cause the legends set forth below or legends substantially equivalent thereto, to be placed upon any certificate(s) evidencing ownership of the Shares together with any other legends that may be required by the Company or by state or federal securities laws:


THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE “ACT”) AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED UNLESS AND UNTIL REGISTERED UNDER THE ACT OR, IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER OF THESE SECURITIES, SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATION IS IN COMPLIANCE THEREWITH.

THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND A RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL HELD BY THE ISSUER OR ITS ASSIGNEE(S) AS SET FORTH IN THE EXERCISE NOTICE BETWEEN THE ISSUER AND THE ORIGINAL HOLDER OF THESE SHARES, A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE ISSUER. SUCH TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS AND RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL ARE BINDING ON TRANSFEREES OF THESE SHARES.

THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER FOR A PERIOD OF TIME FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE UNDERWRITTEN PUBLIC OFFERING OF THE COMPANY’S SECURITIES SET FORTH IN AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE ISSUER AND THE ORIGINAL HOLDER OF THESE SHARES AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF BY THE HOLDER PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF SUCH PERIOD WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE COMPANY OR THE MANAGING UNDERWRITER.

(b) Stop-Transfer Notices. Participant agrees that, in order to ensure compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may issue appropriate “stop transfer” instructions to its transfer agent, if any, and that, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate notations to the same effect in its own records.

(c) Refusal to Transfer. The Company shall not be required (i) to transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Exercise Notice or (ii) to treat as owner of such Shares or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser or other transferee to whom such Shares shall have been so transferred.

7. Covenant to Become a Party to Agreements. Participant hereby agrees to be bound by, deliver an executed counterpart signature page to, and become a “Key Holder” under that certain (i) Voting Agreement, dated November [__], 2016, by and among the Company and certain stockholders of the Company (as such agreement may be amended, restated, or supplemented from time to time, the “Voting Agreement”) and (ii) Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement, dated November [__], 2016, by and among the Company and certain stockholders of the Company (as such agreement may be amended, restated, or supplemented from time to time, the “Co-Sale Agreement”). Participant further acknowledges and agrees that the Company’s receipt of Participant’s executed counterpart signature pages as a “Key Holder” to the Voting Agreement and the Co-Sale Agreement (to the extent required by the previous sentence) is a condition precedent to Participant being issued the shares as to which Participant is exercising this Option. If there exists any conflict between the terms of this Exercise Notice and either of the Voting Agreement or Co-Sale Agreement, the relevant term(s) of the Voting Agreement and Co-Sale Agreement, as applicable, shall prevail.

 

-2-


8. Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights under this Exercise Notice to single or multiple assignees, and this Exercise Notice shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer herein set forth, this Exercise Notice shall be binding upon Participant and his or her heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

9. Interpretation. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this Exercise Notice shall be submitted by Participant or by the Company forthwith to the Administrator, which shall review such dispute at its next regular meeting. The resolution of such a dispute by the Administrator shall be final and binding on all parties.

10. Governing Law; Severability. This Exercise Notice is governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of California. In the event that any provision hereof becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable or void, this Exercise Notice shall continue in full force and effect.

11. Entire Agreement. The Plan and Option Agreement are incorporated herein by reference. This Exercise Notice, the Plan, the Option Agreement (including the exhibits thereto) and the Investment Representation Statement 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 Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Participant’s interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Participant.

 

Submitted by:     Accepted by:
PARTICIPANT     AADI BIOSCIENCE, INC.
   

 

Signature

   

 

By

 

   

 

Print Name     Print Name
   

 

    Title

 

Address:     Address:

 

   

 

 

   

 

   

 

    Date Received

 

-3-


EXHIBIT B

INVESTMENT REPRESENTATION STATEMENT

 

PARTICIPANT    :   
COMPANY    :    AADI BIOSCIENCE, INC.
SECURITY    :    COMMON STOCK
AMOUNT    :   
DATE    :   

In connection with the purchase of the above-listed Securities, the undersigned Participant represents to the Company the following:

(a) Participant is aware of the Company’s business affairs and financial condition and has acquired sufficient information about the Company to reach an informed and knowledgeable decision to acquire the Securities. Participant is acquiring these Securities for investment for Participant’s own account only and not with a view to, or for resale in connection with, any “distribution” thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

(b) Participant acknowledges and understands that the Securities constitute “restricted securities” under the Securities Act and have not been registered under the Securities Act in reliance upon a specific exemption therefrom, which exemption depends upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of Participant’s investment intent as expressed herein. In this connection, Participant understands that, in the view of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the statutory basis for such exemption may be unavailable if Participant’s representation was predicated solely upon a present intention to hold these Securities for the minimum capital gains period specified under tax statutes, for a deferred sale, for or until an increase or decrease in the market price of the Securities, or for a period of one (1) year or any other fixed period in the future. Participant further understands that the Securities must be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from such registration is available. Participant further acknowledges and understands that the Company is under no obligation to register the Securities. Participant understands that the certificate evidencing the Securities shall be imprinted with any legend required under applicable state securities laws.

(c) Participant is familiar with the provisions of Rule 701 and Rule 144, each promulgated under the Securities Act, which, in substance, permit limited public resale of “restricted securities” acquired, directly or indirectly from the issuer thereof, in a non-public offering subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. Rule 701 provides that if the issuer qualifies under Rule 701 at the time of the grant of the Option to Participant, the exercise shall be exempt from registration under the Securities Act. In the event the Company becomes subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, ninety (90) days thereafter (or such


longer period as any market stand-off agreement may require) the Securities exempt under Rule 701 may be resold, subject to the satisfaction of the applicable conditions specified by Rule 144, including in the case of affiliates (1) the availability of certain public information about the Company, (2) the amount of Securities being sold during any three (3) month period not exceeding specified limitations, (3) the resale being made in an unsolicited “broker’s transaction”, transactions directly with a “market maker” or “riskless principal transactions” (as those terms are defined under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) and (4) the timely filing of a Form 144, if applicable.

In the event that the Company does not qualify under Rule 701 at the time of grant of the Option, then the Securities may be resold in certain limited circumstances subject to the provisions of Rule 144, which may require (i) the availability of current public information about the Company; (ii) the resale to occur more than a specified period after the purchase and full payment (within the meaning of Rule 144) for the Securities; and (iii) in the case of the sale of Securities by an affiliate, the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in sections (2), (3) and (4) of the paragraph immediately above.

(d) Participant further understands that in the event all of the applicable requirements of Rule 701 or 144 are not satisfied, registration under the Securities Act, compliance with Regulation A, or some other registration exemption shall be required; and that, notwithstanding the fact that Rules 144 and 701 are not exclusive, the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has expressed its opinion that persons proposing to sell private placement securities other than in a registered offering and otherwise than pursuant to Rules 144 or 701 shall have a substantial burden of proof in establishing that an exemption from registration is available for such offers or sales, and that such persons and their respective brokers who participate in such transactions do so at their own risk. Participant understands that no assurances can be given that any such other registration exemption shall be available in such event.

 

PARTICIPANT

 

Signature

 

Print Name

 

Date

 

-2-

EX-10.11

Exhibit 10.11

AADI BIOSCIENCE, INC.

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

This Indemnification Agreement (this “Agreement”) is dated as of [insert date], and is between Aadi Bioscience, Inc., a Delaware corporation (f/k/a Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) (the “Company”), and [insert name of indemnitee] (“Indemnitee”).

RECITALS

A. Indemnitee’s service to the Company substantially benefits the Company.

B. Individuals are reluctant to serve as directors or officers of corporations or in certain other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance or indemnification against the risks of claims and actions against them arising out of such service.

C. Indemnitee does not regard the protection currently provided by applicable law, the Company’s governing documents and any insurance as adequate under the present circumstances, and Indemnitee may not be willing to serve as a director or officer without additional protection.

D. In order to induce Indemnitee to continue to provide services to the Company, it is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Company to contractually obligate itself to indemnify, and to advance expenses on behalf of, Indemnitee as permitted by applicable law.

F. This Agreement shall supersede any prior indemnification agreement between the Company (or any subsidiary of the Company) and the Indemnitee, which is hereby terminated.

E. This Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the indemnification provided in the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and this Agreement shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor shall this Agreement be deemed to limit, diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder.

The parties therefore agree as follows:

1. Definitions.

(a) A “Change in Control” shall be deemed to occur upon the earliest to occur after the date of this Agreement of any of the following events:

(i) Acquisition of Stock by Third Party. Any Person (as defined below) becomes the Beneficial Owner (as defined below), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifteen percent (15%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities;

(ii) Change in Board Composition. During any period of two consecutive years (not including any period prior to the execution of this Agreement), individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Company’s board of directors, and any new directors (other than a director designated by a person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in Sections 1(a)(i), 1(a)(iii) or 1(a)(iv)) whose election by the board of directors or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Company’s board of directors;


(iii) Corporate Transactions. The effective date of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other entity, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation and with the power to elect at least a majority of the board of directors or other governing body of such surviving entity;

(iv) Liquidation. The approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; and

(v) Other Events. Any other event of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A (or in response to any similar item on any similar schedule or form) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement.

For purposes of this Section 1(a), the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(1) “Person” shall have the meaning as set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; provided, however, that “Person” shall exclude (i) the Company, (ii) any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, and (iii) any corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.

(2) “Beneficial Owner” shall have the meaning given to such term in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; provided, however, that “Beneficial Owner” shall exclude any Person otherwise becoming a Beneficial Owner by reason of (i) the stockholders of the Company approving a merger of the Company with another entity or (ii) the Company’s board of directors approving a sale of securities by the Company to such Person.

(b) “Corporate Status” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, trustee, general partner, managing member, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company or any other Enterprise.

(c) “DGCL” means the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

(d) “Disinterested Director” means a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

(e) “Enterprise” means the Company and any other corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, trustee, general partner, managing member, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary.


(f) “Expenses” include all reasonable and actually incurred attorneys’ fees, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees and costs of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, and all other disbursements or expenses of the types customarily incurred in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding. Expenses also include (i) Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding, including without limitation the premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedeas bond or other appeal bond or their equivalent, and (ii) for purposes of Section 12(d), Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement or under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company. Expenses, however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.

(g) “Independent Counsel” means a law firm, or a partner or member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than as Independent Counsel with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement.

(h) “Proceeding” means any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or proceeding, whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative nature, including any appeal therefrom and including without limitation any such Proceeding pending as of the date of this Agreement, in which Indemnitee was, is or will be involved as a party, a potential party, a non-party witness or otherwise by reason of (i) the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, (ii) any action taken by Indemnitee or any action or inaction on Indemnitee’s part while acting as a director or officer of the Company, or (iii) the fact that he or she is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, trustee, general partner, managing member, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company or any other Enterprise, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or Expense is incurred for which indemnification or advancement of expenses can be provided under this Agreement.

(i) Reference to “other enterprises” shall include employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to “serving at the request of the Company” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Company” as referred to in this Agreement.

2. Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 2 if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding, other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 2, Indemnitee shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against all Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on his or her behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.


3. Indemnity in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Company. The Company shall indemnify Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3 if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor. Pursuant to this Section 3, Indemnitee shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. No indemnification for Expenses shall be made under this Section 3 in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or any court in which the Proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification for such expenses as the Delaware Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

4. Indemnification for Expenses of a Party Who is Wholly or Partly Successful. To the extent that Indemnitee is a party to or a participant in and is successful (on the merits or otherwise) in defense of any Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection therewith. To the extent permitted by applicable law, if Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in defense of one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with (a) each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter and (b) any claim, issue or matter related to any such successfully resolved claim, issue or matter. For purposes of this section, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

5. Indemnification for Expenses of a Witness. To the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of his or her Corporate Status, a witness in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is not a party, Indemnitee shall be indemnified to the extent permitted by applicable law against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection therewith.

6. Additional Indemnification.

(a) Notwithstanding any limitation in Sections 2, 3 or 4, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law if Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant in any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) against all Expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on his or her behalf in connection with the Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein.

(b) For purposes of Section 6(a), the meaning of the phrase “to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law” shall include, but not be limited to:

(i) the fullest extent permitted by the provision of the DGCL that authorizes or contemplates additional indemnification by agreement, or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or replacement of the DGCL; and


(ii) the fullest extent authorized or permitted by any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL adopted after the date of this Agreement that increase the extent to which a corporation may indemnify its officers and directors.

7. Exclusions. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to make any indemnity in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding):

(a) for which payment has actually been made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under any statute, insurance policy, indemnity provision, vote or otherwise, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount paid[, and except as provided for in Section 15];

(b) for an accounting or disgorgement of profits pursuant to Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or similar provisions of federal, state or local statutory law or common law, if Indemnitee is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements);

(c) for any reimbursement of the Company by Indemnitee of any bonus or other incentive-based or equity-based compensation or of any profits realized by Indemnitee from the sale of securities of the Company, as required in each case under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (including any such reimbursements that arise from an accounting restatement of the Company pursuant to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), or the payment to the Company of profits arising from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities in violation of Section 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), if Indemnitee is held liable therefor (including pursuant to any settlement arrangements);

(d) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or its directors, officers, employees, agents or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Company’s board of directors authorized the Proceeding (or the relevant part of the Proceeding) prior to its initiation, (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law, (iii) otherwise authorized in Section 12(d) or (iv) otherwise required by applicable law; or

(e) if prohibited by applicable law.

8. Advances of Expenses. The Company shall advance the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding prior to its final disposition, and such advancement shall be made as soon as reasonably practicable, but in any event no later than 60 days, after the receipt by the Company of a written statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time (which shall include invoices received by Indemnitee in connection with such Expenses but, in the case of invoices in connection with legal services, any references to legal work performed or to expenditure made that would cause Indemnitee to waive any privilege accorded by applicable law shall not be included with the invoice). Advances shall be unsecured and interest free and made without regard to Indemnitee’s ability to repay such advances. Indemnitee hereby undertakes to repay any advance to the extent that it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. This Section 8 shall not apply to the extent advancement is prohibited by law and shall not apply to any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) for which indemnity is not permitted under this Agreement, but shall apply to any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) referenced in Section 7(b) or 7(c) prior to a determination that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company.


9. Procedures for Notification and Defense of Claim.

(a) Indemnitee shall notify the Company in writing of any matter with respect to which Indemnitee intends to seek indemnification or advancement of Expenses as soon as reasonably practicable following the receipt by Indemnitee of notice thereof. The written notification to the Company shall include, in reasonable detail, a description of the nature of the Proceeding and the facts underlying the Proceeding. The failure by Indemnitee to notify the Company will not relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to Indemnitee hereunder or otherwise than under this Agreement, and any delay in so notifying the Company shall not constitute a waiver by Indemnitee of any rights, except to the extent that such failure or delay materially prejudices the Company.

(b) If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of a Proceeding pursuant to the terms hereof, the Company has directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in effect that may be applicable to the Proceeding, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of the Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the applicable policies. The Company shall thereafter take all commercially-reasonable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

(c) In the event the Company may be obligated to make any indemnity in connection with a Proceeding, the Company shall be entitled to assume the defense of such Proceeding with counsel approved by Indemnitee, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, upon the delivery to Indemnitee of written notice of its election to do so. After delivery of such notice, approval of such counsel by Indemnitee and the retention of such counsel by the Company, the Company will not be liable to Indemnitee for any fees or expenses of counsel subsequently incurred by Indemnitee with respect to the same Proceeding. Notwithstanding the Company’s assumption of the defense of any such Proceeding, the Company shall be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of Indemnitee’s separate counsel to the extent (i) the employment of separate counsel by Indemnitee is authorized by the Company, (ii) counsel for the Company or Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded that there is a conflict of interest between the Company and Indemnitee in the conduct of any such defense such that Indemnitee needs to be separately represented, (iii) the Company is not financially or legally able to perform its indemnification obligations or (iv) the Company shall not have retained, or shall not continue to retain, counsel to defend such Proceeding. The Company shall have the right to conduct such defense as it sees fit in its sole discretion. Regardless of any provision in this Agreement, Indemnitee shall have the right to employ counsel in any Proceeding at Indemnitee’s personal expense. The Company shall not be entitled, without the consent of Indemnitee, to assume the defense of any claim brought by or in the right of the Company.

(d) Indemnitee shall give the Company such information and cooperation in connection with the Proceeding as may be reasonably appropriate.

(e) The Company shall not be liable to indemnify Indemnitee for any settlement of any Proceeding (or any part thereof) without the Company’s prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

(f) The Company shall not settle any Proceeding (or any part thereof) in a manner that imposes any Expense, penalty or liability on Indemnitee without Indemnitee’s prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.


10. Procedures upon Application for Indemnification.

(a) To obtain indemnification, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to Indemnitee and as is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification following the final disposition of the Proceeding. Any delay in providing the request will not relieve the Company from its obligations under this Agreement, except to the extent such failure is prejudicial.

(b) Upon written request by Indemnitee for indemnification pursuant to Section 10(a), a determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement thereto shall be made in the specific case (i) if a Change in Control shall have occurred, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Company’s board of directors, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee or (ii) if a Change in Control shall not have occurred, (A) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Company’s board of directors, (B) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Company’s board of directors, (C) if there are no such Disinterested Directors or, if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Company’s board of directors, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee or (D) if so directed by the Company’s board of directors, by the stockholders of the Company. If it is determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten days after such determination. Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person, persons or entity making the determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information that is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and that is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any costs or expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall be borne by the Company, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

(c) In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 10(b), the Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this Section 10(c). If a Change in Control shall not have occurred, the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Company’s board of directors, and the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising him or her of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. If a Change in Control shall have occurred, the Independent Counsel shall be selected by Indemnitee (unless Indemnitee shall request that such selection be made by the Company’s board of directors, in which event the preceding sentence shall apply), and Indemnitee shall give written notice to the Company advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected. In either event, Indemnitee or the Company, as the case may be, may, within ten days after such written notice of selection shall have been given, deliver to the Company or to Indemnitee, as the case may be, a written objection to such selection; provided, however, that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 1 of this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is so made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or a court has determined that such objection is without merit. If, within 20 days after the later of (i) submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 10(a) hereof and (ii) the final disposition of the Proceeding, the parties have not agreed upon an Independent Counsel, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition a court of competent jurisdiction for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by the Company or Indemnitee to the other’s selection of Independent Counsel and for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by the court or by such other person as the court shall designate, and the person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under Section 10(b) hereof. Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement, the Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).


(d) The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of any Independent Counsel.

11. Presumptions and Effect of Certain Proceedings.

(a) In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person, persons or entity making such determination shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, and the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption.

(b) The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

(c) For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith to the extent Indemnitee relied in good faith on (i) the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, (ii) information supplied to Indemnitee by the officers of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, (iii) the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise or its board of directors or counsel selected by any committee of the board of directors or (iv) information or records given or reports made to the enterprise by an independent certified public accountant, an appraiser, investment banker or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Enterprise or its board of directors or any committee of the board of directors. The provisions of this Section 11(c) shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

(d) Neither the knowledge, actions nor failure to act of any other director, officer, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

12. Remedies of Indemnitee.

(a) Subject to Section 12(e), in the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement of Expenses is not timely made pursuant to Section 8 or 12(d) of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been made pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement within 90 days after the later of the receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification or the final disposition of the Proceeding, (iv) payment of indemnification pursuant to this Agreement is not made (A) within ten days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification or (B) with respect to indemnification pursuant to Sections 4, 5 and 12(d) of this Agreement, within 90 days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, or (v) the Company or any other person or entity takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by a court of competent


jurisdiction of his or her entitlement to such indemnification or advancement of Expenses. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at his or her option, may seek an award in arbitration with respect to his or her entitlement to such indemnification or advancement of Expenses, to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. Indemnitee shall commence such proceeding seeking an adjudication or an award in arbitration within 180 days following the date on which Indemnitee first has the right to commence such proceeding pursuant to this Section 12(a); provided, however, that the foregoing clause shall not apply in respect of a proceeding brought by Indemnitee to enforce his or her rights under Section 4 of this Agreement. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration in accordance with this Agreement.

(b) Neither (i) the failure of the Company, its board of directors, any committee or subgroup of the board of directors, Independent Counsel or stockholders to have made a determination that indemnification of Indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor (ii) an actual determination by the Company, its board of directors, any committee or subgroup of the board of directors, Independent Counsel or stockholders that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that Indemnitee has or has not met the applicable standard of conduct. In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 12 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits, and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination. In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 12, the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification or advancement of Expenses, as the case may be.

(c) To the fullest extent not prohibited by law, the Company shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 12 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement. If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 12, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statements not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

(d) To the extent not prohibited by law, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Expenses that are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action for indemnification or advancement of Expenses from the Company under this Agreement or under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company to the extent Indemnitee is successful in such action, and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (as soon as reasonably practicable, but in any event no later than 90 days, after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor) advance such Expenses to Indemnitee, subject to the provisions of Section 8.

(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no determination as to entitlement to indemnification shall be required to be made prior to the final disposition of the Proceeding.

13. Contribution. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amounts incurred by Indemnitee, whether for Expenses, judgments, fines or amounts paid or to be paid in settlement, in connection with any claim relating to an indemnifiable event under this Agreement, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances of such


Proceeding in order to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the events and transactions giving rise to such Proceeding; and (ii) the relative fault of Indemnitee and the Company (and its other directors, officers, employees and agents) in connection with such events and transactions.

14. Non-exclusivity. The rights of indemnification and to receive advancement of Expenses as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. To the extent that a change in Delaware law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification or advancement of Expenses than would be afforded currently under the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws and this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change, subject to the restrictions expressly set forth herein or therein. Except as expressly set forth herein, no right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. Except as expressly set forth herein, the assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

15. [Primary Responsibility. The Company acknowledges that Indemnitee has certain rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by [insert name of fund] and certain affiliates thereof (collectively, the “Secondary Indemnitors”). The Company agrees that, as between the Company and the Secondary Indemnitors, the Company is primarily responsible for amounts required to be indemnified or advanced under the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws or this Agreement and any obligation of the Secondary Indemnitors to provide indemnification or advancement for the same amounts is secondary to those Company obligations. To the extent not in contravention of any insurance policy or policies providing liability or other insurance for the Company or any director, trustee, general partner, managing member, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company or any other Enterprise, the Company waives any right of contribution or subrogation against the Secondary Indemnitors with respect to the liabilities for which the Company is primarily responsible under this Section 15. In the event of any payment by the Secondary Indemnitors of amounts otherwise required to be indemnified or advanced by the Company under the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws or this Agreement, the Secondary Indemnitors shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee for indemnification or advancement of expenses under the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws or this Agreement or, to the extent such subrogation is unavailable and contribution is found to be the applicable remedy, shall have a right of contribution with respect to the amounts paid; provided, however, that the foregoing sentence will be deemed void if and to the extent that it would violate any applicable insurance policy. The Secondary Indemnitors are express third-party beneficiaries of the terms of this Section 15.]

16. No Duplication of Payments. The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment of amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder (or for which advancement is provided hereunder) if and to the extent that Indemnitee has otherwise actually received payment for such amounts under any insurance policy, contract, agreement or otherwise[, except as provided for in Section 15].

17. Insurance. To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, trustees, general partners, managing members, officers, employees, agents or fiduciaries of the Company or any other Enterprise, Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies to the same extent as the most favorably-insured persons under such policy or policies in a comparable position.


18. Subrogation. In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.

19. Services to the Company. Indemnitee agrees to serve as a director or officer of the Company or, at the request of the Company, as a director, trustee, general partner, managing member, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of another Enterprise, for so long as Indemnitee is duly elected or appointed or until Indemnitee tenders his or her resignation or is removed from such position. Indemnitee may at any time and for any reason resign from such position (subject to any other contractual obligation or any obligation imposed by operation of law), in which event the Company shall have no obligation under this Agreement to continue Indemnitee in such position. This Agreement shall not be deemed an employment contract between the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any Enterprise) and Indemnitee. Indemnitee specifically acknowledges that any employment with the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any Enterprise) is at will, and Indemnitee may be discharged at any time for any reason, with or without cause, with or without notice, except as may be otherwise expressly provided in any executed, written employment contract between Indemnitee and the Company (or any of its subsidiaries or any Enterprise), any existing formal severance policies adopted by the Company’s board of directors or, with respect to service as a director or officer of the Company, the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws or the DGCL. No such document shall be subject to any oral modification thereof.

20. Duration. This Agreement shall continue until and terminate upon the later of (a) ten years after the date that Indemnitee shall have ceased to serve as a director or officer of the Company or as a director, trustee, general partner, managing member, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of any other Enterprise, as applicable; or (b) one year after the final termination of any Proceeding, including any appeal, then pending in respect of which Indemnitee is granted rights of indemnification or advancement of Expenses hereunder and of any proceeding commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement relating thereto.

21. Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns, including any direct or indirect successor, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company, and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee’s heirs, executors and administrators. The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company, by written agreement, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.

22. Severability. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to require or shall be construed as requiring the Company to do or fail to do any act in violation of applicable law. The Company’s inability, pursuant to court order or other applicable law, to perform its obligations under this Agreement shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (i) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including without limitation, each portion of any section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law; (ii) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (iii) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any section of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.


23. Enforcement. The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director or officer of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director or officer of the Company.

24. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, including any prior indemnification agreement(s) entered into between the Company (or any subsidiary of the Company) and the Indemnitee; provided, however, that this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws and applicable law.

25. Modification and Waiver. No supplement, modification or amendment to this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the parties hereto. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement shall adversely affect any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in his or her Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall constitute or be deemed a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

26. Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be mailed by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, sent by facsimile or electronic mail or otherwise delivered by hand, messenger or courier service addressed:

(a) if to Indemnitee, to Indemnitee’s address, facsimile number or electronic mail address as shown on the signature page of this Agreement or in the Company’s records, as may be updated in accordance with the provisions hereof; or

(b) if to the Company, to the attention of the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer of the Company at 17383 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 250A, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, or at such other current address as the Company shall have furnished to Indemnitee, with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to Dan Koeppen, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C., 12235 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130.

Each such notice or other communication shall for all purposes of this Agreement be treated as effective or having been given (i) if delivered by hand, messenger or courier service, when delivered (or if sent via a nationally-recognized overnight courier service, freight prepaid, specifying next-business-day delivery, one business day after deposit with the courier), (ii) if sent via mail, at the earlier of its receipt or five days after the same has been deposited in a regularly-maintained receptacle for the deposit of the United States mail, addressed and mailed as aforesaid, or (iii) if sent via facsimile, upon confirmation of facsimile transfer or, if sent via electronic mail, upon confirmation of delivery when directed to the relevant electronic mail address, if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, or if not sent during normal business hours of the recipient, then on the recipient’s next business day.

27. Applicable Law and Consent to Jurisdiction. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and


unconditionally (i) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Delaware Court of Chancery, and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (ii) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court of Chancery for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, (iii) appoint, to the extent such party is not otherwise subject to service of process in the State of Delaware, The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, Delaware 19801, as its agent in the State of Delaware as such party’s agent for acceptance of legal process in connection with any such action or proceeding against such party with the same legal force and validity as if served upon such party personally within the State of Delaware, (iv) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court of Chancery, and (v) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court of Chancery has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum.

28. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. This Agreement may also be executed and delivered by facsimile signature and in counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement.

29. Captions. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

(signature page follows)


The parties are signing this Indemnification Agreement as of the date stated in the introductory sentence.

 

AADI BIOSCIENCE, INC.

                 

(Signature)

             

(Print name)

             

(Title)
[INSERT INDEMNITEE NAME]

             

(Signature)

                 

(Print name)

             

(Street address)

                 

(City, State and ZIP)

(Signature page to Indemnification Agreement)

EX-14.1

Exhibit 14.1

AADI BIOSCIENCE, INC.

CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS

(Adopted on August 26, 2021)

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

Aadi Bioscience, Inc. (together with any subsidiaries, collectively the “Company”) has adopted this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (this “Code”) to deter wrongdoing and to promote:

1. Fair and accurate financial reporting;

2. Compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations including, without limitation, full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents the Company files with, or submit to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and in the Company’s other public communications;

3. The prompt internal reporting of violations of this Code as set forth herein;

4. Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest; and

5. A culture of honesty and accountability.

For purposes of this Code, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer (or such other person designated by the Company) serves as the Compliance Officer. The Compliance Officer may designate others, from time to time, to assist with the execution of his or her duties under this Code.

SCOPE AND APPLICABILITY

This Code applies to all directors, officers and employees of the Company (collectively, “Covered Persons”). In addition, the Company expects our contractors, consultants and agents to act in accordance with the principles of this Code.

This Code serves as a guide, and the Company expects Covered Persons to use good judgment and adhere to the high ethical standards to which the Company is committed.

Covered Persons are expected to read the policies set forth in this Code and ensure that they understand and comply with them. The Compliance Officer is responsible for applying these policies to specific situations in which questions may arise and has the authority to interpret these policies in any particular situation.

Covered Persons should direct any questions about this Code or the appropriate course of conduct in a particular situation to their manager or supervisor, the Compliance Officer or Human Resources, who may consult with the Company’s outside legal counsel or the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), as appropriate.

All Covered Persons should read this Code in conjunction with other policies applicable to them.


POLICY

 

A.

FINANCIAL REPORTS AND OTHER RECORDS – DISCLOSURE

Covered Persons are responsible for the accurate and complete reporting of financial information within their respective areas and for the timely notification to senior management of financial and non-financial information that may be material to the Company to ensure full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Company files with government agencies or releases to the general public.

Each Covered Person involved in the Company’s disclosure process must familiarize themselves with the disclosure requirements applicable to the Company and the business and financial operations of the Company, and must not knowingly misrepresent, or cause others to misrepresent, facts about the Company to others, whether within or outside the Company, including to the Company’s independent auditors, governmental regulators and self-regulatory organizations.

Covered Persons must maintain all Company books, records, accounts, and financial statements in reasonable detail, and reflect the matters to which they relate accurately, fairly, and completely. Furthermore, Covered Persons must ensure that all books, records, accounts and financial statements conform both to applicable legal requirements and to the Company’s system of internal controls.

Covered Persons must carefully and properly account for all assets of the Company. Covered Persons may not establish any undisclosed or unrecorded account or fund for any purpose. Covered Persons will not make any false or misleading entries in the Company’s books or records for any reason or disburse any corporate funds or other corporate property without adequate supporting documentation and authorization. Covered Persons will not misclassify transactions related to accounts, business units or accounting periods. Each Covered Person bears responsibility for ensuring that they are not party to a false or misleading accounting entry.

 

B.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Covered Persons must act and behave in the Company’s best interests and not based on personal relationships or benefits. Covered Persons should avoid situations where personal activities and relationships conflict, or appear to conflict, with the Company’s interests. Examples of conflicts of interest may include transactions with family members, interests in other businesses, gifts or gratuities and personal use of Company assets.

Evaluating whether a conflict of interest exists can be difficult and may involve a number of considerations. Covered Persons should seek guidance from their manager or supervisor, the Compliance Officer or Human Resources when they have any questions or doubts.

If a Covered Person is aware of an actual or potential conflict of interest where their interests may conflict with the Company’s interests, or is concerned that a conflict might develop, they should discuss with their manager or supervisor, the Compliance Officer or Human Resources and then obtain approval from the Compliance Officer before engaging in that activity or accepting something of value.


C.

CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES

Except as otherwise set forth in the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws, Covered Persons owe a duty to the Company to advance the Company’s business interests when the opportunity to do so arises. Covered Persons are prohibited from taking or directing to a third party to take, a business opportunity that is discovered through the use of Company property, information or position, unless the Company has already been offered the opportunity and turned it down. Covered Persons are further prohibited from competing with the Company directly or indirectly during their employment or other relationship with the Company and as otherwise provided in any written agreement with the Company.

Sometimes the line between personal and Company benefits is difficult to draw, and sometimes there are both personal and Company benefits in certain activities. Covered Persons should discuss with their manager or supervisor, the Compliance Officer or Human Resources if they have any questions.

 

D.

PROTECTION OF ASSETS, CONFIDENTIALITY AND COMMUNICATIONS

All Covered Persons should endeavor to protect the Company’s assets and ensure their efficient use. Any suspected incident of fraud or theft should be reported immediately to the Covered Person’s manager or supervisor or the Compliance Officer for investigation.

In carrying out the Company’s business, Covered Persons may learn confidential or proprietary information about the Company, its customers, suppliers or business partners. Confidential or proprietary information of the Company, and of other companies, includes any non-public information that would be harmful to the Company (or other company) or useful to competitors if disclosed.

Covered Persons must maintain the confidentiality of information about the Company and other companies entrusted to them by the Company, use the information only for permissible business purposes and in accordance with any restrictions imposed by the disclosing party and limit the use and dissemination of the confidential information, both inside and outside the Company, to people who need to know the information for business purposes and who are bound by similar obligations of confidentiality, unless disclosure is authorized or legally mandated.

The obligation to protect confidential information does not end when a Covered Person stops employment or other relationship with the Company. Any questions about whether information is confidential should be directed to the Compliance Officer.

Any Covered Person who is contacted by a member of the financial community, the press or any other outside organization or individual should refer them to the General Counsel or Chief Financial Officer (or such other person performing the duties of such function). Any questions on overall business trends, business in different geographies, pricing, suppliers, new products or technologies, lawsuits or disputes or any other aspects of the Company’s business should be referred to the General Counsel or Chief Financial Officer (or such other person performing the duties of such function).

 

E.

FAIR DEALING

The Company and all Covered Persons will never seek competitive advantages through illegal or unethical business practices. Each Covered Person should endeavor to deal fairly with the Company’s customers, service providers, suppliers, competitors, business partners and employees. No Covered Person should take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts or any unfair dealing or practice.


F.

COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS

All Covered Persons must respect and obey all laws when carrying out responsibilities on behalf of the Company and refrain from illegal conduct.

Covered Persons have an obligation to be knowledgeable about specific laws, rules and regulations that apply to their areas of responsibility. If a law conflicts with a policy in this Code, Covered Persons must comply with the law.

Any questions as to the applicability of any law should be directed to the Compliance Officer. The following is a brief summary of certain topics about which Covered Persons should be aware:

1. Antitrust. Antitrust laws (or, as they are known in most of the world, “competition” laws) are designed to foster competitive markets and prohibit activities that unreasonably restrain trade. In general, actions taken in combination with another company that unreasonably reduce competition may violate antitrust laws. Certain types of agreements with competitors (including, but not limited to, agreements on prices and output) are always illegal and may result in criminal penalties such as prison terms for the individuals involved and large fines for the companies involved. In addition, unilateral actions by a company with market power in the sale or purchase of a particular good or service may violate antitrust laws if those actions unfairly exclude competition. As a result of the numerous antitrust laws and enforcement regimes in various jurisdictions inside and outside the United States, at times it is possible that certain actions may simultaneously violate some jurisdictions’ antitrust laws while not violating other jurisdictions’ antitrust laws.

The Company is dedicated to complying with the numerous laws that govern competition. Any activity that undermines this commitment is unacceptable. The laws governing this area are complex, and Covered Persons should contact the Compliance Officer before taking any action that may implicate these laws whenever appropriate. (For additional guidance, please refer to the Company’s “Engaging with Competitors Policy.”)

2. Health, Safety and Environment. The Company works to conduct its business activities and operations in a manner that promotes protection of people and the environment to the extent practicable. Covered Persons are responsible for complying with all applicable laws, rules and regulations governing health, safety and the environment.

3. Fair Employment Practices. The Company strives to maintain a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Every individual has the right to work in a professional atmosphere that promotes equal employment opportunities and where discriminatory practices, including harassment, are prohibited.

The Company requires each Covered Person to treat all colleagues in a respectful manner and to forge working relationships that are uniformly free of bias, prejudice and harassment. The Company prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any team member on the basis of race, religion or religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), nationality, national origin, ancestry, immigration status or citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including genetic


information or characteristics, or those of a family member), military service or veteran status, marital status or family care status, sexual orientation, family medical leave, gender (including gender identity, gender expression, transgender status or sexual stereotypes), political views or activity, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, or any other basis or classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Any Covered Person who is found to have discriminated against another Covered Person is subject to discipline up to and including termination.

No individual will suffer any reprisals or retaliation for making complaints or reporting any incidents of discrimination or perceived discrimination, or for participating in any investigation of incidents of discrimination or perceived discrimination.

4. Foreign Corrupt Practices and Anti-Bribery Laws. The Company has a “zero tolerance” policy and strictly prohibits all forms of bribery and corruption, regardless of whether they involve a public official or a private person. Bribery and corruption are antithetical to the Company’s commitment to operating with the utmost integrity and transparency and are also prohibited under the laws of most countries around the world, including pursuant to laws such as the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 and the United Kingdom Bribery Act of 2010. Covered Persons should seek guidance from the Compliance Officer when they have any questions. (For additional guidance, please refer to the Company’s “Anti-Bribery Policy.”)

5. Insider Trading. Under federal and state securities laws, it is illegal to trade in the securities of a company while in possession of material non-public information about that company. Because Covered Persons will have knowledge of specific confidential information that is not disclosed outside the Company which will constitute material nonpublic information, trading in the Company’s securities or in the securities of those companies with which the Company does business by Covered Persons or persons to whom Covered Persons provide material nonpublic information could constitute insider trading, violating the law. It is a Covered Person’s responsibility to comply with these laws and not to share material nonpublic information. (For additional guidance, please refer to the Company’s “Insider Trading Policy.”)

6. Relationship Policy. Conflicts of interest can arise based on the activities of third parties in significant relationships (e.g., domestic partners, dating relationships etc.). An actual or potential conflict of interest occurs when an individual is in a position to influence a decision that may result in a personal gain for that individual as a result of business dealings with the Company (e.g., a personal relationship with a subordinate Covered Person or vendor). In addition, personal or romantic involvement with a competitor, supplier or subordinate creates an actual or potential conflict of interest.

A Covered Person who is involved in any of the types of relationships or situations described in this Code should immediately and fully disclose the relevant circumstances to the Compliance Officer or Human Resources for guidance about whether a potential or actual conflict exists. When necessary, the Company will take appropriate action according to the circumstances. In cases where there is an actual or potential conflict because of the relationship between a Covered Person and others engaged in business dealings with the Company, even if there is no line of authority or reporting involved, the individual(s) may, at the Company’s sole discretion, be separated by reassignment or terminated from employment or engagement. Failure to comply with this Code may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.


7. Policy Concerning Employment of Relatives. The Company may hire relatives of Covered Persons where there are no potential problems of supervision, morale, or potential conflicts of interest. Covered Persons who marry or become related will be permitted to continue to work as long as there are no substantial conflicts. Reasonable accommodations will be made when possible in the event a conflict arises. For the purpose of this Code, a relative is any person who is related by blood or marriage or whose relationship with the Covered Person is similar to that of persons who are related by blood or marriage. A Covered Person should immediately and fully disclose the relevant circumstances to the Compliance Officer or Human Resources for guidance about whether a potential or actual conflict exists.

8. Anti-Money Laundering. The Company is committed to complying fully with all anti-money laundering laws. Money laundering generally involves conducting a transaction to conceal the illegal origins of funds or to facilitate illegal activity. The Company aims to conduct business only with reputable customers and business partners involved in legitimate business activities using funds derived from legitimate sources. Covered Persons should avoid engaging in any transaction that is structured in any way that could be viewed as concealing illegal conduct or the tainted nature of the proceeds or assets at issue in the transaction.

9. U.S. Economic Sanctions Compliance and Export Controls. The Company requires compliance with laws and regulations governing trade in both the United States and in the countries where the Company conducts its business. A number of countries maintain controls on the export of hardware, software and technology. Some of the strictest export controls are maintained by the United States against countries and certain identified individuals or entities that the U.S. government considers unfriendly or as supporting international terrorism. These controls include:

 

  (a)

Restrictions on the export and reexport of products, services, software, information, or technology that can occur via physical shipments, carrying by hand, electronic transmissions (e.g., emails, distribution of source code and software) and verbal communications;

 

  (b)

Sanctions and embargoes that restrict activities including exports, monetary payments, travel and the provision of services to certain individuals (including individuals and entities included in, and owned or controlled by an individual or entity included in, the List of Specially Designated Nationals & Blocked Persons, the Sectoral Sanctions Identifications (SSI) List or Foreign Sanctions Evaders List maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or any other applicable list of sanctioned, embargoed, blocked, criminal or debarred persons maintained by any U.S. or non-U.S. government, the European Union, Interpol, the United Nations, the World Bank or any other public international organization relevant to Company business), companies and countries;

 

  (c)

International boycotts not sanctioned by the U.S. government that prohibit business activity with a country, its nationals or targeted companies; and

 

  (d)

Imports of products that are subject to the importing country’s customs laws and regulations, which apply regardless of the mode of transportation, including courier shipments and carrying by hand.


Covered Persons must comply with all applicable trade controls and must not cause the Company to be in violation of those laws. If a Covered Person becomes aware of any information suggesting that the Company has or may in the future engage in a transaction that could violate applicable economic sanctions, they should report this information to the Compliance Officer immediately. In addition, please consult the Compliance Officer in relation to any proposed export of Company products, materials or services.

10. Keeping the Audit Committee Informed. The Audit Committee of the Board plays an important role in ensuring the integrity of the Company’s public reports. If a Covered Person believes that questionable accounting or auditing conduct or practices have occurred or are occurring, they should notify the Audit Committee. In particular, any Covered Person should promptly bring to the attention of the Audit Committee any information of which they may become aware concerning:

 

  (a)

The accuracy of material disclosures made by the Company in its public filings;

 

  (b)

Material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting;

 

  (c)

Any evidence of fraud that involves a Covered Person who has a significant role in the Company’s financial reporting, disclosures or internal controls or procedures; or

 

  (d)

Any evidence of a material violation of the policies in this Code regarding financial reporting.

11. Maintaining and Managing Records. The Company is required by local, state, federal, foreign and other applicable laws, rules, and regulations to retain certain records and to follow specific guidelines in managing its records. Records include all recorded information, regardless of medium or characteristics. Civil and criminal penalties for failure to comply with such guidelines can be severe for the Company, Covered Persons and agents, consultants and contractors of the Company.

Additionally, Covered Person should remember that all Company issued devices, computers, hardware, cell phones, media, documents, records and information are the property of the Company. As such, the Company requires Covered Persons to cooperate with any request made by the Compliance Officer to preserve or produce any documents, records, information, devices, computers, hardware, cell phones or other media. Covered Persons should consult with the Compliance Officer regarding the retention of records in the case of an actual or threatened litigation or government investigation. The Compliance Officer will notify Covered Persons if a legal hold is placed on records for which Covered Persons are responsible. A legal hold suspends all document destruction procedures in order to preserve appropriate records under special circumstances, such as litigation or government investigations. The Compliance Officer determines and identifies what types of records or documents are required to be placed under a legal hold. If a legal hold is placed on records for which Covered Persons are responsible, Covered Persons must preserve and protect the necessary records in accordance with instructions from the Compliance Officer. Records or supporting documents that are subject to a legal hold must not be destroyed, altered or modified under any circumstance. A legal hold remains effective until it is officially released in writing by the Compliance Officer. If a Covered Person is unsure whether a document has been placed under a legal hold, they should preserve and protect that document while they check with the Compliance Officer.

12. Political Activities. The Company does not make contributions to political candidates or political parties except as permitted by applicable laws.

Covered Persons engaging in political activity will do so as private citizens and not as representatives of the Company. A Covered Person’s personal lawful political contribution, or decision not to make a contribution, will not influence the Covered Person’s compensation, job security or opportunities for advancement.


G.

COMPLIANCE AND REPORTING

1. Seeking Guidance. Covered Persons are encouraged to seek guidance from their manager or supervisor, the Compliance Officer or Human Resources when in doubt about the best course of action to take in a particular situation. In most instances, questions regarding this Code should be brought to the attention of the Compliance Officer.

2. Reporting Violations. If a Covered Person knows of or suspects a violation of this Code, or of applicable laws and regulations (including complaints or concerns about accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters), or a Covered Person has concerns about a situation that they believe does not reflect the Company’s culture and values, the Covered Person must report it immediately to their manager or supervisor, the Compliance Officer or Human Resources. A Covered Person may also report concerns (anonymously if the Covered Person wishes) (i) via the Company’s confidential independent secure web portal at https://www.whistleblowerservices.com/aadi or reporting hotline at 1-877-289-7474, both available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, (ii) by mail to Aadi Bioscience, Inc., 17383 Sunset Boulevard, Suite A250, Pacific Palisades, California 90272, Attn: Compliance Officer or (iii) via email at lthibault@aadibio.com.

All reports will be kept confidential, to the extent practical, except where disclosure is required to investigate a report or mandated by law. The Company does not permit retaliation of any kind for good faith reports of violations or possible violations.

3. Investigations. Reported violations will be promptly and thoroughly investigated. As a general matter, the Board will oversee investigations of potential violations by directors or executive officers, and the Compliance Officer will oversee investigations of potential violations by other Covered Persons. However, it is imperative that the person reporting the violation not conduct an investigation on their own. Covered Persons are expected to cooperate fully with any appropriately authorized investigation, whether internal or external, into reported violations. Covered Persons should never withhold, tamper with, or fail to communicate relevant information in connection with an appropriately authorized investigation.

In addition, Covered Persons are expected to maintain and safeguard the confidentiality of an investigation to the extent possible, except as otherwise provided below or by applicable law. Making false statements to or otherwise misleading internal or external auditors, investigators, legal counsel, Company representatives, regulators or other governmental entities may be grounds for immediate termination of employment or other relationship with the Company and also be a criminal act that can result in severe penalties.

4. Sanctions. Covered Persons who violate this Code may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Moreover, Covered Persons who direct or approve of any conduct in violation of this Code, or who have knowledge of such conduct but do not immediately report it may also be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment ort engagement. A director who violates this Code or directs or approves conduct in violation of this Code will be subject to action as determined by the Board.


Furthermore, violations of some provisions of this Code are illegal and may subject Covered Persons to civil and criminal liability.

Disclosure. Nothing in this Code limits or prohibits Covered Persons from engaging for a lawful purpose in any “Protected Activity.” “Protected Activity” means filing a charge or complaint, or otherwise communicating, cooperating or participating, with any state, federal or other governmental agency, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the National Labor Relations Board. Notwithstanding any other policies in this Code (or elsewhere), Covered Persons are not required to obtain authorization from the Company prior to disclosing information to, or communicating with, such agencies, nor are Covered Persons obligated to advise the Company as to any such disclosures or communications. Notwithstanding, in making any such disclosures or communications, Covered Persons must take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of any information that may constitute Company confidential information to any parties other than the relevant government agencies. “Protected Activity” does not include the disclosure of any Company attorney-client privileged communications; any such disclosure, without the Company’s written consent, violates Company policy. (For additional guidance, please refer to the Company’s “Whistleblower Policy”.)

 

H.

WAIVERS OF THIS CODE

Any amendment or waiver of any provision of this Code must be approved in writing by the Board or, if appropriate, its delegate(s), and promptly disclosed pursuant to applicable laws and regulations. Any waiver or modification of this Code for the principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller or any other persons performing similar functions in the Company will be promptly disclosed to stockholders if and as required by applicable law or the rules of the stock exchange on which the securities of the Company are listed.

 

I.

AMENDMENT

The Company reserves the right to amend this Code at any time, for any reason, subject to applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

 

K.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

All Covered Persons must sign an acknowledgment form confirming that they have read this Code and that they understand and agree to comply with its provisions, both at the time of hire and annually thereafter. Signed acknowledgment forms will be kept in Covered Person personnel files. Failure to read this Code or to sign an acknowledgment form does not excuse any person from complying with all of the terms of this Code.


ACKNOWLEDGMENT

AADI BIOSCIENCE, INC.

CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS

1. I acknowledge that I have received and read the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

2. I acknowledge that I understand the standards, policies and procedures contained in the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and understand that there may be additional standards, policies, procedures, and laws relevant to my employment or other relationship with the Company.

3. I agree to comply with the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

4. I acknowledge that if I have questions concerning the meaning or application of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, any Company policies or the legal or regulatory requirements applicable to my position, it is my responsibility to seek guidance from my manager or supervisor, the Compliance Officer or Human Resources.

5. I acknowledge that neither this Acknowledgment nor the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is meant to vary or supersede the regular terms and conditions of my employment by, or other relationship with, the Company or to constitute an employment contract.

Please review, sign, and return this Acknowledgment to Human Resources.

 

 

(print name)

 

(signature)

 

(date)

 

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1 Corporate Overview August 2021 NASDAQ: AADI www.aadibio.com Aadi Bioscience Inc., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, USA 1Exhibit 99.1 Corporate Overview August 2021 NASDAQ: AADI www.aadibio.com Aadi Bioscience Inc., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, USA 1


Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements • Certain statements contained in this presentation regarding matters that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995, known as the PSLRA. These include statements regarding management’s intention, plans, beliefs, expectations or forecasts for the future, and, therefore, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. Aadi Bioscience, Inc. (“Aadi”) undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law. We use words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “projects,” “intends,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “guidance,” and similar expressions to identify these forward-looking statements that are intended to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions of the PSLRA. • Such forward-looking statements are based on our expectations and involve risks and uncertainties; consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, risks related to the sufficiency Aadi’s cash balance to fund operations; Aadi’s plans to develop and potentially commercialize its product candidates, including FYARRO™ (nab-sirolimus, ABI- 009); the timing of initiation of Aadi’s planned clinical trials; the timing of the availability of data from Aadi’s clinical trials; the timing of regulatory review of Aadi’s new drug application for FYARRO; Aadi’s plans to research, develop and commercialize its current and future product candidates; Aadi’s ability to successfully enter into collaborations, and to fulfill its obligations under any such collaboration agreements; the clinical utility, potential benefits and market acceptance of FYARRO and any other of Aadi’s product candidates; Aadi’s commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; Aadi’s ability to identify additional products or product candidates with significant commercial potential; developments and projections relating to Aadi’s competitors and our its industry; the impact of government laws and regulations; Aadi’s ability to protect its intellectual property position; the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on Aadi’s operations, the biotechnology industry and the economy generally and Aadi’s estimates regarding future revenue, expenses, capital requirements and need for additional financing. • These risks are described in detail under the caption “Risk Factors” in the definitive proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 8, 2021 in connection with the Aerpio reverse merger with Aadi. Additional risks and uncertainties are identified and discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of Aerpio’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on August 11, 2021, and other documents filed from time to time with the SEC, including Aadi’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to be filed with the SEC for the quarter-ended September 30, 2021. Forward-looking statements included in this presentation are based on information available to Aadi as of the date of this presentation. Aadi undertakes any obligation to such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this presentation. 2Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements • Certain statements contained in this presentation regarding matters that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995, known as the PSLRA. These include statements regarding management’s intention, plans, beliefs, expectations or forecasts for the future, and, therefore, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. Aadi Bioscience, Inc. (“Aadi”) undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law. We use words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “projects,” “intends,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “guidance,” and similar expressions to identify these forward-looking statements that are intended to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions of the PSLRA. • Such forward-looking statements are based on our expectations and involve risks and uncertainties; consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, risks related to the sufficiency Aadi’s cash balance to fund operations; Aadi’s plans to develop and potentially commercialize its product candidates, including FYARRO™ (nab-sirolimus, ABI- 009); the timing of initiation of Aadi’s planned clinical trials; the timing of the availability of data from Aadi’s clinical trials; the timing of regulatory review of Aadi’s new drug application for FYARRO; Aadi’s plans to research, develop and commercialize its current and future product candidates; Aadi’s ability to successfully enter into collaborations, and to fulfill its obligations under any such collaboration agreements; the clinical utility, potential benefits and market acceptance of FYARRO and any other of Aadi’s product candidates; Aadi’s commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; Aadi’s ability to identify additional products or product candidates with significant commercial potential; developments and projections relating to Aadi’s competitors and our its industry; the impact of government laws and regulations; Aadi’s ability to protect its intellectual property position; the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on Aadi’s operations, the biotechnology industry and the economy generally and Aadi’s estimates regarding future revenue, expenses, capital requirements and need for additional financing. • These risks are described in detail under the caption “Risk Factors” in the definitive proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 8, 2021 in connection with the Aerpio reverse merger with Aadi. Additional risks and uncertainties are identified and discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of Aerpio’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on August 11, 2021, and other documents filed from time to time with the SEC, including Aadi’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to be filed with the SEC for the quarter-ended September 30, 2021. Forward-looking statements included in this presentation are based on information available to Aadi as of the date of this presentation. Aadi undertakes any obligation to such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this presentation. 2


AADI BIOSCIENCE, INC: INTRODUCTION Aadi-Aerpio Merger Closed • Aadi Bioscience, Inc. trading on Nasdaq under “AADI” following merger with Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. • The company will focus on advancing Aadi’s lead product candidate, FYARRO™ (nab-sirolimus, ABI-009) • Concurrent PIPE financing of $155 million led by Acuta and KVP and including Avoro, Venrock, BVF, Vivo, Alta, Rock Springs, RTW, Acorn, and Serrado • Cash balance post-closing of approximately $170 million with projected runway into 2024 • Total shares outstanding: 20.8 million 3AADI BIOSCIENCE, INC: INTRODUCTION Aadi-Aerpio Merger Closed • Aadi Bioscience, Inc. trading on Nasdaq under “AADI” following merger with Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. • The company will focus on advancing Aadi’s lead product candidate, FYARRO™ (nab-sirolimus, ABI-009) • Concurrent PIPE financing of $155 million led by Acuta and KVP and including Avoro, Venrock, BVF, Vivo, Alta, Rock Springs, RTW, Acorn, and Serrado • Cash balance post-closing of approximately $170 million with projected runway into 2024 • Total shares outstanding: 20.8 million 3


Aadi Board of Directors CEO Board of Directors Neil Desai, PhD Behzad Aghazadeh, PhD Caley Castelein, MD Anupam Dalal, MD Karin Hehenberger, MD, PhD Richard Maroun Founder, CEO and President Chairman • Former Sr VP, Global • Managing Partner & • Managing Director, KVP • Chief Investment Officer & • Founder & CEO, Lyfebulb • Partner, General Counsel, R&D at Abraxis Portfolio Manager, Capital and Kearny Portfolio Manager, Acuta Frazier Healthcare • 20+ years experience in Bioscience Avoro Capital Venture Partners Capital Partners the life sciences sector • Former Vice President, • 25+ years biopharma • 20+ years of healthcare • 18+ years of healthcare • 20+ years biopharma • Former executive at Strategic Platforms, industry experience experience as a principal experience as a principal industry experience Eyetech Pharmaceuticals Celgene investor investor • Former Executive & Coronado BioSciences • Former SVP and General • Inventor of the nab Chairman of • Board Member at • Former Managing Counsel, Aptalis • Previously held strategic technology (ABRAXANE Immunomedics (acquired ViewRay, Inc. (VRAY), Director at Kearny Pharmaceuticals management roles at and ABI-009) by Gilead in 2020) Newbridge Venture Partners and Johnson & Johnson, • Previously held senior Pharmaceuticals, and Principal at Flagship • Led development of • Extensive scientific JDRF, and McKinsey and executive roles at APP Aerpio Pharmaceuticals Pioneering ABRAXANE research and multibillion dollar Pharmaceuticals, Abraxis management consulting • Board Member at Aerpio investment funds Bioscience, and American • 25+ years in R&D experience Pharmaceuticals Bioscience Inc. 4Aadi Board of Directors CEO Board of Directors Neil Desai, PhD Behzad Aghazadeh, PhD Caley Castelein, MD Anupam Dalal, MD Karin Hehenberger, MD, PhD Richard Maroun Founder, CEO and President Chairman • Former Sr VP, Global • Managing Partner & • Managing Director, KVP • Chief Investment Officer & • Founder & CEO, Lyfebulb • Partner, General Counsel, R&D at Abraxis Portfolio Manager, Capital and Kearny Portfolio Manager, Acuta Frazier Healthcare • 20+ years experience in Bioscience Avoro Capital Venture Partners Capital Partners the life sciences sector • Former Vice President, • 25+ years biopharma • 20+ years of healthcare • 18+ years of healthcare • 20+ years biopharma • Former executive at Strategic Platforms, industry experience experience as a principal experience as a principal industry experience Eyetech Pharmaceuticals Celgene investor investor • Former Executive & Coronado BioSciences • Former SVP and General • Inventor of the nab Chairman of • Board Member at • Former Managing Counsel, Aptalis • Previously held strategic technology (ABRAXANE Immunomedics (acquired ViewRay, Inc. (VRAY), Director at Kearny Pharmaceuticals management roles at and ABI-009) by Gilead in 2020) Newbridge Venture Partners and Johnson & Johnson, • Previously held senior Pharmaceuticals, and Principal at Flagship • Led development of • Extensive scientific JDRF, and McKinsey and executive roles at APP Aerpio Pharmaceuticals Pioneering ABRAXANE research and multibillion dollar Pharmaceuticals, Abraxis management consulting • Board Member at Aerpio investment funds Bioscience, and American • 25+ years in R&D experience Pharmaceuticals Bioscience Inc. 4


Aadi Bioscience is a late-stage, precision oncology company re-engineering mTOR inhibition ™ FYARRO (nab-sirolimus, ABI-009) is a nanoparticle albumin-bound form of sirolimus ® • Similar technology platform to ABRAXANE (paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension) (Bristol Myers Squibb Corporation) • Albumin-based technology results in higher intratumoral concentrations, increased target suppression, and improved tumor growth inhibition and survival in animal models compared to other mTOR inhibitors Lead indication PEComa, a rare tumor with high frequency of TSC1 and TSC2 alterations • Endpoints met in registrational trial in patients with PEComa • Breakthrough therapy designation granted • NDA accepted for filing with Priority Review and November 26, 2021 PDUFA target action date • Commercial preparations underway to support U.S. launch Tumor-agnostic opportunity in TSC1 and TSC2 alterations • Strong mechanistic rationale; potential for validation with PEComa approval 1 • Preliminary EAP data presented at ASCO 2021 supportive of tumor-agnostic strategy 5 5 EAP = Expanded Access Program 1) MA Dickson. ASCO. 2021. Abstract # 3111Aadi Bioscience is a late-stage, precision oncology company re-engineering mTOR inhibition ™ FYARRO (nab-sirolimus, ABI-009) is a nanoparticle albumin-bound form of sirolimus ® • Similar technology platform to ABRAXANE (paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension) (Bristol Myers Squibb Corporation) • Albumin-based technology results in higher intratumoral concentrations, increased target suppression, and improved tumor growth inhibition and survival in animal models compared to other mTOR inhibitors Lead indication PEComa, a rare tumor with high frequency of TSC1 and TSC2 alterations • Endpoints met in registrational trial in patients with PEComa • Breakthrough therapy designation granted • NDA accepted for filing with Priority Review and November 26, 2021 PDUFA target action date • Commercial preparations underway to support U.S. launch Tumor-agnostic opportunity in TSC1 and TSC2 alterations • Strong mechanistic rationale; potential for validation with PEComa approval 1 • Preliminary EAP data presented at ASCO 2021 supportive of tumor-agnostic strategy 5 5 EAP = Expanded Access Program 1) MA Dickson. ASCO. 2021. Abstract # 3111


ABI-009 Advanced Oncology Pipeline Indication Phase 1b Phase 2 Registrational Upcoming Milestones Potential first FDA approval for PEComa, histology with high November 26, 2021 Single Agent Advanced Malignant PEComa PDUFA frequency of TSC1 and TSC2 alterations Single Agent Pan-Tumor TSC1 Inactivating Alterations File IND for tumor-agnostic pivotal study with independent arms for TSC1 or TSC2 inactivating mutations; trial to be initiated by year end 2021 Single Agent Pan-Tumor TSC2 Inactivating Alterations Expanded Access Program Provide access to ABI-009 pre-approval to patients with PEComa or Single Agent (Solid Tumors ± mTOR Pathway solid tumors with mTOR pathway mutations Alterations) Dose Finding Combination Studies Continue ongoing combination partner trials and initiate new trials with adjacent pathway combinations that may be synergistic (Multiple) Undisclosed indication: single agent Expand into a sub-population with strong mTOR mechanistic rationale expansion Ongoing To be initiated Planned/ initial stages


ABI-009: Leveraging Albumin to Improve mTOR Inhibition 7


Nanoparticle Albumin-Bound (nab) Technology Nab Platform (nab paclitaxel) paclitaxel sirolimus Artist impression Albumin Artist impression Albumin 1 1 2 • Proprietary, complex, multistep • Superior efficacy , safety , and PK/PD • Licensed from Celgene in 2014 manufacturing process with vs. standard formulation paclitaxel • Larger PK/PD differences vs. reference trade secrets 4 • Approved for breast cancer, NSCLC, drug than ABRAXANE 1 and pancreatic cancer • “nab” process adapted for sirolimus • Commercially successful with >$1B in • WW patent portfolio with issued patents 3 annual sales providing coverage to 2036 ® ABRAXANE is a registered trademark of Celgene Corporation 8 1) ABRAXANE prescribing information 2) N Desai et al., Clin Cancer Res. 2006;12(4):1317-1324. 3) Evaluate Pharma. Accessed April 2021 4) see following slides for detailsNanoparticle Albumin-Bound (nab) Technology Nab Platform (nab paclitaxel) paclitaxel sirolimus Artist impression Albumin Artist impression Albumin 1 1 2 • Proprietary, complex, multistep • Superior efficacy , safety , and PK/PD • Licensed from Celgene in 2014 manufacturing process with vs. standard formulation paclitaxel • Larger PK/PD differences vs. reference trade secrets 4 • Approved for breast cancer, NSCLC, drug than ABRAXANE 1 and pancreatic cancer • “nab” process adapted for sirolimus • Commercially successful with >$1B in • WW patent portfolio with issued patents 3 annual sales providing coverage to 2036 ® ABRAXANE is a registered trademark of Celgene Corporation 8 1) ABRAXANE prescribing information 2) N Desai et al., Clin Cancer Res. 2006;12(4):1317-1324. 3) Evaluate Pharma. Accessed April 2021 4) see following slides for details


ABI-009 Targets mTOR, a Key Signaling Pathway in Cancer PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway Growth Insulin Factors PI3K Ras PTEN Raf Akt MEK ERK Frequently TSC1/ mutated in cancer TSC2 and/or validated target Rheb mTOR complex 1 mTOR ABI-009 (mTORC1) Raptor S6K 4EBP1 9ABI-009 Targets mTOR, a Key Signaling Pathway in Cancer PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway Growth Insulin Factors PI3K Ras PTEN Raf Akt MEK ERK Frequently TSC1/ mutated in cancer TSC2 and/or validated target Rheb mTOR complex 1 mTOR ABI-009 (mTORC1) Raptor S6K 4EBP1 9


ABI-009 Achieves Larger PK/PD Difference vs Reference Drug Preclinical Tumor Exposure (AUC) Clinical Whole Blood AUC Fold Change vs. Reference Drug at Fold Change vs. Reference Drug at Equal Dose (Xenograft Model) Clinical Dose (Clinical Data) 50 18 16 43 45 16 40 14 35 12 30 10 25 8 20 6 15 4 10 1.2 2 5 1.3 0 0 1 2 3 4,5 Abraxane IV / paclitaxel IV ABI-009 IV / sirolimus PO Abraxane IV / paclitaxel IV ABI-009 IV / sirolimus PO* 2 2 2 Total dose = Total dose = 260 mg/m 175 mg/m 100 mg/m 5-6 mg/day 100 mg/kg over 5d 15 mg/kg over 7 days Note: FDA approved dosing & admin schedule used for Abraxane, paclitaxel, and sirolimus. PEComa registrational trial dose used for ABI-009 * Indirect comparison of ABI-009 clinical data to published clinical data for sirolimus 1) N Desai et al., Clin Cancer Res. 2006;12(4):1317-1324. 5) Sirolimus: Mean of the following two sources: 2) S Hou et al. AACR 2019. (a) A Jimeno et al., J Clin Oncol. 2008;26(25):4172-4179. and 3) A Sparreboom et al., Clin Cancer Res. 2006;11(11):4136-4143. (b) I Garrido-Laguna et al., Br J Cancer. 2010;103(5):649-655. 10 4) ABI-009: AM Gonzalez-Angulo et al., Clin Cancer Res 2013;19:5474-5484.ABI-009 Achieves Larger PK/PD Difference vs Reference Drug Preclinical Tumor Exposure (AUC) Clinical Whole Blood AUC Fold Change vs. Reference Drug at Fold Change vs. Reference Drug at Equal Dose (Xenograft Model) Clinical Dose (Clinical Data) 50 18 16 43 45 16 40 14 35 12 30 10 25 8 20 6 15 4 10 1.2 2 5 1.3 0 0 1 2 3 4,5 Abraxane IV / paclitaxel IV ABI-009 IV / sirolimus PO Abraxane IV / paclitaxel IV ABI-009 IV / sirolimus PO* 2 2 2 Total dose = Total dose = 260 mg/m 175 mg/m 100 mg/m 5-6 mg/day 100 mg/kg over 5d 15 mg/kg over 7 days Note: FDA approved dosing & admin schedule used for Abraxane, paclitaxel, and sirolimus. PEComa registrational trial dose used for ABI-009 * Indirect comparison of ABI-009 clinical data to published clinical data for sirolimus 1) N Desai et al., Clin Cancer Res. 2006;12(4):1317-1324. 5) Sirolimus: Mean of the following two sources: 2) S Hou et al. AACR 2019. (a) A Jimeno et al., J Clin Oncol. 2008;26(25):4172-4179. and 3) A Sparreboom et al., Clin Cancer Res. 2006;11(11):4136-4143. (b) I Garrido-Laguna et al., Br J Cancer. 2010;103(5):649-655. 10 4) ABI-009: AM Gonzalez-Angulo et al., Clin Cancer Res 2013;19:5474-5484.


Role of Albumin in Tumor Targeting Albumin accumulation in tumors Labeled albumin can be used intraoperatively to established in multiple preclinical models guide surgical resection of tumors in humans Accumulation of the evans blue albumin complex • 5-Amino Fluorescein labelled Albumin administered IV (0.5-1 mg/kg) in 13 patients, 0.5-4 in subcutaneously growing sarcoma 180 tumors days before surgery over 72 h • Tumor fluorescence was bright in 11 patients (84%), resulting in complete resection in 9 patients (69%) Y Shahzad et al., Curr Cancer Drug Targets. 2014;14(8):752-63 P Kremer et al., Neurosurgery. 2009;64(3 Suppl):ons53-60; discussion ons60-1 11


Higher ABI-009 intratumoral concentrations drive increased target suppression and tumor growth inhibition in animal models Increased Target Stronger Inhibition of Tumor Growth Significantly Higher Intratumoral Suppression and Longer Survival in Animals Drug Accumulation 2000 1500 150000 12-fold,P < 0.0001 Saline Sirolimus (PO, 15 mg/kg/wk) 1000 43 fold,P < 0.0001 Everolimus (PO, 15 mg/kg/wk) ABI-009 (IV, 15 mg/kg/wk) 500 100000 Total Weekly dose: Oral sirolimus 0 Oral everolimus 0 5 10 15 15 mg/kg/wk Treatment Days 100 50000 50 0 ABI-009 IV Sirolimus PO Everolimus PO Saline Control ABI-009 (low dose) 0 0 10 20 30 40 Treatment Days Tumor concentration of ABI-009, oral sirolimus, and oral Tumor IHC pS6 suppression on D7 post dose at equal UMUC3 (aggressive human bladder cancer) Xenograft (n=8/group): everolimus measured over 7 days at equal weekly dose doses (15 mg/kg/wk). Oral Rapamycin and Everolimus 15 mg/kg/wk (3 mg/kg, 5x/wk); (15 mg/kg/wk) in mice bearing tumor xenografts pS6 is a downstream target of mTOR. IV ABI-009 15 mg/kg/wk (7.5 mg/kg, 2x/wk) ABI-009 vs oral sirolimus: P = 0.0001 (ANOVA) Tumor volume: ABI-009 vs oral sirolimus: P < 0.0001 (ANOVA) ABI-009 vs oral everolimus P – 0.0034 (ANOVA) ABI-009 vs oral everolimus P – 0.0023 (ANOVA) Survival: ABI-009 vs oral sirolimus: P < 0.05 (Log-rank test) ABI-009 vs oral everolimus P < 0.05 (Log-rank test) ABI-009 demonstrated enhanced anti-tumor activity vs. currently approved mTOR inhibitors in animal models at clinically relevant doses. 12 Source: S Hou et al., AACR. 2019 Tumor Tissue Sirolimus or Everolimus AUC (ng*hr/g) 3 Tumor Volume (mm ) Percent survivalHigher ABI-009 intratumoral concentrations drive increased target suppression and tumor growth inhibition in animal models Increased Target Stronger Inhibition of Tumor Growth Significantly Higher Intratumoral Suppression and Longer Survival in Animals Drug Accumulation 2000 1500 150000 12-fold,P < 0.0001 Saline Sirolimus (PO, 15 mg/kg/wk) 1000 43 fold,P < 0.0001 Everolimus (PO, 15 mg/kg/wk) ABI-009 (IV, 15 mg/kg/wk) 500 100000 Total Weekly dose: Oral sirolimus 0 Oral everolimus 0 5 10 15 15 mg/kg/wk Treatment Days 100 50000 50 0 ABI-009 IV Sirolimus PO Everolimus PO Saline Control ABI-009 (low dose) 0 0 10 20 30 40 Treatment Days Tumor concentration of ABI-009, oral sirolimus, and oral Tumor IHC pS6 suppression on D7 post dose at equal UMUC3 (aggressive human bladder cancer) Xenograft (n=8/group): everolimus measured over 7 days at equal weekly dose doses (15 mg/kg/wk). Oral Rapamycin and Everolimus 15 mg/kg/wk (3 mg/kg, 5x/wk); (15 mg/kg/wk) in mice bearing tumor xenografts pS6 is a downstream target of mTOR. IV ABI-009 15 mg/kg/wk (7.5 mg/kg, 2x/wk) ABI-009 vs oral sirolimus: P = 0.0001 (ANOVA) Tumor volume: ABI-009 vs oral sirolimus: P < 0.0001 (ANOVA) ABI-009 vs oral everolimus P – 0.0034 (ANOVA) ABI-009 vs oral everolimus P – 0.0023 (ANOVA) Survival: ABI-009 vs oral sirolimus: P < 0.05 (Log-rank test) ABI-009 vs oral everolimus P < 0.05 (Log-rank test) ABI-009 demonstrated enhanced anti-tumor activity vs. currently approved mTOR inhibitors in animal models at clinically relevant doses. 12 Source: S Hou et al., AACR. 2019 Tumor Tissue Sirolimus or Everolimus AUC (ng*hr/g) 3 Tumor Volume (mm ) Percent survival


Differentiated Clinical PK Profile Compared to Other mTOR Inhibitors PK Comparison at Clinical Doses Half-life of mTOR Inhibitors Cmax of mTOR Inhibitors Weekly AUC of mTOR Inhibitors 70 3500 3227 50,000 63.1 44072 45,000 60 3000 40,000 50 2500 35,000 30,000 40 2000 30 25,000 30 1500 20,000 18.6 17.3 15,000 20 1000 661 10,000 5390 10 3598 500 2720 5,000 61 24.8 0 0 0 Sirolimus Everolimus Temsirolimus ABI-009 Sirolimus Everolimus Temsirolimus ABI-009 Sirolimus Everolimus Temsirolimus ABI-009 (5-6 mg/day) (10 mg/day) (25 mg/wk) (100 mg/m^2) (5-6 mg/day) (10 mg/day) (25 mg/wk) + (100 mg/m^2) (5-6 mg/day) (10 mg/day) (25 mg/wk) + (100 mg/m^2) metabolite metabolite ABI-009 achieves higher AUC, Cmax and longer half-life in humans at its clinical dose when compared with published clinical data for other mTOR inhibitors. 1) Mean of the following two sources: (a) A Jimeno et al., J Clin Oncol. 2008;26(25):4172-4179. and (b) I Garrido-Laguna et al., Br J Cancer. 2010;103(5):649-655. 13 2) R Danesi et al., Cancer Treatment Reviews. 2013;39:784–792. 3) ABI-009: AM Gonzalez-Angulo et al., Clin Cancer Res 2013;19:5474-5484. Hours Cmax (ng/mL) AUC (ng h/mL)Differentiated Clinical PK Profile Compared to Other mTOR Inhibitors PK Comparison at Clinical Doses Half-life of mTOR Inhibitors Cmax of mTOR Inhibitors Weekly AUC of mTOR Inhibitors 70 3500 3227 50,000 63.1 44072 45,000 60 3000 40,000 50 2500 35,000 30,000 40 2000 30 25,000 30 1500 20,000 18.6 17.3 15,000 20 1000 661 10,000 5390 10 3598 500 2720 5,000 61 24.8 0 0 0 Sirolimus Everolimus Temsirolimus ABI-009 Sirolimus Everolimus Temsirolimus ABI-009 Sirolimus Everolimus Temsirolimus ABI-009 (5-6 mg/day) (10 mg/day) (25 mg/wk) (100 mg/m^2) (5-6 mg/day) (10 mg/day) (25 mg/wk) + (100 mg/m^2) (5-6 mg/day) (10 mg/day) (25 mg/wk) + (100 mg/m^2) metabolite metabolite ABI-009 achieves higher AUC, Cmax and longer half-life in humans at its clinical dose when compared with published clinical data for other mTOR inhibitors. 1) Mean of the following two sources: (a) A Jimeno et al., J Clin Oncol. 2008;26(25):4172-4179. and (b) I Garrido-Laguna et al., Br J Cancer. 2010;103(5):649-655. 13 2) R Danesi et al., Cancer Treatment Reviews. 2013;39:784–792. 3) ABI-009: AM Gonzalez-Angulo et al., Clin Cancer Res 2013;19:5474-5484. Hours Cmax (ng/mL) AUC (ng h/mL)


Summary of ABI-009’s Mechanism of Action and Key Differences Compared to Existing mTOR Inhibitors Albumin Sirolimus ABI-009 nanoparticle albumin-bound sirolimus injectable suspension Potential to leverage albumin tumor Wider therapeutic window in Differentiated pharmacokinetic and targeting preclinical models clinical profile • Active caveolar transport • Higher intratumoral concentrations vs. existing • Higher AUC, Cmax and longer half-life than mTOR inhibitors at similar doses existing mTOR inhibitors (comparison vs • Enhanced permeability and retention effect, published data) leaky capillaries in tumor beds with reduced • Increased mTOR pathway suppression within lymphatic drainage the tumor at similar doses versus existing • New clinical dosing paradigm for sirolimus mTOR inhibitors (once weekly IV vs. daily oral) • Active catabolism of albumin in tumors • Improved tumor growth inhibition and survival • Evidence of antitumor activity in patients 1,2 for ABI-009 vs other mTOR inhibitors at previously exposed to mTOR inhibitors clinically relevant doses • High tumor concentrations have potential to bypass resistance mechanisms 14 1) AM Gonzalez-Angulo et al., Clin Cancer Res. 2013;19:5474-5484. 2) P Kopparthy and M Murphy. Cureus. 13(5):e14951. Summary of ABI-009’s Mechanism of Action and Key Differences Compared to Existing mTOR Inhibitors Albumin Sirolimus ABI-009 nanoparticle albumin-bound sirolimus injectable suspension Potential to leverage albumin tumor Wider therapeutic window in Differentiated pharmacokinetic and targeting preclinical models clinical profile • Active caveolar transport • Higher intratumoral concentrations vs. existing • Higher AUC, Cmax and longer half-life than mTOR inhibitors at similar doses existing mTOR inhibitors (comparison vs • Enhanced permeability and retention effect, published data) leaky capillaries in tumor beds with reduced • Increased mTOR pathway suppression within lymphatic drainage the tumor at similar doses versus existing • New clinical dosing paradigm for sirolimus mTOR inhibitors (once weekly IV vs. daily oral) • Active catabolism of albumin in tumors • Improved tumor growth inhibition and survival • Evidence of antitumor activity in patients 1,2 for ABI-009 vs other mTOR inhibitors at previously exposed to mTOR inhibitors clinically relevant doses • High tumor concentrations have potential to bypass resistance mechanisms 14 1) AM Gonzalez-Angulo et al., Clin Cancer Res. 2013;19:5474-5484. 2) P Kopparthy and M Murphy. Cureus. 13(5):e14951.


Initial Indication: PEComa 15Initial Indication: PEComa 15


PEComa Disease Overview and Current Standard of Care Advanced, Malignant Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComa) Current Standard of Care • No approved treatments and no prior clinical trials conducted • Ultra rare sarcoma • Retrospective data supports use of mTOR inhibition • Mesenchymal tumor (sarcoma) consisting of perivascular epithelioid cells • Often misdiagnosed and treated with other sarcoma treatments • Distinctive cells that show a focal association with 1 blood-vessel walls Currently Used (Unapproved) Treatments • Usually express both melanocytic and smooth 1 muscle markers 3 3 Chemotherapy mTOR Inhibitor (e.g., doxorubicin and ifosfamide) (e.g., everolimus, sirolimus) • Can arise at any site but most commonly at visceral (especially gastrointestinal and uterine), Standard sarcoma treatment; More frequently used in retroperitoneal, and abdominopelvic sites and more frequently used in academic setting and amongst with female predominance community setting despite high volume community treaters 2 minimal efficacy • Estimated survival of 12-16 months • Biological evidence of mTOR pathway activation • Estimated 100-300 new patients per year 4 in the US 1) Ben-Ami et al., Expert Opinion on Orphan Drugs. 2018 2) JS Bleeker, JF Quevedo, and AL Folpe, Sarcoma. 2012;541626. 3) Primary Oncologist Market Research (N=10) conducted July and August 2019 by Corsica 16 Life Sciences 4) No formal published epidemiology information; Aadi analysis based on multiple sources including Aadi internal data and external research conducted by Tessellon Group and Corsica Life Sciences PEComa Disease Overview and Current Standard of Care Advanced, Malignant Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComa) Current Standard of Care • No approved treatments and no prior clinical trials conducted • Ultra rare sarcoma • Retrospective data supports use of mTOR inhibition • Mesenchymal tumor (sarcoma) consisting of perivascular epithelioid cells • Often misdiagnosed and treated with other sarcoma treatments • Distinctive cells that show a focal association with 1 blood-vessel walls Currently Used (Unapproved) Treatments • Usually express both melanocytic and smooth 1 muscle markers 3 3 Chemotherapy mTOR Inhibitor (e.g., doxorubicin and ifosfamide) (e.g., everolimus, sirolimus) • Can arise at any site but most commonly at visceral (especially gastrointestinal and uterine), Standard sarcoma treatment; More frequently used in retroperitoneal, and abdominopelvic sites and more frequently used in academic setting and amongst with female predominance community setting despite high volume community treaters 2 minimal efficacy • Estimated survival of 12-16 months • Biological evidence of mTOR pathway activation • Estimated 100-300 new patients per year 4 in the US 1) Ben-Ami et al., Expert Opinion on Orphan Drugs. 2018 2) JS Bleeker, JF Quevedo, and AL Folpe, Sarcoma. 2012;541626. 3) Primary Oncologist Market Research (N=10) conducted July and August 2019 by Corsica 16 Life Sciences 4) No formal published epidemiology information; Aadi analysis based on multiple sources including Aadi internal data and external research conducted by Tessellon Group and Corsica Life Sciences


AMPECT PEComa Registrational Trial Met its Endpoints AMPECT Registrational Trial Outcome AMPECT PEComa Phase II Registrational Trial Design Independent Radiology Review Measures 39% (12/31) 2 ABI-009 100 mg/m IV Primary Endpoint: ORR Best Overall Response Rate (1CR*+11PR) Advanced Malignant 95% CI (22%, 58%) D1,8 q 21d until Secondary Endpoints: PEComa Patients progression or DOR, PFS at 6m, mPFS, Stable Disease 52% (16/31) (mTOR naïve) unacceptable toxicity mOS, Safety Progressive Disease 10% (3/31) >25.8 months* (not reached) Sample Size: Target ORR of ~30% in 30 evaluable patients to exclude Median Duration of Response (5.6 – 42.4+) the lower bound of the 95% CI of 14.7% % of Responders ongoing > 2y 58% (7/12) FDA Orphan, Fast-Track, and Breakthrough Therapy % of Responders ongoing >3y 25% (3/12) Designations granted Median Progression Free Survival 8.9 months * At 1 year follow-up after the May 2019 AJ Wagner, ASCO. 2020. primary analysis The AMPECT Trial met its primary endpoint, exceeding the 30% target ORR agreed upon by the FDA. NDA submission accepted in July 2021 with Priority Review status granted and PDUFA target action date of November 26, 2021. 17 ABI-009 is an investigational new drug and has not been approved for commercial distribution in the United States. AMPECT PEComa Registrational Trial Met its Endpoints AMPECT Registrational Trial Outcome AMPECT PEComa Phase II Registrational Trial Design Independent Radiology Review Measures 39% (12/31) 2 ABI-009 100 mg/m IV Primary Endpoint: ORR Best Overall Response Rate (1CR*+11PR) Advanced Malignant 95% CI (22%, 58%) D1,8 q 21d until Secondary Endpoints: PEComa Patients progression or DOR, PFS at 6m, mPFS, Stable Disease 52% (16/31) (mTOR naïve) unacceptable toxicity mOS, Safety Progressive Disease 10% (3/31) >25.8 months* (not reached) Sample Size: Target ORR of ~30% in 30 evaluable patients to exclude Median Duration of Response (5.6 – 42.4+) the lower bound of the 95% CI of 14.7% % of Responders ongoing > 2y 58% (7/12) FDA Orphan, Fast-Track, and Breakthrough Therapy % of Responders ongoing >3y 25% (3/12) Designations granted Median Progression Free Survival 8.9 months * At 1 year follow-up after the May 2019 AJ Wagner, ASCO. 2020. primary analysis The AMPECT Trial met its primary endpoint, exceeding the 30% target ORR agreed upon by the FDA. NDA submission accepted in July 2021 with Priority Review status granted and PDUFA target action date of November 26, 2021. 17 ABI-009 is an investigational new drug and has not been approved for commercial distribution in the United States.


AMPECT Response Assessment Waterfall Plot of Target Lesion Response Independent Radiology Review Independent Review Best Overall Response 50 total may exceed 100% due to rounding 0 * -50 • PRs were observed in patients with following primary sites: uterine (3), kidney (3), retroperitoneal (2), pelvis (2) liver (1), small bowel (1) • Uterine PEComa: 3/7 (43%) had a PR -100 ** 1 3/34 treated patients were not evaluable - 2 pts confirmed as ‘not PEComa’ (misdiagnosis), 1 pt had no tissue for central confirmation of PEComa 2 All confirmed responses are PR * 1 patient had an unconfirmed PR and thus best response is an SD as per RECIST v1.1 ** Patient with CR in target lesion had a nonCR/nonPD nontarget lesion, thus overall assessment is a PR as per RECIST v1.1 18 MA Dickson, CTOS. 2019. Primary Data cut on May 22, 2019 ABI-009 is an investigational new drug and has not been approved for commercial distribution in the United States. Maximal % of Target Lesion ReductionAMPECT Response Assessment Waterfall Plot of Target Lesion Response Independent Radiology Review Independent Review Best Overall Response 50 total may exceed 100% due to rounding 0 * -50 • PRs were observed in patients with following primary sites: uterine (3), kidney (3), retroperitoneal (2), pelvis (2) liver (1), small bowel (1) • Uterine PEComa: 3/7 (43%) had a PR -100 ** 1 3/34 treated patients were not evaluable - 2 pts confirmed as ‘not PEComa’ (misdiagnosis), 1 pt had no tissue for central confirmation of PEComa 2 All confirmed responses are PR * 1 patient had an unconfirmed PR and thus best response is an SD as per RECIST v1.1 ** Patient with CR in target lesion had a nonCR/nonPD nontarget lesion, thus overall assessment is a PR as per RECIST v1.1 18 MA Dickson, CTOS. 2019. Primary Data cut on May 22, 2019 ABI-009 is an investigational new drug and has not been approved for commercial distribution in the United States. Maximal % of Target Lesion Reduction


AMPECT Safety Summary, Treatment-related Adverse Events (TR AEs) ** Any Grade >25% Grade 3 TR Serious AEs n (%) TR AEs n (%) n (%) Patients with Any TR SAE 8 (24) Patients with Any TR AEs 34 (100) Dehydration (G3) 2 (6) Hematologic TRAEs * Abdominal pain (G2) 1 (3) Anemia 16 (47) 4 (12) * Diarrhea (G2) 1 (3) Thrombocytopenia 11 (32) 1 (3) Edema (3) 1 (3) Nonhematologic TRAEs * Enteritis (G3) 1 (3) Stomatitis/Mucositis 27 (79) 6 (18) * Pancytopenia (G3) 1 (3) Rash 19 (56) -- Acute Coronary Syndrome (G3) 1 (3) Fatigue 20 (59) 1 (3) Acute Kidney Injury (G3) 1 (3) Nausea 16 (47) -- Diarrhea 13 (38) -- Weight Decreased 13 (38) -- § No grade 4 or 5 TR AEs * Hyperglycemia 12 (35) 3 (9) § No unexpected AEs * Hypertriglyceridemia 11 (32) 1 (3) § Pneumonitis 6/34 (18%), G1/G2 only * Hypercholesterolemia 11 (32) -- Decreased Appetite 11 (32) --§ Discontinuation due to AE: 2/34 (6%) patients * (grade 2 anemia and grade 1 cystitis) Dermatitis 10 (29) -- Dysgeusia 10 (29) -- § Dose reductions occurred in 13/34 (38%) of Headache 10 (29) -- patients; 11 patients had a dose reduction from 2 2 Peripheral Edema 9 (26) -- 100 mg/m to 75 mg/m and 2 patients had a dose 2 *Indicate Adverse Events of Special Interest and related preferred terms are grouped. reduction to 56 mg/m ** Additional G3 TRAEs were 6% hypokalemia, and 3% each of AST/ALT, amylase ↑, hypophosphatemia, insomnia, lipase ↑, lymphocyte ↓, skin infection, vomiting . 19 MA Dickson, CTOS. 2019. Primary Data cut on May 22, 2019 ABI-009 is an investigational new drug and has not been approved for commercial distribution in the United States. AMPECT Safety Summary, Treatment-related Adverse Events (TR AEs) ** Any Grade >25% Grade 3 TR Serious AEs n (%) TR AEs n (%) n (%) Patients with Any TR SAE 8 (24) Patients with Any TR AEs 34 (100) Dehydration (G3) 2 (6) Hematologic TRAEs * Abdominal pain (G2) 1 (3) Anemia 16 (47) 4 (12) * Diarrhea (G2) 1 (3) Thrombocytopenia 11 (32) 1 (3) Edema (3) 1 (3) Nonhematologic TRAEs * Enteritis (G3) 1 (3) Stomatitis/Mucositis 27 (79) 6 (18) * Pancytopenia (G3) 1 (3) Rash 19 (56) -- Acute Coronary Syndrome (G3) 1 (3) Fatigue 20 (59) 1 (3) Acute Kidney Injury (G3) 1 (3) Nausea 16 (47) -- Diarrhea 13 (38) -- Weight Decreased 13 (38) -- § No grade 4 or 5 TR AEs * Hyperglycemia 12 (35) 3 (9) § No unexpected AEs * Hypertriglyceridemia 11 (32) 1 (3) § Pneumonitis 6/34 (18%), G1/G2 only * Hypercholesterolemia 11 (32) -- Decreased Appetite 11 (32) --§ Discontinuation due to AE: 2/34 (6%) patients * (grade 2 anemia and grade 1 cystitis) Dermatitis 10 (29) -- Dysgeusia 10 (29) -- § Dose reductions occurred in 13/34 (38%) of Headache 10 (29) -- patients; 11 patients had a dose reduction from 2 2 Peripheral Edema 9 (26) -- 100 mg/m to 75 mg/m and 2 patients had a dose 2 *Indicate Adverse Events of Special Interest and related preferred terms are grouped. reduction to 56 mg/m ** Additional G3 TRAEs were 6% hypokalemia, and 3% each of AST/ALT, amylase ↑, hypophosphatemia, insomnia, lipase ↑, lymphocyte ↓, skin infection, vomiting . 19 MA Dickson, CTOS. 2019. Primary Data cut on May 22, 2019 ABI-009 is an investigational new drug and has not been approved for commercial distribution in the United States.


Response to ABI-009 in metastatic uterine primary PEComa 67-year-old woman 67-year-old woman • Primary site: Uterus; metastatic to spleen, colon, perigastric, pulmonary area • Primary site: Uterus, metastatic to pelvis and lung st st • PR occurred at 1 restaging (6 weeks) • PR occurred at 1 restaging (6 weeks) • Patient currently on treatment (>1.5 years on therapy) • Patient received 10 cycles of treatment Baseline (12/2016) Baseline (2/8/2018) Cycle 6 (5/2017) Cycle 6 (6/21/2018) 20 MA Dickson, CTOS. 2019. Primary Data cut on May 22, 2019 ABI-009 is an investigational new drug and has not been approved for commercial distribution in the United States. Images courtesy of Kristen Ganjoo, MD (Stanford University) Images courtesy of Andrew Wagner, MD, PhD (Dana Farber)


Response to ABI-009 in metastatic retroperitoneal primary PEComa 70-year-old woman 55-year-old man • Primary site: Retroperitoneum, metastatic to lung and liver • Primary site: Retroperitoneum, metastatic to lung st st • PR occurred at 1 restaging (6 weeks) • PR occurred at 1 restaging (6 weeks) • Patient currently on treatment (>2 years on therapy) • Patient currently on treatment (>2.5 years on therapy) Baseline (9/19/2016) Baseline (08/2017) Cycle 42 (2/28/2019) Cycle 22 (01/2019) 21 MA Dickson, CTOS. 2019. Primary Data cut on May 22, 2019 ABI-009 is an investigational new drug and has not been approved for commercial distribution in the United States. Images courtesy of Richard Riedel, MD (Duke Univ) Images courtesy of Lee Cranmer, MD (Univ of Washington) Response to ABI-009 in metastatic retroperitoneal primary PEComa 70-year-old woman 55-year-old man • Primary site: Retroperitoneum, metastatic to lung and liver • Primary site: Retroperitoneum, metastatic to lung st st • PR occurred at 1 restaging (6 weeks) • PR occurred at 1 restaging (6 weeks) • Patient currently on treatment (>2 years on therapy) • Patient currently on treatment (>2.5 years on therapy) Baseline (9/19/2016) Baseline (08/2017) Cycle 42 (2/28/2019) Cycle 22 (01/2019) 21 MA Dickson, CTOS. 2019. Primary Data cut on May 22, 2019 ABI-009 is an investigational new drug and has not been approved for commercial distribution in the United States. Images courtesy of Richard Riedel, MD (Duke Univ) Images courtesy of Lee Cranmer, MD (Univ of Washington)


Response to ABI-009 in metastatic kidney primary PEComa 47-year-old man • Primary site: kidney, metastatic to kidney and pelvis st • PR occurred at 1 restaging (6 weeks) • Patient received 12 cycles of treatment Baseline (9/1/2016) Cycle 10 (4/7/2017) Images courtesy of Brian Van Tine, MD (Washington University) 22 MA Dickson, CTOS. 2019. Primary Data cut on May 22, 2019 ABI-009 is an investigational new drug and has not been approved for commercial distribution in the United States. Response to ABI-009 in metastatic kidney primary PEComa 47-year-old man • Primary site: kidney, metastatic to kidney and pelvis st • PR occurred at 1 restaging (6 weeks) • Patient received 12 cycles of treatment Baseline (9/1/2016) Cycle 10 (4/7/2017) Images courtesy of Brian Van Tine, MD (Washington University) 22 MA Dickson, CTOS. 2019. Primary Data cut on May 22, 2019 ABI-009 is an investigational new drug and has not been approved for commercial distribution in the United States.


PEComa Commercial Strategy and Launch Plan ABI-009 PEComa Launch Strategy Target PEComa Patients at Major Centers • Majority of PEComa patients treated at top Establish ABI-009 as the standard of care for cancer centers treatment of advanced malignant PEComa • Focus on high-volume sarcoma centers including NCCN member institutions Drive awareness and proper diagnosis of and NCI designated cancer PEComa across all key stakeholders centers Price ABI-009 according to value in ultra-orphan PEComa indication and ensure smooth access Build a Lean but Effective Commercial Infrastructure • Commercial infrastructure build out ongoing including field team (e.g., MSLs, sales reps, account managers, etc.) Capture eligible PEComa patients by targeting key sarcoma centers with an efficient field team • On track for H1 2022 commercial launch NCCN = National Comprehensive Cancer Network NCI = National Cancer Institute 23PEComa Commercial Strategy and Launch Plan ABI-009 PEComa Launch Strategy Target PEComa Patients at Major Centers • Majority of PEComa patients treated at top Establish ABI-009 as the standard of care for cancer centers treatment of advanced malignant PEComa • Focus on high-volume sarcoma centers including NCCN member institutions Drive awareness and proper diagnosis of and NCI designated cancer PEComa across all key stakeholders centers Price ABI-009 according to value in ultra-orphan PEComa indication and ensure smooth access Build a Lean but Effective Commercial Infrastructure • Commercial infrastructure build out ongoing including field team (e.g., MSLs, sales reps, account managers, etc.) Capture eligible PEComa patients by targeting key sarcoma centers with an efficient field team • On track for H1 2022 commercial launch NCCN = National Comprehensive Cancer Network NCI = National Cancer Institute 23


Tumors with TSC1 and TSC2 Inactivating Alterations 24Tumors with TSC1 and TSC2 Inactivating Alterations 24


TSC1 and TSC2 Alterations: Optimal Targets for ABI-009 Inactivating genomic alterations in TSC1 and TSC2 drive mTOR PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway pathway activation and tumor growth Growth • TSC1 and TSC2 form a tumor suppressor complex that down Insulin Factors PI3K Ras regulates mTOR activity • TSC1 and TSC2 alterations occur at varying frequencies across a PTEN Raf broad range of cancers Akt MEK • No approved therapies for patients with TSC1 or TSC2 alterations but numerous case reports with durable responses to mTOR ERK Frequently mutated inhibition TSC1/ in cancer and/or validated target TSC2 • Standard CLIA-certified NGS panels already capture TSC1 and TSC2 alterations Rheb Rationale for ABI-009 use in patients with Tumor-agnostic TSC1 and mTOR complex 1 mTOR ABI-009 TSC2 Inactivating Alterations (mTORC1) Raptor • Evidence of responses in PEComa patients with TSC1 and TSC2 alterations in completed AMPECT registrational trial S6K 4EBP1 • Emerging signals in non-PEComa patients with TSC1 and TSC2 alterations in Expanded Access Program presented at ASCO 2021 25TSC1 and TSC2 Alterations: Optimal Targets for ABI-009 Inactivating genomic alterations in TSC1 and TSC2 drive mTOR PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway pathway activation and tumor growth Growth • TSC1 and TSC2 form a tumor suppressor complex that down Insulin Factors PI3K Ras regulates mTOR activity • TSC1 and TSC2 alterations occur at varying frequencies across a PTEN Raf broad range of cancers Akt MEK • No approved therapies for patients with TSC1 or TSC2 alterations but numerous case reports with durable responses to mTOR ERK Frequently mutated inhibition TSC1/ in cancer and/or validated target TSC2 • Standard CLIA-certified NGS panels already capture TSC1 and TSC2 alterations Rheb Rationale for ABI-009 use in patients with Tumor-agnostic TSC1 and mTOR complex 1 mTOR ABI-009 TSC2 Inactivating Alterations (mTORC1) Raptor • Evidence of responses in PEComa patients with TSC1 and TSC2 alterations in completed AMPECT registrational trial S6K 4EBP1 • Emerging signals in non-PEComa patients with TSC1 and TSC2 alterations in Expanded Access Program presented at ASCO 2021 25


TSC1 and TSC2 Alterations Represent Significant Opportunities Projected Annual Incidence of Cancers with TSC1 and TSC2 Alterations st Estimated US Patients Available for 1 Line Therapy in 2030 Likely or Definite Impact Alterations TSC1 Alterations (across all cancers) Definite Impact Alterations Likely or Definite Impact Alterations TSC2 Alterations (across all cancers) Definite Impact Alterations 0 2,500 5,000 7,500 10,000 12,500 15,000 17,500 20,000 Definitions: Likely Impact Alterations (harmful missense variants): missense mutations predicted to be deleterious by SIFT or possibly or probably damaging by PolyPhen Definite Impact Alterations (truncating and deep deletions): out-of-frame frameshift insertions/deletions, nonsense mutations, splice-site mutations, and deep deletions (e.g. copy number -2 in cBioPortal) 26 Source: analysis of TCGA, cBioPortal, and SEER databases conducted by Tessellon Group in June 2021TSC1 and TSC2 Alterations Represent Significant Opportunities Projected Annual Incidence of Cancers with TSC1 and TSC2 Alterations st Estimated US Patients Available for 1 Line Therapy in 2030 Likely or Definite Impact Alterations TSC1 Alterations (across all cancers) Definite Impact Alterations Likely or Definite Impact Alterations TSC2 Alterations (across all cancers) Definite Impact Alterations 0 2,500 5,000 7,500 10,000 12,500 15,000 17,500 20,000 Definitions: Likely Impact Alterations (harmful missense variants): missense mutations predicted to be deleterious by SIFT or possibly or probably damaging by PolyPhen Definite Impact Alterations (truncating and deep deletions): out-of-frame frameshift insertions/deletions, nonsense mutations, splice-site mutations, and deep deletions (e.g. copy number -2 in cBioPortal) 26 Source: analysis of TCGA, cBioPortal, and SEER databases conducted by Tessellon Group in June 2021


Exploratory Analysis in AMPECT Suggests Activity in TSC1 or TSC2 Alterations 40 20 0 -- -- -- + -- + -- -- -- + + + -- + + + + + + + + + + + + -20 * -40 +/-- indicates pS6 status -60 TSC2 mutation TSC1 mutation -80 No TSC1 or TSC2 mutation UNK mutational status -100 * 1 patient with TSC2 mutation had an unconfirmed PR and thus best response is an SD as per RECIST 1.1 27 ABI-009 is an investigational new drug and has not been approved for commercial distribution in the United States. AJ Wagner. CTOS. 2020. Data represents 1 year follow-up to primary data cut on May 22, 2019 Max % of Target Lesion ReductionExploratory Analysis in AMPECT Suggests Activity in TSC1 or TSC2 Alterations 40 20 0 -- -- -- + -- + -- -- -- + + + -- + + + + + + + + + + + + -20 * -40 +/-- indicates pS6 status -60 TSC2 mutation TSC1 mutation -80 No TSC1 or TSC2 mutation UNK mutational status -100 * 1 patient with TSC2 mutation had an unconfirmed PR and thus best response is an SD as per RECIST 1.1 27 ABI-009 is an investigational new drug and has not been approved for commercial distribution in the United States. AJ Wagner. CTOS. 2020. Data represents 1 year follow-up to primary data cut on May 22, 2019 Max % of Target Lesion Reduction


Durability of Response in TSC1 or TSC2 Altered PEComa 40 20 TSC2 mutations TSC1 mutations 0 No TSC1/2 mutations Not Evaluable for TSC1/2 -20 -40 -60 -80 -100 Baseline 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 66 78 90 102 114 126 138 150 162 174 186 Weeks 28 ABI-009 is an investigational new drug and has not been approved for commercial distribution in the United States. AJ Wagner. CTOS. 2020. Data represents 1 year follow-up to primary data cut on May 22, 2019 Percent Change in Target Tumor MeasurementsDurability of Response in TSC1 or TSC2 Altered PEComa 40 20 TSC2 mutations TSC1 mutations 0 No TSC1/2 mutations Not Evaluable for TSC1/2 -20 -40 -60 -80 -100 Baseline 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 66 78 90 102 114 126 138 150 162 174 186 Weeks 28 ABI-009 is an investigational new drug and has not been approved for commercial distribution in the United States. AJ Wagner. CTOS. 2020. Data represents 1 year follow-up to primary data cut on May 22, 2019 Percent Change in Target Tumor Measurements


Early Experience in Non-PEComa Patients with TSC1 or TSC2 Inactivating Alterations from Expanded Access Program (presented at ASCO 2021) • Study Design: Multi-institutional Expanded Access for an Intermediate-size Population • N=8 patients with TSC1 or TSC2 inactivating alterations o 6 mTOR-naïve o 2 previously treated with an mTORi 2 • 100 mg/m ABI-009 (nab-sirolimus) given D1, D8 of a 21-day cycle • Response Analysis: RECIST v1.1 * After initial SD, Pt# 4 had treatment break due to infection/surgery/healing, totaling ~ 2.5 months. Subsequent imaging showed PR in target lesions along with new lesions. The patient resumed therapy with ongoing benefit § Progressed on mTORi prior to receiving ABI-009 ¥ Pt #6 had a progressive retroperitoneal mass 29 ABI-009 is an investigational new drug and has not been approved for commercial distribution in the United States. Source: MA Dickson. ASCO. 2021. Abstract # 3111


Early Experience in Non-PEComa Patients with TSC1 or TSC2 Inactivating Alterations from Expanded Access Program (presented at ASCO 2021) Efficacy: 8 patients treated, 7 evaluable for response Safety • Treatment-emergent AEs (≥30%) included edema, infections, mucositis, and pain (71% each), nail changes and vomiting (57% each), and hypertension and nausea (43% each). • Majority of events were G1/G2 • Treatment-related SAEs were reported in 2 patients and included hyperglycemia and infection (Pt#4) and acute kidney injury (Pt#7) possibly secondary to administration of contrast • Dose reductions occurred in 3/8 patients (38%) from 2 2 100 mg/m to 75 mg/m 30 ABI-009 is an investigational new drug and has not been approved for commercial distribution in the United States. Source: MA Dickson. ASCO. 2021. Abstract # 3111Early Experience in Non-PEComa Patients with TSC1 or TSC2 Inactivating Alterations from Expanded Access Program (presented at ASCO 2021) Efficacy: 8 patients treated, 7 evaluable for response Safety • Treatment-emergent AEs (≥30%) included edema, infections, mucositis, and pain (71% each), nail changes and vomiting (57% each), and hypertension and nausea (43% each). • Majority of events were G1/G2 • Treatment-related SAEs were reported in 2 patients and included hyperglycemia and infection (Pt#4) and acute kidney injury (Pt#7) possibly secondary to administration of contrast • Dose reductions occurred in 3/8 patients (38%) from 2 2 100 mg/m to 75 mg/m 30 ABI-009 is an investigational new drug and has not been approved for commercial distribution in the United States. Source: MA Dickson. ASCO. 2021. Abstract # 3111


Early Experience in Non-PEComa Patients with TSC1 or TSC2 Inactivating Alterations from Expanded Access Program (presented at ASCO 2021) 31 ABI-009 is an investigational new drug and has not been approved for commercial distribution in the United States. Source: MA Dickson. ASCO. 2021. Abstract # 3111Early Experience in Non-PEComa Patients with TSC1 or TSC2 Inactivating Alterations from Expanded Access Program (presented at ASCO 2021) 31 ABI-009 is an investigational new drug and has not been approved for commercial distribution in the United States. Source: MA Dickson. ASCO. 2021. Abstract # 3111


Early Experience in Non-PEComa Patients with TSC1 or TSC2 Inactivating Alterations from Expanded Access Program (presented at ASCO 2021) Pt #2: Ovarian Cancer with Pt #7: High-grade Sarcoma with TSC2 Pt #4: Angiosarcoma with TSC1 mutation (2 prior lines TSC1 mutation (4 prior lines mutation (5 prior lines Rx). Metastasis to Rx) involving right atrium, pericardium and with Rx). Retroperitoneal and lung, bone, and soft tissue; pulmonary metastasis pelvic metastases Li-Fraumeni syndrome 2/19/2020 (Baseline) 6/8/2020 (Baseline) 7/30/2020 (Week 5) 5/6/2020 (W11) 8/12/2020 9/21/2020 (Baseline) (Week 6) 32 ABI-009 is an investigational new drug and has not been approved for commercial distribution in the United States. Source: MA Dickson. ASCO. 2021. Abstract # 3111Early Experience in Non-PEComa Patients with TSC1 or TSC2 Inactivating Alterations from Expanded Access Program (presented at ASCO 2021) Pt #2: Ovarian Cancer with Pt #7: High-grade Sarcoma with TSC2 Pt #4: Angiosarcoma with TSC1 mutation (2 prior lines TSC1 mutation (4 prior lines mutation (5 prior lines Rx). Metastasis to Rx) involving right atrium, pericardium and with Rx). Retroperitoneal and lung, bone, and soft tissue; pulmonary metastasis pelvic metastases Li-Fraumeni syndrome 2/19/2020 (Baseline) 6/8/2020 (Baseline) 7/30/2020 (Week 5) 5/6/2020 (W11) 8/12/2020 9/21/2020 (Baseline) (Week 6) 32 ABI-009 is an investigational new drug and has not been approved for commercial distribution in the United States. Source: MA Dickson. ASCO. 2021. Abstract # 3111


ABI-009 Tumor-Agnostic TSC1 or TSC2 Alterations Registrational Trial Registrational Phase 2 Tumor-Agnostic Study Key Eligibility Criteria (to be finalized) for Patients with Nonhematologic Malignancies having TSC1 or TSC2 • Metastatic or locally advanced disease ineligible for surgery Inactivating Alterations • Naïve to mTOR inhibitor treatment • Pathogenic* TSC1 or TSC2 alterations identified through NGS • FDA Type B meeting conducted on Oct 20, 2020 to discuss study design and strategy † † TSC1 Arm : TSC2 Arm : • Two independent arms proposed, each with Pathogenic TSC1 inactivating mutations Pathogenic TSC2 inactivating mutations ~50-70 patients • Patient accrual at sites based on local NGS 2 ABI-009 IV qw2/3 at 100 mg/m until progression or toxicity results • Diagnostic partnerships in discussion with largest NGS platforms to enhance precision • Primary Endpoint: Best Overall Response of patient selection • Secondary Endpoints: DOR, DCR (% of patients with CR, PR, or SD≥16weeks) • Study initiation planned by end of 2021 * Criteria in development † Exploratory arm under consideration including other types of TSC1 or TSC2 alterations and patients with other actionable mutations or TMB ≥10 mutations/Mb 33ABI-009 Tumor-Agnostic TSC1 or TSC2 Alterations Registrational Trial Registrational Phase 2 Tumor-Agnostic Study Key Eligibility Criteria (to be finalized) for Patients with Nonhematologic Malignancies having TSC1 or TSC2 • Metastatic or locally advanced disease ineligible for surgery Inactivating Alterations • Naïve to mTOR inhibitor treatment • Pathogenic* TSC1 or TSC2 alterations identified through NGS • FDA Type B meeting conducted on Oct 20, 2020 to discuss study design and strategy † † TSC1 Arm : TSC2 Arm : • Two independent arms proposed, each with Pathogenic TSC1 inactivating mutations Pathogenic TSC2 inactivating mutations ~50-70 patients • Patient accrual at sites based on local NGS 2 ABI-009 IV qw2/3 at 100 mg/m until progression or toxicity results • Diagnostic partnerships in discussion with largest NGS platforms to enhance precision • Primary Endpoint: Best Overall Response of patient selection • Secondary Endpoints: DOR, DCR (% of patients with CR, PR, or SD≥16weeks) • Study initiation planned by end of 2021 * Criteria in development † Exploratory arm under consideration including other types of TSC1 or TSC2 alterations and patients with other actionable mutations or TMB ≥10 mutations/Mb 33


Summary and Milestones 34Summary and Milestones 34


A Catalyst-Rich Path Forward Aadi is pursuing the use of mTOR inhibition with a precision medicine approach targeting tumors that have established Combination driver alterations in the mTOR pathway studies targeting adjacent biology Other mTOR driven cancers • H2 2022 – H1 2023: Initiate Tumor additional trials of ABI-009 in Agnostic TSC1 & TSC2 rational combinations with other Mutations targeted agents PEComa • H2 2022: Initiate additional trials in other cancer sub- • Evaluate potential in-licensing or populations with strong M&A opportunities focusing on • H2 2021: Registrational trial mTOR mechanistic rationale assets with synergistic potential • H2 2021: FDA approval initiation with mTOR inhibition • H1 2022: Commercial • H1 2024: Final data launch anticipated 35A Catalyst-Rich Path Forward Aadi is pursuing the use of mTOR inhibition with a precision medicine approach targeting tumors that have established Combination driver alterations in the mTOR pathway studies targeting adjacent biology Other mTOR driven cancers • H2 2022 – H1 2023: Initiate Tumor additional trials of ABI-009 in Agnostic TSC1 & TSC2 rational combinations with other Mutations targeted agents PEComa • H2 2022: Initiate additional trials in other cancer sub- • Evaluate potential in-licensing or populations with strong M&A opportunities focusing on • H2 2021: Registrational trial mTOR mechanistic rationale assets with synergistic potential • H2 2021: FDA approval initiation with mTOR inhibition • H1 2022: Commercial • H1 2024: Final data launch anticipated 35


Contact Information Contacts Investors and Media: Irina Koffler ikoffler@lifesciadvisors.com 36

EX-99.2

Exhibit 99.2

Aadi Bioscience Announces Closing of Merger with Aerpio Pharmaceuticals and $155M Private Placement

 

   

Shares of Aadi to commence trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on August 27, 2021 under ticker symbol “AADI”

 

   

Concurrent $155 million PIPE financing is backed by leading life science investors led by Acuta Capital Partners and KVP Capital and included Avoro Capital Advisors; Avoro Ventures; Venrock Healthcare Capital Partners; BVF Partners, L.P.; Vivo Capital; Alta Bioequities, L.P.; Rock Springs Capital; RTW Investments, LP; Acorn Bioventures; and Serrado Capital LLC

 

   

Cash and cash equivalents of approximately $170 million as of merger close

LOS ANGELES, Ca.—August 26, 2021- Aadi Bioscience, Inc. (“Aadi”) (Nasdaq: AADI), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on precision therapies for genetically-defined cancers with alterations in mTOR pathway genes, today announced the closing of its previously announced merger with Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (previously traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under “ARPO”).

The combined, publicly traded company will focus on the advancement, expansion and commercialization of Aadi’s clinical stage pipeline, including Aadi’s lead program for its nanoparticle albumin-bound mTOR inhibitor, FYARRO (sirolimus albumin-bound nanoparticles for injectable suspension, nab-sirolimus ABI-009), an mTOR inhibitor bound to human albumin. Shares of the combined company, which is operating under the name Aadi Bioscience, Inc. will commence trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “AADI” on August 27, 2021.

Neil Desai, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of the new combined company, stated, “Today’s news represents an important inflection point for Aadi and the development of FYARRO. The completion of the merger, and now becoming a public entity, allows us to take the next step toward commercialization of our pipeline. As we approach our PDUFA date for FYARRO for the treatment of patients with PEComa and prepare to initiate a registrational trial in patients with tumors harboring TSC1 and TSC2 inactivating alterations by year-end, we believe that we are optimally positioned, and look forward to advancing FYARRO to help patients with genetically-driven cancers.”

Aadi’s registration trial of FYARRO in advanced malignant PEComa (the AMPECT trial) demonstrated meaningful clinical efficacy in malignant PEComa1, a type of cancer with the highest known alteration rate of TSC1 or TSC2 genes. FYARRO has received Breakthrough Therapy, Fast-Track and Orphan Designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A rolling New Drug Application (NDA) submission was completed in May 2021 for this indication and the FDA accepted the NDA in July 2021 and granted Aadi Priority Review status with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of November 26, 2021.


About the Merger and Concurrent PIPE Financing

Concurrent to the closing of the merger, the combined company also closed the previously announced $155 million Private Investment in Public Equity (PIPE) financing of its common stock. The PIPE Financing was led by Acuta Capital Partners and KVP Capital and included Avoro Capital Advisors; Avoro Ventures; Venrock Healthcare Capital Partners; BVF Partners, L.P.; Vivo Capital; Alta Bioequities, L.P.; Rock Springs Capital; RTW Investments, LP; Acorn Bioventures; and Serrado Capital LLC as well as other undisclosed institutional investors. Proceeds from the PIPE financing are expected to be used for the commercialization of FYARRO in advanced malignant PEComa, a planned tumor-agnostic registrational trial in solid tumors harboring inactivating alterations in the mTOR pathway genes TSC1 and TSC2 expected to be initiated by the end of 2021 and ongoing studies and general operating expenses.

Effective as of the merger close, Aadi has approximately $170 million in cash and cash equivalents and an expected runway into 2024.

On August 26, 2021, and in connection with the closing of the merger, Aerpio effected a 1-for-15 reverse stock split. All issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Aerpio were subject to the reverse stock split. Upon completion of the merger, taking into consideration the reverse stock split and the exchange ratio, the combined company has approximately 20.8 million shares of common stock outstanding with pre-merger Aadi stockholders collectively owning or holding rights to acquire approximately 29.2% of the combined company, on a fully-diluted basis, pre-merger Aerpio stockholders collectively owning or holding rights to acquire approximately 15.2% of the combined company, on a fully-diluted basis, and the PIPE Investors collectively owning approximately 55.6% of the combined company, on a fully-diluted basis.

Immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, Aerpio distributed a non-transferable contingent value right (a “CVR”) to Aerpio shareholders that became effective immediately prior to the time of the merger, entitling CVR holders to receive net proceeds received by Aerpio, if any, associated with Aerpio’s legacy assets. The terms and conditions of the CVRs are pursuant to a CVR Agreement entered into prior to the closing the merger. The CVRs are not transferable, except in certain limited circumstances as provided in the CVR Agreement, are not certificated or evidenced by any instrument and are not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or listed for trading on any exchange.

Additional information about the transaction will be provided in a Current Report on Form 8-K that will be filed by Aadi with the SEC and will be available at https://www.sec.gov.

Jefferies LLC; Cowen and Company, LLC; and Piper Sandler & Co. served as placement agents in the private placement. Perella Weinberg Partners LP and Piper Sandler & Co. served as financial advisors to Aadi for the transaction and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C. served as legal counsel to Aadi. Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. acted as financial advisor to Aerpio for the transaction and Goodwin Procter LLP served as legal counsel to Aerpio.


Management and Organization

Neil Desai, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer and Director of Aadi will continue to lead the combined company along with the Aadi management team following this transaction. In addition to Dr. Desai, the Board of Directors will include pre-merger Aadi Board member Rick Maroun, General Counsel & Partner, Legal and Operations at Frazier Healthcare Partners. In addition, Lance Thibault, Managing Director at Danforth Advisors, LLC (“Danforth”), was appointed as interim Chief Financial Officer of the combined company. Mr. Thibault has over 30 years of experience as a life science CFO and senior executive.

Upon the closing of the merger, Caley Castelein, M.D. and Anupam Dalal, M.D., former members of the Aerpio Board of Directors, will continue on the combined company’s Board of Directors.

Also concurrent with the closing of the merger, Aadi’s pre-merger board observer, Karin Hehenberger M.D., Ph.D., has been appointed to the combined company’s board. Dr. Hehenberger brings extensive industry knowledge and medical and life sciences expertise to the combined company’s Board. Dr. Hehenberger currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Lyfebulb, Inc., a patient engagement platform, and previously served in various roles for Coronado Biosciences, Inc. (now Fortress Biotech, Inc.), including Senior Vice President of Scientific Affairs and, most recently, Chief Medical Officer, and several management positions, including as Vice President, Metabolics Strategy and Business Development, at Johnson & Johnson.

In addition, Behzad Aghazadeh, Ph.D. has been appointed to the combined company’s board. Dr. Aghazadeh brings more than 20 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, including more than 15 years as an institutional investor and previously six years at Booz Allen as a general management consultant to senior executive teams in the healthcare sector. Dr. Aghazadeh currently is the Managing Partner and Portfolio Manager of Avoro Capital Advisors, a global life sciences investment firm with a focus on supporting emerging biotechnology companies. He previously served as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Immunomedics, Inc., a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company (now a subsidiary of Gilead Sciences, Inc.).

About Aadi Bioscience and FYARRO

Aadi is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing precision therapies for genetically-defined cancers. Aadi’s primary goal is to bring transformational therapies to cancer patients with mTOR pathway driver alterations such as alterations in TSC1 or TSC2 genes, where other mTOR inhibitors have not or cannot be effectively


exploited due to problems of pharmacology, effective drug delivery, safety, or effective targeting to the disease site. Aadi’s lead product is FYARROTM (sirolimus albumin-bound nanoparticles for injectable suspension; nab-sirolimus; ABI-009), an mTOR inhibitor bound to human albumin that has demonstrated significantly higher tumor accumulation, greater mTOR target suppression, and increased tumor growth inhibition over other mTOR inhibitors in preclinical models2.

Aadi’s registration trial of FYARRO in advanced malignant PEComa (the “AMPECT trial”) demonstrated meaningful clinical efficacy in malignant PEComa1, a type of cancer with the highest known alteration rate of TSC1 or TSC2 genes. FYARRO has received Breakthrough Therapy, Fast-Track and Orphan Designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A rolling New Drug Application (NDA) submission was completed in May 2021 for this indication and the FDA accepted the NDA in July 2021 and granted Aadi Priority Review status with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (“PDUFA”) target action date of November 26, 2021.

Based on the AMPECT trial and emerging data for FYARRO in other solid tumors with TSC1 or TSC2 inactivating alterations3, and following discussions with the FDA, Aadi plans to initiate a tumor-agnostic registrational trial in mTOR inhibitor-naïve solid tumors harboring TSC1 or TSC2 inactivating alterations by the end of 2021. Aadi also has ongoing studies to evaluate dosing of FYARRO in combination regimens. FYARRO is an investigational drug that has not been approved by the FDA for commercial distribution in the United States. More information is available on the Aadi website at www.aadibio.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Aadi Bioscience, Inc. (“Aadi”, “The Company”) cautions you that certain statements included in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on Aadi’s current beliefs and expectations. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding: the listing and trading of Aadi stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, FYARRO, including expectations regarding the clinical responses and safety profile, regulatory approval and commercialization, the combined company’s expected cash forecast and runway into 2024 and the timing of the initiation of additional clinical trials. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation: risks related to the ability of Aadi to timely and successfully achieve the anticipated benefits of the merger and the concurrent financing; risks related to Aadi’s ability to obtain, or the timeline to obtain, regulatory approval from the FDA and other regulatory authorities for FYARRO in advanced malignant PEComa; risks related to Aadi’s ability to successfully commercialize, including the timing of a commercial launch of FYARRO in advanced malignant PEComa; risks related to Aadi’s ability to obtain sufficient additional capital to continue to advance FYARRO; uncertainties associated with the clinical development and regulatory approval of FYARRO, including potential delays in the commencement, enrollment and completion of clinical trials; the risk that interim results of clinical trials


may not be reproduced and do not necessarily predict final results; the risk that one or more of the clinical outcomes may materially change as patient enrollment continues, following more comprehensive reviews of the data, and as more patient data become available; the risk that unforeseen adverse reactions or side effects may occur in the course of developing and testing FYARRO; risks associated with the failure to realize any value from FYARRO in light of inherent risks and difficulties involved in successfully bringing product candidates to market; risks related to Aadi’s estimates regarding future expenses, capital requirements and need for additional financing following the merger and concurrent financing; and risks related to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on Aadi’s operations, the biotechnology industry and the economy generally.

Additional risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements are included under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in Aadi’s reports and other documents that Aadi has filed, or will file, with the SEC from time to time and available at www.sec.gov.

All forward-looking statements in this press release are current only as of the date hereof and, except as required by applicable law, Aadi undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This caution is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

FYARRO is a trademark of Aadi Bioscience, Inc.

References:

1 ASCO 2020

Abstract: https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.2020.38.15_suppl.11516?af=R

2 AACR 2019

Abstract: https://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/79/13_Supplement/348

3 ASCO 2021 Abstract: https://meetings.asco.org/abstracts-presentations/197602

Contacts

Investors:

Investors:

Irina Koffler

ikoffler@lifesciadvisors.com