8-K

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): January 11, 2019  

VITAL THERAPIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	001-36201	56-2358443
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

15222-B Avenue of Science San Diego, CA	92128
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:   (858) 673-6840

________________________________________________________________________________
(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))

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in 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 (§ 240.12b2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ý

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

Exchange Act. Yes ý    No  ¨

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

Vital Therapies, Inc. (the “Company”), in an effort to maximize the cash on our balance sheet in the share exchange transaction with Immunic AG, as previously announced, has restructured our severance arrangements with our executive officers, including our chief executive officer (“Executives”). In connection with the restructuring of these agreements, and as described in greater detail below, on January 10, 2019 the compensation committee of our board of directors approved (i) the cancellation of options held by our Executives; (ii) amendments to the existing change of control and severance agreements with each of our Executives; (iii) the adoption of a form of Restricted Stock Unit (“RSU”) award agreement under our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan; and (iv) grants of RSUs to our Executives, contingent upon the Executives agreeing and entering into all agreements necessary to effectuate these transactions. On January 11, 2019, the Company and each of the Executives executed the respective Amendment No. 1 to Change of Control and Severance Agreement for our CEO and other executive officers, executed an option cancellation agreement, and received the following, respective RSU grants:

		RSUs Granted
Russell J. Cox	Chief Executive Officer	1,854,376
Duane D. Nash	President	886,316
Michael V. Swanson	Chief Financial Officer	817,826
Robert A. Ashley	Chief Scientific Officer	816,634
John M. Dunn	General Counsel	724,848

The above RSUs shall be settled in cash and/or shares of common stock of the Company, vest 25% on each of the first four anniversaries of January 11, 2019, and accelerate 100% upon termination without cause or resignation for good reason pursuant to the amended change of control and severance agreements.

The following description of the amendments to our change of control and severance agreements does not purport to be complete, and such description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the complete amendment which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Amendments to Change of Control and Severance Agreements

Our compensation committee approved the following modifications to our change of control and severance benefits for our Executives as follows:

Severance Benefits for CEO

The amendment to the change of control and severance agreement for our chief executive officer (“CEO”) provides for (i) a lump sum cash payment in an amount equivalent to twelve months’ salary for termination without “cause” or a termination by him for “good reason” that is not in connection with a change of control, and (ii) a lump sum cash payment in an amount equivalent to eighteen months’ salary for termination without “cause” or a termination by him for “good reason” in connection with a change of control. Furthermore, if the termination is in connection with a change of control, the amendment provides for a decrease in the amount of such cash payment to be paid to our CEO upon termination by us or our successor without “cause” or a termination by him for “good reason,” by an amount equal to the total value, as of January 10, 2019, of the RSUs granted as if such RSUs had been settled in cash as of that date. All RSUs held by our CEO accelerate 100% on termination without cause or resignation with good reason, in each case, as described therein. In addition, the amendment provides that the period in which a change of control could occur after a termination of our CEO not in connection with a change of control, but still trigger the severance payments for a termination in connection with a change in control, was increased from two months to six months.

Severance Benefits for Other Executive Officers

The amendment to the change of control and severance agreement for our other executive officers provides for (i) a lump sum cash payment in an amount equivalent to six months’ salary for termination without “cause” or a termination by such executive officer for “good reason” that is not in connection with a change of control, and (ii) a lump sum cash payment in an amount equivalent to twelve months’ salary for termination without “cause” or a termination by such executive officer for “good reason” in connection with a change of control. Furthermore, if the termination is in connection with a change of control, the amendment provides for a decrease in the amount of such cash payment to be paid to such other executive officers upon a termination by us or our successor without “cause” or a termination by such other executive officers for “good reason,” by an amount equal to the total value, as of January 10, 2018, of all of the RSUs granted as if such RSUs had been settled in cash as of that date. All RSUs held by such other executive officers accelerate 100% on termination without cause or resignation with good reason, in each case, as described therein. In addition, the period in which a change of control could occur after a termination of such other executive officers not in connection with a change of control, but still trigger the severance payments for a termination in connection with a change in control, was increased from two months to six months.

Cancellation of Options

In connection with the restructuring of the change of control and severance agreement as described above, all stock options to purchase shares of the Company’s comment stock pursuant to the Company’s 2012 Stock Option Plan, 2014 Equity Incentive Plan and/or its 2017 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan held by the Executives were cancelled by mutual agreement between the Company and the Executives pursuant to an option cancellation agreement entered into between the Company each Executive.

Form of RSU Award Agreement

In connection with the above, the compensation committee of our board of directors adopted a Form of RSU Award Agreement under the Company’s 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, which is filed as an exhibit to this Current Report on Form 8-K

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.	Description
10.1	Form of Amendment No. 1 to Change of Control and Severance Agreement
10.2	Form of RSU Award Agreement under 2014 Equity Incentive Plan

SIGNATURE

    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.

VITAL THERAPIES, INC.

By: /s/ Michael V. Swanson

Michael V. Swanson

Chief Financial Officer

Date: January 14, 2019

EX-10.1

VITAL THERAPIES, INC. 2014 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT NOTICE OF GRANT OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) shall have the same defined meanings in this Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, including the Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock Units (the “Notice of Grant”), the Terms and Conditions of Restricted Stock Unit Grant, and any appendices and exhibits attached thereto (all together, the “Award Agreement”). Name (“Participant): «Name» Address: «Address» The undersigned Participant has been granted the right to receive an Award of Restricted Stock Units, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, as follows: Date of Grant: «GrantDate» Vesting Commencement Date: «VCD» Number of Restricted Stock Units: «Shares» Vesting Schedule: Subject to any acceleration provisions contained in the Plan, any other agreement, or set forth below, the Restricted Stock Units will vest in accordance with the following schedule: <<Insert vesting schedule>> In the event Participant ceases to be a Service Provider for any or no reason before Participant vests in the Restricted Stock Units, the Restricted Stock Units and Participant’s right to acquire any Shares hereunder will immediately terminate. 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 Award Agreement subject to all of the terms and provisions thereof. Participant has reviewed the Plan and this Award Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Award Agreement and fully understands all provisions of this Award Agreement. 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 Award Agreement. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address indicated below.

PARTICIPANT VITAL THERAPIES, INC. Signature By «Name» Print Name Print Name Title Address: «Address»

VITAL THERAPIES, INC. 2014 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT GRANT 1. Grant of Restricted Stock Units. The Company hereby grants to the individual (the “Participant”) named in the Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock Units of this Award Agreement (the “Notice of Grant”) under the Plan an Award of Restricted Stock Units, subject to all of the terms and conditions in this Award Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section 19(c) of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail. 2. Company’s Obligation to Pay. Each Restricted Stock Unit represents the right to receive cash, Shares, or a combination of both, as provided in Section 4(a) below, provided, however, that if on the date of settlement the Shares are no longer traded on the Nasdaq market, then the Restricted Stock Units shall be settled in cash. Unless and until the Restricted Stock Units will have vested in the manner set forth in Section 3 or 4, Participant will have no right to payment of any such Restricted Stock Units. Prior to actual payment of any vested Restricted Stock Units, such Restricted Stock Unit will represent an unsecured obligation of the Company, payable (if at all) only from the general assets of the Company. 3. Vesting Schedule. Except as provided in Section 4, and subject to Section 5, the Restricted Stock Units awarded by this Award Agreement will vest in accordance with the vesting schedule set forth in the Notice of Grant, subject to Participant continuing to be a Service Provider through each applicable vesting date. 4. Payment after Vesting. (a) General Rule. Subject to Section 6, any Restricted Stock Units that vest will be paid to Participant (or in the event of Participant’s death, to his or her properly designated beneficiary or estate) in cash, Shares, or a combination of both. Subject to the provisions of Section 4(b), (i) if cash is paid to Participant to settle any vested Restricted Stock Units, such cash payment shall be paid as soon as practicable after vesting, but in each such case, within sixty (60) days following the vesting date, or (ii) if Shares are paid to Participant to settle any vested Restricted Stock Units, such Shares shall be paid no earlier than ninety (90) days, and no later than one hundred twenty (120) days, after the vesting date and, in the case of clause (ii), in no case later than March 15th of the year following the applicable vesting date. In no event will Participant be permitted, directly or indirectly, to specify the taxable year of payment of any Restricted Stock Units payable under this Award Agreement. (b) Acceleration. (i) Discretionary Acceleration. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the vesting of the balance, or some lesser portion of the balance, of the unvested Restricted Stock Units at any time, subject to the terms of the Plan. If so accelerated, such Restricted Stock Units will be considered as having vested as of the date specified by the Administrator. If Participant is a U.S. taxpayer, the payment of Shares vesting pursuant to this Section 4(b) shall in all

cases be paid at a time or in a manner that is exempt from, or complies with, Section 409A. The prior sentence may be superseded in a future agreement or amendment to this Award Agreement only by direct and specific reference to such sentence. (ii) Notwithstanding anything in the Plan or this Award Agreement or any other agreement (whether entered into before, on or after the Date of Grant), if the vesting of the balance, or some lesser portion of the balance, of the Restricted Stock Units is accelerated in connection with Participant’s termination as a Service Provider (provided that such termination is a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A, as determined by the Company), other than due to Participant’s death, and if (x) Participant is a U.S. taxpayer and a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of such termination as a Service Provider and (y) the payment of such accelerated Restricted Stock Units will result in the imposition of additional tax under Section 409A if paid to Participant on or within the six (6) month period following Participant’s termination as a Service Provider, then the payment of such accelerated Restricted Stock Units will not be made until the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Participant’s termination as a Service Provider, unless Participant dies following his or her termination as a Service Provider, in which case, the Restricted Stock Units will be paid in Shares to Participant’s estate as soon as practicable following his or her death. (c) Section 409A. It is the intent of this Award Agreement that it and all payments and benefits to U.S. taxpayers hereunder be exempt from, or comply with, the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the Restricted Stock Units provided under this Award Agreement or Shares issuable thereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to be so exempt or so comply. Each payment payable under this Award Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2). For purposes of this Award Agreement, “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code, and any final Treasury Regulations and Internal Revenue Service guidance thereunder, as each may be amended from time to time. 5. Forfeiture Upon Termination as a Service Provider. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this Award Agreement, and subject to any acceleration provisions contained in the Plan or any other agreement between Participant and the Company, if Participant ceases to be a Service Provider for any or no reason, the then-unvested Restricted Stock Units awarded by this Award Agreement will thereupon be forfeited at no cost to the Company and Participant will have no further rights thereunder. 6. Death of Participant. Any distribution or delivery to be made to Participant under this Award Agreement will, if Participant is then deceased, be made to Participant’s designated beneficiary, or if no beneficiary survives Participant, the administrator or executor of Participant’s estate. Any such transferee must furnish the Company with (a) written notice of his or her status as transferee, and (b) evidence satisfactory to the Company to establish the validity of the transfer and compliance with any laws or regulations pertaining to said transfer. 7. 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 Award Agreement. With respect to such matters, Participant relies solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents, written or oral. Participant

understands that Participant (and not the Company) shall be responsible for Participant’s own tax liability that may arise as a result of this investment or the transactions contemplated by this Award Agreement. 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”), the ultimate liability for any tax and/or social insurance liability obligations and requirements in connection with the Restricted Stock Units, including, without limitation, (a) 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 Employer or other payment of tax-related items related to Participant’s participation in the Plan and legally applicable to Participant, (b) the Participant’s and, to the extent required by the Company (or Employer), the Company’s (or Employer’s) fringe benefit tax liability, if any, associated with the grant, vesting, or exercise of the Restricted Stock Units or sale of Shares, and (c) any other Company (or Employer) taxes the responsibility for which the Participant has, or has agreed to bear, with respect to the Restricted Stock Units (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 Employer. Participant further acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (i) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax Obligations in connection with any aspect of the Restricted Stock Units, including, but not limited to, the grant, vesting or settlement of the Restricted Stock Units, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to such settlement and the receipt of any dividends or other distributions, and (ii) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the Restricted Stock Units to reduce or eliminate Participant’s liability for Tax 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 Employer (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 Shares are issued as payment for vested Restricted Stock Units, 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 Employer shall withhold the minimum 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 (a) paying cash, (b) electing to have the Company withhold otherwise deliverable Shares having a fair market value equal to the amount of such Tax Obligations, (c) withholding the amount of such Tax Obligations from Participant’s wages or other cash compensation paid to Participant by the Company and/or the Employer, (d) delivering to the Company already vested and owned Shares having a fair market value equal to such Tax Obligations, or (e) 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 amount of the Tax Obligations. 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 Employer (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 such Tax Obligations hereunder at the time any applicable Restricted Stock Units otherwise are scheduled to vest pursuant to Sections 3 or 4, Participant will permanently forfeit such Restricted Stock Units and any right to receive Shares thereunder and the Restricted Stock Units will be returned to the Company at no cost to the Company. Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Company may refuse to deliver the Shares if such Tax Obligations are not delivered at the time they are due. 8. Rights as Stockholder. Neither Participant nor any person claiming under or through Participant will have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder of the Company in respect of any Shares deliverable hereunder unless and until 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. 9. No Guarantee of Continued Service. PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF THE RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (OR THE EMPLOYER) AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED THIS RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD OR ACQUIRING SHARES HEREUNDER. PARTICIPANT FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL NOT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH PARTICIPANT’S RIGHT OR THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY (OR THE EMPLOYER) TO TERMINATE PARTICIPANT’S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE. 10. Grant is Not Transferable. Except to the limited extent provided in Section 6, this grant and the rights and privileges conferred hereby will not be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated in any way (whether by operation of law or otherwise) and will not be subject to sale under execution, attachment or similar process. Upon any attempt to transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of this grant, or any right or privilege conferred hereby, or upon any attempted sale under any execution, attachment or similar process, this grant and the rights and privileges conferred hereby immediately will become null and void. 11. Nature of Grant. In accepting the grant, Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that:

(a) the grant of the Restricted Stock Units is voluntary and occasional and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of Restricted Stock Units, or benefits in lieu of Restricted Stock Units, even if Restricted Stock Units have been granted in the past; (b) all decisions with respect to future Restricted Stock Units or other grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company; (c) Participant is voluntarily participating in the Plan; (d) the Restricted Stock Units and the Shares subject to the Restricted Stock Units, and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for purposes of calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement or welfare benefits or similar payments; (e) the future value of the underlying Shares is unknown, indeterminable and cannot be predicted; (f) for purposes of the Restricted Stock Units, Participant’s status as a Service Provider will be considered terminated as of the date Participant is no longer actively providing services to the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later to be found invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is a Service Provider or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any), and unless otherwise expressly provided in this Award Agreement (including by reference in the Notice of Grant to other arrangements or contracts) or determined by the Administrator, Participant’s right to vest in the Restricted Stock Units under the Plan, if any, will terminate as of such date and will not be extended by any notice period (e.g., Participant’s period of service would not include any contractual notice period or any period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is a Service Provider or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any, unless Participant is providing bona fide services during such time); the Administrator shall have the exclusive discretion to determine when Participant is no longer actively providing services for purposes of the Restricted Stock Units grant (including whether Participant may still be considered to be providing services while on a leave of absence); (g) unless otherwise provided in the Plan or by the Company in its discretion, the Restricted Stock Units and the benefits evidenced by this Award Agreement do not create any entitlement to have the Restricted Stock Units or any such benefits transferred to, or assumed by, another company nor be exchanged, cashed out or substituted for, in connection with any corporate transaction affecting the Shares; and (h) the following provisions apply only if Participant is providing services outside the United States: (i) the Restricted Stock Units and the Shares subject to the Restricted Stock Units are not part of normal or expected compensation or salary for any purpose; (ii) Participant acknowledges and agrees that none of the Company, the Employer or any Parent or Subsidiary shall be liable for any foreign

exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar that may affect the value of the Restricted Stock Units or of any amounts due to Participant pursuant to the settlement of the Restricted Stock Units or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon settlement; and (iii) no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages shall arise from forfeiture of the Restricted Stock Units resulting from the termination of Participant’s status as a Service Provider (for any reason whatsoever whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is a Service Provider or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any), and in consideration of the grant of the Restricted Stock Units to which Participant is otherwise not entitled, Participant irrevocably agrees never to institute any claim against the Company, any Parent or Subsidiary or the Employer, waives his or her ability, if any, to bring any such claim, and releases the Company, any Parent or Subsidiary and the Employer from any such claim; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, then, by participating in the Plan, Participant shall be deemed irrevocably to have agreed not to pursue such claim and agrees to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claim. 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. Data Privacy. Participant hereby explicitly and unambiguously consents to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of Participant’s personal data as described in this Award Agreement and any other Restricted Stock Unit grant materials by and among, as applicable, the Employer, the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan. Participant understands that the Company and the Employer may hold certain personal information about Participant, including, but not limited to, Participant’s name, home address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any Shares or directorships held in the Company, details of all Restricted Stock Units or any other entitlement to Shares awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in Participant’s favor (“Data”), for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan. Participant understands that Data will be transferred to a stock plan service provider as may be selected by the Company in the future, which is assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. Participant understands that the recipients of the Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that the recipients’ country of operation

(e.g., the United States) may have different data privacy laws and protections than Participant’s country. Participant understands that if he or she resides outside the United States, he or she may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of the Data by contacting his or her local human resources representative. Participant authorizes the Company, any stock plan service provider selected by the Company and any other possible recipients which may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing his or her participation in the Plan. Participant understands that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage Participant’s participation in the Plan. Participant understands if he or she resides outside the United States, he or she may, at any time, view Data, request additional information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting in writing his or her local human resources representative. Further, Participant understands that he or she is providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis. If Participant does not consent, or if Participant later seeks to revoke his or her consent, his or her status as a Service Provider and career with the Employer will not be adversely affected; the only adverse consequence of refusing or withdrawing Participant’s consent is that the Company would not be able to grant Participant Restricted Stock Units or other equity awards or administer or maintain such awards. Therefore, Participant understands that refusing or withdrawing his or her consent may affect Participant’s ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of Participant’s refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, Participant understands that he or she may contact his or her local human resources representative. 14. Address for Notices. Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of this Award Agreement will be addressed to the Company at Vital Therapies, Inc., 15222-B Avenue of Science, San Diego, CA, or at such other address as the Company may hereafter designate in writing. 15. Electronic Delivery and Acceptance. The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to the Restricted Stock Units awarded under the Plan or future Restricted Stock Units 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 another third party designated by the Company. 16. No Waiver. Either party’s failure to enforce any provision or provisions of this 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 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. 17. Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer herein set forth, this Agreement shall be binding upon Participant and his or her heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns. The rights and obligations of Participant under this Agreement may only be assigned with the prior written consent of the Company.

18. 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 issuance of Shares to Participant (or his or her estate) hereunder, such issuance will not occur unless and until such listing, registration, qualification, rule compliance, clearance, consent or approval will have been completed, effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company. Subject to the terms of the 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 vesting of the Restricted Stock Units as the Administrator may establish from time to time for reasons of administrative convenience. 19. Language. If Participant has received this 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. 20. Interpretation. The Administrator will have the power to interpret the Plan and this Award Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret or revoke any such rules (including, but not limited to, the determination of whether or not any Restricted Stock Units have vested). All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Administrator in good faith will be final and binding upon Participant, the Company and all other interested persons. Neither the Administrator nor any person acting on behalf of the Administrator will be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or this Award Agreement. 21. Captions. Captions provided herein are for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Award Agreement. 22. Modifications to the Agreement. This Award Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties on the subjects covered. Participant expressly warrants that he or she is not accepting this Award Agreement in reliance on any promises, representations, or inducements other than those contained herein. Modifications to this Award Agreement or the Plan can be made only in an express written contract executed by a duly authorized officer of the Company. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or this Award Agreement, the Company reserves the right to revise this Award Agreement as it deems necessary or advisable, in its sole discretion and without the consent of Participant, to comply with Section 409A or to otherwise avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition under Section 409A in connection to this Award of Restricted Stock Units. 23. Governing Law and Venue. This Award 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 the Restricted Stock Units or this Award 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, California or the federal courts for the United States for the Southern District of California, and no other courts.

24. Agreement Severable. In the event that any provision in this Award Agreement will be held invalid or unenforceable, such provision will be severable from, and such invalidity or unenforceability will not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of this Award Agreement. 25. Amendment, Suspension or Termination of the Plan. By accepting this Award, Participant expressly warrants that he or she has received Restricted Stock Units 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 Company at any time. 26. Entire Agreement. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. The Plan and this Award Agreement (including the 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.

EX-10.2

VITAL THERAPIES, INC. AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO CHANGE OF CONTROL AND SEVERANCE AGREEMENT This Amendment No. 1 to Change of Control and Severance Agreement (this “Amendment”) is made and effective as of [ ] (the “Amendment Effective Date”), and amends that certain Change of Control and Severance Agreement, dated as of [ ] (the “Agreement”), by and among Vital Therapies, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and [ ] (“Executive”). Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Agreement. RECITALS WHEREAS, the Company desires to amend the terms and conditions of the Agreement in order to maximize the opportunity and probability of closing a transaction whereby the Company would merge with another entity and be the surviving corporation; WHEREAS, Executive is willing to amend the terms and conditions of the Agreement and terminate certain outstanding stock options in exchange for the issuance of Restricted Stock Units pursuant to the Company’s 2014 Equity Incentive Plan on the terms communicated to Executive herewith; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 10(d) of the Agreement, the terms of the Agreement may be amended with the written consent of the Company and Executive. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows: 1. Amendment and Restatement of Section 3(a). Section 3(a) of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated as follows: (a) Termination without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason Unrelated to a Change of Control. If the Company terminates Executive’s employment with the Company without Cause (excluding death or Disability) or if Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, and, in each case, such termination occurs outside of the Change of Control Period, then subject to Section 4, Executive will receive the following: (i) Accrued Compensation. The Company will pay Executive all Accrued Compensation. (ii) Severance Payment. Executive will receive a lump-sum payment (less applicable withholding taxes) equal to six (6) months of Executive’s annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination date. The severance will be paid, less applicable withholdings, on the sixty-first (61st) day following Executive’s termination of employment (subject

to any delay as may be required by Section 4(c)). (iii) Continuation Coverage. 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 six (6) 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 3(a)(iii), 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 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 six (6) 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 4(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. (iv) Accelerated Vesting of Equity Awards. One hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s then-outstanding and unvested Equity Awards will become vested in full. 2. Amendment and Restatement of Section 3(b). Section 3(b) of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated as follows: (b) Termination without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason in Connection with a Change of Control. If the Company terminates Executive’s employment with the Company without Cause (excluding death or Disability) or if Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, and, in each case, such termination occurs during the Change of Control Period, then subject to Section 4, Executive will receive the following: (i) Accrued Compensation. The Company will pay Executive all Accrued Compensation. (ii) Severance Payment. Executive will receive a lump-sum payment (less applicable withholding taxes) equal to twelve (12) months of Executive’s annual base salary as in -2-

effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination date or, if greater, at the level in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control less the ascribed value of all restricted stock units granted to the Executive as of the date approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of $0.255 per unit. The severance will be paid, less applicable withholdings, on the sixty-first (61st) day following Executive’s termination of employment (subject to any delay as may be required by Section 4(c)). For the avoidance of doubt, if (x) Executive incurred a termination prior to a Change of Control that qualifies Executive for severance payments under Section 3(a)(ii); and (y) a Change of Control occurs within the six (6) months following Executive’s termination of employment that qualifies Executive for the superior benefits under this Section 3(b)(ii), then Executive shall be entitled to a lump-sum payment of the amount calculated under this Section 3(b)(ii), less amounts already paid under Section 3(a)(ii). If the calculation above results in the ascribed value of the RSUs in excess of the payment due under this Section 3(b)(ii), such excess amount shall reduce the payments to be made under Section 3(b)(iii) by such excess amount. Provided further, that if the Company cannot timely distribute freely tradable shares of common stock pursuant to the applicable restricted stock unit award agreement then the Company shall within three (3) business days pay the Executive a lump-sum payment (less applicable withholding taxes) equal to the value of such shares not delivered using the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date the shares were to have been delivered (iii) Bonus Payment. Executive will receive a lump-sum payment equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the higher of (A) the greater of (x) Executive’s target bonus as in effect for the fiscal year in which the Change of Control occurs or (y) Executive’s target bonus as in effect for the fiscal year in which Executive’s termination of employment occurs, or (B) Executive’s actual bonus for performance during the calendar year prior to the calendar year during which the termination of employment occurs, less any excess amount related to the ascribed value of the RSUs carried over from Section 3(b)(ii) above. For avoidance of doubt, the amount paid to Executive pursuant to this Section 3(b)(iii) will not be prorated based on the actual amount of time Executive is employed by the Company during the fiscal year (or the relevant performance period if something different than a fiscal year) during which the termination occurs. The bonus payment will be paid, less applicable withholdings, on the sixty-first (61st) day following Executive’s termination of employment (subject to any delay as may be required by Section 4(c)). (iv) Continuation Coverage. 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 twelve (12) months from the date of termination or (B) the date upon which Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents become covered under similar plans. 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 3(b)(iv), 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 Executive’s group health coverage in effect on the termination of employment date (which amount will be based on the premium for the -3-

first month of COBRA coverage), which payments will be made regardless of whether Executive elects 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 twelve (12) payments. Any such 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 4(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. (v) Accelerated Vesting of Equity Awards. One hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s then-outstanding and unvested Equity Awards will become vested in full. 3. Amendment and Restatement of Section 6(c). Section 6(c) of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated as follows: (c) Change of Control Period. “Change of Control Period” will mean the period beginning on the date six (6) months prior to, and ending on the date that is twelve (12) months following, a Change of Control. 4. No Other Amendments. No amendments are made other than those expressly set forth in this Amendment, and all provisions of the Agreement unaffected by this Amendment remain in full force and effect. In the event of a conflict between the Agreement and this Amendment, this Amendment shall control. 5. Entire Agreement. This Amendment and the documents referred to herein constitute the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Amendment and no party shall be liable or bound to any other party in any manner by any warranties, representations or covenants except as specifically set forth herein or therein. Except as amended by this Amendment, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. 6. Severability. If one or more provisions of this Amendment are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, such provision shall be excluded from this Amendment and the balance of the Amendment shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms. 7. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. 8. Titles and Subtitles. The titles and subtitles used in this Amendment are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Amendment. -4-

9. Choice of Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Amendment will be governed by the laws of the State of California (with the exception of its conflict of laws provisions). Any claims or legal actions by one party against the other arising out of the relationship between the parties contemplated herein (whether or not arising under this Amendment) will be commenced or maintained in any state or federal court located in the jurisdiction where Executive resides, and Executive and the Company hereby submit to the jurisdiction and venue of any such court. 10. Deadline. This Amendment shall become null and void if not executed by 15 days from the approval date by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. [THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] -5-

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment No. 1 to Change of Control and Severance Agreement as of the Amendment Effective Date. COMPANY VITAL THERAPIES, INC. By: Title: Date: EXECUTIVE Title: Date: [Signature Page of Amendment No. 1 to the Change of Control and Severance Agreement]